Living at Home as You Get Older in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Most older adults in Grand Rapids want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. Aging in place can help you maintain your independence, stay connected to your neighborhood, and enjoy the people and routines you love.

In West Michigan, where winters are cold and icy and summers are warm and humid, planning ahead is especially important for staying safe and comfortable at home.

This guide explains practical ways older adults in Grand Rapids can keep living at home safely, with information on local resources, transportation, home care, and safety tips.

Staying Active, Engaged, and Independent

Maintaining a healthy and active mind is just as important as looking after your physical health.

  • Keep doing hobbies you enjoy—gardening, quilting, fishing, woodworking, reading, church activities, or volunteering.
  • If you’re finding it hard to continue a hobby (for example, winter makes it harder to walk outside or drive to a class), talk with your family, friends, or caregiver about how they can help you keep it up.
  • Look for senior programs through:
    • Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation
    • Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
    • Local senior centers and church groups

Staying socially connected helps prevent loneliness and depression, which are common concerns for older adults in Michigan, especially during long, dark winters.

Staying Connected in Grand Rapids

Strong social, family, and community connections are key to maintaining your independence and overall health.

  • Keep going to family gatherings, social groups, and community activities you enjoy.
  • Consider:
    • Senior groups at local churches
    • Classes and events at the Grand Rapids Public Library
    • Programs through the Kent County Senior Millage partners
    • Volunteer opportunities at local hospitals like Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids

To stay connected and independent, you’ll need safe and reliable ways to get to the places you want to go.

Transportation Options for Older Adults in Grand Rapids

Driving as You Get Older

You don’t have to stop driving just because you’re getting older. In Michigan, your health and driving ability—not your age—determine whether you can safely keep your driver’s license.

Older drivers can be as safe as other age groups when:

  • Vision and hearing are checked regularly
  • Medications do not cause drowsiness or confusion
  • Reaction time and mobility are good enough for safe driving

You may decide to stop driving on your own, or your doctor may recommend a driving assessment if you:

  • Have health problems that affect your vision, memory, or movement
  • Feel uncertain or anxious behind the wheel
  • Have had recent near-misses or fender benders

Talk with your primary care doctor at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health if you’re unsure about driving safely. They can refer you for a driving or occupational therapy assessment.

When You No Longer Drive

Even if you stop driving, you can still stay independent and socially active in Grand Rapids:

  • Ask family, friends, neighbors, or your caregiver for rides
  • Use taxis or ride-share services (like Uber or Lyft)
  • Explore senior transportation programs through:
    • The Rapid (Grand Rapids’ public transit system)
    • Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
    • Kent County community and faith-based organizations

The Rapid offers:

  • Fixed-route buses with priority seating for older adults
  • Paratransit services (GO!Bus) for people with disabilities who cannot use regular buses

Visit The Rapid’s website or call their customer service line to learn about eligibility, routes, and reduced fare options for seniors.

Looking After Yourself at Home

As you get older, you may find it harder to look after yourself or keep up with household chores—especially during winter, when ice, snow, and fewer daylight hours can increase fall risk and fatigue.

You or someone you care for may need extra support if:

  • Meals are skipped or nutrition is poor
  • The house is becoming dirty or cluttered
  • Bathing, dressing, or toileting are being neglected
  • Laundry, dishes, or trash are piling up

If you notice these signs, it may be time to change how things are done at home.

Professional Help to Stay Independent

Your doctor may recommend:

  • Occupational therapy – to suggest equipment or home modifications that make daily tasks easier
  • Physical therapy – to improve strength, balance, and mobility, especially important in icy Michigan winters

Ask your doctor at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health for referrals.

Home Care Services in Grand Rapids

There are many home care services in Grand Rapids that can help you stay in your home safely:

Basic home help may include:

  • Meal preparation or delivered meals
  • Light housekeeping (dishes, dusting, vacuuming)
  • Laundry and changing bed linens
  • Grocery shopping and errands
  • Transportation to medical appointments

Higher-level care may include:

  • Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming
  • Medication reminders or management
  • Home nursing care (wound care, injections, monitoring chronic conditions)
  • Respite care to give family caregivers a break

Talk to:

  • Your primary care doctor
  • The Kent County Health Department
  • Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
  • Grand Rapids Public Health resources

They can help you find local home care agencies and programs you may qualify for based on your income, health needs, and insurance.

Meal and Nutrition Support

If cooking is becoming difficult, you have several options in the Grand Rapids area:

  • Meals on Wheels and other senior nutrition programs
  • Delivered meals from local restaurants or grocery stores
  • Meal delivery services (frozen or fresh)
  • Home care aides who can prepare meals in your kitchen

Good nutrition is especially important in Michigan winters when we’re less active and at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency and seasonal illnesses.

Making Your Grand Rapids Home Safer

There are many ways to keep living safely and independently at home.

Fall Prevention and Home Safety Tips

  • Use bright, high-wattage light bulbs in hallways, stairways, and entryways
  • Remove or secure loose rugs and carpets
  • Fix or replace unsteady furniture
  • Keep walkways and stairs clear of clutter
  • In winter:
    • Make sure sidewalks and steps are shoveled and salted
    • Ask family or hire help for snow removal
    • Wear non-slip boots when going outside

Install Handrails and Mobility Aids

Consider adding:

  • Handrails on both sides of stairs
  • Grab bars in the bathroom (by the toilet, in the shower or tub)
  • Non-slip mats in tubs and showers
  • Raised toilet seats or shower chairs
  • Ramps or railings at entryways

An occupational therapist can assess your home and recommend appropriate modifications.

Maintain Heaters and Appliances

Michigan winters mean heavy use of heating systems. To stay safe:

  • Have all heaters, furnaces, and appliances serviced regularly
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms
  • Use safety switches and timers on electrical or gas devices
  • Never use ovens or grills to heat your home

Personal Alarm and Emergency Call Services

If you are worried about falling or needing help during the night, a personal alarm can provide peace of mind for you and your family.

Options include:

  • Personal emergency response systems (PERS) with a wearable button (pendant or wristband) that connects you to a 24/7 call center
  • Telephones or mobile phones that:
    • Can be programmed to automatically call or text several numbers when a button is pressed
    • Have large buttons and amplified sound for people with hearing or vision challenges

You can:

  • Search online for “personal alarm services Grand Rapids MI” or “medical alert systems Michigan”
  • Ask your doctor, social worker, or home care agency for recommendations

If you have trouble seeing things that need fixing—like broken outlets or loose railings—ask a trusted family member or friend to do regular safety checks around your home.

Daily Check-Ins and Community Watch

Arranging regular check-ins can help you stay safe and independent:

  • Ask family, friends, or neighbors to:
    • Call or text daily
    • Stop by a few times a week
  • Set up simple “I’m okay” signals, such as:
    • Opening a certain blind every morning
    • Bringing in the mail or newspaper regularly

If mail or newspapers start piling up, it can alert neighbors or family that you may need help.

Some neighborhoods and senior housing communities in Grand Rapids organize informal community watch or “buddy” systems for older residents.

When Daily Tasks Become Overwhelming

Sometimes, even simple tasks can feel overwhelming:

  • Remembering to take medication
  • Feeding pets
  • Changing lightbulbs
  • Weeding the garden or mowing the lawn
  • Taking out the trash or recycling

These are common challenges as we age, and you are not alone.

Home care services in Grand Rapids can assist with:

  • Medication reminders
  • Pet care support (feeding, litter box, short walks)
  • Light home maintenance and yard work (or referrals to trusted local services)

Talk with your doctor, a social worker, or the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan about what you need help with. They can connect you with local programs and services.

How Family and Caregivers Can Help

If you are caring for an older adult in Grand Rapids, ask them directly what they need help with:

  • Shopping and meal prep
  • Transportation to appointments or church
  • Taking out the bins and recycling
  • Cleaning the bathroom and kitchen
  • Managing mail and bills

What seems like a small task to you may feel very difficult for them. Work together to:

  • Make the home safer
  • Arrange regular check-ins
  • Explore home care or respite care options

Family members may need to accept some level of risk so that the older adult can maintain independence, confidence, and self-esteem.

Local Grand Rapids & Michigan Resources

For information on aging at home, home care services, and senior support in Grand Rapids and West Michigan, consider:

  • Your primary care doctor (GP)

    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health

  • Kent County Health Department

    • Public health services, vaccinations, and community programs

  • Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

    • Help finding home care, transportation, meals, caregiver support, and safety programs

  • Grand Rapids Public Health and local senior centers

    • Classes, exercise programs, social activities

  • Carer and caregiver support organizations in Michigan

    • Respite care and support groups for family caregivers

These organizations can help you understand your options, apply for programs you may qualify for, and connect you to trusted local providers.

Key Points for Older Adults Living at Home in Grand Rapids

  • Maintaining a healthy and active mind is essential—keep doing hobbies and activities you enjoy.
  • Stay connected to family, friends, and community through gatherings, faith communities, and local programs.
  • You don’t have to stop driving just because you’re older; your health and driving ability matter most.
  • If driving is no longer safe, use transportation services like The Rapid, ride-shares, and senior ride programs.
  • Use home modifications, safety checks, and personal alarms to reduce fall risk and stay safe—especially in Michigan’s icy winters.
  • Home care services in Grand Rapids can help with meals, housework, personal care, and nursing so you can continue living at home.

With the right support, planning, and local resources, many older adults in Grand Rapids, Michigan can safely and confidently continue living at home as they age.