Senior benefits in Berrien County, Michigan

Region IV Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and people with disabilities in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties, including Berrien County. Its care managers connect people to home and community-based help such as home-delivered meals, transportation, and help with bathing and cleaning; it also offers caregiver support, Medicare/Medicaid counseling, and the MI Choice waiver, an alternative to nursing home care. In Berrien County, Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan, Senior Nutrition Services (269-925-0137) delivers meals and runs dining sites. Adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call the Info-Line for Aging and Disability at 1-800-654-2810 to ask what help is available.

Estimated service value: $1,500–$6,000 a year

Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA) delivers low-income energy assistance for Berrien County, including help with electric, natural gas, and deliverable-fuel bills and shutoff protection. Apply for state energy help through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call SMCAA at 269-925-9077.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$1,500 a year

Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals (St. Joseph, Niles, and Watervliet) offer financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. Free care is available for Michigan residents with household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, with sliding-scale discounts up to 400%. Ask any financial counselor or call 1-877-687-7309 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Integrated Care at Home brings medical care to you instead of you travelling to it. A nurse practitioner provides primary care in your home. A licensed counsellor can help with anxiety, depression, phobias or addiction. A community health worker helps you coordinate home and community services and work towards your health goals. A registered dietitian gives practical nutrition advice. The team is backed by social workers and nurses at the Area Agency on Aging. It is designed to cut emergency room visits and hospital stays.

OAHMP pays for changes around your home that help you stay in it safely. An occupational therapist visits and works out what you need, then the programme provides it. Common items are grab bars, shower chairs and toilet risers in the bathroom; handrails and bed or seating mobility bars; motion-activated lights and glare-reducing bulbs; lever door handles, swing-away hinges and automatic locks; fire extinguishers and smoke or carbon monoxide detectors; and voice-activated systems or video doorbells. To start, call the Info-Line on 1-800-654-2810 and ask for an occupational therapist assessment.

Berrien Bus offers curb-to-curb, advance-reservation rides for people of any age who live in the rural communities of Berrien County. Service in these areas is limited to set times of day. Riders age 60 and over, people with disabilities, and Medicare card holders qualify for half fare with a Reduced Fare Card. The regular fare is $6.00 and the reduced fare is $3.00. Reserve a ride at least 24 hours ahead by calling 269-471-1100.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,200 a year

In this county: Half fare requires a Reduced Fare Card. Fares and reservation rules are set by Berrien County and can change. Not legal or financial advice.