It has never been more important than now to recognize the role mental health plays in our overall well-being and helping those in need receive support. Oakland County continues to invest tens of millions of dollars in resources for school mental health, learning delay, food and housing assistance, and wraparound services for students and their families in 2022.
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.
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.
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:
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:
Photo courtesy of Oakland County Parks and Recreation
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.
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.
“Our goal here is to reach any Oakland County resident struggling with food insecurity. We don’t want our families to scrimp on other essentials, like rent or utilities or medicines, so they can make sure they don’t go hungry.”
-Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter
The county is also allocating $250,000 to the Double Up Food Bucks program, which doubles the money for fresh produce at farmers markets for people eligible for food assistance.
A press conference was held on July 27, 2022 at the Oak Park Farmers Market to announce the food assistance grants.Continue reading →
It’s BBQ season! Who’s ready to fire up the grill? Now that the warmer temps are here, it’s a great time to enjoy all of your barbecue favorites with family and friends. Before you plan what’s sure to be an amazing meal, check out Oakland County Health Division’s Food Safety Tips.
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. It has never been more important than now to recognize the role mental health plays in our overall well-being and helping those in need receive support. When living with a mental health condition or facing a mental health concern, it’s common to feel like no one understands what you’re going through. But many people live healthy lives after seeking help for the mental health challenges they face. You aren’t alone, help is out there, and recovery is possible.
OK2SAY: Text 652729 or visit ok2say.state.mi.us (student and school safety line)
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386 (providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.
