New Michigan program provides support, services for adults who want to stay in their homes

Editor’s Note: Aging Matters is a series that examines programs, issues, and solutions that impact today’s seniors. This project is sponsored by Milestone Senior Services. Photos were taken by Fran Dwight, unless otherwise noted.

There’s no place like home. Many folks, regardless of age or disability, want to continue living where they’re comfortable.

Michigan has a state-funded program to help people accomplish that, and Milestone Senior Services in Kalamazoo is among the many participants offering the service across the state. Milestone counselor Charisma Kye says, “I will assist you in exploring long-term care and support options for adults, including in-home and community-based services. The services are free and available to any adult regardless of income or if they have insurance, assets, or a disability status.”

This new program, called Person Centered Options Counseling (PCOC), was started last August by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In announcing the start, the department said major services include “identifying next steps after a major life event to better understand what services and support are available.”

According to MDHHS, the program “provides enhanced information to help individuals make informed decisions and exercise control over long-term care needs by incorporating their personal goals and preferences.”

Some of the services provided include Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program and the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, and personalized counseling for any adults (not just seniors) who need assistance to support their needs for long-term services and supports.

“We help with individuals who want to remain in their home by providing home-care services. Instead of going to a nursing-care facility, we help individuals navigate being able to stay in their home. Home-care can help cook, clean, do a little laundry, help them shop, and stuff like that,” says Kye.

She says requests have included finding food resources, needing home appliances, and needing a roof repaired.

“If you’re thinking about giving up your home, I’m able to help navigate that process, to figure out if you want to maybe go to something smaller, like a small apartment. I’ll help figure out what services you might qualify for, like certain grants.”

This new counseling program, called Person Centered Options Counseling (PCOC), was started last August by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In announcing the start, the department said major services include “identifying next steps after a major life event to better understand what services and support are available.”

Milestone, in announcing its participation in PCOC, stated, “Services are available to any adult, their family members and caregivers who support them, regardless of income, assets or disability status.”

Milestone Senior Services provides the Options Counseling service in Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lenawee, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties. To inquire about the service, call 269-382-0515, extension 117.

“If you’re looking for confidence and peace of mind in selecting long-term service providers, Milestone can help,” says Kye.