Nearly 10 thousand Americans turn 65 each day. Many are considered low income and have limited resources. This makes it difficult for them to even provide for their own basic needs. Here are some great FREE assistance resources for those that have limited personal resources.
First, the AARP is a great resource to help you find what is available to you locally. This organization’s local assistance directory can help seniors find food, housing, health and even employment. Keep reading for more information on free resources for elderly.
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Top Recommendations for Locating Free Assistance Resource Services in Your Area
When it comes to finding out what resources are available in your area, the best place to start is with the Administration on Aging. The AOA oversees community based organizations such as the Area Agencies on Aging and Aging & Disability Resource Centers.
They can provide programs and services to seniors and caregivers such as health insurance counseling, legal assistance, protection from elder abuse and help with long-term care. Also, they can help you sort through these programs. This can make it easier to find what is available and would be most beneficial to you.
Help with Housing
The US Housing and Urban Development or HUD, is another free or rebated resource for seniors that are in need of a place to live. HUD provides nearly 1 million seniors with housing through its programs. This includes public housing, multifamily subsidized housing and housing vouchers.
These communities typically include services such as housekeeping, transportation, and counseling. Visit https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts for more information.
Medical Alert and Safety For Seniors
Safety and risks of falling in the home are a large concern for aging adults. There are safety alert programs available. Many of which are free for the system itself and then a monthly fee of around $30. Medicaid does offer a rebate for this in most areas. Medical Care Alert is one company that offers a free no risk trial.
There is also an awesome Silver Alert Program available in most areas as well. This is a life saving program for those with family members suffering from Alzheimers or Dementia. As they are most likely to wander and become disoriented. For more information on Dementia, click HERE.
Free Assistance to Help with Insurance Enrollment and Programs
Sadly, many aging adults have a hard time when it comes to obtaining insurance. A great tool to help you to navigate and find what benefits available locally is Benefitscheckup.org. They are a non-profit site run by the National Council on Aging. There are over 2,500 benefit programs available to seniors nationwide.
Free or Rebated Phone Services
There are a couple different programs to help seniors obtain phones or phone services when the cant otherwise afford it, First, there is a program called “Life Line” that provides discounted or free phones to qualifying seniors. This could be a cell phone or cell phone and would be one per household.
Second, there is a program funded by the FFC called “Caption Calling” that provides free phones for those medically recognized to have hearing loss.
Free Assistance with Nutrition
There is a shocking number of aging adults that are not able to afford to even feed themselves properly. Unfortunately, hunger among low income seniors really is a big issue.
Seniors may be able to sign up for SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program). Therefore, allowing them to more readily get the nutrition they need. You may also want to look into local charities and food banks.
What Help is there Specifically for Veteran
However, navigating the VA and it’s programs can be quite strenuous. We recommend contacting a regional benefits office for assistance. Locate one here https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/division.asp?dnum=3. It is a good idea to have your veteran’s discharge papers handy when you get started.
Military veterans may be entitled to many benefits through the VA such as health care, disability compensation, burial benefits, and other financial assistance programs.
Watch Free Assistance For Elderly Care:
Medical Assistance Available to Low Income Seniors
While many seniors are on Medicare, you may not be aware that it does NOT cover vision or dental. One option is to enroll in medicaid to fill in this gap. Additionally, Dental Colleges offer services at a discounted rate.
For help receiving free hearing aids, you may want to try reaching out to your local Lion’s club Branch. Many times they have programs to assist in this or have connections to these programs.
Lastly, medication accounts for a large portion of monthly costs for seniors. Therefore, using pharmaceutical assistant programs can really help cut costs. You may also want to speak to your doctor about switching to a generic medication if at all possible.
Want to learn more about the Legal Documents you need to help your aging loved one? READ MORE