Assisting Seniors

As a team, United Way agencies have developed a pilot approach to working with 80-100 seniors who have the greatest needs in our community. The Senior Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) will use a shared service team approach to address immediate urgent needs of seniors who have multiple problems. Agencies continue to work to make sure that Washtenaw County's seniors receive:

• tax assistance support
• links to resources
• substance abuse and elder abuse prevention
• medication and transportation support
• eviction prevention and housing counseling
• respite support for caregivers
• and nutritional resources

In addition your United Way investment will continue to result in a more coordinated approach that will increase the range and depth of services available to seniors, and also make it much easier for seniors to seek and receive help.

"The number of seniors in our county is growing rapidly, especially the group 85 years of age and older. Those with low incomes often have a difficult time maintaining their living situations, even when they have a supportive family, and especially when they don't. Staying independent sometimes requires a constellation of services to manage housing, health care, transportation and care giving. The United Way of Washtenaw County is helping agencies work together to make sure seniors find the intensive help they need – no matter which organization they call.”
Jill Kind, Director of the Blueprint for Aging, Catholic Social Services

Partners: Catholic Social Services • Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels • Arbor Hospice