Comprehensive Senior Resource Guide: 28 Essential Services for Older Adults
Aging comes with its unique set of challenges and needs. Whether it’s healthcare, financial support, or finding community services, there are numerous resources available to help seniors navigate this stage of life. Here’s a comprehensive list of 28 essential resources for seniors, categorized for easy reference.
Healthcare Resources
- Medicare Provides health insurance for individuals aged 65 or older and some younger people with disabilities.
Visit Medicare - National Institute on Aging (NIA) Part of the National Institutes of Health, NIA offers health information tailored to older adults.
Visit NIA - Veterans Affairs (VA) Geriatrics and Extended Care Provides resources and services for older veterans, including long-term care options.
Visit VA Geriatrics and Extended Care - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Offers information on mental health issues that affect seniors, such as depression and anxiety.
Visit NIMH - Administration for Community Living (ACL) Supports the needs of the aging and disabled populations by increasing access to community supports and services.
Visit ACL - Alzheimer’s Association Offers resources and support for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Visit Alzheimer’s Association - SilverSneakers A fitness program that encourages older adults to participate in physical activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Visit SilverSneakers
Financial and Legal Assistance
- Social Security Administration Offers retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to qualified individuals.
Visit Social Security Administration - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Provides financial assistance to people who are disabled and have paid Social Security taxes.
Visit SSDI - BenefitsCheckUp Helps seniors find benefit programs that can assist with paying for medications, health care, food, utilities, and more.
Visit BenefitsCheckUp - Legal Services Corporation (LSC) Provides civil legal aid to low-income seniors.
Visit LSC - National Senior Citizens Law Center (NSCLC) Protects the rights of low-income older adults and people with disabilities.
Visit NSCLC - AARP Foundation A nonprofit affiliate of AARP, working to end senior poverty by helping older adults build economic opportunity.
Visit AARP Foundation
Caregiving and Support Services
- Eldercare Locator A public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging that connects older adults and their families to services like transportation, housing, and caregiving.
Visit Eldercare Locator - Family Caregiver Alliance Provides services and support for caregivers of adults with chronic, disabling health conditions.
Visit Family Caregiver Alliance - National Alliance for Caregiving Provides resources and support for family caregivers.
Visit National Alliance for Caregiving - Senior Corps Connects adults aged 55 and older with volunteer opportunities to help others in their community.
Visit Senior Corps - Elder Justice Initiative Offers resources to combat elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Visit Elder Justice Initiative - National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) Provides resources and information on elder abuse prevention and intervention.
Visit NCEA
Medicare Care Compare: Home Health
Medicare’s Care Compare tool allows you to search for and compare home health agencies that provide care in your area. This tool is designed to help seniors and their families make informed decisions about home healthcare services based on quality ratings, patient experience, and other important factors.
Visit Medicare Care Compare: Home Health
Housing and Nutrition
- Meals on Wheels America Delivers nutritious meals to seniors who are homebound or unable to prepare their own meals.
Visit Meals on Wheels America - Senior Housing Net Provides information on senior housing options, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care.
Visit Senior Housing Net - Affordable Housing Online Helps seniors find affordable housing options across the United States.
Visit Affordable Housing Online
Community and Social Engagement
- National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) A network of senior centers offering services to improve the quality of life for seniors.
Visit NISC - Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) Local agencies that provide services to seniors, such as meal delivery, transportation, and social activities.
Visit Area Agencies on Aging - AARP A nonprofit organization offering resources and advocacy for Americans aged 50 and older.
Visit AARP
Advocacy and Research
- National Council on Aging (NCOA) Provides advocacy, services, and programs that help seniors live healthy, independent lives.
Visit NCOA - American Society on Aging (ASA) Provides education and advocacy to improve the quality of life for older adults.
Visit ASA - American Geriatrics Society (AGS) A professional organization of healthcare providers dedicated to improving the health and well-being of older adults.
Visit AGS
These resources are designed to provide seniors and their caregivers with the support they need, from healthcare and financial assistance to caregiving and social engagement. Whether you’re looking for housing options or seeking legal advice, these organizations can help you navigate the complexities of aging.