Caring for aging parents can be a full-time around the clock job. But when you still have your own career or maybe older children at home, making ends meet can be challenging.
The good news is there are many resources at your disposal that can help you care for your aging parents. Whether you are looking for in-home care for elderly parents or maybe government assistance, you have options. Read on to learn more about resources and organizations that help senior citizens.
Where Can You Find Resources?
Before we start our list of resources for helping elderly parents, it’s important to know where you can find resources. While the internet can be an excellent source, there may be additional resources in your area that can’t be found on the internet.
Remember, the internet has only been around for about 20 years, and many organizations don’t yet have a large presence. Check your local community center or church for additional resources. Also, ask around; you never know when a friend or family member may know of a resource that you don’t!
Don’t be afraid to use multiple resources. In-home care for the elderly is a tough job, and it takes a village sometimes to make things happen.
Associations and Organizations that Help Senior Citizens
Even if your parents don’t yet live with you, there are many organizations they can seek help from. Below are many nationwide organizations that help senior citizens go about life.
1. AARP
Most neighborhoods have an AARP branch. AARP focuses on advocacy for seniors and provides many helpful articles and resources for caregivers.
AARP has a membership you can join for a few dollars a year, which gives you access to discounts at many restaurants, pharmacies, and retailers. AARP also provides health and dental plans for members who may have found their coverage has lapsed.
AARP is one of the most established organizations on our list and is a good catch-all place to start for those feeling overwhelmed.
2. ACAP
ACAP is an organization for Adult Children of Aging Parents, and it has many resources for caregivers. While anyone can enjoy the online content available, those living near Bergen County, NJ, can enjoy in-person seminars and classes on family elder care topics.
3. Alzheimer’s Association
Afraid your loved one might be showing signs of Alzheimer’s Disease? The Alzheimer’s Association can provide valuable resources to help you spot the signs, ask for treatment plans, and more.
4. National Alliance for Caregiving
The National Alliance for Caregiving is an advocacy group that mainly provides information on caring for your aging parent.
5. National Council on Aging
Not sure where to start? The National Council on Aging has a service that checks what benefits you or your elderly parent may qualify for. It can be a good place to start for those new to elderly care.
In-Home Care for Elderly Resources
Looking for someone to come to the home of your aging parent a few times a week? Here are some resources when you are looking for a caregiver for elderly parents, whether in your home or theirs.
1. Aging Life Care Association
The Aging Life Care Association helps match seniors with local caregiving professionals based on needs. You will have to pay for these caregivers out of pocket, but they can help fill a gap left by government care plans or provide coverage for a vacation and more.
2. Family Caregiver Alliance
The Family Caregiver Alliance is a group that helps support those who are caregivers of an adult with a physical or cognitive impairment. Their site has the Family Care Navigator, which can help connect you to tailored resources in your state.
Also, check out their FCA CareNav, which is a personalized portal that can provide tips and videos to boost your knowledge on helping elderly parents.
3. Eldercare Locator
Eldercare Locator is a website that can help you find government agencies in your area that provide help for the elderly. They also can link you to transportation and housing benefits.
Transportation Resources for the Elderly
Losing the ability to drive and get themselves from place to place can be tough for a senior. It can also be hard on you and your family. Below are resources to help with transporting your parents around when you can’t.
1. Independent Transportation Network
Independent Transportation Network is a non-profit organization that drives seniors to appointments and meetings. While you do have to pay a membership fee, it can help take the pressure off you and your family tremendously.
2. Uber/Lyft
If your parent is still mobile and able to get in and out of a car on their own, scheduling an Uber or Lyft to get them to and from an appointment can take a lot of pressure off their shoulders.
3. GoGoGrandparent
Similar to Uber and Lyft, GoGoGrandparent is for parents who are still able to get in and out of the car on their own. It does allow room for a walker or wheelchair, though, that a Lyft may not.
4. iTNAmerica
iTNAmerica is a full-service transportation company that can help with non-mobile seniors or those who need more help in and out of a vehicle. It isn’t available nationwide just yet but can be a huge help if you live in one of their serviced cities.
Meal Resources for Elderly Parents
There may come a time when your parents can still live alone but can’t cook for themselves every day. The next few resources can help you get your parent’s nutritious meals on a daily or weekly basis.
1. Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is a nationwide program that can help you find local companies in your area that will deliver meals for free (or for a small fee). The services will vary depending on your location, but most deliver meals on a weekly basis, and some can even perform check-ins and provide pet food when available.
2. Factor
While you have likely heard of services like HelloFresh, which provide you with ingredients to cook directly to your door, Factor takes cooking out of the equation and delivers meals that just need to be microwaved. They also have keto and vegetarian options.
3. Mom’s Meals
Mom’s Meals is similar to Factor, however, they are often covered under Medicare Advantage Plans as well as Medicaid Plans. If your parent doesn’t have any of those, you can still order Mom’s meals, you’ll just need to select self-pay and cover the cost yourself.
The cool thing about Mom’s Meals is they are specifically geared toward seniors, and they offer pureed meals for seniors who cannot eat solid food.
Law Resources for Elderly Parent Caregivers
It can be hard to face, but sometimes elderly parents are victims of abuse by caregivers or may experience sudden-onset dementia, which makes them unable to speak for themselves. When this is the case, you may need law assistance. Below are lawyers who specialize in elderly law.
1. National Elder Law Foundation
The National Elder Law Foundation can help you to find an attorney who specializes in elder care in your area.
2. Administration on Aging
The Administration on Aging is a government program that provides resources to caregivers. They also offer health insurance counseling as well as legal assistance.
Government Assistance Resources for the Elderly
When money is a problem, some of your only options for help may be programs sponsored by the government. Below are some government assistance for caregivers of elderly parents resources to have on hand.
1. Benefits.gov
This website isn’t necessarily a benefit in itself, but it can help you find out what benefits your elderly parent, or you as their caregiver, may qualify for.
2. Department of Veterans Affairs
If your parents ever served in the military, they likely qualify for some sort of help through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Most large cities have a facility that can provide medical care and additional benefits for your parents.
3. Healthfinder.gov
Not sure what kind of checkups your parents need? This government site can help to point you in the right direction.
4. Medicaid/Medicare
Health insurance can become a huge problem as your parents age. Medicaid is medical benefits your parents could receive from the government, while Medicare is government-sponsored health insurance. Take a look at both programs to see if your parents qualify.
5. National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
This US government site can help you to find referrals in your area for help with elderly care.
6. Supplemental Security Income
If social security isn’t enough for your parents’ living costs, take a look at SSI, which can help your parents get a larger benefit.
7. PACE
PACE is a government-sponsored program that combines Medicare and Medicaid to create an at-home living plan for your elderly parent. PACE is meant as an alternative to nursing home living and is only for elderly parents who would need a long-term care facility without the program. But regardless, PACE is a great option for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease but don’t have the funds for resident care facilities.
Overall, we hope this list has been helpful in connecting you with the resources you need to care for your elderly parent. Remember, you aren’t alone in the journey, and there are many people waiting to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask for it!
Want more information on caring for your elderly parents? Check out our 10 Tips for Caring for Elderly Parents in Your Home.
