Mason County Michigan

Links

Resources and Links for Mason County Seniors

Please contact Susan Evans at sevans@masoncounty.net for updates or additions to this list of non-profit organization services and grant-funded programs available to Mason County seniors.

Name

Contact Information or Website

Description

AAAWM - Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

www.aaawm.org

(888) 456-5664

Call or visit website to find services in Mason County funded by AAAWM or the Older Americans Act.

Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan

alz.org/gmc/helping_you

(616) 459-4558 or 24/7 Helpline 800-272-3900

Provides Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiver support and education. Monthly support group at Ludington Senior Center 2nd and 4th Thu 1pm-2:30pm.

Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired

www.abvimichigan.org

(616) 458-1187

abvimichigan.org/education/resources

Offers low vision services, assistive devices, rehabilitation, and education.

Blue Hat Ministries

www.bluehatministriesinc.org

(231) 233-7965

Handles medical, financial, legal and housing decisions for disabled adults when appointed by the probate court to serve as a public guardian or conservator

Care Management

www.aaawm.org/cm

(888) 456-5664 (Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Free assistance for age 60+ based on income/asset eligibility. Provides bathing, dressing, respite as well as housekeeping, laundry and shopping assistance in order to remain independent and living at home.

Choices for Independence

www.aaawm.org/cfi

(888) 456-5664 (Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Free 1-hr consultation with the Outreach Specialist for seniors age 60+ who want to remain at home but need assistance.

CodeRED

Text MASONMI to 99411 to get the link to sign up

Delivers a pre-recorded emergency notification message to Mason County residents for events such as evacuations, severe weather, boil water, missing children.

Crime Victim Compensation

michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/publicsafety/crimevictims/crime-victim-compensation

Victim only toll-free number: (877) 251-7373

May help pay out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost earnings, funeral bills, counseling, or other expenses for people who have been harmed as the direct result of a crime.

Dementia Friends

www.aawm.org/dfmi

Attend a free 1-hr Dementia Friend session to learn how to raise awareness of dementia in your area.

Disability Network West Michigan

www.disabilitynetworkwm.org

(231) 722-0088

Provides independent living resources for individuals who consider themselves disabled, such as independent living skills, and housing and employment advocacy.

District Health Dept #10

www.dhd10.org

888-217-3904 (M-F 8am-4:30pm, press 3)

816 Diana St, Ludington

Community Connections provides help finding assistance with food, income, housing, and benefits but there may be a wait list.

Drinking water testing for well water. Stop in to pick up a testing kit for $20 (bacterial or nitrate).

Elders’ Helpers

www.eldershelpers.com

(616) 454-8305

 

Provides assistive devices - Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) for ages 60+, there is a waiting list for free devices otherwise price starts at $39.95/mo for a device with GPS and fall detection features.

FiveCap

www.fivecap.org/programs

302 N Main St, Scottville MI 49454

(231) 757-3785

 

Home Weatherization for low-income homeowners, Home Ownership Counseling, Low Income Senior Housing at Lawndale Apts, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, Emergency Food & Shelter Program, State Emergency Relief Program, Free Tax Preparation.

Food

Michigan’s Coordinated Access to Food for the Elderly (MiCAFE)

Call 877-664-2233 to apply M-F 9am-3pm

www.elderlawofmi.org/micafe

Application assistance for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for seniors age 60+ who meet net income requirements after allowable deductions.

Food Pantries

Cornerstone Baptist Church

121 Nelson Rd, Ludington MI

Fridays 11am – 1pm

(231) 845-1285

Short info form required, may visit once every 60 days.

 

Crossroads Church – Food Truck

1463 E US 10, Scottville MI

1st Tue of each month at 10am except Jan-Feb

(231) 757-2857

Contact info required in case of food recall.

 

St Mary’s Church – Caritas Food Pantry

85 S Madison Ave, Custer MI

Mon and Wed 12pm – 2pm

(231) 690-9642

Driver’s license or state ID required, may visit once/month

In addition to programs at Lakeshore Food Club, FiveCap, and Salvation Army, these local food pantries are available to Mason County residents. Also see Mason County Senior Meals.

GetSetUp

www.getsetup.io/partner/Michigan

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) funds access to GetSetUp to Michigan residents age 50+ for free. This site allows users to learn new skills, connect with others and unlock new life experiences.

Habitat for Humanity

www.masoncountyhabitat.org

(231) 843-0396

Must be referred by a partner organization.

Critical home repair program, ramps for disabled and Veteran assistance. Must be referred by a partner organization such as True North, Help Ministry, DHHS, Family Link.

HELP Ministry

www.help.ministry.org

(231) 843-6811

Provides medical transportation assistance and other assistance such as furniture, appliances, and financial assistance as resources allow.

Hospice of Michigan

www.hom.org

(888) 247-5701

Hospice is provided for a person with a terminal illness whose doctor believes they have six months or less to live. It focuses on the care, comfort, and quality of life for the person. Hospice care is covered by Medicare and Medicaid.

Legal Aid of Western Michigan

www.lawestmi.org

(616) 774-0672

Nonprofit law firm providing free legal advice and representation in a broad range of areas including consumer cases, family matters, housing problems, government benefits, and much more.

Long Term Care Ombudsman

www.aaawm.org/ltco

Call (616) 245-9451 or (866) 485-9393

Ombudsmen advocate for the resident in the facilities, guided by the wishes of the resident.  All services are provided under strict confidentiality. No cost.

Lakeshore Food Club

www.lakeshorefoodclub.org

(231) 480-4334

Non-profit grocery store offering a wide range of food options for low income families. 

LMTA
Dial-a-Ride

 

www.dialaridelmta.com
 

(231) 845-6218

 

Provides public transportation for the cities of Ludington, Scottville, PM Township. Ask about availability of county wide senior rides.

MI Dept of Health & Human Svcs (MDHHS)

www.michigan.gov/mibridges

(844) 464-3447

915 Diana St, Ludington MI 49431

Processes applications for Medicaid. Additional programs for Medicaid-eligible individuals include non-emergency rides to medical appts, Food Assistance, Cash Assistance, Child Development & Care, and State Emergency Relief including burial/cremation costs, and Home Help Services (bathing, transfers, meal prep).

Mason County District Library

www.masoncounty.lib.mi.us

(231) 843-8465

Email Robin at rseymour@mcdlibrary.org

 

“Wheelers” homebound delivery services of select library materials.

Meals - Mason County Senior Meals

(231) 757-4831

Mason County Senior Meals provides meals for three community Senior Centers located in Ludington (T&Th), Scottville (M-F), and Tallman (M-F). This is a hot noon time meal, which includes one hot entrée, grain, milk and a full salad bar ($3.00 suggested donation). Note: the Free Soil Senior Center cooks fresh meals onsite T&Th at noon, independent of the Mason County Senior Meals program.

Meals on Wheels

(231) 757-4831

Provides home delivered meals to Mason County seniors 60+ who are homebound and unable to drive. Suggested donation is $3 per meal.

Medical Appt Transportation for Seniors

www.scottvilleareaseniorcenter.com/services

(231) 757-4705

Also see MDHHS and HELP Ministry

Provides rides to medical appointments for ages 60+ within 100 mile radius.

Medical Equipment Loans

American Legion Post 76, Ludington MI

Custer VFW Gold Bar Post 5096, Custer MI

All Mason County Senior Centers

Free Medical Equipment Loans are based on availability. 

Medicare

www.medicare.gov

(800) MEDICARE (800-633-4227)

Sign up for Medicare, change plans, find Medicare providers, access the Medicare Handbook, get a replacement card, update your personal record, and more.

Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program

www.mmapinc.org

(800) 803-7174

MMAP is a free, unbiased, volunteer-staffed service which assists Medicare beneficiaries who have problems or questions about Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicare Part D enrollment, Long-Term Care Insurance and related issues.

MI Choice Medicaid Waiver

For a screening, have your assets and income info available and call AAAWM at (888) 456-5664 Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm.

Long-term care program for disabled adults age 18-64 or 65+ adults who meet income and asset requirements and want to stay in their home. 

MI Services for Seniors

https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/publications/ServicesforSeniors.html

 

This comprehensive list of senior services is prepared by the Michigan Legislature.

National Council on Aging (NCOA)

www.benefitscheckup.org

Connects millions of older adults and people with disabilities with benefits programs that can help pay for health care, medicine, food, utilities, and more.

National Council on Aging (NCOA)

https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/medical-alert-systems/support-for-older-adults-living-alone/

 

https://www.ncoa.org/age-well-planner/assessment/falls-free-checkup

 

https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-Brochure-CheckForSafety-508.pdf

 

Resources and Support for Older Adults Living Alone: A Comprehensive Guide (2023)

 

Answer 13 questions online to get your falls risk score.  Note: contact Scottville Area Senior Center for Fall Prevention Kits provided by Corewell Health for individuals at risk for falls, available while supplies last.

Project FRESH

Contact Ludington Senior Center

(231) 845-6841 or

Scottville Area Senior Center

(231) 757-4705

 

Available May 1 – Oct 31 each year for age 60+, based on income, provides $25 in coupons for Michigan-grown fresh fruits & vegetables from farm markets and roadside stands that accept the coupons, in your county of residence.

Respite Care and Homemaker Svcs

www.scottvilleareaseniorcenter.com/services

(231) 757-4705

In-home respite aide and homemaker aide services.

Rides to Wellness

www.mason-foundation.org/community-story/rides-to-wellness/

Must schedule through a partner (Corewell, Ludington Senior Ctr, HELP Ministry, or United Way of Mason Co)

Provides rides through LMTA to medical appointments Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for individuals 60+.

Salvation Army

(231) 843-3711

https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/ludington/family-social-services-center/

Provides food & personal care items, financial help with utility bills based on income, and disaster assistance.

Social Security

www.ssa.gov

(800) 772-1213

150 N Jebavy Rd, Ludington MI 49431

Apply for Social Security benefits, check the status of your claim or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card, get an instant benefit verification letter, sign up for Medicare and more.

United Way 211

www.masoncountyuw.org/211

Dial 211

Family Link program provides assistance and resources for Mason County students and the adult (or senior) raising them. Contact the Community Resource Coordinator at the school or call 211.

Veterans Services

www.masoncountymivets.com

(231) 583-2028

Contact Mason County Veterans Service Officer John Cotten to understand your VA benefits and other resources.

West Shore Community College

www.westshore.edu

(231) 845-6211

(231) 843-5543 (Recreation Center)

Tuition fees are waived for Mason County residents age 60+, discount for Recreation Center for seniors 60+ ($5/day, $30/mo, $200/yr)