Most seniors prefer to remain independent, productive, and healthy for as long as possible. Fortunately, there are ways this goal can be achieved thanks to the wide assortment of help available for older adults looking to make the most of their later years of life. Below, you’ll find five types of help that could benefit your senior loved one.
1. Prescription Drug Help
According to AARP, the average annual cost for one brand-name drug for a chronic condition is nearly $6,000. One way to ease the burden of medication costs for seniors is with Medicare Part D, a plan sold by private health insurance providers. It can be a standalone plan coupled with original Medicare or part of Medicare’s Advantage Plan.
According to the National Council on Aging, some states also have State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs) for low-income seniors. Additionally, some drug manufacturers offer Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) to help older adults.
A professional caregiver can assist with tasks such as picking up prescriptions and managing medications. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Huntsville in-home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
2. Hearing Aid Assistance
The Hearing Health Foundation reports that nearly a quarter of adults 65 to 74 years of age and roughly half of those 75 and older have noticeable hearing loss affecting their quality of life. If your loved one is having difficulty affording a hearing aid, he or she may benefit from the following resources:
ā¢ The Lions Club Affordable Hearing Aid Project
ā¢ A national nonprofit group called AUDIENT that offers hearing aids at reduced costs for older adults
ā¢ A national program called Hear Now for low-income seniors
Some hearing aid manufacturers also have discounts for older adults. Another option is to look for manufacturers conducting clinical trials on new hearing aid products. Participants often get to keep products they test.
3. Mobility/Transportation Assistance
Medicare Part B covers part of the costs associated with mobility aids like wheelchairs and motorized scooters. Supplemental insurance can also cover expenses of this nature.
If your loved one needs help with transportation to medical appointments, therapy sessions, or for running errands, many communities have senior ride programs. Your state’s department of aging should be able to provide additional information about senior ride-share programs available in your loved one’s area.
At-home caregivers can provide transportation to medical appointments, social events, and much more. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide elderly care, Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.
4. Dental Care Help
Poor oral health in seniors is associated with an increased risk of developing conditions that can be especially challenging for older adults to manage, including diabetes, heart disease, and pneumonia. Most states have Medicaid programs that cover emergency dental care for qualified seniors. Original Medicare covers routine care, and Medicare’s Advantage Plan offers additional dental benefits. The Dental Lifeline Network also offers assistance for seniors who arenāt eligible for other types of dental coverage.
5. In-Home Care Services
An often-overlooked source of affordable help for seniors is in-home care. Services like this are available on an as-needed basis according to what’s right for your loved one. If in-home care services are needed, look for an agency approved by Medicare since this type of care is often covered by Parts A or B of Medicare. Private agencies typically offer a wide range of nonmedical help for seniors, including assistance involving:
ā¢ Meal prep and grocery shopping
ā¢ Transportation
ā¢ Light housekeeping
ā¢ Companionship
ā¢ Daily grooming and other home-based routinesĀ
Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Huntsville, AL, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. Get in touch with Home Care Assistance today at (256) 716-9940 to find out how we can best help your loved one.