11 Government Programs That Can Help You Provide Aging Parent Care

The best kind of support for your aging parent comes from your parent’s entire community. As your parents age, it’s comforting to know there are many resources that can help you on the journey. The government is among the groups that can help you provide high-quality care for an aging parent.

In this article, we’ll explore a number of programs that might benefit you and your parents.

1. Administration On Aging

This agency (often abbreviated to AoA) carries out the mission of the Older Americans Act, which became law in 1965. The legislation seeks to empower seniors to live independently in as many ways as possible. AoA oversees dozens of programs for seniors and is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

• The Office of Supportive and Caregiver Services offers assistance such as adult day care, caregiver help, health programs and transportation. 

• The Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs provides insight for caregivers and seniors about topics such as diabetes care, managing chronic diseases and preventing falls. 

• The Brain Health Resource offers educational information such as case studies and webinars on topics such as brain injury and dementia. You’ll find additional details on other programs of AoA in this article.

2. Aging and Disability Resource Centers

You can find these facilities across the U.S. They are designed to help caregivers provide elderly parent care as a one-stop shop for common questions about accessing government resources for seniors. If you’re facing challenges caring for them or need additional support, these centers can provide services including counseling, information to help you make informed care decisions, and program enrollment details. 

3. Americans With Disabilities Act National Network

If you’re caring for an aging parent that has a disability, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network can be a valuable resource. This online hub includes a locator map that lets you find contact information for ADA government experts in your state. You can also sign up for free resources like the ADA newsletter. You can also find details on the requirements buildings must meet to help your elderly parent under the “Explore By” tab. You can learn about accommodations such as accessible technology, service animals, and transportation.

4. Department of Veterans Affairs

More than one in three Americans over age 70 have served in the military, according to Pew Research Center data. If your parent is a veteran, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can provide assistance. It offers health care support including appointment scheduling, prescription refills and tracking, and access to VA medical records.

5. Eldercare Locator

Designed just for caregivers, this AoA service oversees a hotline at 1-800-677-1116 that connects you to services involving elderly parent care. Specialists are available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. If you prefer online outreach, experts can be contacted via email at eldercarelocator@n4a.org. Other helpful information on the website includes resources for managing insurance, getting a long-term care plan in place, and more. 

6. National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center

Are you interested in getting independent advice from experts on elderly parent care? Use this resource center to get a second opinion. Unless you give permission, the details of your conversation will remain confidential. Ombudsmen are trained professionals who advocate for high-quality care for seniors. 

7. Medicaid and Medicare

Although you are probably familiar with Medicaid and Medicare, you might not know they operate under the direction of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The agency provides a Caregiver Partners section on its website with information for people supporting a senior parent. Virtual meetings are provided occasionally that offer networking and information for people, companies, and nonprofits that serve seniors. 

8. National Aging and Disability Transportation Center

Traveling with an aging parent can require thoughtful planning. The Transportation Center is provided through the Federal Transit Administration and helps caregivers get their seniors accessible and safe transportation. This online hub provides stories of seniors and people with disabilities who have succeeded in getting transit help. It also features a signup for email updates, online trainings, and more.

9. National Institute on Aging

This is a virtual library that helps caregivers learn more about health conditions that occur as we age and other relevant information. This includes insights on end-of-life care, long-distance caregiving, and opportunities to participate in research that can help more seniors in the future. If you prefer to read print information, the website contains a page for ordering physical publications with information on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other health conditions.

10. Social Security Administration

Many people assist with elderly parent care by helping a loved one navigate their Social Security benefits. This agency’s website can help you navigate Social Security benefits, log into a private account for Social Security benefits management, and find answers to common questions.

11. Supplemental Security Income

Some seniors are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which can cover basic expenses including meals, clothes, and a safe place to stay. The program website includes links to a quick tutorial helping you determine whether your loved one might be eligible to apply.

How can I learn more about government programs for elderly parent care?

Many additional programs are available to help you provide outstanding care to your loved one. To learn more, conduct online research. Make sure that the services you find are credible and managed by government agencies. One of the ways to do this is to look for the .gov domain extension, which is found at the end of links you type into your internet browser. You can have confidence in the care you provide by seeking out resources that can make life more accessible and enjoyable for your loved one.