Introduction
Seniors face a lot of unique challenges. Not only is their routine and physicality changing, but they may be experiencing difficulties with everyday activities like reading, writing and balancing a checkbook. Fortunately, there are many programs that can help reduce these struggles. We’ve compiled information on some of the most reputable programs for seniors who need assistance adapting to the changes in their lives.
Seniors are an important part of our society. With their vast life experience, their wisdom, and their real-time connections to major world events, seniors have much to teach the younger generations about how to live a fulfilling life.
Unfortunately, many seniors are feeling isolated or overlooked in today’s fast-paced society. People often only see the senior population when they go for nursing home residents or to eat out at an elderly-friendly restaurant that offers menus with large print and pictures on them. It is easy for seniors to feel like they don’t belong anymore because they’re too old for school and too young for retirement. This can lead them into depression or even withdrawal from all social networks.
15 Programs For Seniors
1. Senior Companion Program
The Senior Companion Program is designed to keep seniors with high functioning cognitive abilities in their own homes, at no cost to them or the general public. The program matches retired seniors with seniors of the same sex who are physically and mentally disabled. These matches help by running small errands, keeping the house clean, and monitoring the health of their match.
2. Home Instruction For Adults Program
The Home Instruction for Adults Program (HIAA) is a vital program that meets one-on-one with adults who have learning disabilities or have been diagnosed with low literacy skills. HIAA works on developing functional life skills through home tutoring sessions, including computer literacy classes.
3. Older Americans Act Independent Living Program
The Older American Act Independent Living Program (OAAAIL) is designed to help seniors with physical, cognitive and mental impairments live more independently in their own homes through educational and social programs. The program provides clients with equipment or devices they need to increase mobility, dexterity and independence. This can include assistive technologies such as hearing aids, scooters, walkers or ramps. They can also be assisted by trained aides who can help provide daily tasks that are often complicated for low-literacy adults.
4. AARP Foundation On Aging Programs
The AARP Foundation On Aging Programs offers a wide variety of classes for senior citizens including: communication arts, dance, music appreciation and much more. You can even join a group fitness class at an AARP fitness center.
5. National Association Of Independent Living Centers
The National Association of Independent Living Centers (NAILC) is another great organization to refer your seniors to if they need assistance with mobility, home modification or cooking skills. There are over 230 independent living centers in more than half of the U.S.
6. Gray Panthers
The Gray Panthers is a national association that works with elderly people to help them stay independent and maintain dignity as they age. They can provide training and professional development programs that can include programs in personal finance, transportation and sustainable community living, among others.
7. Senior Travel
Booking travel for seniors can be a great way to help them stay active and healthy. Visit SeniorTravel.gov, which is a consumer-run website that makes it very easy to compare flights and hotels at the lowest prices available. You can also order travel insurance and benefits from United Senior Programs that makes it easy for seniors to access a low-cost benefit plan from medical insurance, to emergency evacuation and more.
8. Mature Living
The Mature Living Program is designed for people who are 57 years old and older. This program is offered through the C.S. Mott Foundation is designed to help older adults with no or low incomes live a fulfilling life and helps them avoid becoming isolated in their homes or communities.
9. Meals On Wheels
Meals on Wheels can provide home-delivered meals for seniors who are faced with illness, injury, or disability and the Meals on Wheels Foundation provides resources and training to individuals who are interested in starting their own Meals on Wheels program.
10. National Council On Aging Program
The National Council on Aging is a non-profit organization that helps older adults keep their independence and provide care and support. They offer assistance with daily activities like cleaning, walking, or meal preparation. They also help connect seniors with family members who can help provide care for them.
11. AARP Driver Safety Programs
The American Auto Association (AAA) has partnered with the AARP Foundation to offer free AARP Driver Safety Programs which are designed to help decrease auto accidents by providing performance-based driver training, safety tips and defensive driving techniques to senior drivers aged 55 and over.
12. AgingCare.org
AgingCare.org is a website that helps seniors make informed decisions about where they will live and can help seniors with the proper care required for their deteriorating health.
13. Independent Living Resource Center
The Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC) is a national organization that operates a center on aging for individuals who are 60 years old and over in order to provide them with access to social, physical and spiritual services that can help them to maintain their independence in the later stages of life.
14. Challenge America
Challenge America is an organization that helps seniors stay active by offering classes in a variety of fitness categories including: aerobics, dance, and pilates. They also offer personal training which can be used to help seniors get back into shape.
15. Senior Services America
Senior Services America offers various resources that can help seniors maintain their independence in later years including programs like Senior Passport which are free or low cost travel services and Senior Mobile that provides mobile medical services to drivers over 55 years old in the car with a valid driver’s license. You may also find other helpful organizations in your area through the Better Business Bureau’s internet site at bbb.org .
Conclusion
There are many organizations that can provide support and services to senior citizens. The staff at these organizations are trained to serve seniors who manage their own financial and personal information, so they can help you find the support you need. Many of them also have a greater focus on promoting health, wellness and overall well-being as they are often dedicated to preventing chronic disease in their clients. I hope this guide was helpful in pointing you in the right direction for finding the perfect organization for your aging loved one.