Home Care in Lansing, MI

Located in Michigan’s scenic Lower Peninsula along the banks of the Grand and Cedar Rivers, Lansing is a vibrant city that’s home to nearly 119,000 residents. Seniors aged 65 and older make up about 12% of Lansing’s population, and retirees in this state capital will find there’s plenty of recreational, cultural and social activities to enjoy.

Summers in Lansing are comfortably warm and sunny, which is ideal weather for exploring the city’s 17-mile Lansing River Trail, a multipurpose paved path that winds through downtown out to the Michigan State University campus. The W.J. Beal Botanical Gardens, the nation’s oldest continuously operated botanical gardens, is also a must-visit for nature lovers.

The city’s three indoor shopping malls offer comfortable year-round shopping. There’s also a number of museums and historic sites that are open year-round, many of which offer senior discounts. During the holiday season, be sure to take time to visit the capitol to see the official state Christmas tree and take in the holiday decor in Lansing’s historic downtown district.

The Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey shows that the average monthly cost of home care in Lansing is $4,576. Home health care, which adds limited in-home medical services such as medication management, vital sign monitoring and ostomy care, also costs an average of $4,576.

The rates listed in Genworth’s Survey are based on 44 hours of service weekly, which is just over 6 hours each day. In Lansing, this works out to an average hourly rate of $24 for either home care or home health care.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

Lansing’s home care costs of $4,576 per month match the state average, while the city’s home health care costs are $191 under Michigan’s statewide rate of $4,767. Rates are also slightly higher in nearby Battle Creek, where seniors pay around $4,671 per month for either type of in-home care. In Ann Arbor, home care costs $4,767 and home health care is $4,862, while rates for either type of care in Flint match Lansing’s rates of $4,576.

Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.

Meals on Wheels 

What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels is a low-cost, volunteer-based meal delivery service for homebound seniors aged 60 and older, as well as adults living with a disability. Participants receive a hot, nutritionally balanced noontime meal each weekday, and additional hot and frozen meals are available to cover weekends and holidays. The meals are designed by a registered dietician and include about one-third of the recommended daily nutrition for an adult.

When the volunteer drivers drop off the meals, they also take a moment to chat with program participants and see if any additional supports are needed. Drivers can help participants connect with other programs such as transportation, financial aid and preventative health screening clinics.

Who Is Eligible?
If you’re struggling to maintain a healthy diet because you have difficulty shopping for groceries or preparing food, you can sign up for the Meals on Wheels service. Meal delivery is available on a short-term or long-term basis, and you’ll be asked to make a small per-meal donation if you’re able to.

How to Get Started
In Lansing, you can call (517) 887-1460 for more information on the Meals on Wheels program.

Capital Area Transportation Authority

What You Should Know
The Capital Area Transportation Authority is the public transit operator for Lansing and the surrounding areas. Seniors aged 62 and older qualify for discounted fares on all routes, and most CATA buses are equipped with a kneeling feature to make boarding easier.

If you live in a senior housing complex, you can use the CATA’s Shopping Bus to travel to local shopping centers and grocery stores. Those with ADA-certifiable disabilities can also use Spec-Tran, Lansing’s curb-to-curb, ADA-compliant public transit service.

Who Is Eligible?
Anyone can ride CATA buses. The Shopping Bus is geared towards seniors living in designated senior housing, while the Spec-Tran service is available to riders of all ages who have one or more qualifying disabilities.

How to Get Started
To learn more about CATA schedules, services and fares, call the CATA Customer Experience line at (517) 394-1000.

Elder Law of Michigan

What You Should Know
Elder Law of Michigan is a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of seniors and people living with disabilities. Staff with the organization help older adults access health care services and affordable housing, obtain discounts on utility bills, and connect with community-based programs.

If you need help with your pension or retirement benefits, you can get assistance through the Mid-America Pension Rights Project, operated through Elder Law of Michigan.

Who Is Eligible?
Anyone aged 60 or older, as well as adults living with disabilities, can get help through Elder Law of Michigan. Most services are provided at no cost.

How to Get Started
To contact Elder Law of Michigan, call the client assistance line at (866) 400-9164.

Ingham County Department of Veteran Affairs

What You Should Know
The Ingham County Department of Veteran Affairs provides free support to veterans, survivors and dependents. Veteran Service Officers can help you access county, state and federal benefit programs, including property tax exemptions, VA health care and VA disability compensation.

A VSO can provide you with up-to-date information on VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound, two enhanced VA pension programs that can be used towards home care costs. You can also contact the Department to obtain your service records, register for internment at a VA cemetery, and arrange transportation to and from nearby VA health care centers.

Who Is Eligible?
If you’re a veteran, survivor or dependent, you’re eligible for free assistance through the Ingham County Department of Veteran Affairs.

How to Get Started
To schedule an appointment with a VSO, call (517) 887-4331. If you’re unable to attend an office visit due to disability, you can request a home visit.

Senior CommUnity Care of Michigan PACE

What You Should Know
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly is a nationwide program designed to help older adults remain safe and independent in their own homes. This program provides you with access to all Medicaid-funded services including medical care, in-home care, home-delivered meals and transportation to medical appointments.

PACE services are largely based at the PACE center, which offers a wide range of social and recreational activities, therapeutic programs and medical services. As you age, the PACE team adjusts your care in order to ensure you have the assistance you need to stay healthy and comfortable.

Who Is Eligible?
SeniorCommUnity Care of Michigan PACE is open to anyone aged 55 and older living in Ingham, Eaton or Clinton county who is at-risk of placement in an institutional setting, but who wants to continue living in their own home. If you have a moderate to low income, your program fees may be covered under your state health insurance plan.

How to Get Started
To learn more about PACE, call (517) 319-0700.