Where do you turn when you need help for seniors? Family members, friends, and other caregivers strive to do the best for elderly loved ones. To help them the most, you should learn about the numerous programs that are available for them through your local, state, and the federal government.
Many people over 65 prefer to stay in their homes, rather than go into a care facility. However, in some cases, these seniors often find that independent living becomes more difficult as the years pass.
Seniors might not be aware that there are numerous programs available through the state or federal government that provide additional services for the aging population. No senior should suffer from lack of food, health care, or other severe inconveniences in the United States. If you or a loved one needs help, there are programs you should keep in mind.
Federal, State and Local Programs for Seniors
When seniors begin to have difficulty affording healthy food, getting to the store or cooking their meals, they can look to several programs. For instance:
• Meal Programs – Many communities provide hot meals served in community centers and other neighborhood facilities for seniors who can no longer cook for themselves. Your state agency on aging can help you to locate these centers.
• SNAP – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides financial assistance for food to those who have a low income and limited assets. The state administers this program, and you can reach it through your state’s Agency on Elderly Affairs and Aging.
• TEFAP – The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) also provides emergency food to seniors. For more information about eligibility, visit their site.
• Medicare Waiver – The Medicare Waiver program can help seniors who need additional medical care but wish to stay in their homes with family assistance. Your local Social Security or Medicare office can provide information on this program.
• Senior Housing – For some seniors, acquiring suitable housing can be prohibitively expensive. States have senior housing programs that can help to find affordable housing for elderly residents.
• Home Care Assistance – Many states also have assistance programs for older adults in their homes who need help with housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, lawn care and other tasks.
• Rides for Seniors – Transportation for seniors can also be arranged through state and community-run programs so that the elderly can get to doctor appointments, shopping venues, and other necessary errands. The state Office on Aging can provide information about community resources that provide transportation.
• Prescription Medicine Help – State prescription assistance programs are available to help seniors afford their life-supporting medications. Many of these programs work with Medicare to help reduce drug costs for seniors. Medicare, as well as state Offices on Aging, can help seniors apply for this aid.
Help with Senior Abuse
One of the most critical areas that state agencies can assist in is when elders are the targets of physical, mental or financial abuse by family members or by other people associated with them. These offices can step in to investigate the potential abuse case to determine if the senior is in immediate jeopardy.
They provide seniors legal help and options for more compassionate care. Your state’s Elder Abuse agency can assist with these problems.
Help for Seniors – Conclusion
If you are a senior who needs help, or if you know of a senior who is having trouble managing on his or her own, contact your state Office on Aging. You can get comprehensive information on assistance for the elderly. A caseworker can be assigned to ensure that the elder is in a safe and healthy condition.
If you are in the Colorado area and need senior care placement, learn about Applewood Our House’s Our Stepping Stones program. We can help you find a short-term or long-term solution for elder housing placement. For more info, contact Malou van Eijk at +3039569037.
