Oakland County provides many services to help our rapidly growing older adult community and those who care for them. While National Senior Citizens Day is on August 21 each year, we want to celebrate older adults all month and highlight resources that are available to them year round.
To improve and expand upon these services, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter included funding for an Older Adult Advocate position in his balanced, three-year budget recommendation for fiscal year 2023-2025. This new position will coordinate and help improve services the county provides to older residents across all departments.
Additional resources and services are available within the county to help our community of older adults. Find a full list of services below to take advantage of:
Older Adult Services from Oakland County
Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center
C.A.T.S. (Companion Animals Touching Seniors) offers older adults the opportunity to foster a cat. The program lasts two months, in which the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center provides all the necessary supplies to care for the cat. When the foster period ends, the older adult has the chance to adopt the cat. The only fee they are asked to cover is for the license. For more information, contact Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center at 248-858-1070 or email petadoption@oakgov.com.
Board of Commissioners
The Healthy Aging Oakland County Ad Hoc Committee was formed in 2021 to create a strategic blueprint for an aging-friendly county that meets the needs of the rapidly growing 65+ populations and those who care for them.
In honor of Older Americans Month in June, 12 community members were recognized by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners with 2022 Oakland County Outstanding Older Adult Awards. The program, spearheaded by Commissioner Kristen Nelson (District 5), was designed to highlight Oakland County residents 60 years and older who demonstrate a passion for volunteerism and community service. Commissioners were invited to nominate a resident from their district for this special award program.
Health Division
The Oakland County Health Division offers a guide for older adults who are looking for information about aging well. Many resources are available for housing, health, medical, legal issues, and local services as well as other valuable information. Additional services the Health Division provides:
- S.A.V.E. Task Force – Elder Abuse Prevention
- Senior Advisory Council
- Senior Friendly Reassurance Services
Contact Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 or email noc@oakgov.com for more information.
MSU Extension
Older adults can subscribe to the MSU Extension-Oakland monthly newsletter, which offers up-to-date, research-based information affecting senior health and wellness issues. Each month includes a healthy recipe.
The Senior Market FRESH program is aimed at helping older adults eat healthier. Senior Market FRESH gives coupon vouchers to eligible older adults to get Michigan-grown fruit, vegetables, herbs, spices and honey from farmers markets.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Senior Market Days:
- Thursday, September 8 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Oakland County Farmers Market
- Saturday, September 17 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Farmington Farmers Market
Neighborhood Housing and Development
The county’s Neighborhood Housing and Development Division offers reverse mortgages for those aged 62 or older. Housing Counselors can explain the program to you so you can make an informed decision on whether it is the right product for your household. They can also provide the necessary certificate to be able to apply for a reverse mortgage. Call to speak with an advisor: 248-858-5402.
Parks and Recreation
Oakland County Parks and Recreation offers a variety of programming for active adults. Explore their parks, try a new activity, learn about Oakland County history and enjoy socializing with others in a welcoming, friendly environment. Older adults ages 62 and up can receive a free Annual Vehicle Permit to access eight of the 14 Oakland County Parks. Call 248-858-0916 or email info@oaklandcountyparks.com for more information.
Photos courtesy of Oakland County Parks and Recreation
Sheriff’s Office
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard’s 911 Emergency Senior Cell Phone Program is designed to equip seniors with a mobile means of contacting help in the event of an emergency. The cell phones are available to any Oakland County Senior Citizens free of charge. There is no monthly service fee to use the phone for emergency use.
Cell phone distribution hours are:
- Every Friday from 9 a.m. to noon
Where:
- Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
- 1200 North Telegraph Road Building 38E
- Pontiac, Michigan 48341
Learn about domestic safety for older adults by visiting the Sheriff’s Office website.
Veterans Services
As a U.S. veteran, part of your life’s journey was serving our country, and the Oakland County Veterans Services team is dedicated to honoring your service and helping you to map out all the veteran benefits you have earned. Learn more about all the resources available to veterans.
For more information, call the Veterans Services Pontiac office at 248-858-0785 or the Troy/South Oakland office at 248-655-1250.
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