RESOURCES | For the Elderly
Supporting the Elderly
In-Home Care
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Domiciliary or "dom care": A caregiver helps with personal care, medication management, household chores, and companionship.
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Professional services: Agencies can provide a range of support, from a few hours a day to 24/7 around-the-clock care, helping with everything from errands to personal hygiene.
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Home health care: This can be provided if a doctor or other provider is involved, and services are part of a care plan. Medicare may cover these services.
Holistic Support and Well-Being
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Social and emotional support: Combating loneliness and isolation is key. Social activities, companionship, and maintaining regular communication are important for mental well-being.
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Cognitive health: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help maintain cognitive function.
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Empowering independence: Support should be provided in a way that respects the elder's autonomy. The goal is to assist, not to take over entirely.
Eldercare Locator
A public service of the U.S. Administration for Community/Living (ACL) that connects you to local services for older adults, including home care, transportation, and meal programs
Call 1-800-677-1116 pr visit the Eldercare Locator Website
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
Local non-profit agencies mandated by the Older Americans Act (OAA) that plan and coordinate a network of services for older people within their region.
Contact your local AAA through the Eldercare Locator.
BenefitsCheckUp®
A free, confidential tool provided by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) that screens for federal, state, and private benefits programs to help older adults save money on food, medicine, and healthcare.
Use the BenefitsCheckUp website to input your information and check eligibility.
Health & Long-Term Care Assistance
These programs are the cornerstones of healthcare coverage and long-term care support for seniors.
Medicare
The federal health insurance program for people 65 or older. It is divided into Parts A (Hospital), B (Medical), C (Medicare Advantage), and D (Prescription Drugs).
Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, or contact Social Security or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for enrollment help.
Medicaid
A joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income people, including many seniors. It is often the primary payer for long-term care (nursing home, home care).
Apply through your state's health or social services agency.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Provides free, unbiased, one-on-one counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their families to help them make informed decisions about their coverage.
Contact the SHIP office in your state (available through the Eldercare Locator).
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
State and local programs that advocate for the rights and well-being of residents in nursing homes, board and care, assisted living, and other residential care facilities.
Contact your state or local Ombudsman's office if you have concerns about a facility resident's health, safety, welfare, or rights.
Financial & Income Support
These resources help seniors maintain financial security and cover essential living costs.
Social Security Retirement Benefits
Provides a reliable source of monthly income based on the worker's earning history.
Apply online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website as you approach retirement age.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal monthly payments for seniors (age 65+) who have little or no income or resources.
Apply through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Formerly known as food stamps, this program provides financial assistance to eligible low-income seniors to purchase food.
Apply through your state's SNAP agency or social services office.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Federally funded program that helps low-income seniors with heating and cooling bills, home weatherization, and energy-related minor home repairs.
Contact your state or local community action agency for application periods and eligibility requirements.
IRS Elderly Tax Credit
A non-refundable tax credit for low-income seniors (age 65 or older) or retirees who are permanently and totally disabled.
Consult with a tax professional or utilize free tax preparation services like VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) for seniors.
Community, Nutrition and Legal Services
These services offer in-home support, nutrition assistance, and protection of elder rights.
OAA Nutrition Services
Includes Congregate Meals (meals served at senior centers for socialization) and Home-Delivered Meals (like Meals on Wheels) for homebound seniors to ensure proper nutrition.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or Senior Center.
Older Americans Act (OAA) Services
A range of supportive services intended to help seniors live independently, including transportation services, chore/homemaker assistance, and adult day care.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
Provides grants to states to fund various supports to help family caregivers, including counseling, respite care, support groups, and training.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
Elder Rights and Legal Assistance
Programs that provide seniors with access to legal advice and representation for issues such as wills, living wills, advance directives, financial exploitation, guardianship, and benefits appeals (Medicare/Medicaid/Social Security).
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or a local Legal Aid Society that specializes in elder law.
Adult Protective Services (APS)
State-administered social services programs that investigate abuse, neglect (including self-neglect), and financial exploitation of vulnerable older adults.
Find your state's APS contact information via the National Center on Elder Abuse or your local government website.
AARP SERVICES AND RESOURCES
Here is a comprehensive list of the services and resources provided by AARP.