Thousands of older Michiganders can’t get the help they need at home.
In-home services help older adults stay safe, healthy and independent in their own homes. But state funding hasn’t kept up with demand, so many people wait for help or get by on less than they need.
Who is waiting, and who is underserved
Statewide counts at the end of FY 2026.
| Service | On a wait list | Underserved | Total unmet need |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-home services | 5,714 | 1,893 | 7,607 |
| Home-delivered meals | 1,115 | 2,841 | 3,956 |
| Total | 6,829 | 4,734 | 11,563 |
On a wait list
These older adults have asked for help but aren’t getting any services yet.
Underserved
These older adults have a documented need and get some services, but less than they need. Because providers often cut meals or hours before adding people to a wait list, many older adults are underserved rather than unserved. Underserved does not mean low need.
What’s at stake
Within two years, older adults who are waiting for services or getting too little help are:
more likely to enter a nursing home
more likely to need emergency room care
more likely to die
In-home services
These are non-Medicaid supports funded through the state’s Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports (ACLS) and delivered locally by Area Agencies on Aging and their partners.
Home-delivered meals
Nutritious meals for adults 60 and older who are homebound or can’t prepare food on their own. Each delivery is often a wellness check for people living alone.
Personal care
Help with bathing, grooming, dressing, hygiene and meal preparation.
Homemaking
Housekeeping, laundry, light meal preparation and essential errands that keep a home safe and healthy.
Respite care
Short-term relief for family caregivers, which helps prevent burnout so families can keep caring for loved ones.
Chore and minor home repair
Minor repairs, snow removal and lawn care that reduce fall risks and hazards at home.
Care management
A care manager coordinates services, monitors needs and adjusts care as circumstances change.
Medication management
Help organizing and safely taking medications, which reduces errors and hospital stays.
Personal emergency response
Around-the-clock access to emergency help, for safety and peace of mind.
Adult day services
Supervised daytime care with social and therapeutic activities, and reliable daytime relief for caregivers.
Family caregivers carry the load
About 1.7 million Michiganders provide unpaid care to a loved one, more than 1.1 billion hours a year, valued at about $15.1 billion. When in-home services fall short, families fill the gap, often at the cost of their own health, jobs and savings.
- Caregivers of people receiving ACLS services are 3 times more likely to say caregiving no longer interferes with work.
- Reports of severe financial strain are cut in half when services are in place.
- 4 in 5 family caregivers say these services delay a forced move out of the home.
Help us close the gap
Our FY 2027 budget request would end wait lists and reach older adults who are underserved.
Need services for yourself or a loved one?
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging. They can explain what’s available in your area and help you apply.