Catholic Health Care in Detroit
Detroit and Southeast Michigan are home to more than a million Catholics, and local Catholic charities and services groups have been active in helping the city during its recent economic hard times. As a result, Detroit has a well-developed network of Catholic resources for seniors, whether you need to find a new home or just want a bit of help in your own home.
A network of senior-focused healthcare services
Trinity Health System operates the Saint Joseph Mercy Health System in Southeast Michigan. “St. Joe’s” services include home care, palliative care, and hospice, along with programs designed with seniors’ needs in mind. These include behavioral health and substance abuse programs, and the first emergency room program in Michigan devoted to treating patients age 65 and up. Senior ER services are available at eight Saint Joseph Mercy Detroit-area hospitals, including those in Livonia, Ann Arbor, and Oakland.
Saint Joseph Mercy also provides health and medication assessments, wellness and disease-management programs, and caregiver resources for seniors and their families. Saint Joe’s hospitals have earned the Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) designation for continuing improvements in senior care.
Programs to strengthen bonds between seniors and the community
Community Social Services of Wayne County (CSSWC) runs programs that recognize seniors’ need for companionship and the wealth of experience seniors have to share. Originally Catholic Social Services of Wayne County, CCSWC helps seniors stay engaged through:
- The Senior Companion Program, which pairs active senior volunteers with older clients who need help. Besides helping with household tasks and errands, volunteers can build mutually rewarding friendships.
- The Foster Grandparent Program, which matches seniors with disabled, low-income, and teen-mother clients who need study help, mentorship, and emotional support from older adults.
- The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), which lets adults age 55 and up use their skills to help with projects ranging from childhood vaccination programs and tutoring sessions to disaster relief and law-enforcement consulting.
For seniors who need help themselves, CCSWC’s Older Adult Program offers medical assessments and referrals, outpatient counseling, and substance abuse treatment.
Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan (CCSEM) runs volunteer programs for seniors similar to those offers by CCSWC. In addition, CCSEM provides adult day care options for seniors with physical disabilities and dementia. Qualified seniors can spend one to five days a week at A Friend’s House in Macomb County, where physical therapy, memory games, storytelling, and health meals are just a few of the services provided.
Affordable housing and skilled nursing options
Detroit’s Catholic Pastoral Alliance manages a 62-unit affordable senior apartment complex in its Gratiot Woods housing development on the city’s east side. The neighborhood is adjacent to the Nativity of Our Lord Church and features a park, a bakery, and offices of several local non-profit groups.
Seniors who need skilled nursing care can find it at Marywood Nursing Care Center in Livonia. The community, founded by the Felician Sisters, provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing care centered on an indoor Main Street with a café, gift store, salon, recreation room, and courtyard access.
From tutoring teens to receiving skilled nursing care, Detroit’s senior housing and care services give residents many ways to get help and lots of rewarding ways to give back.
Learn more about Detroit Senior Living here:
Pet-Friendly Senior Living in Detroit
How Much Does Detroit Assisted Living Cost?
How Much Do Detroit Nursing Homes Cost?
Visit SeniorAdvisor.com to find more assisted living in Detroit.