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Summary of Long-Term Care Choices | Resources |
  | Overview | Home Health Care | In-Law Apartments |
Housing for Aging and Disabled Individuals | Board and Care Homes | Assisted Living |
Continuing Care Retirement Communities | Nursing Homes |
Many communities provide services and programs to help seniors and people with disabilities with a variety of personal activities. These services include Meals-on-Wheels, transportation services, personal care, chore services, adult day care and a variety of activities in senior centers. These services are usually free or at low cost to individuals who qualify. Local organizations, called Area Agencies on Aging, coordinate these services to promote the independence and dignity of older adults. The local community Area Agency on Aging can be found by visiting the Eldercare Locator or calling 1-800-677-1116.
Your State Medicaid program may pay for home health services including skilled nursing care, home health care, personal care, chore services, and medical equipment. You must qualify for Medicaid to receive these services.
The following community-based services may be available in your community:
Adult Day Care Services Checklist CHECKLIST FOR CHOOSING AN ADULT DAY CARE FACILITY:
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Telephone Reassurance Individuals who live alone and have medical or other health needs may fear that they would not be able to summon help in an emergency. Several types of emergency telephone response systems address this concern. Emergency response systems use the telephone to check on an individual on a regular basis. A family friend, relative, or professional service may make a daily call at one or more set times throughout the day. This telephone reassurance program may be free to you because a family member or friend provides this service or it is provided by your state or local aging organization. If you did not answer the phone, the check-in caller would be alerted to a possible problem. If the caller detected a change in condition or voice based on regular contact with you, the caller would take appropriate action. Commercial emergency response systems may also available. These services require that you wear a “beeper” on your wrist or around your neck. If you have a fall or other emergency, the press of a button would alert the 24-hour response system. This system requires that you pay an initial fee and a monthly fee of $25 to $40 for this service. |
Senior Centers Overview Senior centers are located in many communities to provide a wide range of services to you. The Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that there are from 10,000 to 16,000 senior centers located throughout the U.S. Senior centers provide a varying array of services, including nutrition, recreation, social and educational services, wellness and fitness activities, information and program referral services, and Internet training. Most of the services are provided free or at low cost to participants. |
Transportation Services Overview Transportation services are available in many communities through aging services programs, regional mass transportation systems, and private sources. These services may include door-to-door taxicab services, public bus transportation, or vans with wheelchair accessible transportation. Medicare does not pay for any transportation services except ambulance services, but Medicaid may pay for transportation services to get you to a medical appointment if you are eligible. Fees for transportation services are generally small and often people pay out-of-pocket for transportation services. To find transportation services in your area, contact your local Area Agency on Aging. Your local community area Agency on Aging can be found by visiting the Eldercare Locator or calling 1-800-677-1116. Many telephone books have a special section in the front of the book with the names and addresses of various service organizations that provide transportation for special needs. |
Page Last Updated: April 10, 2007
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