Reaching for a high shelf. Walking to the bathroom in the dark. Stepping out of a slippery tub. Everyday moments like these can lead to serious falls for older adults.
AgeWays, the nonprofit formerly known as the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, runs an Adaptive Wellness program for adults 60 and older in southeast Michigan. A home safety specialist visits your home and helps identify tools that can make daily life safer and easier.
Here’s how the program works and how to get help.
What Does Adaptive Wellness Provide?
The AgeWays Adaptive Wellness Program provides assistive devices and technology designed to make everyday tasks easier, reduce fall risks and help older adults remain independent at home.
Examples of available equipment include:
- Motion-sensing lights: Help illuminate dark areas without searching for a light switch.
- Anti-slip mats: Help reduce slipping hazards around the home.
- Portable magnifiers: Make small print and everyday items easier to see.
- Adaptive jar openers: Help people who have difficulty gripping or opening containers.
- Talking alarm clocks: Make checking the time easier for people with vision difficulties.
These are examples, not a complete list of available devices.
The equipment you may receive depends on your individual needs, eligibility and the recommendations made during your home safety assessment.
How Does It Work?
An AgeWays-certified home safety specialist visits your home to evaluate how safely and comfortably you can manage everyday activities.
During the visit, the specialist may:
- Look for hazards that could increase your risk of falling.
- Identify tasks that are difficult because of mobility, vision or other limitations.
- Recommend assistive devices or technology that could make your home safer.
If you’re eligible, you may receive equipment based on the specialist’s recommendations.
Not everyone will receive the same items, and availability may depend on program resources.
Who Qualifies?
The Adaptive Wellness program is designed for adults who:
- Are 60 or older; AND
- Live at home in the AgeWays service area; AND
- Have a need for assistive devices or technology that could improve safety or independence.
AgeWays serves six counties in southeast Michigan:
- Livingston
- Macomb
- Monroe
- Oakland
- St. Clair
- Washtenaw
You don’t need to have a specific medical diagnosis just to ask about the program. An AgeWays specialist can help determine whether your needs meet the eligibility requirements.
Does It Cost Anything?
AgeWays says its Community Living Program, which includes assistive devices and technology, is available at no cost to eligible participants.
However, the individual Adaptive Wellness page doesn’t separately specify whether every assessment or device is free.
Ask an AgeWays resource specialist to confirm which services are available to you and whether any costs apply.
Some AgeWays services may also have waiting lists or limited availability.
How Do I Apply?
Start by visiting the AgeWays Adaptive Wellness page.
You can contact AgeWays through its website or use the contact form to connect with a resource specialist. You can also call the organization directly.
Tell the specialist that you’re interested in Adaptive Wellness and would like help making your home safer.
They can explain the eligibility requirements, discuss your needs and help determine whether a home safety assessment is appropriate.
Ask About Other Fall-Prevention Help
AgeWays also supports other programs that may help older adults avoid falls.
Home Injury Control: AgeWays helps fund local programs that provide home safety improvements, which may include grab bars, non-slip mats and shower chairs. These services are separate from Adaptive Wellness, and availability depends on your area.
You can ask whether Home Injury Control services are available where you live.
A Matter of Balance: AgeWays also offers free fall-prevention classes for adults 60 and older. These classes teach practical ways to reduce fall risks, improve confidence and stay active.
Registration is required, and class availability depends on the schedule.
Relief Recap
AgeWays’ Adaptive Wellness Program helps older adults in southeast Michigan find assistive devices and technology that can make everyday life safer and easier.
If you’re 60 or older, live at home in one of the six counties AgeWays serves and need help with daily tasks or fall prevention, you may qualify for a home safety assessment and recommended equipment.
AgeWays says its Community Living Program provides services at no cost to eligible participants, but it’s worth confirming the details and availability of Adaptive Wellness.
You can also ask about Home Injury Control improvements and free A Matter of Balance classes.
Visit the AgeWays Adaptive Wellness website to connect with a resource specialist and find out what help is available for your home.
