Community Services - Elderly Services can be Common

Elderly Services can be Common

Depending on geographical location, a variety of elderly services are available in most communities.

These elder services may range from in-home health care to community centers where seniors can gather for meal services. Elderly transportation services and adult care services are also often made available.

Community services may offer basic services to many elderly residents, but the depth and type of services will depend on the community. For example, adult day care services in one community may be very small and personal and offer limited resources, while adult day care services in an urban area may offer medical care, pet care, field trips and excursions.

The most common sources for community services include private business sponsorships, religious organizations, governmental and public agencies, charities and civic groups. Common community services may include:

• Chore services -free or minimal cost for minor home repairs and handyman chores.
• Companion services - companionship and supervision as well as minimal help with meals or household tasks may be available for free or subsidized through a governmental service and cost between $5.00 and $20.00 an hour.

• Daily telephone calls or visitors -free or minimal fee service where, visitors check up on seniors or make a phone call every day to determine well being and needs.
• Meal programs -often offered free or for a minimal charge, either delivered to the home or in group dining environments at local community centers.
• Elderly transportation -usually offer free or for low minimal charges, seniors may arrange for transportation to senior centers, doctors' appointments, shopping malls, or grocery stores.
• Adult day Care Services -offer recreation, supervision and minimal health care and counseling in many communities. Cost may range between $50.00 a day to $150 a day, though some fees are subsidized and covered by Medicaid in some locations.
• Senior centers -offer gathering places, clubs and social events specifically designed for seniors.

Usually free, senior centers often offer lectures, readings, exhibits, meals, dances, and monthly events and entertainments for community seniors.

Depending on community, location and community resources, other services may be offered. Seniors and caregivers of elderly parents should contact their Area Agency On Aging, as well as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the National Council on Aging, or the Veterans Administration for information regarding community services in a specific area.

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Community Services - Volunteers

In many areas,as community services, volunteers make repairs and renovations to make homes more senior or wheelchair friendly and accessible. Weather-stripping windows, installing grab bars, building ramps and installing storm windows are common services provided by such volunteer groups. Caregivers may contact the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services in their area or their Chamber of Commerce to determine the availability or need of such services in local communities.

Meal programs are often offered through Meals on Wheels , adult day care centers, senior centers, and community care centers, offering a variety of meal plans based on federal nutrition guidelines that may include diabetic, vegetarian, low-salt and kosher diet plans. The United Way, the Lions Club, and county elder services may also offer similar community-based services.

In many communities,for community services, seniors may dial 211 to link to local programs and social services available in their area. They may also visit 211.org for more information or access the Yellow Pages under Aging, Senior, Elder, or Home Care or Meal delivery services to find options in your neighborhood.

The Area Agency on Aging has information regarding resources for door-to-door transportation for the elderly or disabled, and may have available private drivers, buses, vans or taxis.

Most community senior services vans are equipped for wheelchairs and are often offered for free, though minimal donations or charges may be assessed.

Contact the Local Department of Public Transportation regarding available bus routes as well as senior discounts or special transportation services.

The key to finding senior citizen services in your area is to stay informed, ask around, and take the time to research the phone book, the Internet, or visit the Chamber Of Commerce for a list of area organizations or associations devoted to senior or elder care services in your community.

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