No one should ever feel alone
The Helm offers a number of services that assist with issues related to aging – either for yourself, family member or friend. These are the essential services needed to promote and protect continued quality of life. Our knowledgeable, professional and caring staff is here to help you find the right resources. Learn more about meal programs, home care, transportation assistance, home maintenance, support groups, and so much more.
Don’t know where to turn? We’re ready to help.
Our Services
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels contributes to the overall well-being of older adults by providing regular nutrition and contact with a caring volunteer.
Five meals are provided weekly to Harper Woods and Grosse Pointe area residents who are homebound and unable to prepare meals for themselves safely. This can include people aged 60+ who would benefit from temporary meals due to medical needs.
For more information, contact Joan Ebner at 313.649.2105.
Information & Assistance
This is a starting point for everything aging related. We can help you get what you need or find a resource for you, including independent and assisted living, home caregivers, financial assistance and emergency relief. If we don’t have a program to help, we can provide a resource for you.
For more information and contact, call 313.649.2108.
Home Chore Program
To be eligible for the Home Maintenance, Safety and Security Program, participants must be age 60 or older and residents of the Grosse Pointe’s or Harper Woods. This program connects individuals in need with volunteers who provide one-time minor home maintenance services, subject to volunteer availability and their skill set.
The services offered include minor home repairs, installation of home safety devices such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors/alarms, inspection and replacement of interior (standard ceiling) and first-floor exterior lights with LED bulbs, provision of a kitchen fire extinguisher, and LED night lights for specified areas of the home. Additionally, the program includes the repair or replacement of house numbers to ensure clear address identification, as well as the inspection and/or replacement of furnace filters. Note that the program is available exclusively to homeowners.
For more information and contact, call 313.649.2107
Medical Escort Service
Free medical escort service is available to qualified participants. The individual must be 60 years or older and a resident of the Grosse Pointes or Harper Woods. The resident qualifies for this service if due to health reasons, they cannot take the PAATS bus for transportation. The service is for medical or dental appointments only and the resident must be able to get into and out of a car with only minor assistance.
Please contact The Helm at least 10 days in advance of your appointment, so we can arrange for a volunteer driver. Due to the nature of this service, we cannot guarantee that we can accommodate all calls.
For more information and contact, call 313.882.9600
Tax Preparation
The Helm works with AARP Tax-Aide to offer free, quality, confidential tax preparation services. Please note that those taxpayers with complex tax returns will be advised to seek professional tax assistance.
For more information and contact, call 313.649.2108
Case Coordination
It takes great patience and understanding to learn what another person wants, needs, and feels. Our Case Coordination program helps seniors who need extra attention.
Supportive services are suggested, along with ongoing personal contact as needed with a focus on the client’s self-determination, empowerment, and dignity.
For more information, contact Allie Short, LMSW, at 313.649.2106.
Medical Equipment Lending
Had a hospital stay, recent injury, or the challenges of aging present a need for medical equipment? The Helm offers a medical loan closet with a variety of equipment and supplies available to borrow at no charge. This service relies on the generous donations from the community to remain well-stocked. The inventory varies based on the needs of seniors and the donations received. Frequently available items include standard and transfer wheelchairs with accessories, crutches, walkers, canes with various accessories, bath and shower aids, toileting items such as commode chairs and raised toilet seats, aids for daily living like reachers and dressing sticks, nutritional supplements, and miscellaneous items like procedure masks and latex gloves.
The Helm accepts donations, especially adult incontinence briefs, male guards, and feminine products, to ensure the closet remains fully stocked and ready to serve those in need.
For more information and contact, call 313.649.2108
Medicare Assistance
During Medicare Open Enrollment, from October 15 to December 7, 2024, everyone eligible for Medicare has the opportunity to review and make changes to their Medicare coverage for the upcoming calendar year. This includes modifying prescription drug coverage and any supplemental or Medicare Advantage plans.
Concurrently, insurance companies sponsoring these plans can adjust their benefits and premiums, and most prescription drug plans update their formulary—the list of covered drugs. Therefore, it is wise to review your current coverage to ensure it remains the best choice for you. For prescription drug coverage, a personalized plan search can help estimate your projected costs based on the specific drugs you take. You can perform this search on the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov.
Additionally, The Helm has partnered with the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP), which has trained volunteers who can help. They can assist in reviewing the costs and benefits of different supplemental and Medicare Advantage Plans (HMOs and PPOs) offered in your area. For those newly eligible for Medicare, The Helm can explain each program’s workings, costs, enrollment process, and changes. MMAP counselors are independent volunteers unaffiliated with any insurance company, ensuring unbiased advice. Low-income individuals may qualify for help with premiums and co-pays through the “Extra Help” and Medicare Savings Program. Contact The Helm, and an MMAP counselor can assist you.
For more information and contact, call 313.649.2110
Support Groups
The Helm regularly hosts several support groups providing a safe space for caregivers, family, and friends of persons with certain conditions, like dementia or Parkinson’s. For more information on how you can join or attend, check out our full calendar of events or download our newsletter, The Helm Life Journal.
For more information and contact, call 313.882.9600
PAATS Transportation
Pointe Area Assisted Transportation Services (PAATS) is partner organization of The Helm. If you are a resident of Harper Woods or Grosse Pointes and are 60+ and/or disabled, PAATS bus service is available to you.
- Reservations must be made at least two days in advance.
- All passengers riding on PAATS and returning after 3:00 p.m. must make a return appointment.
- All appointments must be made by 1:00 p.m.
- Fees vary from $2 to $4 each way. Please call for more information about the cost of rides.
For more information, call 313.394.9712.
Mutts 'N Meows
The Helm began Mutts ‘n Meows in 2007 to collect pet food donations from the community and then distribute them to older adults in the Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods area. This helps older adults keep companion and service animals in their homes instead of having to give them up due to the inability to purchase or pick up and carry pet food.
In addition to donations of dog and cat food, Mutts ‘n Meows also collects and distributes other supplies such as new containers of kitty litter and unopened, unexpired treats.
Drop donations at The Helm Life Center, 158 Ridge Road, Grosse Pointe Farms.
For more information and contact, call 313.882.9600
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Stay in the loop! Receive news and updates on our programs and activities with The Helm Life Journal sent directly to your inbox. (Print copies are available at The Helm and various community businesses.)