Older Adults

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 Aug. 21 each year, we want to celebrate older adults all month and highlight resources available year-round.

To improve and expand upon these services, Oakland County Executive David Coulter included funding for an Older Adult Advocate position in his balanced, three-year budget recommendation for the fiscal year 2023-2025, which was approved with bipartisan support from the Board of Commissioners.

You can contact Oakland County’s Older Adult Services at (248) 858-2110 or olderadults@oakgov.com to learn more or scroll down to see a list of resources and services available for older adults. Also, residents ages 60 and older will receive the latest edition of Encore, the Older Adult Services’ newsletter, in their mailboxes.

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, during 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+ population and those who care for them.

In honor of Older Americans Month in June 2022, 12 community members were recognized by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners with the 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.

Farmers Market

To ensure access to healthy foods for all, the Oakland County Farmers Market accepts food assistance benefits including the Senior Project Fresh/Market Fresh. The program gives coupon vouchers to eligible older adults to get Michigan-grown fruit, vegetables, herbs, spices and honey from farmers’ markets. The program runs from May 1 to Oct. 31 each year. Learn more on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.

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.

Neighborhood Housing & Development

The county’s Neighborhood Housing & 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 apply for a reverse mortgage. Call to speak with a counselor at (248) 858-5402.

Oakland County Parks

Oakland County Parks offers a variety of programming for active adults. Explore their parks, try a new activity, learn about Oakland County history and enjoy socializing 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.

Sheriff’s Office

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard’s 911 Emergency Senior Cell Phone Program is designed to equip older adults with a mobile means of contacting help during an emergency. Phones are free for older adults in Oakland County.

Cell phone distribution hours are every Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office 1200 North Telegraph Road, Building 38E, Pontiac, 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 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.

Communitywide Services for Older Adults

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is a food pantry that caters to older adults in Oakland County. It offers older adults meals and daily human contact from friendly, courteous volunteers. Agencies participating in Oakland County:

More Resources

For more information on support services for caregivers and older adults, visit the U.S. Administration on Aging’s Eldercare Locator or AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services (formerly Area Agency on Aging 1-B), serving Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties.

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