3. Meals on Wheels
For more than 50 years, Meals on Wheels' primary mission has been to deliver nutritious food to the homes of older adults and people with disabilities. But this national nonprofit service offers far more than just a warm meal.
For many older people who've become isolated, Meals on Wheels also provides a regular social contact, as recipients get up to chat with a friendly visitor. And while Meals on Wheels doesn't officially take responsibility for the people it serves beyond delivering meals, volunteers often bond with their clients and informally look out for them.
Local Meals on Wheels programs are usually run by senior centers or other community organizations. While many people think this service is only for those who are ill or have a low income, older adults and disabled people of all income levels enjoy the service, paying as they can afford.
How to find it: Meals on Wheels has chapters around the county. Go to the Meals on Wheels website and enter your zip code to find a local program. Or contact a local senior center, listed in the phone directory or online.
4. In-home caregiver or companion
Whether stopping by to help older adults with tasks such as dressing or bathing, or for casual companionship (like playing a game of hearts or sharing a movie), in-home caregivers can help older adults beat isolation and boredom.
There are in-home caregivers for every level of need, from companionship to clinical nursing. Some people use more than one type of caregiver, depending on their situation.
The key to making in-home caregiving work is balancing older adults' needs with their finances. Caregivers are usually paid by the hour, and it can become expensive. The greater the skill set required, the higher the hourly salary.
For medical assistance, older adults may be eligible for some in-home care funding from Medicare, Medicaid, or health or long-term disability insurance. Or, they may need to cover the entire cost of companion care.
How to find it: In-home caregivers can be hired independently or through an agency. Agencies are listed in the telephone directory or online (search using your location as a keyword).
Independent caregivers often advertise in newspaper or online classified ads (be sure to check their references carefully). Ask friends, senior centers, churches, and hospitals for referrals, and try using the Eldercare Locator.
I REALLY DID NOT KNOW ANYTHNG ABOUT THESE PROGRAMS. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE INFORMATION.
I was needing some direction. My parents are relying on me to assist them and keep them active. Thank you, I will check these senior center for them.
I am in the process of starting a retirement home for independent seniors and some of the suggestions as well as the contacts given are helpful and have served to fuel other types forms of inspiration! Thank you!