How to Get Help for Elderly Parents

Getting help for aging parents isn’t easy; you must acknowledge your limitations, which is a humbling experience.

Maybe you live too far away, don’t have the financial stability, or are physically unable to care for your elderly parents. Or, perhaps you’ve been their primary caregiver but have reached a place where you need help with an elderly parent at home. Regardless of your circumstances, being a family caregiver comes with a lot of sacrifices.

In addition, you may feel guilty that you cannot care for your parents. Be assured that you’re not alone. According to a survey by the Family Caregiver Alliance, 42% of family caregivers are adult children looking after aging parents. But at some point, your parents’ needs will likely exceed your abilities. Caregiving is no small undertaking, and not everyone is equipped for the job. 

Thankfully, options are available when you can’t care for elderly parents anymore. Many adult children of aging parents find themselves reaching out for help with elderly parents at home. If you need help with elderly parents at home, keep reading. In this blog, we discuss how to get assistance for elderly adults by looking at assistance programs for the elderly.

How to Get Assistance for Elderly Adults

1. Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals 65 and older. Some people under the age of 65 with certain disabilities or conditions may also be eligible. Medicare Part A covers hospital and hospice expenses, while Medicare Part B covers preventative and medically necessary services. Anyone eligible for Medicare Part A is also eligible for Medicare Part B. Medicare Part D offers prescription coverage. Learn more about Medicare at Medicare.gov.

2. Medicaid

For those who are medically and financially qualified, Medicaid pays for nursing home care. Medicaid may also pay for in-home care if it costs less than a nursing home. It does this through state-by-state “Medicaid Waivers,” which allows the federal government to “waive” rules that apply to the Medicaid program. The Home & Community-based Services (HCBS) Waivers offer help for senior citizens and individuals who prefer to get long-term care support in their home or community rather than in an institution.

3. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal nutrition assistance program that helps supplement the food budget of low-income families. To be eligible for SNAP, applicants must live in the state where they apply and meet certain bank balance limits. A household with an elderly (over 60) or disabled member may have a higher bank balance limit.

4. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides monthly financial assistance to adults and children with a disability or blindness. SSI benefits are also available to people without disabilities who are age 65 and older. To be eligible, an applicant’s resources must be equal to or less than $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. If you receive SSI payments, you can usually get support from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, too.

5. In-home Care

If you’re looking for a simpler alternative to government assistance programs for elderly adults, in-home care is another way to get help for senior citizens. Trained caregivers support your elderly parents in their place of residence, enabling them to age safely where they currently live. Caregivers are guided by personalized care plans developed by geriatric care managers who work with families to assess their loved one’s needs.

Interested in learning more about how to get assistance for the elderly at home? Need help navigating the nuances of elder care for an aging parent? Stowell Associates offers help for caregivers of elderly parents every day.

Help for Caregivers of Elderly Parents

As an adult child, you may need help for the elderly at home—and that’s okay. You don’t need to bear the weight of that responsibility alone. And you don’t have to feel guilty about getting help for aging parents. Children aren’t meant to become nurses to their parents. If you want to drop the family caregiver title and return to being a family member, contact Stowell Associates.

One of the most beneficial resources we can recommend is geriatric care management. Our expert care managers give families the information they need to make educated decisions regarding their elderly loved one’s care. In addition, we’ve partnered with TheKey to offer the services of in-home caregivers, taking the burden of senior care off of adult children.

Whether you need help with an elderly parent at home for a few hours per day or 24-hour care, TheKey’s caregivers are ready to step in. Caregivers can help with various needs, from daily activities (e.g., bathing, dressing, eating) to specialized care designed for those with specific medical conditions. Get in touch with one of our geriatric care managers today to learn more about how to get assistance for the elderly at home.