Senior benefits in Livingston County, Michigan

Free classes and webinars for family caregivers, with practical guidance and a place to meet others in the same position. They include Dementia Live, a hands-on simulation of what dementia feels like; a Facilitator Dementia Education Series on understanding dementia and communicating better; Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a multi-week class on cutting stress and looking after yourself; Prepare for Their Care, on medical decision-making and care preferences; and the Eat Smart, Move More courses on weight and diabetes prevention. Registration is required.

In this county: These are for the family caregiver rather than the older adult, so an adult child or spouse doing the caring can take them. Registration is required and classes run on set dates.

If you are looking after an older adult, AgeWays gives you a free subscription to Trualta, an online training and support service you would otherwise pay for. You get expert guidance on things like preventing falls and handling difficult behaviour, training matched to your own situation, peer support groups, webinars and a community chat. You can watch videos, read articles or join live sessions whenever it suits you. Register through AgeWays or call them to set it up.

In this county: This is for the family caregiver, not the older adult — so it can help an adult child or spouse doing the caring. AgeWays offers it to caregivers in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. The FAQ says caregivers living in the region, or caring for someone 60 or older who lives there, qualify. No income test is published.

AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services (Area Agency on Aging 1-B) serves older adults in Livingston County. Services include home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home and personal care, caregiver support, Medicare/Medicaid counseling (MMAP), long-term care options counseling, and help applying for the MI Choice waiver. Older adults age 60 and over, and adults with disabilities, can call 1-800-852-7795 to ask what help is available.

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

Free, evidence-based classes to help you stay active, safe and independent, in person or as Zoom workshops. They include A Matter of Balance fall-prevention classes; Bingocize, which mixes bingo with light exercise; Eat Smart, Move More, Lose Weight, a 15-week weight management course; Eat Smart, Move More, Prevent Diabetes, a CDC-recognised online programme to cut your risk of type 2 diabetes; Prepare for Your Care, on advance directives and talking to family about future care; and WISE, on managing medications safely and reducing stress. Registration is required.

In this county: Registration is required and classes run on set dates in set places, so check what is scheduled near you. The page says the programmes are free.

Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA), the Community Action Agency for Livingston County, helps low-income households with electric, natural gas, and deliverable-fuel bills, shutoff protection, and weatherization. Apply for state energy help through MI Bridges, dial 211 for local referrals, or call OLHSA's Howell office at 517-546-8500.

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

OLHSA's Water Affordability Program helps Livingston County households pay a past-due residential water bill, including reconnect fees, with up to $3,000. It can pay the full cost to stop a shutoff or turn water back on. Household income must be under 200% of the federal poverty level, or the household must get TANF, food assistance (SNAP), State Emergency Relief, Social Security income, weatherization help, or WIC. Call OLHSA at 248-209-2600 to set up an appointment.

St. Joseph Mercy Livingston (Howell), part of Trinity Health Michigan, offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care. Uninsured patients with family income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify for free care, with sliding-scale discounts between 200% and 400%. Ask a financial counselor or call 1-800-494-5797 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Free care for uninsured family income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level; sliding-scale discounts between 200% and 400% FPL. Apply within 240 days of the first billing statement. The hospital makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

Adaptive Wellness gives adults 60 and over free equipment to stay safe at home. An AgeWays-certified home safety specialist visits, looks at how your home is set up, finds the things most likely to cause a fall or get in your way, and recommends specific devices. If you qualify, you are given the items. Examples include a smart speaker, a companion electronic pet, motion-sensing lights, a portable magnifier, a talking alarm clock, anti-slip mats, a long-handled shoehorn, a sock puller, a seatbelt grabber handle and an adaptive jar opener.

In this county: You must be living at home and have a genuine need for assistive devices to stay safe and independent. A home safety assessment comes first, and the specialist decides which items — if any — you receive. The examples listed are not a complete list and what is available depends on funding.

The Community Living Program helps older adults stay safely at home, at no cost. A care team works out a plan with you and anyone helping look after you. Services can include in-home support such as medication reminders, short-term family respite so your caregiver can rest, help identifying assistive devices, light housekeeping, simple meal preparation, and help with shopping and errands. State and federal money pays for it. Voluntary contributions are welcome but never required, and refusing to contribute does not affect the care you get.

In this county: Available to eligible residents of Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. There is no cost and contributions are never required, but the services you receive depend on the care plan AgeWays agrees with you and on available funding — this is not an entitlement.

In-home services for veterans using a self-directed model: the veteran has a say in who provides the care and how it is delivered. Standard supports can include a care assessment, ongoing case management, help with personal care and homemaking, a personal emergency response system, transportation, and fiscal-intermediary services that handle paying the workers. AgeWays receives referrals from the Detroit and Ann Arbor VA Medical Centers; veterans interested in VDC should ask their VA care team for a referral. AgeWays: (800) 852-7795.

Livingston Essential Transportation Service (LETS) offers curb-to-curb, advance-reservation rides across Livingston County in lift-equipped buses and vans. Riders age 60 and over and people with a documented disability qualify for reduced fares (as low as $1 within a township). Reserve a ride by calling 517-546-6600.

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

In this county: Reduced fare requires proof of age (60+) or a documented disability. Fares and reservation rules are set by Livingston County and can change. Not legal or financial advice.