STATUS: Open

SERVICE AREA: Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Shores, and Harper Woods.

CLIENTS SERVED: Older adults, generally age 60 and older, caregivers, and families. The Wilson Day Center serves adults age 50 and older living with cognitive decline or dementia.

DESCRIPTION: The Helm at the Boll Life Center is a nonprofit senior services and community resource organization serving the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods. It helps older adults maintain independence, remain connected to their communities, and access essential services, wellness programs, and support.

SERVICES / PROGRAMS:

• Information & Assistance: Helps seniors and families navigate aging-related needs, including home caregivers, independent and assisted living, financial assistance, emergency relief, and community referrals.
• Medical Equipment Lending: Provides a medical loan closet with equipment available to borrow at no charge. Items may include wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, bath and shower aids, toileting equipment, and daily living aids. Inventory varies.
• Home Chore Program: Connects eligible homeowners age 60 and older with volunteers for one-time minor home maintenance and safety services. May include changing light bulbs, installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing furnace filters, and minor repairs. Available to Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods residents, subject to volunteer availability.
• Meals on Wheels: Delivers five meals per week to homebound residents of the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods who cannot safely prepare their own meals.
• Medical Escort Service: Provides free volunteer transportation to medical and dental appointments for qualifying residents age 60 and older who cannot use PAATS. Advance notice of at least 10 days is required.
• PAATS Transportation: Provides transportation for residents age 60 and older or people with disabilities of any age in the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods. Reservations are required, and fares range from $2–$4 each way.
• Case Coordination: Provides individualized assistance and ongoing contact for older adults who need help coordinating supportive services.
• Friendly Reassurance Program: Matches older adults with volunteers for monthly phone calls to provide companionship and help reduce social isolation.
• Medicare Assistance: Offers unbiased Medicare counseling, including help understanding coverage, comparing plans, enrollment, and identifying programs that may reduce premiums and copayments.
• Tax Preparation: Offers free tax preparation through AARP Tax-Aide for individuals with uncomplicated tax returns.
• Mutts ‘N Meows: Distributes donated pet food and supplies to older adults in the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods who have difficulty purchasing or carrying supplies for their pets.
• Support Groups: Hosts groups for caregivers, family members, and friends of people living with conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s.
• Wilson Day Center: Adult day programming for adults age 50 and older living with cognitive decline or dementia, including social activities, cognitive stimulation, meals, and caregiver respite.
• Fitness, Recreation & Lifelong Learning: Offers exercise classes, educational programs, language classes, games, social activities, and special events.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Information & Assistance: Call 313-649-2108 to discuss needs and available resources.
• Medical Equipment Lending: Call 313-649-2108 to ask about equipment availability and borrowing.
• Home Chore Program: Call 313-649-2107. Homeowners must be age 60 or older and live in the Grosse Pointes or Harper Woods.
• Meals on Wheels: Call 313-649-2105 to discuss eligibility and enrollment.
• Transportation: Call PAATS at 313-394-9712 to schedule rides. Reservations must be made at least two days in advance.
• Other services: Contact The Helm at 313-882-9600 for program details and eligibility.