What Kinds of Assistance Are Available for Seniors?

Seniors can receive financial assistance, discounted services, and help with daily activities from government programs and national or local organisations. Applying for these programs can reduce financial stress for elderly people and their families and make daily life less challenging. Take a look at some of the assistance available to older adults.

Counseling

The emotional effects of ageing could take a toll on your senior loved one’s mental health, putting him or her at higher risk for depression. To help with the various aspects of ageing, including cognitive decline and the loss of certain motor skills, your loved one should take advantage of counseling services offered within the community. These programs allow older adults to meet with trained psychologists who can listen without passing judgment and offer sound mental health management strategies. Having someone to speak with about daily life, recovery progress, and other situations could boost your loved one’s mental health.

For families living in North Coast, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their ageing loved ones need companionship and socialisation a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

Senior Discounts

Whether your loved one is traveling, purchasing groceries, going to a movie, or eating dinner at a local restaurant, he or she could qualify for specials that decrease the costs. For example, many airlines offer price cuts elderly people can take advantage of when flying to visit with family and friends or going on a senior-friendly cruise. Older adults can also receive deals when shopping at the grocery store. Most retailers designate specific days of the week for senior citizen discounts, so make sure to check before your loved one goes shopping. The discounts are great for all seniors, especially those who are living on fixed incomes or paying off high medical bills.

Communication Devices

Some seniors are eligible to receive free smartphones and tablets along with free mobile service or discounted Wi-Fi packages. These communication devices and services allow seniors to maintain social connections with family and friends. Your loved one can also use the tools to make life less challenging when his or her memory decreases or his or her speaking abilities are affected due to a stroke or trauma. Your loved one might also be eligible to receive other communication tools, such as notepads, writing instruments, and whiteboards.

An experienced professional care worker can often provide tips for communicating effectively with seniors. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading North Coast at-home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained care workers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.

Daily Meals

Healthy eating is vital to the physical and mental health of older adults, which is why many government agencies offer programs that deliver free meals to seniors. The meals are dropped off once or twice per day, depending on the program’s policy. Some of these agencies also provide meals to family carers. If your loved one can get up and leave home, he or she can eat these lunches and dinners at a local senior center. While enjoying nutritious meals and snacks, your parent can interact with other adults, reducing the risk of boredom and isolation. Check with your loved one’s primary care physician for recommendations on local offices that provide free food services to elderly people. 

Elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the care workers at Home Care Assistance, your ageing loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialise regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. If you need professional home care for your ageing loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Home Care Assistance today at (02) 6646 3527.