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Seniors | Senior Citizens |
Senior Centers | Senior Parents | SeniorHousing | Senior Discounts
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Aging Parents and Adult Children Together
As the elderly population grows, so,
too, do community services for older people. Services may be provided
by government, non-profit or for-profit organizations. Urban and
suburban residents usually have a broader range of services than
people who live in rural areas; the quality of services also can vary
among communities. However, anywhere an elder lives, services of some
sort are likely to be available.
You generally can count on community
senior centers or local community centers to offer companionship.
That's in addition to other services, including classes, recreational
opportunities, travel, volunteer opportunities, flu shots and meals.
Often, senior centers are the heart of activities for older people and
a good resource for additional information. |
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Many communities offer transportation
services for visits to the doctor, grocery store or senior
center. Trips may be limited, though,
and sometimes, transportation services are available only to those
within certain income levels.
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Community groups may sponsor friendly
visitors or companions programs, where volunteers make scheduled
visits to isolated seniors in their homes. There also are telephone
reassurance programs: volunteers call people to chat or check on their
well-being. A number of home
maintenance and repair services specialize in installing devices that
help older people better manage in their homes. Seniors who are
homebound may get meal delivery through Meals-on-Wheels programs or
private food service businesses. Chore/personal care services can be
arranged to provide help with routine homemaking tasks, such as
cooking and cleaning, or for activities like bathing and dressing.
Tip!
Most senior citizens travel by air. Hence, it is important to know
the privileges especially designed for senior citizens traveling
through airplanes.
Some public utilities and the U.S.
Postal Service offer gatekeeper/home observation programs, in which
service people who visit the home regularly are trained to notice
anything unusual or any indication of need and report it for
investigation and action. Other services that may be available include
home health care, adult day programs and respite care, which is
designed to give caregivers a break from their responsibilities.
The Eldercare Locator Service - a
nationwide, toll-free assistance directory sponsored by the National
Association of Area Agencies on Aging - is a good place to start
looking for services. Call (800) 677-1116. They'll give you the names
of local organizations that offer legal, financial, health-care and
other services for the older adults. The Locator is particularly
useful if you're trying to provide care from a distance and don't know
what services are available in another community. The service operates
from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., EST, Monday through Friday. Or visit them on
the Internet at www.ageinfo.org/elderloc.
The U.S. Administration on Aging also
has useful information for families. Call (202) 619-0724, or visit
www.aoa.dhhs.gov. The government section (blue pages) of the telephone
directory lists the local area agency on aging - sometimes called the
City or County Office on Aging, Council on Aging or Office of Elder
Affairs. Also check with the local health department, library,
hospital and Department of Veterans Affairs. |
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Sources: Wikipedia, FCIC, SEC and other public sources.
Seniors | Senior Housing |
Seniorcenters | seniorcitizen | Senior Care | For Seniors | senior housing
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