Midland County, Michigan serves over 17,000 residents aged 65 and older through its growing senior population. Senior Services Midland County Council on Aging leads the way as a central resource center that provides vital programs to support older adults in the community. These services help seniors stay independent and receive the care they need.

This piece gets into all senior services you can find in Midland, Michigan. The services include personal care assistance, transportation options, and nutrition programs like Meals on Wheels. You’ll learn about eligibility requirements, application processes, and health resources that include adult day services and educational programs. The guide also covers care coordination, wellness activities, and support services available to seniors and their caregivers.

Overview of Senior Services in Midland County

Senior Services Midland County Council on Aging has served as the life-blood of support for the local senior community over the past six decades. This private, non-profit organization has become the area’s 60-year old main resource hub that helps older adults maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Senior Services Midland County Council on Aging

Senior Services delivers a complete support system to Midland County’s aging population. The organization meets seniors at any point in their experience and provides individual-specific assistance. Their dedicated team connects seniors with essential resources that align perfectly with their unique needs.

Mission and Core Services

We help older adults and their caregivers live better lives through shared service delivery. Our core services include:

• Personal care and respite assistance
• Transportation services with trained volunteer drivers
• Adult day programs and activities
• Care coordination and counseling
• Educational programs for both seniors and caregivers
• Meals on Wheels and nutritional support
• Physical, mental, and social activities to participate in

Location and Contact Information

You can find Senior Services’ main facility at 4700 Dublin Avenue, where N. Saginaw Road meets Dublin Avenue in Midland, Michigan 48642. The organization welcomes visitors during regular business hours and you can reach them at (989) 633-3700. Their fax number is (989) 633-3704. Senior Services’ website seniorservicesmidland.org offers resources and program details.

The facility’s Trailside Activity & Dining Center serves the community Monday through Friday. This center has various programs and dining services. Its location next to the Pere Marquette Rail Trail makes outdoor activities and recreation easily accessible to seniors.

Essential Programs and Services for Seniors

Senior Services Midland Michigan offers detailed support programs that boost the quality of life for older adults in the community. The programs help seniors stay independent and safe while taking care of their well-being.

Personal care and respite assistance

Our customized personal care services help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and mobility. We provide specialty visits that last 20 minutes to an hour to check on safety and remind about medications. Professional respite care services run around the clock and during holidays. This gives family caregivers much-needed breaks while their loved ones receive quality care.

Transportation services

Midland seniors can rely on specialized transportation services every weekday between 8:15 AM and 4:15 PM. The fleet includes four vans with manual ramps that accommodate wheelchairs easily. Dedicated volunteer drivers offer “arm to lean on” assistance to passengers. The core team has training in first aid and dementia care. One-way trips are affordable at $3.50.

Meals on Wheels and nutrition programs

The Meals on Wheels program delivers hot, nutritious meals to eligible homebound seniors. This service provides significant daily human interaction and wellness checks. The program has pet food delivery assistance to help seniors with animal companions. The Midland County Food Assistance Network enhances these services by delivering monthly food boxes to qualifying low-income elderly residents.

Adult day services

The Seasons Adult Day Services program creates a warm and caring space with daily brain games and social activities. Our participants enjoy spending time with in-house pets and get mental, physical, and emotional support. New participants can try the program with two free trial days and get detailed care coordination. This service works great for families who need daytime care options while they continue their caregiving roles.

Health and Wellness Resources

Detailed health and wellness resources is a vital part of senior support services in Midland. These specialized programs aim to improve physical and mental well-being for older adults.

Care coordination and counseling

Senior Services delivers professional care coordination with detailed in-home assessments to identify health, social, environmental, and financial needs. The organization’s specialized counseling services work through collaboration with Family and Children’s Services to help with aging-related challenges of all types. These challenges include lifestyle changes, grief, depression, and caregiver stress. Clients can access counseling sessions at the Dublin Avenue facility, and virtual visits are available based on individual needs.

Caregiver and Senior Education

Our organization offers proven educational programs that include:

• Savvy Caregiver Program – This six-week series helps you care for someone with dementia
• Powerful Tools for Caregivers – Learn essential self-care strategies and develop coping skills
• Diabetes Self-Management Program – Master practical tools that help manage type 2 diabetes
• Chronic Pain Management – Discover effective techniques to handle pain-related challenges

Physical and mental health programs

Senior Services maintains a strong schedule of health and wellness activities year-round. Their NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) designation will give specialized care to adults aged 65 and older. The organization provides:

Experienced therapists provide mental health services with a deep understanding of aging challenges. They help seniors tackle concerns about lifestyle changes and decision-making. The focus remains on emotional well-being that helps develop better coping strategies and maintains independence.

How to Access and Apply for Senior Services

Senior Services in Midland Michigan helps older adults connect with needed resources through a simple process. The organization offers detailed guidance and ensures seniors get the right assistance that matches their needs.

Eligibility Requirements

Senior services have specific age and residency requirements. People who are 55 years and older can qualify, but those 62 and above receive priority placement. Specialized programs like home care services need a Care Coordinator to get a full picture of your needs and eligibility.

Application Process

Senior housing applications require specific steps and documentation:

Residents can choose to share their financial information or sign a Waiver of Disclosure form to pay market rates for services. Financial assistance applicants need to submit:

• Current year’s benefit letters for Social Security
• Pension or retirement payment verification
• Bank and investment account statements

Available Support for Application Assistance

Senior Services provides complete application support in several ways.

A dedicated team of Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) certified volunteers offers free and unbiased guidance. You can reach these specialists at 989-633-3748 to get help with:

• Understanding your Medicare and Medicaid benefits
• Comparing and selecting healthcare plans
• Finding additional benefit programs you qualify for
• Filing your application paperwork

Care Coordinators will be your main contact, especially when you have home care needs. These professionals create a full picture of your situation and connect you with the right resources. You can start working with them by calling 989-633-3700.

Residents in Midland County and throughout Central Michigan can get extra support from Region VII Area Agency on Aging. They help seniors stay independent and connect with local services in their community.

Conclusion

Senior Services Midland County Council on Aging serves as a vital lifeline for aging residents. The organization provides simple support through well-designed programs and services. Their detailed approach covers everything in senior well-being, from simple daily needs to complex health management. Care coordinators, trained volunteers, and the core team collaborate to give each senior customized attention and proper services. This creates a robust support network that improves the quality of life for older adults in Midland County.

Seniors can easily access these valuable resources through simple application processes and various support channels. Care coordinators help seniors and their families navigate each step. The specialized programs adapt quickly to meet seniors’ changing needs. Senior Services Midland County strengthens its position as the life-blood of support for the aging community. This ensures older adults stay independent while getting the care they need to thrive in their golden years.

FAQs

What is the minimum age to be considered a senior citizen in Michigan?
In Michigan, an individual is recognized as a senior citizen when they are 65 years of age or older at the end of the tax year. This definition also extends to the unremarried surviving spouse of a person who was 65 years of age or older at the time of their death.

Is there a specific agency in Michigan that deals with aging-related issues?
Yes, Michigan has the Aging & Adult Services Agency which provides leadership, direction, and resources across the state. This agency supports networks related to aging, adult services, and disabilities, aiming to help residents live with dignity and purpose.