Getting Help with Caregiving Costs

Without insurance to help pay for long term care, many families pay for care with their income or savings. If you’re looking for ways to help cover costs, keep in mind the following elder care resources.

Community and Home Delivered Meals

Eating three nutritious meals a day can become difficult as a person ages. Eligible seniors can receive free nutritious prepared meals served at the local senior and community centers. Many communities also have programs such as Meals on Wheels to provide seniors with meals delivered to their home every day.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, offers monthly financial assistance to those who need help paying for food. This program supports the elderly and disabled who have low income and limited assets. While this is a federal program, it’s administered at the state level. To get help through this program, contact your state’s Agency on Aging.

Caregiver Assistance Services

Much of in-home elderly care services are provided by unpaid family caregivers. Family members often adjust their work or home schedules to make it possible for an elderly loved one to live at home as long as possible. Many states offer caregiver respite and counseling services to provide families with temporary relief of caregiving responsibilities and guidance on making informed decisions about eldercare options. Respite services can arrange a substitute caregiver to come to the home to provide care, or the family member could be temporarily cared for in a nearby residential care setting.

Senior Companion Programs

Volunteers can be scheduled to come to a senior’s home to engage in conversation or even read to a visually impaired senior. They can take seniors out for recreational activities or help with light chores in the home. These programs help seniors avoid social isolation and watch for signs of worsening health conditions needing medical care.

Help with Chores and Homemaker Services

As it becomes more challenging for seniors to do daily tasks, they can apply through their local agency to get help with household chores, shopping, laundry, general house cleaning, meal prep, yard work, and more.

Transportation Services

Most communities offer the ability to arrange for low-cost transportation to and from medical appointments, shopping centers, and any other locations as needed to manage their personal affairs. Handicapped-accessible transportation is available for seniors with wheelchairs or other mobility limitations.

Local Church Support

Many local churches offer their members and/or community members resources and financial support for families struggling to manage elderly care needs. Get in touch with local churches in your area to see what programs they offer to support elderly caregiving needs.

Programs can vary by state. To find out what’s available in your area, search for local elderly assistance programs online. If you are in the retirement planning ages of 45-65, contact LTC Consumer to learn how Long Term Care insurance can help you prepare for the future.