The Seniors Citizens Department works to provide direct and indirect services to senior citizens to help the elderly attain and/or maintain lifelong dignity and independence.
The Department’s aim is to enhance the quality of life for Detroit senior citizens through the delivery of services designed for the elderly. Those services, provided in conjunction with various federal, state and City agencies, include:
- Distributing information on issues and services affecting seniors, referrals to health screening services, and assistance in obtaining government benefits
- Providing information and outreach services for Spanish-speaking elders, and assessing the needs of Detroit’s elder population and coordinating senior citizens-related special events
- Promoting the active involvement of seniors in the life and health of their neighborhoods
The Department has the following divisions: outreach & assistance; consumer advocacy; and special events.
The Special Events unit plans community awareness forums, educational forums, safety and health awareness program and social functions. This unit is organized to provide seniors with the opportunity to expand their social relationships and remain active participants in the community.
The Outreach and Assistance unit, a federally funded program mandated by the 1965 Older Americans Act, is the senior’s link to the community. O&A provides information and telephone assistance to older persons seeking human and social services.
The Consumer Advocacy Division provides service to consumers and businesses through education, mediation and investigation. It protects the citizens of Detroit against dishonest business practices in the sale of goods and services and provides consumer advice and assistance to the public.