Assisted Living In Michigan

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of the elderly living in Michigan is growing. One of the reasons why seniors are choosing to retire in the state may be because there is no sales tax on social security retirement, U.S. military pensions, Michigan National Guard pensions, or railroad pensions.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Michigan

As you start your research for a quality assisted living facility in Michigan, knowing the types of services each facility provides and the financial help available to help pay for those care services, is important. The registry below can aid you in your research by providing details and information on more than 750 facilities in the state of Michigan.

How to Pay for Assisted Living in Michigan

Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in Michigan and 90 additional cities within Michigan.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Michigan

Planning ahead for senior living has become increasingly important as prices fluctuate with inflation. Between 2022 and 2023, Michigan’s assisted living rate rose 12.5% to $4,111, which is more than the 10% rise nationwide. Meanwhile, prices in Wisconsin climbed rapidly by 17% and by a more moderate 9% in Ohio. Indiana’s steady rate of $4,357 saw no significant increase and Illinois prices decreased 4.5%, settling at $4,742.

Financial forecasts indicate continued rising costs in 2024. Michigan predicts an 11.5% increase, while Indiana is expected to follow the national average at 8%. In Ohio, rates are anticipated to skyrocket by 18%.

Location	2022 Cost (Historical)	2023 Cost (Current)	2024 Cost (Estimated)
Michigan	$3,668	$4,111	$4,577
U.S. Average	$4,070	$4,459	$4,802
Ohio	$4,110	$4,478	$5,268
Wisconsin	$4,269	$4,992	$5,606
Indiana	$4,360	$4,357	$4,699
Illinois	$4,959	$4,742	$5,313

Assisted Living Costs in Michigan's Top Cities

In a cost analysis of Michigan’s largest cities, Detroit’s $4,177 average rate aligned with the state median of $4,111, underscoring its affordability compared with other metropolitan locations where prices gradually tick upwards. Monthly assisted living charges totaled $4,696 in Grand Rapids, increased to $4,707 in Ann Arbor and were highest in Lansing at $4,809. This trend toward climbing prices highlights the importance of sound planning regarding long-term care needs and budgetary constraints.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

Long-term care planning in Michigan requires a coordinated effort and considers many factors, including the needs of senior loved ones and the costs of ongoing health care. Seniors who enjoy their autonomy but require some assistance with daily tasks can choose assisted living at $4,111. For those needing cognitive support, specialized memory care costs more, charging $5,452. Conversely, self-sufficient older adults can save by renting in an independent living community, which costs just $2,515.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Michigan

Michigan MI Choice Waiver Program

Medicaid will not directly cover the cost of assisted living in Michigan. However, they offer the MI Choice Waiver which covers personal care services to help with tasks such as taking a bath, shaving, getting dressed, and walking. Unlike Medicaid, the waiver only has a certain number of enrollment slots available, so when those are filled, you may be put on a waiting list.

The MI Choice Waiver does not cover room and board expenses. They do, however, offer community transition services for elderly who want to move from an institution to assisted living. The transition services help with security deposits, essential furnishings, and set-up fees or deposits for utility services.

Who Is Eligible?

Residents interested in applying for the MI Choice Waiver need to be financially eligible for Medicaid as well as meet the following qualifications:

Age 65 or older
Monthly income for a single resident must not exceed $1,012 (in 2018), and assets must be $2,000 or less
Monthly income for married residents must not exceed $1,372 (in 2018), and assets must be $2,000 or less
Meet nursing home level of care but prefer assisted living

If approved for the waiver, a registered nurse and social worker will do an in-home visit with the resident and his or her family and friends. At that time, a service plan based on what the resident wants will be created.

How to Apply

To get more details about the MI Choice Waiver and apply, contact an Area Agency on Aging I&A specialist at (800) 442-1713. If you haven’t already applied for Medicaid, you can get started by calling (855) 275-6424.

More Ways to Finance Assisted Living

Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

Veterans Benefits: Veterans can take advantage of several different pension programs to help cover the cost of assisted living. For more information, see the article on benefits.va.gov.

Life Insurance Policies: Even if a spouse or loved one hasn’t died, certain types of life insurance policies can be used to pay for assisted living. More information is available at longtermcare.acl.gov

Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance policy that pays for long-term care when it becomes necessary, including the cost of assisted living. For more information on the benefits and drawbacks of this financing method, visit longtermcare.acl.gov.

Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow seniors to access the equity from a home that they own, and these funds can be used to pay for assisted living. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a federally insured reverse mortgage program.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Michigan

In Michigan, a multitude of resources are available to support seniors during their retirement years. AssistedLiving.org has gathered data on various local entities, initiatives, and agencies, and organized them according to the type of care they provide for effortless navigation.

Area Agency on Aging

Your local Area Agency on Aging is a valuable resource for retirees, offering guidance on financial aid, in-home care, and long-term care planning. They also link seniors and caregivers to community resources.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Michigan Area Agencies on Aging		In Michigan, Area Agencies on Aging offers services to seniors that help them maintain a high quality of life. Seniors can get connected to local services, including nutritional programs, transportation services, support groups and health and wellness activities. The Agency advocates for older adults through committees and councils that fight for legislation protecting seniors from elder abuse and fraud. Seniors and caregivers can also learn more about health and wellness through classes and events run by AAAs.

Cash Assistance Programs

In Michigan, financial aid programs are available to support low-income seniors in maintaining their home-based living. These programs offer tax relief, essential service discounts, and assistance with home heating and cooling expenses.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Michigan Lifeline Program	800-234-9473	The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones.
Michigan State Emergency Relief Program	517-241-3740	The State Emergency Relief Program may provide emergency assistance for low-income households who experience sudden and unexpected temporary hardship. Help may be through direct service provision or financial aid to assist with a variety of emergency needs, such as heating or utility bills and vital home maintenance.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Seniors in Michigan, whether residing independently or in a senior living facility, have access to various local financial aid options. These entities assist in offsetting certain in-home or long-term care expenses and link them to beneficial community resources.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Michigan Health Link Program	517-241-3740	The Michigan Health Link Program is a managed care program for qualifying seniors who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. Services may be provided at home or in an assisted living facility and may include medical care, help with daily activities, accessibility adaptations, medical equipment and supplies, meal delivery, adult day care and transportation.
Michigan Medicaid MI Choice Waiver Program		Michigan’s MI Choice Waiver Program allows qualifying seniors to receive care at home or in an assisted living community rather than a nursing home. The program aims to delay or prevent admission into an institutional care setting.

Food Assistance Programs

In Michigan, various local initiatives are dedicated to promoting senior health through balanced nutrition. They offer services like meal delivery, communal dining, and food banks, ensuring elderly residents have access to affordable, nutritious food.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Michigan Meals on Wheels		Michigan Meals on Wheels is a food assistance program that’s part of a 5,000+ member nationwide network. Eligibility is open to seniors ages 60 and over, with meals served locally in a congregate setting or delivered daily to the resident’s home if they’re immobile. Those who get their meals delivered also receive friendly visits with safety checks to monitor their risk for falls, emergencies or other accidents. Meals are served on a sliding-fee scale based on income.
Michigan Senior Project FRESH Program		Michigan’s Senior Project FRESH is a food-assistance program that strives to help eligible Michigan residents age 60 and older eat healthier. This income-based program offers free nutrition education for recipients, along with coupons that seniors can exchange for program-specific fresh, healthy foods at local roadside stands and farmers’ markets. Senior Project FRESH runs from May 1 through October 31 each year, with coupon-distribution sites located in each of the state’s counties.

Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors

Seniors in {catalog.city} with specific income levels can tap into local resources for prescription drug cost assistance. They may also qualify for health insurance and other schemes offering free or discounted medical services.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Michigan RX Card		The Michigan RX Card is the state’s prescription assistance program. Available to all residents and free to obtain, the card entitles holders to significant discounts on prescription medications at participating pharmacies.

Home Repair and Modifications

In Michigan, numerous programs are available to aid seniors and individuals with disabilities in financing home modifications and repairs. These programs, offering grants or loans, have diverse eligibility requirements specifically designed for retirees.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Michigan Section 504 Home Repair Program		The Section 504 Home Repair Program may provide grants to low-income seniors to remove health and safety risks from the home. The maximum grant is $10,000, and seniors must live in an area covered by the program.
Michigan Weatherization Assistance Program		The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low income homeowners and renters save money on utility bills by making their homes more energy-efficient. Free services are provided by Community Action Agencies and nonprofit organizations and may include home insulation and ventilation.

Legal Resources

In Michigan, numerous agencies provide affordable or complimentary legal assistance to the elderly. They offer counsel on matters like estate management, living wills, and power of attorney. Some even serve as advocates for seniors’ rights in long-term care facilities.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Elder Law of Michigan	866-400-9164	Elder Law of Michigan is a nonprofit organization that provides seniors with legal help. Its services include pension counseling, benefits counseling, financial legal advice and help in elder abuse cases.
Michigan Elder Abuse Hotline	800-996-6228	Available through the Department of the Attorney General, the Elder Abuse Hotline offers an easy and convenient way to report signs of elder abuse, whether it occurred in a private residence or a residential care facility. An enforcement officer or other employee of the office works to resolve the complaint and provides safe housing for the senior while the complaint is being investigated.
Michigan Lakeshore Legal Aid		Michigan Lakeshore Legal Aid supports senior state residents with free law advice. Areas covered include probate law, guardianships, public benefits — such as Medicaid and Social Security, consumer scams and financial elder abuse. The organization has 12 locations in the Southeast Michigan area, all of which are open for walk-in service Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Seniors can also call MLLA’s legal helpline between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on most weekdays.
Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program	866-485-9393	The Michigan Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the rights and welfare of seniors living in licensed nursing homes and other senior living communities. Funded by the federal and state governments, the program provides ombudsman services to seniors, including concerns with care, residents’ rights and quality of life. Services are free, and ombudsmen act on cases with confidentiality. The program also supports the passage of laws beneficial to the state’s long-term care residents.

Senior Engagement

In Michigan, a variety of programs and resources are available for seniors to stay engaged and active. These include wellness initiatives, volunteering options, and support networks, all aimed at fostering community involvement and enhancing life quality.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Alzheimer’s Association Greater Michigan Chapter	800-272-3900	In addition to the 24-hour helpline, the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has a wide range of services and programs for seniors and their caregivers, including social engagement programs and professional training curriculums. Care counselors can create a person-centered long-term care plan for individuals with memory loss and other cognitive issues. Support groups are available via Zoom for seniors with early-stage or young-onset symptoms along with support groups for Spanish speakers.
Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter	800-272-3900	The Alzheimer’s Association works with seniors who are living with dementia, helping them access local resources and services that can provide them with memory support and cognitive therapy. Additionally, this organization offers caregiver training and support groups for both seniors and caregivers.
Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center	734-936-8803	Part of a University of Michigan initiative, the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center conducts memory research and education, as well as wellness and clinical care. Support groups for those experiencing mild cognitive impairment are provided, as are ongoing research studies that include memory training studies, medication trials, lifestyle intervention studies and more.

Social Security Offices

In Michigan, Social Security offices provide essential services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. They offer guidance on retirement benefits, disability allowances, and Supplemental Security Income.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Michigan Social Security		Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you’ll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working.

Tax Assistance

Numerous tax aid resources are available in Michigan for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. These include potential exemptions on medical costs, property tax reductions, and other tax relief initiatives.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Michigan Summer Tax Deferment	248-524-3333	Michigan’s Summer Tax Deferment allows seniors to push back the due date of summer taxes to February 14, providing additional time to streamline their budgets. Seniors are eligible for the deferment if they’re aged 62 or older and their household income doesn’t exceed $40,000 a year. To qualify, seniors must complete an application and submit their previous year’s Homestead Property Tax Credit Form to the City Treasurer’s Office by September 15.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

Organizations are available to aid low-income seniors in {catalog.city} struggling with home maintenance costs, including utility and energy bills. Emergency funding may also be accessible for those at risk of utility service termination due to unpaid bills.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Michigan Energy Assistance Program and Home Heating Credit	800-292-9555	The program’s purpose is to provide assistance to low-income households in Michigan who may be struggling to cover the costs of their energy supply, such as electricity, gas and other fuels. In addition to developing an affordable payment plan to prevent energy suppliers from cutting off access to their services, the program also educates applicants about managing their energy sources more efficiently and cost-effectively. Home Heating Credit is a program aimed at helping low-income families pay some of their winter heating bills. Those who want to apply must do so before September 30 each year.

Veteran’s Services

Veteran services in Michigan offer invaluable assistance to retired military personnel. These local entities guide veterans in utilizing their rightful benefits and provide counsel on diverse matters.

Program Name	Phone Number	Description
Michigan VA Benefits and Health Care		Michigan VA Benefits and Health Care services are specially designed to help senior veterans in the state access the services for which they are eligible. The department has offices throughout the state, including VA Medical Centers in Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Detroit, Iron Mountain, and Saginaw, as well as a regional benefits office in Detroit. The office offers regular events to inform and celebrate veterans. Additional benefits include life insurance, home loans, and compensation for in-home health and wellness services.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Michigan

Assisted Living Admission Contract

Prior to admission in an assisted living facility (ALF) in Michigan, an admission contract is required. The contract must include:

Services the resident will require and the fees for each of those services
Transportation services, if any, and the fees for those
The assisted living facilities’ admission, discharge, and refund policies
The resident’s rights and responsibilities

The contract must be updated every year or when there is a significant change in the resident’s care needs.

Assisted Living Scope of Care

Assisted living facilities in Michigan provide supervised personal care that is specified in the resident’s service plan, guidance assistance, medication management, protection, and supervision assistance.

Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Michigan’s Medicaid only pays for skilled nursing care or therapy services when it comes to home care in an assisted living facility. However, the doctor must prescribe those services as part of the plan of care. Furthermore, the services must be needed on a temporary basis, which is to cure and rehabilitate.

If you or your elderly loved one needs ongoing services to help with activities of daily living, medication management, and/or other services and nursing care, the MI Choice Waiver is an option to look into.

Assisted Living Requirements

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs takes care of the licensing for assisted living facilities in Michigan. Additionally, they ensure the facilities follow all the regulations. Some of the regulations the ALF is required to follow include:

Facilities are only allowed to accept residents in need of care that does not extend beyond what the facility provides.
Employees’ toilet facilities must be separate from the residents’ living quarters.
ALFs must conduct annual tuberculosis tests for employees and residents, unless they are low-risk facilities.
Communities are required to keep facility free from insects and vermin.

Medication Management Regulations

The assisted living facility must follow the labeling instructions or orders of the resident’s physician or other licensed health care professional when supervising, giving, or assisting with medication. Residents who are able can take their medication on their own.

Staffing Requirements

At least one person on each shift must be designated as supervisor, and the facility is required to have enough qualified staff on duty to provide care that is consistent with each resident’s service plans. All on-duty staff must be fully dressed, on-site, and awake for the entire shift.

Staff Training Requirements

Administrators of assisted living facilities in Michigan are required to meet all of these qualifications:

Must be 18 years of age or older
Have training, education, and/or experience working with the facility’s resident population
Be capable of assuring program planning, development, and execution of services to residents consistent with the facility’s program statement, and as per the residents’ service plans and agreements

Direct care staff who supervise and/or administer medications must receive training on proper handling and administration of medications.

Background Checks for Assisted Living

All employees must have a criminal background and fingerprint check. Assisted living facilities in Michigan are not allowed to hire, enter into a contract with, or grant privileges to anyone who will have direct access to residents if that person has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor.

Requirements for Reporting Abuse

Abuse of any kind, or even suspicion of abuse, should be reported to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Adult Protective Services. To report the abuse, call (855) 444-3911 at any time. 24 hours after you make your report, Adult Protective Services will begin an investigation.

If you feel the assisted living facility is in violation of the governing act or rules, you can file an anonymous complaint with the Bureau of Community and Health Systems. There are three ways to send your complaint: Using the online form, print and complete a paper form and mail it to the address listed on the website, or call (866) 856-0126.

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Michigan COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living Facilities

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/8/22. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your assisted living facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.

COVID-19 Rules in Michigan
Are loved ones allowed to visit residents in their assisted living community?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are residents required to quarantine after their loved ones visit?	No
Are loved ones required to wear masks when visiting residents?	Yes
Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors allowed in assisted living communities?	Yes
Are visitors screened for elevated temperatures before entering the assisted living community?	Yes
Are residents allowed to leave the assisted living community for non-medical reasons?	Yes
Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they get back to the assisted living community?	No (Conditions Apply)
Are assisted living communities required to cancel all group outings?	No
Are assisted living communities allowed to host group activities within the community?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are staff members regularly checked for elevated temperatures?	Yes
Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms?	Yes
Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures?	Yes
Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19?	Yes (Conditions Apply)

Sources: www.michigan.gov www.cms.gov

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