Community Services for People 60 and Older

Most communities have programs to meet the needs of older adults. Learning about these programs can help you get the services you need.

Many types of agencies and organizations provide services to older people. The government pays for some programs. Donations or private foundations fund others. Some organizations ask people to pay fees for their services. The source of funding may affect:

• the types of services that are available
• who is eligible to receive them
• how much you pay for the service.

The Eldercare Locator

The Eldercare Locator is a good first step to finding resources for older adults in any US community. It is a public service of the US Administration on Aging. Just one phone call or Web site visit can give you an instant connection to resources that help older adults to live independently in their communities. The service can link you to state and local Area Agencies on Aging. It also links you to community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers. You can call Eldercare Locator toll-free at 1-800-677-1116 weekdays, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Eastern Time). When you call, you can find out about:

• Help in the home, such as:
  • meals brought to the home
  • needed rides
  • home healthcare
• Programs and activities, including:
  • adult daycare
  • senior center programs
  • recreation and social activities
• Other kinds of help, such as:
  • legal help
  • housing choices
  • nursing facilities
  • help to stop elder abuse.

Other places to check

Other places to check for information about services for seniors are:

• Your local Area Agency on Aging, or AAA. All AAAs keep track of the types of services available in the area.
• Your county social services department.
• Your local library. It may have a bulletin board of services. You can also look for books about the needs of older people.
• The local senior center. Many senior centers offer a hot noon meal. Or they may bring meals to the home. They may also have information about health and social services near you.
• Your place of worship. It may have services for older adults. It may also have volunteers who visit people in their homes. Ask about what help they offer.
• A private case manager or care manager to work with your family. Many care managers have backgrounds in social work or nursing. Most of their clients are people who are quite frail. Private case managers cost between $120 and $150 per hour. Some states provide case management services if you qualify. Care managers are not required to be certified or licensed. To find a care manager, ask your healthcare provider, your local hospital, or call the local Area Agency on Aging. You might also phone the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers at 520-881-8008. They can refer you to a care manager in your area.
• Your family, friends, and neighbors. Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find dependable, affordable services.