{"id":5563,"date":"2021-02-01T22:16:16","date_gmt":"2021-02-01T22:16:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/santana\/?p=5563"},"modified":"2024-06-25T14:03:46","modified_gmt":"2024-06-25T18:03:46","slug":"senior-services-senator-sylvia-santana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/santana\/2021\/02\/01\/senior-services-senator-sylvia-santana\/","title":{"rendered":"Senior Services | Senator Sylvia Santana"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dear Friends,

The challenges we faced in 2020 were unlike any other as we dealt with the impact of COVID-19 in our communities, and I hope this newsletter finds you and your families safe and healthy as we embark upon another year.

Michigan seniors have earned the right to enjoy their retirement and future with dignity and financial security. As your State Senator, my goal is to make sure you can spend these unprecedented times focusing on what matters most to you, and I\u2019m working hard in Lansing to ensure that you get the stability and access to resources that you deserve.

Every letter, email, and call to our office has helped me to better represent you, and I hope to continue hearing from you as we begin a new year that I know will be filled with better opportunities. If you would like to share your ideas or need assistance regarding state government, you can contact my office by calling me at (517) 373-0990 <\/strong>or toll-free at (855) DIST003 (855-347-8003)<\/strong>. You can also email me at SenSSantana@senate.michigan.gov<\/strong>.

I would love to hear from you!

Working for you,
\"\"
Sylvia Santana
State Senator
3rd District
\"\"
Website: SenatorSantana.com<\/a>
<\/strong>Email: SenSSantana@senate.michigan.gov <\/strong>
Toll-free: (855) DIST003 or (855) 347-8003<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Senior Service Numbers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Home Heating Help<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the dead of winter, heating bills can become a burden that cause many to struggle just to keep their house warm but, fortunately, The Heat and Warmth (THAW) Fund can help.

THAW has multiple utility assistance programs available, including affordable payment plans for customers of DTE\u2019s Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) and the Consumers Energy Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) plan. They also offer resources for utility payment assistance and\/or state emergency relief.

See which you may qualify for at THAWFund.org\/Programs<\/a> <\/strong>or call (800) 866-THAW (8429)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, here are some helpful phone numbers if you have questions about your heating bill:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 DTE Energy: (800) 477-4747
\u2022 SEMCO Energy: (800) 624-2019
\u2022 Detroit Water & Sewerage Department: (313) 267-8000
\u2022 Consumers Energy: (800) 477-5050
\u2022 Michigan Gas Utilities: (800) 401-6402<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Meals on Wheels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No one should go without access to healthy meals. If you or a senior you know are struggling to pay for food, Meals on Wheels can help.

This program provides five nutritious meals per week to homebound, older adults. They also offer liquid nutrition for those who are unable to eat solid food and who have a prescription from their physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To qualify for Meals on Wheels, an adult must be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 60 years of age or older;
\u2022 Homebound (e.g., unable to leave home without assistance and unable to drive);
\u2022 Unable to cook for him\/herself;
\u2022 Have no one willing or available to prepare meals on a regular basis; and, \u2022 Able to feed him\/herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information and to determine whether you\u2019re eligible for Meals on Wheels:
Wayne County Meals on Wheels
Detroit: <\/strong>(313) 446-4444
Dearborn\/Melvindale: <\/strong>(800) 851-1454<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wayne County Senior Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

3600 Commerce Court, Building E, Wayne, MI 48184 <\/strong>| (734) 326-5202 or (800) 851-1454 <\/strong>| seniornutrition@waynecounty.com<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for information about aging well, check out the seniors\u2019 section of the Wayne County Senior Services website at waynecounty.com\/departments\/seniorservices<\/a><\/strong>. Many resources are available for volunteering, donations, meals, legal issues, and local services, as well as other valuable information. Be sure to check out their Senior Resource Directory \u2014 it has quite a bit of good information!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Know Your Rights: Protect Against Elder Abuse and Fraud<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Michigan, more than 73,000 older adults have been victims of abuse \u2014 and many more are targets. Seniors are vulnerable to abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and much of it is unreported or underreported. To combat this, our Attorney General has created the Elder Abuse Task Force, which has been tasked with implementing various initiatives and creating a more streamlined reporting process that can help reduce the risk of elder abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elder Abuse: SEE IT, DOCUMENT IT, REPORT IT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you or someone you know might be a victim of elder abuse, the attorney general’s office recommends that you should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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