10 Resources Every Senior Should Know About

As retirement nears, most of us are still active. However, many seniors worry about not being able to do everything for themselves without some help. Thankfully, many resources provide services to seniors, enabling them to continue to live independently. Here are 10 valuable resources for seniors:

1. National Council on Aging

The National Council on Aging helps those age 60 and older by working with nonprofit organizations, businesses, and the government to provide services. The council’s website provides a full range of information and resources, making it easy to find programs that help seniors with financial security and healthy aging.

2. Eldercare Locator

This website connects seniors and caregivers with local organizations and resources. Where you live can determine just what sort of help is available, but Eldercare Locator makes it easy to find legal services, housing alternatives, employment services, transportation, financial assistance, and more.

3. Medicare

There’s no doubt that older age comes with the financial challenge of paying for medical care. In addition to the well-known hospital and medical insurance parts of Medicare, the program also provides prescription drug coverage, Medicare Savings for low-income seniors, and Extra Help, which reduces prescription drugs costs.

4. USA.gov

Another great financial assistance resource, USA.gov makes it easy to discover what government benefits are available. Browsing the site will show you all kinds of government assistance, which can include affordable housing, food assistance, Social Security, and help with bills, grants, and loans.

5. AARP

This nonprofit organization works to help those age 50 and over. Its website provides info on senior discounts, news, products, and healthy senior living. The AARP Foundation’s charity helps with giving seniors food, steady income, social activities, and affordable housing. Becoming an AARP member also comes with more senior discounts at many locations.

6. Local Transit Services

As age increases, getting around can become difficult. Many cities have organizations dedicated to helping seniors with transportation needs. Look into your city’s resources to see what help is available. For transportation needs in Johnson County Kansas check this link for available transportation. Johnson County Kansas Transportation 

7. Administration on Aging

The Administration on Aging manages many national programs for senior citizens, such as health insurance counseling, protection from elder abuse, legal assistance, and help with long-term care. Its many community-based organizations provide additional resources and in-person help for qualifying and applying to any of its services.

8. Benefits Checkup

A website run by the National Council of Aging, Benefits Checkup works similarly to USA.gov. The difference is that it allows seniors to input information about themselves. Then the website identifies resources that can help meet individual needs.

9. Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides and coordinates all types of assisted living a senior may need, such as personal care, social interaction, transportation, medical care, medications, and rehabilitation. To qualify, seniors must be over 55, live in a PACE service area, and have state certification to need nursing home care.

10. Meals on Wheels

For seniors, purchasing and preparing food at home can become difficult. Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals to homebound people through volunteer work. These volunteers deliver meals, provide companionship, even help with home repairs and transportation in some areas.

Related articles:

Safe sleeping guide for seniors 

Dementia and sleep disorders 

 Best medical alert systems

Sources:

http://www.aginginplace.org/10-resources-for-living-independently-as-a-senior/

https://www.everydayhealth.com/news/10-resources-every-senior-should-know-about/

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/10-government-programs-caregivers-can-access-for-their-elderly-parents-120513.htm

https://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2016/07/10-financial-resources-for-seniors/