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SENIOR SERVICES BROCHURE
A REFERENCE GUIDE OF SERVICES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO
MUSKEGON'S SENIOR CITIZENS
August 2003
TRANSPORTATION
Many programs are available to seniors to assist with transportation needs, to the store, or
doctor visits. For more information contact:
Senior Resources at 739-5858
Muskegon Area Transit System Go-Bus (door to door) at 724-6420
City of Muskegon Senior Citizen Transit ($1 per ride) at 724-4150
Muskegon-Oceana Chapter American Red Cross at 726-3555
ACTIVITIES
City Centres
City Centres is a new program for Seniors (60+). The Centres' are committed to
providing special opportunities for older adults, so they can enhance all areas of their
lives. They offer activities such as Tai Chi, Gardening, Yoga, and Crafts. The centres are
run by Nutritional Services with support from City of Muskegon, Reeths-Puffer
Community Education and Senior Resources. City Centre has 4 locations: For more
information you can call the main office at
755-0434
City Centre on Apple (meets @Fellowship Reformed Church) 4220 Apple Ave.
788-4783
City Centre @ the Park (meets @McGraft Community Center) 2204 Wickham Rd.
755-8453
City Centre Northside (meets @the Johnson Hall Northside Senior Center) 1509
Holton Rd. 744-8613
City Centre in the Village (meets in the Fruitport Auditorium) 6571 Airline Rd.
865-6860
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
A program that offers senior citizens a meaningful life in retirement through volunteer
service that is responsive to community needs. RSVP is for people age 55 and older to
serve on a regular basis in a variety of settings throughout their community. Senior
volunteers are without compensation, but may be reimbursed for expenses such as
transportation and meals. For more information, contact Volunteer Muskegon at 722-
6600.
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
SCSEP promotes part-time public service and private-sector employment opportunities
for seniors. It also assists them in receiving
the experience and training that may be required for employment. For more information,
contact Senior Resources at 739-5858 or Operation ABLE through the Older Worker
Hotline at (800) 922-4473.
Senior Hired Hands
This program was created to match people who need work with people in need of chore
service. Services include, but not limited to companions, in-home workers, lawn care,
handy man for small repairs, and leaf and snow removal. For more information or
registration please contact Senior Resources at 739-5858.
Energy Assistance
Energy assistance is provided to low-income senior citizens through various means, both
federally and state funded. The State Emergency Relief Program helps low-income
households with emergency heating assistance as well as other non-heating energy needs
that cause a threat to life or health. For more information contact the Family
Independence Agency at 733-3700.
Federal Tax Assistance
The Internal Revenue Services (IRS) Hotline provides assistance with federal taxes, for
information call (800) 829-1040.
State Tax Assistance
The State income Tax Refunds Information Line provides general information through an
automated telephone system and can be reached at (800) 827-4000.
MISCELANIOUS
Eldercare Locator
Nationwide program that can link older adults with services in their community, such as
local Meals on Wheels program or legal assistance agency. Contact them at (800) 677-
1116 for more information.
AARP Legislative Information Line
The AARP Legislative Information Line provides updates on federal and state legislation.
Contact the information line at (800) 826-8683.
Senior Flash Information: National Committee to Preserve Social Security and
Medicare
The Senior Flash Information Line provides callers with legislative updates pertaining to
Medicare and Social Security. Contact the information line at (800) 998-0180.
Pension Rights Hotline
The Pension Rights Hotline allows Michigan residents to speak with attorneys and
volunteer law students about pension issues. The hotline provides basic information and
advice about pension rights, rules, and regulations. The hotline can give referrals for
additional services regarding pension problems. These services are free and available
without age or income restrictions. For more information contact them at (800) 347-
5297.
Seniors 65 years and older are eligible for free State ID cards.
Seniors can have their social security payments directly deposited into their bank
accounts as well as some income tax refunds.
Several tax credits are available to Senior citizens.
PLACES TO EAT A HOT MEAL & HAVE FUN
Fellowship Center
4220 Apple Ave. 788-4783
La Villita
1218
Ransom
722-7320
McGraft
2204 Wickham Rd. 755-8453
Jefferson Towers (Muskegon)
1077
Jefferson
722-6643
Mission Area People
2500 Jefferson 739-8446
Smith Ryerson
550 Wood St. 722-7494
Christian Community Center
540 Hackley Ave. 722-7570
Johnson Hall
1509 Holton Rd. 744-8613
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Michigan Peer Review Organization
www.mpro.com (800) 365-5899
Services for Seniors
(877) 633-0331
Muskegon County Family Independence Agency
2700 Baker St. 733-3700
Senior Resources / An Area Agency on Aging
255 W. Sherman Blvd 739-5858
Legal Hotline for Older Michiganians
(800) 347-5297
Social Security Administration
2585 Barclay Ave 759-2525
Nutritional Services for Older Americans
725-0044
Older Adult Support Intervention Specialist
726-2747
Visiting Nurses
726-5025
24 Hour Protective Services Hotline for Adults
(800) 996-6228
Foster Grandparent Program (FGP)
This program offers low-income men and women aged 60 and older the opportunity to
provide companionship and guidance to children with special and exceptional needs.
These volunteers serve 20 hours per week and in return receive a tax-free stipend to cover
the cost of volunteering, accident and liability insurance, assistance with transportation,
an annual physical exam, training, and a meal on service days. For more information,
contact the Catholic Human Development Outreach at 722-1139.
Senior Companion Program (SCP)
This program offers low-income men and women aged 60 and older the opportunity to
provide individualized care and assistance to other adults, especially seniors living at
home or in institutions. Companions serve 20 hours per week and in return receive a tax-
free stipend to cover the cost of volunteering, accident and liability insurance, assistance
with transportation, an annual physical exam, training, and a meal on service days. For
more information, contact the Catholic Human Development Outreach at 722-1139.
HEALTH CARE
Good health maintenance and preservation is one of the most important factors
contributing to the well being of senior citizens.
Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP)
MMAP is a program for Medicare beneficiaries and their families when they need help
understanding eligibility, enrollment, coverage, insurance, etc. Further information can
be obtained by calling
(800) 803-7174.
Michigan Emergency Pharmaceutical Program for Senior's (MEPPS)
MEPPS provides assistance to adults 65 and older who need help with prescription drug
costs. For information about how and where to apply for this assistance, contact Senior
Resources at 739-5858.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Michigan Senior Help Line
The Senior Help Line provides community referrals for older adults in Michigan. You
don't have to be a BCBS subscriber. For more information, call (800) 327-9148.
United Way of Michigan
United Way can refer callers to their local United Way organization to find health and
human service organizations in their area. For more information, call 722-3134.
Care Management
Care Management is a program that locates, mobilizes and manages a variety of home
care and other services needed by persons 60 or older at risk of nursing home placement.
This program is to assist people to remain in their homes with the help of family and
community resources. For more information and eligibility, contact Senior Resources at
739-5858.
AT&T Special Needs Center for the Disabled
The AT&T Special Needs Center for the Disabled provides assistance with repairing
telephone equipment used by persons with a hearing impairment. Center Staff will try to
resolve the problem over the phone or will provide referrals for repairs if necessary.
Callers can also receive information about purchasing or leasing equipment. TDD
service is also available. For more information call (800) 233-1122.
Hospice Link
Hospice Link is a service, which provides information and referral services to callers.
Hospice care is given to patients diagnosed with terminal illness and limited life
expectancy, focusing on comfort and quality of life. Most services are provided in the
patient's home and use a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and spiritual and
bereavement counselors. For more information call (800) 331-1620.
Respite Care
Many of today's seniors participate in programs, which provide respite to caregivers as
well as assistance to adults living alone. The goals of an adult foster care program
include promoting the individual's maximum level of independence, rehabilitation,
socialization, and peer interaction. It also provides caregivers with a needed break to
manage their own affairs and to have their own private time. For more information,
contact the Michigan Association of Adult Day Care Centers at (877) 362-2322.
Nursing Homes
For information about nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, certification can
be obtained by calling (517) 334-8404 (the Michigan Department of Consumer and
Industry Services' Division of Health Facility Licensing and Certification, Bureau of
Health Systems). Those wishing to know which nursing homes accept Medicaid patients
may contact the county Family Independence Agency at 733-3700.
National Eye Care Project
For U.S. citizens ages 65 and older without means to receive needed eye care call (800)
222-3937 for more information.
Dental Services
There are programs that provide free and low-cost dental care to persons in need of
extensive dental care and are unable to afford it. For more information call Donated
Dental Services (DDS) at (800) 255-7543 or the Michigan Dental Association at (800)
589-2632.
Food Stamps
Many senior citizens are eligible for food stamps, which help low-income households
buy proper food for good health. For more information on food stamps contact the
Muskegon County Family Independence Agency at 733-3700.
Food Bank Council of Michigan
The Food Bank Council can help callers locate local food banks or food pantries. For
more information, call (517) 485-1202.
HOUSING
Although most Michigan seniors own their homes, maintenance of the home, both
physically and financially, presents a challenge that increases, as the senior grows older.
Home Repair
To help with home repairs, loan and grant funds are available from a number of sources.
For up-to-date knowledge on a wide range of housing options and resources in your
community, please contact the "shelter advisor" of Senior Resources at 739-5858.
Emergency Repairs
From electrical hazards to leaking roofs, the Community and Neighborhood Services of
the City of Muskegon provides emergency assistance to residents in emergency
situations. For more information call 724-6717.
Property Improvement Program loan (PIP)
The PIP is a low interest rate loan program to help you maintain or improve your home or
rental property. This program was established to provide decent, sound, safe and sanitary
housing for eligible residents of the State of Michigan. For more information and
qualifications call MSHDA at (517) 373-1974. The Muskegon Area Banks, which
participate in this program, are Hunting National Bank (616) 235-8826 and Republic
Bank (800) 772-5542.
Senior Housing
When routine maintenance of a home becomes too much for seniors, there is another
option that provides the privacy of their home, and independence with simplicity. For
more information on Senior Housing facilities, contact Senior Resources Information &
Assistance Representative at 739-5858.
FINANCES
Many seniors live on fixed incomes that may or may not be enough to survive
comfortably. There are many State funded programs available that offer seniors financial
support.