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Older adults and caregivers

Detroit Senior Resources for Living Well at Home

Who to call for meals, care and caregiver help, which home repair and property tax programs exist, and how to make a home safer for aging in place.

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  • Agencies by county
  • Repair and tax relief programs
  • Pros for grab bars and ramps

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Find your Area Agency on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging connect older adults, adults with disabilities and caregivers with meals, in-home help and benefits.

Where you liveAgencyContact
Detroit, the five Grosse Pointes, Hamtramck, Harper Woods and Highland ParkDetroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA)313-446-4444
34 western Wayne County and Downriver communitiesThe Senior Alliance734-722-2830
Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw countiesAgeWays (the region's Area Agency on Aging)(800) 852-7795
Anywhere in MichiganMichigan 211Dial 211 for local programs.
Services

What the Detroit Area Agency on Aging offers

DAAA lists these programs on its website. Call 313-446-4444 to ask what you qualify for.

Meals

Congregate meals at community sites and Meals on Wheels at home.

Information and assistance

Help finding benefits and services.

Caregiver support

Information and support for family caregivers.

Long-term care options

Including the MI Choice Waiver program for care at home.

Health and wellness

Community wellness centers, workshops and activities.

Senior employment

The Senior Community Service Employment Program.

Home repair help

Home repair programs for Detroit seniors

The City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department lists several programs for homeowners. Programs open and close, so check the city site or call before you apply.

  • Critical Home Repair Program: free repairs for eligible Detroit homeowners with urgent issues such as leaking roofs, plumbing problems, furnace or boiler failures, electrical hazards and accessibility changes. The city takes pre-applications in set windows and chooses based on need, not first come, first served.
  • Renew Detroit: a city program for senior and disabled homeowners that has funded roof replacements and window replacements.
  • Senior repair applications: the city says interested seniors may apply through the Detroit Housing Network. Call 313-224-6380.
  • 0% interest home repair loans: the city lists loans for Detroit homeowners through detroithomeloans.org.

For housing questions, the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine is 866-313-2520.

Property taxes

Property tax relief for senior homeowners

  • HOPE (Detroit): the Homeowners Property Exemption is Detroit's tax relief program to help eligible homeowners with the current year's property taxes. The city sets an application deadline each year, so check it early.
  • Poverty exemption (suburbs): Michigan law lets local boards of review exempt all or part of the taxes on a principal residence for owners who meet income and asset rules. Apply with your city or township assessor using state Form 5737.
  • Homestead Property Tax Credit: a state income tax credit that helps qualified homeowners and renters with property taxes, filed on your Michigan return.
  • Principal Residence Exemption: make sure your home is listed as your principal residence, which exempts it from up to 18 mills of local school operating taxes.
  • Behind on taxes? Detroit lists a Tax Relief Fund for homeowners with property tax debt, and Wayne County offers payment plans.
Aging in place

Make your home safer and easier to use

Small changes can help you stay in your home longer. Compare local pros and get written quotes.

Grab bars

Bathroom and hallway grab bars, installed into studs.

See handymen →

Aging-in-place changes

Handrails, lever handles, better lighting and more.

See handymen →

Accessible bathrooms

Walk-in showers and higher toilets.

See contractors →

Stair lifts

Get up and down stairs safely.

See installers →

Wheelchair lifts

Access for porches and split levels.

See installers →

Railings and steps

Sturdy railings and safer porch steps.

See carpenters →
Questions

Detroit senior resources FAQ

The Detroit Area Agency on Aging serves Detroit, the five Grosse Pointes, Hamtramck, Harper Woods and Highland Park. Call 313-446-4444.
The city's Critical Home Repair Program offers free urgent repairs to eligible Detroit homeowners, and Renew Detroit has funded roof and window replacements for senior and disabled homeowners. Programs open in set windows, so check the city site or call 313-224-6380.
HOPE, the Homeowners Property Exemption, is Detroit's tax relief program to help eligible homeowners with the current year's property taxes. The city sets a new application deadline each year.
Homeowners who meet income and asset rules can ask their local board of review for a poverty exemption, and many homeowners and renters can claim the Homestead Property Tax Credit on their state return.
Compare local handymen who list grab bar installation, ask for written quotes and confirm insurance before work starts.
The Detroit Area Agency on Aging lists Meals on Wheels and congregate meal sites. Call 313-446-4444 to ask about eligibility.

Need help around the house?

Tell us what you need, from grab bars to a new furnace, and we will route your request to local pros.

Sources

Updated September 2026. Rules and procedures change; confirm with the responsible office before a decision.

Call (833) 313-2434