10 • SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2020 • CAREGIVER
Elder care resources available for those who don’t know where to look
People want to grow old
gracefully and maintain their
independence as long as
possible.
There are many decisions
to make, as well as information
to wade through to ensure
needs are met and proper
care is received through
one’s golden years.
Individuals, caregivers and
families might find that a few
helping hands along the way
can be invaluable.
Numerous elder care resources
are available for
those who don’t know where
to look.
Start by researching the
National Council on Aging
(ncoa.org). This is a national
leader and trusted association
that helps people age 60
and older.
The council works with
nonprofit organizations,
governments and businesses
to organize programs and
services at the community
level. This is a good place to
find senior programs that can
help with healthy aging —
emotionally, physically and
financially.
AARP (aarp.org) is yet
another organization dedicated
to helping seniors. The
comprehensive AARP website
offers a host of information
on everything from senior
discounts to products to
health and other information
specific to seniors.
The AARP also has an affiliated
charity that works
to help low-income seniors
procure life’s necessities.
At the local level in the
FINDING ANSWERS
United States, the federal
government has mandated
Area Agency on Aging (n4a.
org) facilities in every county/
city.
These agencies can provide
information on service programs
available to the seniors
in the area, as well as financial
resources.
These facilities give seniors
access to volunteers who can
take seniors around by car,
and some provide meals-onwheels
services.
The Administration for
Community Living (acl.org)
was established to help older
adults and people of all ages
with disabilities live where
they choose.
A network of community
based organizations helps
millions of people age in
place.
ElderCare Canada is an
advice and action consulting
service that helps seniors
with a variety of different
services.
They can offer resources on
setting up home care, finding
retirement residences, moving
or navigating the health
care system.
Military veterans, or those
who are/were married to a
veteran, might be eligible for
various benefits through the
U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs (va.gov).
The VA offers health care
services, disability compensation,
burial benefits and
much more.
Seniors have many different
resources at their disposal
that can help answer
questions or provide services
when the need arises.
THE GOLDEN YEARS
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
BY METRO
CREATIVE CONNECTION