Since 1973 the Saginaw County Commission on Aging has provided many programs and services to meet the needs of older adults. Our Goal is to help older adults to continue living independently in their own homes. We also offer unlimited volunteer opportunities for older adults who desire to stay active and involved in the community.
The Saginaw County Commission on Aging has several programs and services to benefit the older adult. The following lists services and programs offered:
Friendly Commission on Aging staff answer questions, provide information and refer caller to an appropriate service. This is your first step to finding the help you need for yourself or a loved one. Making this call opens a variety of assistance and opportunity to make life easier. For more information call the main office at 989-797-6880 or TOLL FREE at 1-866-763-6336.
Homebound elderly who are unable to prepare a well balanced meal receive a daily hot noon meal prepared in our own kitchen. Optional and special services include frozen meals, cold evening sacks, weekend services for at-risk elderly, and emergency shelf staple meals. Eligibility requirements: client must be age 60 or older, cannot drive, and does not have the capability to prepare or to acquire daily nutritional meals. To learn more about this program call the main office at 989-797-6880.
Nutritionally balanced tasty noontime meals are served at senior centers throughout the county. Evening and Saturday meals at the Eleanor Frank Center are provided seasonally. Monthly menus are provided. Centers provide special fitness programs, health related clinics, and pertinent educational programs plus social and recreational activities for participants.
There are currently 14 senior centers located throughout Saginaw County. Centers and program sites offer nutritional, social, recreational and educational programs for seniors ages 60 and over.
Professional caseworkers provide assistance with a variety of needs, such as arrangements for in-home services, housing problems, financial concerns, and prescription help. Caseworkers assess needs and offer recommendations for home care.
An R.N. and Social Worker team provides a comprehensive needs assessment and assistance in arranging care for frail elders at risk of entering a nursing home.
Grandparents and other relatives raising grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or siblings--receive casework assistance, weekly support groups, emergency respite care, information and referral and newsletters. SEE KINSHIP CARE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Seniors age 60 or older, who meet income guidelines, receive a tax-exempt stipend and other benefits for volunteer work with special needs children in schools and day programs. Click here to see more information on the Saginaw County FGP Program.
Low income seniors may qualify for one-time assistance for food purchases.
The Commission on Aging helps seniors maintain an active and vital role throughout life by providing volunteer opportunities, such as delivering meals to home bound senior citizens, or assisting staff at senior centers and the transportation program. At the end of the year, those volunteers who have offered their services for at least 30 hours or more will be invited to a Annual Volunteer Recognition Celebration which takes place every spring. In the fall the Meals on Wheels Volunteers enjoy the annual Meals on Wheels Picnic with good food, cake walks, raffles, prizes and more!
The Saginaw County Commission on Aging is the sponsoring agency for the Dementia Advisory Board, which consists of service providers, caregivers, and community volunteers the goal of the Advisory Board is to improve the coordination of dementia services in Saginaw County, as well as providing community education relative to dementia.
The Commission on Aging serves as the host site for legal services provided by:
Lakeshore Legal Aid of Caro, MI for an appointment please call 1-866-552-2889.
Legal Services of Eastern Michigan for an appointment please call 989-755-4465.
Seniors can meet with lawyers, at no charge, for consultation and referral.
A collaborative effort between the Saginaw County Commission on Aging and the Saginaw County Sheriff's Department. This program is offered to Saginaw County residents, age 60 years and older, who are affected by severe forms of dementia related illnesses. It gives clients access to a transmitter bracelet that is designed to assist in the tracking and locating of people who have the tendency to wander.
Persons with Parkinson's Disease and their family members are welcome to attend the support group program hosted by the Commission on aging. The group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 3:00pm, excluding July and August. Support Group meets at the West Side Senior Center, 2112 W. Genesee, Saginaw, MI.. Sessions feature guest speakers and group discussion.
This program provides assistance to Medicare beneficiaries. Trained staff and counselors provide information and assistance on Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, enrollment, coverage, billing and supplemental insurance. Clinics are scheduled periodically at the senior centers.
The Commission on Aging depends on charitable contributions to meet special needs and expand services to older adults. Gifts given as memorials, tributes or bequests, wills and estates assure that the agency can meet emergency and special needs. The "Circle of Friends" is an opportunity to honor a loved one, companion, colleague or friend by making a contribution in his/her name. "Circle of Friends" memorials are acknowledged with an engraved plate on a plaque in the main lobby of the Frank Center. Planned giving through wills, trusts, life insurance and securities can offer the donor tax advantages as well as provide an opportunity to give.
The Commission on Aging also received funds from:
Corporation for National & Community Service
County of Saginaw Senior Millage
Michigan Department of Transportation
National Food & Shelter Board
Region VII Area Agency on Aging
State of Michigan Family Independence Agency
Private Donations and Gifts