Services Provided by Benzie County Council on Aging:

Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP)

Information and Assistance

An excellent information source, the COA helps many people by answering questions about specific services and how to access programs and agencies throughout the state.back to top

Home Delivered Meals

Becky, Our HDM Route Coordinator

Homebound seniors who are physically disabled and unable to leave their home for participation at the congregate site receive a hot meal at lunch time and the opportunity to receive a breakfast bag and a sack lunch for their evening meal plus the option of having frozen meals for the weekend or holidays when there are no deliveries. back to top

Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP)

Medicare Medicare Assistance Program is offered to seniors needing help with their medical and/or prescription drug coverage. The volunteer is at the COA office on Wednesdays, by appointment.back to top

Congregate Meals

One congregate site within Benzie County that provides nutritious meals to older individuals in a congregate setting. The service includes nutrition education services and other appropriate nutrition services for older persons. back to top

Guardian Medical Monitoring

The Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) service is available to seniors age 60 and older, in order to provide peace of mind and independence to the user and respite reassurance for concerned family members or caregivers. back to top

Dining Out Program (Starting March 1, 2009)

Designed to give senior citizens more choices for their nutrition by utilizing the services of local restaurants. This service is offered to Benzie County Seniors (60+). Each person can get 2 vouchers every 30 days and are redeemable at participating restaurants. back to top

Homemaker

Offered to seniors age 60 and over with physical limitations that prevent them from taking care of their basic housekeeping needs. Every other week our independent contractor performs routine household tasks that pertain to maintaining a clean, and healthy living environment. back to top

Income Tax Preparation

Free tax preparation including electronic filing offered through AARP at the COA office during tax time. back to top

Home Chore

Offered to seniors age 60 and over with physical limitations. The chore program provides outdoor maintenance intended to increase the safety of individuals living in their own home. This service is provided by an independent contractor and operates from May through September. back to top

Snow Removal

Available to seniors age 60 and over. This service provides shoveling and plowing with a maximum of 10 snow removals per year. Our independent contractor will insure that the seniors are able to get in and out of their homes and driveways safely during the winter months. back to top

Senior Transportation

Free passes to ride the Benzie Bus are available to all seniors that are age 60 and over and residents of Benzie County. The Council on Aging purchases bus passes from the Benzie Transportation Authority and provides them free of charge to seniors. They are good for travel anywhere in Benzie County. Passes are available at the COA office (quantities are limited). back to top

Respite/Personal Care

Annual support is given to Benzie Home Health Care to help finance the provision of respite and personal care for area seniors. For more information on these programs, please contact them directly at (231) 882-5031. back to top