Dear Neighbor,
Seniors are the foundation of our communities — carriers of wisdom, resilience, and lived experience. As they age, it becomes our shared duty to ensure they are protected, valued, and supported. Whether it’s safeguarding them from abuse or ensuring access to health care and nutrition, protecting and advocating for vulnerable adults has been and continues to be a priority of mine. Together, my colleagues and I are committed to creating a safer, more compassionate Michigan for every older adult.
As always, if you ever need assistance navigating any challenges with state government or would like to share feedback and suggestions, you can contact my office via email or by phone.
Warmest Regards,
Paul Wojno
State Senator
District 10
SenatorWojno.com
Lansing: (517) 373-8360
Toll-free: (855) 347-8010
Email: SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov
Home and Chore Help for Seniors
There are a few different agencies in our area committed to helping seniors with home chores and dailty living activites. Home Help Services’ comprehensice program is available to Michiganders throughtout the state. Additionally, Handy Helpers is a service available to our Macomb County Seniors to assist with home repairs.
Home Help Services
If you or a loved one needs help with daily living activities, Home Help may be able to assist you. Home Help is a program run by the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) designed to support individuals who wish to live independently in their home. This program provides funding for qualified individuals to hire someone to assist them with their daily activities.
Handy Helpers
The Handy Helpers program provides assistance
with household maintenance tasks. To learn more
about all of the services they offer visit macombgov.org.
The service is not intended to be ongoing.
Legislative Package Aimed to Protect Elderly and Vulnerable Adults
Earlier this year, my Senate colleagues and I passed bipartisan legislation aimed at helping protect elderly and vulnerable adults in the state of Michigan. Senate Bills 111-114 would enhance protection against financial exploitation, physical and mental abuse, and neglect. This legislation:
- Creates a process for certain adults to petition a court to enter an elder and vulnerable adult personal protection order.
- Allows a county or region to create a vulnerable adult multidisciplinary team that would work within that area to protect against and bring awareness to vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
- Includes protections against embezzlement from a vulnerable adult during and after their life. This also expands the calculation process for penalties regarding the fraudulent use or attempted use of a vulnerable adult’s money or property.
Since passing the Senate, these bills have been referred to the Michigan House of Representatives, where they await further consideration.
PACE
Program of all-inclusive care for the elderly
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a comprehensive service delivery system integrated with Medicare and Medicaid, designed to help frail and elderly individuals continue living at home. This is accomplished through services provided by PACE, such as transportation to and from their day centers that offer medical services like primary care, dental, vision, physical therapy, and more. PACE can also serve seniors in their homes.
The services offered by PACE at their centers are extensive, including medical care, rehabilitation, social services, home health and home care, and nutritional support.
To learn more about PACE and see if you or someone you know qualifies for their programs, please call (855) 445-4554, press option 2, or visit pacemichigan.com.
Meals on Wheels
Senior citizens are a vital part of our community. After a lifetime of hard work, many continue to give back to our communities and serve as the backbone of our neighborhoods, while others need a little more assistance. Some seniors live on fixed incomes and struggle to pay for nutritious food due to expensive prescription drug costs, rising utility rates, increased rent, and more. Meals on Wheels can help.
This program helps senior citizens eat nutritiously by providing five meals per week to homebound older adults. They also offer liquid nutrition for those who are unable to eat solid food and who have a prescription from their physician.
MEALS ON WHEELS IN MACOMB COUNTY
OFFICE OF SENIOR SERVICES (586) 469-5228
MACOMBGOV.ORG/DEPARTMENTS/SENIOR-SERVICES
A $3.50 contribution is suggested for each meal. All donations go directly back into the program. To qualify for Meals on Wheels in Macomb County, an adult must be: at least 60 years of age or be the spouse of a person at least 60 years of age; a Macomb County resident, homebound (unable to leave their home without assistance); and physically or emotionally unable to obtain food or prepare full meals.
MEALS ON WHEELS IN WAYNE COUNTY
WAYNE COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES (734) 326-5202
QRCO.DE/WAYNESENIORS
A $3.00 donation is suggested per meal. All donations go directly back to the program. To qualify for Meals on Wheels in Wayne County, an adult must be: age 60 years or older; homebound (unable to leave their home without assistance); and must be home to receive the meal delivery.
MEALS ON WHEELS IN DETROIT
DETROIT AREA AGENCY ON AGING (313) 446-4444
DETROITSENIORSOLUTION.ORG
A $2.75 donation is suggested per meal. All donations go directly back to the program. To qualify for Meals on Wheels in Detroit, an adult must be: 60 years of age or older; homebound (unable to leave their home without assistance); unable to prepare meals by themself; unable to participate in the Congregate Meal Program; unable to feed themself; and have no caregiver available or willing to prepare meals on a regular basis.
