Many seniors prefer to stay in their existing homes instead of moving into care homes for older people. They might choose this option to live independently and remain close to their community. Apart from that, they may also find staying in their existing home comfortable and convenient. Fortunately, there are many services available for transportation assistance, meal delivery, respite care, and other requirements that can offer seniors living alone the care they need.
Area Agencies on Aging
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a non-profit body designated by the state to address the concerns and requirements of older people at local and regional levels. More than 600 AAAs are operational across the country.
AAA is a generic term, and each AAA may be known by specific names locally. A given AAA is accountable for the seniors of a given geographic area. The primary goal of AAAs is to help seniors and those with disabilities remain in their homes and with their communities for as long as possible. AAAs enable seniors to maintain their independence and make their own decisions.
They offer a few non-medical personalized care services
- Meal planning and preparation
- Respite care for family providers
- Oral and personal hygiene
- Reminders for treatment and follow-ups
- HousekeepingÂ
- Assistance with exercise, shopping, laundry, and grocery purchases
- Bathing and dressing help
AAA services are offered free of charge. A particularly useful feature AAA offers is health and wellness-based courses to keep seniors secure and healthy. For instance, seniors can enroll in the A Matter of Balance class to learn more about building balance and preventing falls in their daily lives.
National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC)
This is another local government-driven body that aids seniors who stay alone in their homes. When seniors reach a certain age, they may choose to stop driving because of changes in their vision or other concerns. Ultimately, these individuals might find themselves confined to their homes. The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) is a technical assistance center focusing on increasing the transportation options of seniors, caregivers, and those with disabilities. This public body supports delivering quick, effective, high-quality, coordinated, and efficient transportation services through multiple modes that make the best use of federal investments.
It also offers other services. Suppose professionals and organizations needing transportation services reach out to the NADTC staff by email or phone to inform them about their specific challenges or ask questions. The technical assistance team will set up a one-on-one consultation by phone to discuss the problem or issue, offer customized help by providing links to program resources, refer individuals with the necessary experience or expert knowledge about the issue, or set up a conference call facilitated by NADTC staff to others who have handled issues or challenges similar to the inquirer’s query.
The NADTC provides information and technical assistance on specific topics and other transportation-related issues. Plus, it looks into aspects of assistance.
- Coordination
- Funding
- ADA and paratransit
- Assisted transportation
- Human services transportation
- Mobility management
- Older driver safety and transition
- Volunteer transportation
- Public transportation
Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Those over the age of 55 who meet certain eligibility criteria can use the amenities listed in PACE. This is a Medicare and Medicaid program that offers social and medical services to seniors living in their homes and local communities. Some of the services offered by PACE are meal preparation, chore help, and transportation.
The eligibility criteria for PACE are quite simple.
- The beneficiaries must be aged 55 or older.
- They must be eligible for nursing home care.
- They should be able to live safely in the community.
- They must live in the PACE organization’s service area.
This program is for Medicare and Medicaid-eligible enrollees.
Meal delivery programs
These services bring fresh, cooked meals straight to the door of seniors in need. Those who want to cook alone can subscribe to specially designed meal kit programs. Seniors will receive pre-portioned ingredients and simple recipes for multiple weekly meals through these programs. Certain companies, such as Home Chef, offer meal kit delivery services at very low rates.
While some meal delivery programs for seniors are free or extremely cheap, others require payment. For example, certain Medicaid or Medicare Advantage health insurance plans provide access to nutritious meals. Meals on Wheels is a well-known organization that provides meals to seniors for reduced or zero fees.
This organization partners with the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to implement the Home-Delivered Nutrition Program, a provision of the Older Americans Act (OAA). Since this service is generally free, the company relies on public donations and funding to maintain its operations. Most delivery partners are volunteers. Sometimes, meals on Wheels charges a specific fee based on an older person’s circumstances.
ARCH National Respite Locator
This option is useful for those who need momentary assistance, as many may not need long-term solutions or care. Respite services provide short-term care at home, an adult daycare center, or a senior care facility. They typically charge per hour or by the number of days or weeks they provide care, which is useful for giving caregivers a much-needed break.
Medicare covers the cost of up to five consecutive days of respite care in a skilled nursing facility or hospital. Medicaid is also likely to provide payment assistance. Those who want these services must contact Medicare and Medicaid representatives to learn more about their coverage. Generally, private health insurance providers do not offer coverage for respite care services. Specific long-term care insurance policies may cover the expense.
Aging Life Care Association
Seniors or caregivers can contact this association by visiting its website or calling 520-881-8008. This association is useful for providing seniors with geriatric care services. Geriatric care managers are licensed experts who specialize in geriatrics or care for older adults. They work with older adults and their families to create care plans for them.
The experts make home visits to suggest services, address emotional concerns, provide support, discuss complex issues, evaluate home care needs, coordinate health services, and evaluate potential living arrangements. They also offer stress relief to caregivers.
Geriatric services tend to be on the pricier side. They charge by the hour and are not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance companies.
