Calling Us Is the First Step in Getting Help for a Senior

When you’re caring for an older adult—or you’re an older adult trying to navigate support options—it can be hard to know where to start. Our Information & Assistance line gives you a trusted, local place to call for guidance. We’re available Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at (800) 852-7795.

Our trained Resource Specialists understand the programs, benefits, and community services available for older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers across Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, and Washtenaw counties. Whether the help you need comes from AgeWays or another organization in our six-county region, we’ll point you in the right direction.

Your Trusted, Unbiased Source for Aging and Caregiver Support

Navigating aging services can be overwhelming. Our team uses a comprehensive database of thousands of local providers, programs, and resources. We offer clear, unbiased guidance so you can understand your options and take the next step with confidence.

Government funding allows us to provide this service free of charge as part of our nonprofit mission.

What We Can Help With

People often call us when they’re facing a new challenge, don’t know what services are available, or need help supporting a loved one. Common topics include:

Housing and in-home services
Transportation options
Meals on Wheels and nutrition programs
Legal and financial assistance
Caregiving questions
Support groups for family caregivers
Government benefits and eligibility
Help paying utility bills
How to determine if someone qualifies for home care programs
Services for older adults and people with disabilities
Concerns about possible neglect or abuse

Our specialists take the time to listen, ask questions, and help you identify resources that match your needs.

What to Expect When You Call

Most calls last about 15 minutes, depending on the situation. If you prefer not to wait on hold, you can also submit an online request—we typically respond within two business days.

If you’re calling to see whether someone may qualify for home care programs, expect to spend 20–30 minutes on the phone. Having the following information ready can help us determine potential eligibility:

Basic Information

Legal name, age, date of birth, address, phone number
Marital status
Social Security number (if comfortable providing over the phone)

Income Information

Eligibility for programs like MI Choice is based in part on financial need. We may ask for:

Exact gross monthly income (before deductions)
Income sources (Social Security, pensions, etc.)

Assets

Checking or savings account balances
Stocks, bonds, annuities, money market accounts, certificates of deposit
401(k) plans
Life insurance policies with cash value
(Primary homes, vehicles, and personal belongings should not be included.)

Care Needs

Major medical conditions
Level of help needed with daily activities (bathing, dressing, meal prep, household tasks)
Tasks the person can no longer safely do on their own

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the AgeWays Resource Center answer the phone live? Will I talk to a real person?

Our team of highly trained Resource Specialists answer the phone live from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. You'll be talking to a real person who is an AgeWays staff member. In the rare case that you must leave a message; we will return your call withing one business day.

What happens during a call with an AgeWays Resource Specialist?

We will spend time listening and asking questions so we can understand your situation and needs. We will then provide community resources or referrals that might be able to help. This might be a service or support that AgeWays offers or a service or support offered by another organization in our database. After the call, we will mail or email you a list of the resources we've discussed. This packet will include all the information you'll need to contact that organization. We empower our callers to contact resources and referrals themselves. When needed, we will conduct "warm" transfers to resources.

What kinds of organizations does AgeWays refer callers to?

We focus on nonprofit and human services organizations in our six-county region (Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties) that offer services and supports for older adults, family caregivers and people with disabilities. We include and refer to for-profit organizations only if they address a need not covered by nonprofit organizations in our region.

What kind of training do AgeWays Resource Specialists receive?

AgeWays' Resource Specialist go through many hours of training before they begin answering the phone. The majority of our Resources Specialists have received certification as CRS-A/D - Certification for Community Resource Specialist - Aging/Disabilities through Inform USA (formerly the Alliance of Information & Referral Services or AIRS.)

View All FAQs

Contact Us

You can either call us directly at (800) 852-7795

or fill out the form below to reach out to an AgeWays Resource Specialist

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Please note that this form is not secure. Please do not provide Personal Health Information (PHI), Medicaid or Medicare numbers, or social security numbers via this form. If you are a professional who would like to make a referral to the AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services, please do not use this form. Instead, please call 800-852-7795.