Aging in Place: Growing Old at Home (Part 2)
Where can I look for help staying at home?
Here are some resources to start with. Also contact your employee assistance program (EAP) to see what other benefits you may be entitled to through your (or your family member's) employer.
People You Know
Family, friends, and neighbors are the biggest source of help for many older people. Talk with those close to you about the best way to get what you need. If you are physically able, think about trading services with a friend or neighbor. One could do the grocery shopping, and the other could cook dinner, for example.
Community and Local Government Resources
Learn about the services in your community. Health care providers and social workers may have suggestions. The local Area Agency on Aging, local and state offices on aging or social services, the EAP, and your tribal organization may have lists of services. If you belong to a religious group, talk with the clergy, or check with its local office about any senior services they offer.
Geriatric Care Managers
These specially trained professionals can help find resources to make your daily life easier. They will work with you to form a long-term care plan and find the services you need. Geriatric care managers can be helpful when family members live far apart.
Federal Government Sources
The federal government offers many resources for seniors. Link opens in a new windowLongtermcare.gov, from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), is a good place to start.
How much will it cost to get help at home?
An important part of planning is thinking about how you are going to pay for the help you need. Some things you want may cost a lot. Others may be free. Some might be covered by Medicare or other health insurance. Some may not. Check with your insurance provider(s). It's possible that paying for a few services out of pocket could cost less than moving into an independent living, assisted living, or long-term care facility. Plus you will have your wish of still living on your own. Resources like Link opens in a new windowBenefits.gov and BenefitsCheckUp® (Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.benefitscheckup.org/) can help you find out about possible benefits you might qualify for.
Are you eligible for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)? The VA sometimes provides medical care in your home. In some areas, they offer homemaker/home health aide services, adult day health care, and hospice. To learn more, visit Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.va.gov/, call the VA Health Care Benefits number, 1-877-222-8387 (toll-free), or contact the VA medical center nearest you.
For More Information on Aging in Place
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
1-202-872-0888
info@n4a.org
Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.n4a.org/
Department of Housing and Urban Development
1-202-708-1112
1-202-708-1455 (TTY)
Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/seniors
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
National Energy Assistance Referral Hotline (NEAR)
1-866-674-6327 (toll-free)
energyassistance@ncat.org
Link opens in a new windowhttps://liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/referral.htm
National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modifications
1-213-740-1364
homemods@usc.edu
Link opens in a new windowhttps://homemods.org/
U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Aging (NIA). (Reviewed 2017, May 1). Aging in place: Growing old at home. Retrieved October 10, 2018, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/