Click on one of the links above to learn more about programs and services offered at the Department on Aging.

Call (517) 788-4364 for details about any service.

Contact the Department on Aging for a copy of our
Notice of Privacy Practices.

The Jackson County Department on Aging is a department of Jackson County government, under the supervision of the County Administrator and County Deputy Administrator. The Department on Aging Board of Directors is the Jackson County Board of Commissioners.

The Jackson County Department on Aging has a 2009 fiscal year budget of $2,613,521. The 0.25 mill Senior Millage is an important part of funding for seniors services. In addition, 53.8% of the budget is supported by donations and funding from various organizations including Region II Area Agency on Aging, under the auspices of the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging, State of Michigan Department of Human Services, and Life Ways.

According to Federal Regulations, clients receiving service are asked to make a donation for the service they receive. A fee is not charged. No one is denied service due to an inability to donate.

The Department on Aging has 17 full-time and 70 part-time and casual staff providing services to 4,500 Jackson County residents. For a copy of the 2008 annual report, click here .

Advisory Council - The Jackson County Board of Commissioners appoints a 15 member Advisory Council on Aging. Members of the Advisory Council are older adults and those who provide services to older adults. The Advisory Council provides information about the needs and opinions of older adults in Jackson County, gives input on the desirability of programs, and generally advises the Department on Aging on any other matters concerning senior citizens.

History Highlights
1977 - Jackson County Board of Commissioners established the Jackson County Department on Aging. Services included Light Housekeeping for seniors by hiring low income older workers; Minor Home Repair-Chore. The Jackson County Council on Aging, instituted in December, 1974, became the Advisory Council on Aging. Senior Citizen Bus Services coordinated by the Department.

1978 - Widow-Widower Reassurance Program. First Jackson County Senior Festival.

1980 - Outreach Service began for in-home assessments of older adults and coordination of community supports. Department on Aging offices moved from courthouse to Cortland Street end of Kresge Building: the beginning of the Jackson Country David C. Crouch Senior Center. Region II Community Action Agency Senior Nutrition Program moved meal preparation operations to the Crouch Senior Center kitchen. Beginning of Volunteer Income Tax Program.

1981 - Senior Center programs began at Crouch Senior Center. Department on Aging Senior Citizen Bus Service consolidated with Jackson Transit.

1982 - Crouch Senior Center building space remodeled and expanded to include two classrooms, the Earl E. Dutton and Council on Aging Rooms.

1984 - Alzheimer's Support Group for Caregivers initiated.

1986 - Peer Support Program began. Widow-Widower Reassurance Program merged with Peer Support.

1990 - Prescription assistance began through the Michigan Emergency Prescription Program for Seniors (MEPPS).

1991 - Outreach Service, Homemaker and MEPPS offices moved to area just beyond Crouch Senior Center classrooms.

1993 - Senior Nutrition Congregate and Home Delivered Meal program grants consolidated under the Department on Aging. Michigan Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) began. Peer Support won the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging "Older Learner Program" Award. Friends of Jackson Seniors established as a nonprofit organization to develop funding sources to benefit seniors in the Jackson community.

1995 - Major kitchen renovation. Spring Arbor Senior Center opened, in collaboration with Spring Arbor Township. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program launched. County Jail Food Services contracted with Department on Aging with Senior Nutrition Program.

1997 - Respite Services for Alzheimer's and dementia clients developed in collaboration with Life Ways. Friends of Jackson Seniors established an agency fund within The Jackson Community Foundation.

1998 - Personal Care Service began. Alzheimer's Respite expanded to include Dementia Screening. Department on Aging offices extended to Michigan Avenue.

1999 - Alzheimer's program expanded to include Caregiver Training. In-Home Respite consolidated with Homemaker and Personal Care services. Senior Computer Lab opened.

2000 - Depression Screen program began.

2001 - Outreach focusing on information and assistance to caregivers. Alzheimer's Program targeting support for employees caring for an older adult. Depression Screen targeting older men who are a higher risk of suicide. MEPPS ends and Elder Prescription Insurance Coverage (EPIC) begins. Caregiver Resource Library developed.

2002 - Counseling Support services for caregivers. Senior Health Promotion Project.

2003 - Alzheimer's Respite, counseling, mental health screening and gatekeeper services combined under the new title of Geriatric Mental Health Services.

2004 - Department relocated from downtown to Lansing Avenue in Jackson County Human Services Building, with Veterans Affairs, the Health Department, Guardian's Office, and MSU Extension, creating one-stop shopping for County Services.

2005 - First year the Department was able to use Senior MIllage funding to expand services. EPIC program ended and the Department began assisting with Medicare Part D enrollment.

2006 - Officially adopted Meals on Wheels as a name for the Home-Deliverer Meals program. Meals on Wheels created a diabetic-friendly diet for seniors. Health Promotion program expanded to offer Tai Chi for Arthritis classes.

2007 - Health Promotion program began offering Yoga for seniors. HOMES (Household and Outdoor Maintenance Especially for Seniors) program began using volunteers to perform basic, safety-related home repairs.