MIFA’s senior programs address quality-of-life issues and help sustain the independence of seniors in Shelby, Tipton, Fayette and Lauderdale counties.

• Handyman dispatches staff, contractors and volunteers to help low-income senior citizen homeowners with minor, critical home repairs and to build wheelchair ramps for the disabled. 527-0208, ext. 425

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents of nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and residential care homes throughout Shelby, Tipton, Fayette and Lauderdale counties. Through regular visits by staff and specially trained volunteers to facilities, the program investigates complaints and monitors the residents’ quality of life, care and rights. 527-0208, ext. 215

• Meals provides more than 2,300 seniors a hot, nutritious meal each weekday and on certain Saturdays throughout the year. As MIFA’s largest program, it takes more than $3 million annually and approximately 100 volunteers daily to make this program a reality. Meals is affiliated with the national Meals on Wheels Association of America. 529-4513 to volunteer

• Transit helps seniors get to and from doctors’ appointments, pharmacies, banks, congregate meals sites and grocery stores. 527-0061

• Senior Companion pairs active, low-income seniors with homebound, disabled or critically ill peers. Companions provide respite to family caregivers and assist with errands such as grocery shopping, bill paying and other daily living tasks that promote independent living. 529-4535

MIFA's services to seniors are made possible through many private donations and funding from the Aging Commission of the Mid-South, the Corporation for National and Community Service, the City of Memphis and the Tennessee Department of Transportation.