Senior benefits in Oakland 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 Oakland 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

Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA), the Community Action Agency for Oakland County, helps income-eligible households 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 OLHSA at 248-209-2600.

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

OLHSA's Water Affordability Program helps Oakland 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.

Corewell Health East hospitals in Oakland County (including Royal Oak and Troy) 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

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.

SMART runs fixed-route buses and the curb-to-curb SMART Connector across suburban Oakland 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