Over the past several months, the church has received calls from senior citizens, those who have a relationship with the church and some who do not, needing assistance and guidance about how to stay in their homes or maintain a loved one at home during or after a hospitalization or prolonged illness. Insurance is a wonderful start, but getting guidance about what you might need or what is available locally is not usually part of their knowledge base. This month and next, we’ll share some information that will help get you started or at least inform you about possible options for those facing these situations.

First, in-home care is incredibly expensive, but there are local options that are free as well as ways to reduce the costs. Your best first step is to contact Aging Ahead. Yes, they facilitate Meals on Wheels, but they also support individuals in other ways. They offer resources, caregiver support, consulting, help sifting through benefits, and more. You can reach out to them by calling (800) 243-6060. There are some free programs they offer locally. For example, they offer 50 hours of homemaker/personal care, and many seniors qualify for this after a hospital stay.

You might check with them about respite programs for caregivers too, which is a program that came about after the Older American Act in 2000. It can help alleviate some of the mental, physical, and emotional stress that adult children and spouses experience.

If you’re a veteran, there are additional services offered as well. In addition to senior services, you’ll likely need help navigating the VA system, which can be overwhelming. Aging Ahead is meant to help with that.

In next month’s newsletter, we’ll look at basic options for care and assistance, so you’ll be better able to make decisions about your needs.