Senior benefits in Macomb County, Michigan

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 Macomb County. Services include home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home support and family respite, 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

Macomb Community Action, the Community Action Agency for Macomb County, helps income-eligible 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 the MCA Community Action Centers at 586-469-6999.

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

In this county: Energy assistance is income-based and subject to available funds. State help (LIHEAP/Michigan Energy Assistance Program/State Emergency Relief) is applied for through MI Bridges. The agency makes the final determination. Not legal or financial advice.

McLaren Macomb in Mount Clemens offers financial assistance for emergency, catastrophic, and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on the federal poverty guidelines, with eligibility extending up to 400% of the federal poverty level depending on family size and income. Ask a financial counselor or call 586-710-8300 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

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.

Macomb Community Action gives rides to medical appointments and some other places for Macomb County residents with low income. You must meet Community Services Block Grant income guidelines, have a medical need, fill out an application, and not live with someone who owns and drives a car. Some vans have wheelchair lifts. Book rides Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at least one week ahead (two weeks is better). Rides run 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., mostly within Macomb County. Call 586-469-5225.

In this county: Income must meet Community Services Block Grant guidelines, and no one in your home can own and drive a car. A caregiver must help any rider who cannot get to the curb alone. Book at least one week ahead; cancel 24 hours ahead.

SMART runs fixed-route buses and the curb-to-curb SMART Connector across Macomb County. Riders age 65 and over, people with disabilities, and Medicare card holders qualify for reduced fares with a SMART Reduced Fare ID. Apply for the ID and plan a trip by calling SMART at 1-866-962-5515.

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

WRAP helps low-income households pay water bills, including past-due bills. It can also offer water-saving help and minor home plumbing repairs. Household income must be below 200% of the federal poverty level, the household must have some income, and you must be the person responsible for the water bill. You must live in a WRAP community, such as Warren, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Shelby Township, Macomb Township, St. Clair Shores, Roseville or Eastpointe. Once in WRAP, you must keep your water bill current. Call Macomb Community Action at 586-469-6464 or walk in at 21885 Dunham Road, Suite 8, Clinton Township.

In this county: Only for homes in a WRAP community, and help depends on the plan Macomb Community Action builds with you. The household must have some income and must stay current on the water bill once enrolled. Other Macomb communities may get water help through other programs — call 586-469-6464.