Ways to Help Seniors
Pew Research Center Estimate of U.S. adults in 2020 over age 59 were living alone and that number is growing every day as baby boomers Age. The good news is there are many resources available to seniors. Unfortunately, those living alone — Even with their adult children — might not know where to find Assistance. The following summarizes an all-in-one guide to such resources available published by the National Council on Aging (NCOA). It’s titled “Resources and Support for Older Adults Living Alone: A Comprehensive Guide,” which provides connections for seniors, their adult children and caregivers. NCOA full report is available on their website outlined here.
—Benefits Check Up: This is a simple online search service, which can be done anonymously. You’ll easily find out if you may be eligible for key benefits programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS, or “Extra Help”), among others.
Pride should not stand in the way of accessing these programs, as many are designed for seniors who have financial issues/difficulties. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, poverty increased among adults aged 65 and older from 8.9% in 2020 to 10.3% in 2021. NCOA estimates that $30 billion in available assistance goes unclaimed each year.
Help is available through these Federal programs for everything from buying groceries and medicines to advice on cutting Medicare costs. This section of the NCOA website can connect you to a nearby Benefits Enrollment Center, helpful if you’re worried about working on a computer.
—Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): These are public or private nonprofit agencies, designated by the states to address the needs and concerns of all older persons at the regional and local levels. There may be local, city, or state agencies, that can be found through an online search for your nearest agency, as well as your state agency. The NCOA website also has a link to a search for agencies that are designed to connect seniors to benefits they deserve.
Whether you’re looking for subsidized senior housing, or resources to stay in your home, your local area agency can help. They provide access to homemaker services and Meals-On-Wheels food preparation services. They can provide transportation assistance for medical appointments, and even serve as a resource in case of suspected elder abuse.
—Eldercare Locator: This is an online search tool at www.eldercare.acl.gov. It’s offered as a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. By simply entering your zip code, it will connect you to services for older adults and their families. You can also call their hotline t 800-677-1116. And speak with an information specialist Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. ET.
These services include assistance with housing, transportation, health insurance and medical needs. It is also a vital link to information and reporting regarding elder abuse, whether physical , emotional and/ or financial.
—PACE Programs: Programs for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly are available in many states. Go to NPAOnline.org, and search by zip code. This is a program to coordinate at-home nursing care for qualifying elderly who prefer to stay in their homes. If that is possible, it is typically far less costly and more desirable than a Medicaid-funded nursing facility. But by the time a senior need this help, especially if living alone, it requires an agency to coordinate nursing care and other medical needs. PACE programs help do just that.
A warning note: If you use online searches, you are likely to be connected to commercial services, offering everything from help finding assisted living to selling you burial insurance! Be sure you are dealing with one of the nonprofits mentioned above.
If anything, the real issue is connecting seniors to the help that exists. If you’re a senior without computer skills, turn to your local public library. The professional librarians there have all these websites literally at their fingertips and are a wonderful resource for in-person support.
NOTE 1. What Is BenefitsCheckUp® is the nation’s most comprehensive online tool to connect older adults and people with disabilities to benefits. We'll make it easy to see if you may be eligible—and then help you find out where to apply online or how to get help from a benefits counselor.
Resources and Support for Older Adults Living Alone: A Comprehensive Guide (2023)
This is a comprehensive guide of resources for older adults living alone, empowering them to thrive independently and access essential services.
Key Takeaways
- A variety of organizations offer programs and services tailored to the needs of older adults, including financial assistance, health care support, and social engagement opportunities.
- Resources, such as the Eldercare Locator and the National Directory for Home Modification and Repair, provide valuable information and connections to local resources.
- Programs, like Meals on Wheels, ensure access to nutritious meals and social support for older adults living alone.
- Medical alert systems and technological tools can enhance safety and provide peace of mind for older adults living independently.
As you age, living alone can present various challenges, including social isolation, limited access to essential services, and potential health risks. Approximately 27% of U.S. adults aged 60 and older were living alone in 2020, according to the Pew Research Center, and this number is projected to increase as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age. [1] These individuals may face difficulties with daily activities, such as transportation, meal preparation, and home maintenance—all of which have a direct impact on their overall health and wellness.
As the population of older adults continues to grow, so does the number of individuals who choose to live independently as they age. [2]Our Reviews Team has provided a comprehensive guide to the various programs, services, and organizations catering to the needs of older adults living alone. By highlighting the importance of community engagement, social connections, and access to essential services, this guide demonstrates how specific organizations and tools can help older adults successfully age in place.
What to consider to age in place successfully
Older adults living alone (and those who support them) have a unique (but common) set of concerns to take into consideration: [3]
- Finances: This can be a significant consideration for older adults living alone. Nearly 22 million Americans aged 60 and older are experiencing financial insecurity. This financial vulnerability can impact your ability to access essential resources and services.
- Medication management: Data shows almost 90% of older adults regularly take at least one prescription drug, while almost 80% take at least two, and 36% take at least five. [4] Adhering to medication regimens can be challenging, leading to potential risks and complications. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated one in five prescription medications were never filled, and among those that were filled, 50% were taken incorrectly. [5]
- Activities of daily living (ADLs): Activities of Daily Living are essential tasks older adults need to perform independently to maintain their daily routines and quality of life. ADLs include activities, like bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and mobility. [6] Aging adults living alone may face challenges in carrying out these activities.
Assistive devices, like grab bars, shower chairs, and mobility aids, can enhance safety and independence, and occupational therapists can provide evaluations and training to improve skills for performing ADLs. Amy Reid, director of marketing at Accessible Systems, a Lifeway Mobility Company, a home modification and accessibility equipment company in Englewood, Colorado, offered advice for those aging in place. “Make an accessibility plan and start executing that plan before it is needed.” She recommended starting in the bathroom, where falls are more than twice as likely to result in an injury compared to falls in the living room., a home modification and accessibility equipment company in Englewood, Colorado, offered advice for those aging in place. “Make an accessibility plan and start executing that plan before it is needed.” She recommended starting in the bathroom, where falls are more than twice as likely to result in an injury compared to falls in the living room.
“We offer integrated grab bars, which are combination towel racks or toilet paper holders that also function as grab bars.” She also advised making sure any initial home evaluation you obtain from a home modification company like hers is free. “Do not let a company charge you for that service.” Most reputable companies will offer this service at no cost.
- Transportation: Transportation directly impacts your ability to access essential services (especially health care), maintain social connections, and engage in community activities, so it’s an important consideration as mobility issues and declining driving ability become bigger obstacles as we age. According to a survey, more than one in five Americans 65 and older don’t drive, and 600,000 people stop driving every year. [8] Yet, access to transportation is a top social determinant of health. [9] The same survey also found 40% of older adults can’t do the activities or chores they need to get done because they don’t have transportation, leaving them feeling isolated and frustrated, which are risk factors for depression.
- Housekeeping: Maintaining a clean and organized living environment can boost your mental and physical health, including a decrease in stress, reduction in tripping hazards, improvement in overall health, and increase in independence. [10] But physical limitations or health conditions may make it challenging for older adults to perform household tasks independently.
- Food: Adequate nutrition plays a key role in maintaining physical strength, managing chronic conditions, and preventing malnutrition. Older adults may face challenges obtaining and preparing nutritious meals due to physical limitations, transportation barriers, or limited access to grocery stores. It’s estimated at least half of non-institutionalized older adults need nutritional intervention to improve their health, and 85% have one or more chronic diseases, which could improve with correct nutrition. [11]
- Health care: Regular medical care, preventive screenings, and timely management of chronic conditions are essential. [12] Unfortunately, many aging adults face barriers, such as lack of health insurance, poor access to transportation, and limited health care resources, which prevent or limit access to needed health care services. [13]
- Social engagement: Social engagement plays a significant role in your overall quality of life. An advisory from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy reported loneliness is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. Murthy wrote: “The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.” [14]Maintaining social connections and participating in community activities can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. By actively participating in these social engagement opportunities, older adults can experience improved mental well-being, a sense of belonging, and an enriched social life. [15] “Even the act of learning how to use technology—and helping others use it—has great cognitive benefits too!” said Christopher Norman, a geriatric nurse practitioner based in New York State.
Resources for older adults living alone
Although there may be plenty of challenges to living alone as you age, many resources exist to help. We’ve detailed 12 specific organizations and tools we find particularly noteworthy and helpful:
NCOA
National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a leading organization dedicated to improving the lives of older adults in the United States. It offers a wide range of services and resources specifically designed to support older adults living alone. The organization’s programs include health promotion, economic security, and social engagement. specifically designed to support older adults living alone. The organization’s programs include health promotion, economic security, and social engagement.
The NCOA BenefitsCheckUp tool is a valuable resource designed to help older adults identify potential benefits and programs they may be eligible for based on their individual circumstances. This tool assists in accessing benefits, such as prescription drug assistance, energy assistance, and nutrition programs. Additionally, the organization’s Center for Healthy Aging provides evidence-based health promotion programs, which address chronic conditions, falls prevention, and medication management. The NCOA Falls Free Checkup tool allows you to periodically assess your falls risk and learn how to reduce it., falls prevention, and medication management. The NCOA Falls Free Checkup tool allows you to periodically assess your falls risk and learn how to reduce it.
Through the organization’s advocacy efforts, NCOA also works to improve policies and programs that directly impact the lives of older adults living alone. By championing initiatives related to health care, economic security, and access to essential services, NCOA plays a pivotal role in shaping policies to support aging adults’ independence and welfare.
AARP
AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and improving the lives of individuals aged 50 and older. AARP provides a wide range of resources, programs, and advocacy efforts, which can benefit older adults living alone.
The organization offers a robust information and support network with valuable resources on topics, like health conditions, finances, social security, and Medicare. The website offers articles, guides, and tools specifically tailored to the needs of older adults, providing them with valuable information to make informed decisions and navigate various aspects of their lives., social security, and Medicare. The website offers articles, guides, and tools specifically tailored to the needs of older adults, providing them with valuable information to make informed decisions and navigate various aspects of their lives.
Working to protect the rights and interests of older adults, AARP advocacy efforts aim to influence policies promoting affordable health care, financial security, and access to necessary services. The organization addresses issues such as Social Security, Medicare, and age discrimination, ensuring the voices and needs of older adults are represented at local, state, and national levels.
With a yearly membership starting at $12 per year, AARP offers a range of benefits and discounts, including savings on health care services, travel, and entertainment. These benefits can help older adults living alone manage their expenses and enjoy a fulfilling and active lifestyle.
Area agencies on aging
Area agencies on aging (AAAs) are local organizations providing valuable resources to older adults and their families by serving as a central point of contact for accessing information and assistance related to aging and independent living. “Area agency on aging” is a generic term, which means specific names of local AAAs may vary.
AAAs can connect you to various resources, such as access to case management, caregiver support, transportation assistance, and home-based assistance. The organization can connect older adults with community-based programs that provide nutrition services, home repairs, and social activities. AAAs often conduct assessments to determine an individual’s needs and develop personalized care plans to address those needs effectively. Additionally, these organizations can help older adults navigate the complex landscape of health care and long-term care options, providing guidance and support in accessing the necessary services.
AAAs advocate for older adults within their communities by collaborating with local service providers, health care organizations, and community groups to ensure the availability of resources and support systems. These organizations also play a vital role in coordinating and disseminating information about events, workshops, and educational opportunities to promote healthy aging and independent living.
National Institute on Aging
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is one of the 27 institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It’s a leading governmental research center dedicated to studying and addressing the health and well-being of older adults. The NIA plays a significant role in supporting older adults living alone through its research, resources, and educational initiatives.
The organization conducts and supports research, including studies on age-related diseases, cognitive health, and caregiving. The research findings provide valuable insights into aging processes and contribute to developing evidence-based interventions and treatments for older adults. Through this research, the NIA aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life for older adults.
In addition, the NIA provides a wealth of resources and information for older adults, caregivers, and health care professionals. The website offers educational materials, fact sheets, and publications on a wide range of topics related to aging, like healthy aging, exercise, nutrition, managing chronic conditions, and caregiving.
The NIA also supports public outreach and education programs to disseminate knowledge, including workshops, conferences, and webinars to educate health care professionals, researchers, and the general public about aging-related research and best practices in care. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the NIA contributes to a better understanding of aging and helps to improve the lives of older adults living alone.
Programs for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Programs for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly are comprehensive health care programs designed to meet the needs of older adults who require nursing home-level care but prefer, and are motivated to, live in their own homes or communities. PACE programs provide a coordinated and person-centered approach to care, covering medical, social, and long-term care services.
PACE programs are available to individuals aged 55 and older, who meet their state’s eligibility criteria for nursing home care, and live in a PACE service area. These programs offer a wide range of services, including primary and specialty health care, prescription medications, rehabilitation services, social activities, transportation, and support for activities of daily living., including primary and specialty health care, prescription medications, rehabilitation services, social activities, transportation, and support for activities of daily living.
One of the key features of PACE programs is the interdisciplinary care team. This team comprises health care professionals, such as doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, and other specialists, who develop and implement individualized care plans for each participant. The care team ensures participants receive coordinated and comprehensive care, addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs.
PACE programs are typically funded through Medicare and Medicaid, making them accessible to individuals with limited financial resources. These programs focus on preventive care and managing chronic conditions and are designed to improve health outcomes and reduce the need for hospitalizations or institutional care. By providing integrated and person-centered care, PACE programs offer older adults living alone the support they need to age in place while receiving necessary health care and support services., making them accessible to individuals with limited financial resources. These programs focus on preventive care and managing chronic conditions and are designed to improve health outcomes and reduce the need for hospitalizations or institutional care. By providing integrated and person-centered care, PACE programs offer older adults living alone the support they need to age in place while receiving necessary health care and support services.
Eldercare Locator
Eldercare Locator is a free public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting you to community resources and services for older adults and their families. It helps older adults and their caregivers find local resources related to health, support services, housing, insurance and benefits, transportation, and elder rights. By dialing the toll-free number (800-677-1116), emailing eldercarelocator@n4a.org, or using the online chat feature, you can connect with trained information and referral specialists, who will provide personalized assistance based on your specific needs and location. Eldercare Locator is a centralized hub of information and connections to resources in communities across the United States., insurance and benefits, transportation, and elder rights. By dialing the toll-free number (800-677-1116), emailing eldercarelocator@n4a.org, or using the online chat feature, you can connect with trained information and referral specialists, who will provide personalized assistance based on your specific needs and location. Eldercare Locator is a centralized hub of information and connections to resources in communities across the United States.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is a well-known national program providing nutritious meals and social support to older adults living alone who cannot prepare meals themselves. It serves as a lifeline for many older adults, ensuring they can access regular, balanced meals and friendly visits from volunteers and staff. The interactions between volunteers and recipients offer companionship and a valuable social connection for older adults who may be isolated. The program typically offers both hot and frozen meal options, accommodating various dietary needs and preferences, even medically-tailored meals. Meals on Wheels also serves as a safety check, as volunteers can identify and report any potential health or safety concerns they observe during their visits.
HealthFinder
HealthFinder is an online resource provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offering a wide range of health information and tools for individuals of all ages. This tool serves as a valuable resource for older adults to access reliable and evidence-based information, which includes various health topics, benefits and compensation, housing, and transportation. It also offers easy-to-understand articles, videos, and interactive tools to help older adults make informed decisions about their health.. It also offers easy-to-understand articles, videos, and interactive tools to help older adults make informed decisions about their health.
One of the key features of HealthFinder is its preventive services recommendations through the MyHealthFinder tool. The service provides guidelines on screenings, immunizations, and preventive care specifically recommended for older adults. HealthFinder also offers other online tools, such as health quizzes and interactive checklists, which can help older adults assess their health status, identify potential risk factors, and make informed decisions about their health care needs.
Guide for Long-Term Care for Veterans
The Veteran Affairs (VA) Guide for Long-Term Care is a valuable resource providing information and assistance tailored to veterans who may require long-term care services, like nursing home care, assisted living facilities, and home-based care programs. It provides guidance on eligibility criteria, application processes, and available benefits, such as the Aid and Attendance pension benefit, which may help veterans offset the costs of long-term care. Additionally, the guide highlights specialized long-term care programs and services the VA offers, such as geriatric evaluation, home telehealth, and respite care. Topics related to veteran-specific health conditions, mental health support, and end-of-life care options are also covered. To access these services, contact your VA social worker or call the toll-free hotline at 877-222-8387.
National Directory for Home Modification and Repair
The National Directory for Home Modification and Repair is a comprehensive resource offering assistance to individuals seeking to make their homes more accessible, safe, and suitable for aging in place through trusted organizations, contractors, and professionals. The directory provides a centralized database of home modification and repair services, which may include installing accessibility features, like ramps, grab bars, stairlifts, and bathroom modifications to accommodate mobility limitations. Additionally, the directory may include resources for general home repairs and maintenance to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment for older adults.
Automated Medication Dispensers
Several companies offer automated medication dispensers to help users organize, dispense, and track their medication schedules effectively. These systems generally use an app to send reminders and alerts to users when it’s time to take their medications, ensuring they adhere to their prescribed regimens. They can store multiple medications and provide accurate dosing, reducing the risk of medication errors and promoting medication safety. The systems can also notify caregivers or family members if doses are missed or medications need to be refilled. They generally require an initial purchase of the dispenser plus a monthly subscription fee. Three popular medication dispenser providers are Hero, Pria, and Livi.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
LPL Tracking #594575