This list of affordable senior care resources can help you research and understand what programs and resources are available if the senior you are caring for has limited means.
- Cash and Counseling Program
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging and ask who to call to learn about direct payment programs for in-home care. - Medicare
The U.S. Government Site for Medicare website provides general information on Medicare/Medicaid benefits as well as quality data on nursing homes. - PACE – The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
This program provides financial assistance for care for seniors who would otherwise require nursing home care. PACE is only available in certain areas of some states, and eligibility is restricted to low-income seniors who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. - SHIP – State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Find free health insurance counseling, answers about Medicare & Medicaid, PACE, or Cash and Counseling programs coverage, and provides additional resources for assistance. - Benefits Check Up
Use this web-based questionnaire by the National Council on Aging that helps determine eligibility for benefits programs for seniors with limited income and resources. It takes about 20 minutes to complete. - Medicare Rights Center
This group works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educational programs and public policy initiatives. You can also call their helpline at 800-333-4114 and ask for a Medicare specialist.
Legal assistance
- Elder Law Answers
Find elder law attorneys nationwide and learn more about legal issues related to senior care. - Aging with Dignity
Create a living will and document a plan for care with your aging loved one as they age.
Long-term care
- Long Term Care Living
Get helpful information about planning for long-term care. Click on ‘Paying for Long-Term Care’ for financial and insurance information. You can also call 808-842-4444.
Respite care
- ARCH National Respite Network
Find respite care nationwide, and view helpful resources. - National Adult Day Services Association
Get information on adult day health programs across the country.
Local care resources
- Care.com Local Senior Resources Directory
Find local experts and resources geared toward financial planning, health care, home care, housing resources, legal advice and transportation options. - Eldercare locator
Use this tool to see listings of local eldercare services around the country across various topics such as financial, long-term care, legal, transportation, abuse prevention and others. Call 1.800.677.1116 (M-F 9am – 8pm ET). - Family Caregiver Alliance Family Care Navigator
Sort through your local caregiver resources and find useful advice.
General caregiving support
- AARP
Gather helpful information on how to plan, prepare and succeed as a caregiver. - Care.com Community
Share stories, tips, resources, and advice among caregivers of aging loved ones. - End of Life Care
Learn more about the various end-of-life care resources for families including information about hospice, how to cope with grief and much more. - National Family Caregivers Association
See helpful resources and find community support for caregivers. - Next Step in Care
Find easy-to-use guides for family caregivers and health care providers to work closely together to plan and implement safe and smooth transitions for chronically or seriously ill patients.
Senior housing
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Use this site to find your local public housing agency and additional information about public housing programs such as housing choice vouchers.
Tiffany Smith is the senior associate editor here at Care.com. She has written for All You, Time for Kids and the Boston Globe. And as a former babysitter, she knows a lot about fun games to play with kids. Getting them to eat their veggies — that’s a different story! Follow her on Twitter at @tiffanyiswrite.
