Elderly Parents Services - Where to go for Help.Elderly Parents Services Where to Go for Help There comes a time when anyone taking care of an individual is going to need some help. Care giving is a non-stop job that requires physical and emotional strength and endurance. However, in order to keep taking good care of them, caregivers need to take time off now and then to 'recharge the batteries' so to speak, and that's where community services come in. Elderly Parents Services or community services provide a wealth of services and opportunities for caregivers in most areas. Such services range from meals to transportation to respite care. A brief overview of the most common types of community services for elderly parents will help provide caregivers to find ideas or solutions to various issues, as well as offer him or her a much needed break once in a while. Common Types of Community Services - Elder Care Services Meal Programs These services often offer group-dining scenarios at a local community center or location. Options to have meals delivered to the house are also available in many towns and cities. These services are often free, but might require a small fee.Transportation services If you don't have time to take your elderly parents to all of their doctor's appointments, consider using community transportation services to help. Drivers are often available to take seniors to senior centers, organizations, medical appointment visits and even to shopping malls. Services are offered for free, or for a small fee.Senior Day Care or Adult Day Services These services include supervised recreation and meals for a predetermined number of days per week. Such services are not available in every community, and may cost between $50-$100 a day. In many states, Medicaid covers these costs.Respite Care Services These services are designed to offer a caregiver of elderly parents a 'break' for personal, health or emotional reasons. Such services are not meant for brief hours of relief, but for at least a week or more. This service generally requires that they be placed in a nursing care facility for a certain period of time. Veteran's hospitals may provide respite as part of your parent's regular medical care. Medicare will cover respite care only if it is part of hospice (or end-of-life) care.Unfortunately, most types of skilled nursing care are more money than many individuals can afford. Because of this, a caregiver for the elderly needs to be informed and be able to take advantage of all the help that may be offered in his or her community. Local Churches and Synagogues Religious organizations offer provide help, assistance or at least offer a sense of direction when it comes to helping with elder care. It doesnt matter what your faith or religious denomination.Who to Call Caregivers should arm themselves with a listing of National, State and City resources that cater and focus on elder care. Sometimes, this is easier said than done, but through careful planning and determination, you may be able to find the help you need at a price you can afford. Start with these: Area Agency on Aging The Elder care Locator log onto their website as the first place you want to look for local services www.eldercare.govLocal Senior Centers Look in your local Yellow Pages phone book listings.Adult Day Services contact the National Adult Day Services Association at www.nadsa.org They will be able to direct you to adult day care services in your area.Children of Aging Parents This is a support group that offers multiple resources for caregivers. Visit them at www.caps4caregivers.orgNational PACE Association This group defines programs of all-inclusive care for the elderly, from transportation to home care services. PACE programs are not located in every city, so check to see if there's one in your area at http://www.npaonline.org/website/article.asp?id=4Veteran's Association Visit their pages on health care at www.va.gov/health/index.aspOf course, these are just a few of the resources that may be available in your area. Talk with your Social Services Department to access additional information regarding your community. Talk to teachers, religious leaders and health care providers in your town. Each person you may speak with may be able to offer you valuable and useful information. It is also suggested that caregivers check with State Medicaid and Medicare services in order to determine exactly what is and is not covered when it comes to community services, at home health care or respite care. Be Informed Many caregivers struggle through each day, wondering how they're going to get through the next. Often, caregivers of elderly parents are unaware of the help that may be available in his or her community. Don't leave these resources unexplored. Take the time to make some phone calls and ask a lot of questions. There are people and organizations out there that can help you take care of your parent but you have to know whom to ask. Elderly Parents Services Page Back to Housing Page
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