List Of Government Help Available For Seniors

Introduction

Government help is available for seniors and people with disabilities. Assistance programs could include: Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The U.S. government website Senior-Friendly Housing has information about what to consider when planning a move, as well as the agencies that provide housing options for seniors. We will focus on the following programs: lists of senior groups and senior centers, lists of federal legislation that provides funding, lists of non-profit organizations that provide services to seniors.

The United States Supreme Court has ruled that although Social Security cannot be withheld for any reason, it can be withheld if the recipient is adjudged incompetent to manage their own affairs (e.g., through a guardianship). However, the money must be returned if the beneficiary recovers.

Social Security may also be withheld when one is convicted of a felony; when their income exceeds certain thresholds; or when they are deemed to be “unemployable. If a person is convicted of a felony, part of their Social Security benefits can be withheld in an amount equal to 60% of the monthly benefit received.[2] A person is considered unemployable when they are unable to work due to physical or mental disability that prevents them from performing any labor that is consistent with their physical and mental capabilities. The term “unemployable” includes persons who are homeless, mentally incompetent or incapacitated, under indictment for a felony.

This article will discuss government help offered to those who could be or become victims of elder abuse, as well as organizations that can offer advice to those seeking such advice. These organizations can also assist by providing counseling and other services.

List Of Government Help Available For Seniors

1. List of Senior Groups and Seniors Centers

The best way for seniors to understand the issues important in their daily lives is to find a senior group in their neighborhood. There are many senior groups, but most are nonprofit organizations that share a common interest in an annual meeting, monthly meetings or special events. This may include social activities, cooking classes or art classes. Most groups have a website with contact information.

Some government agencies also offer services to seniors. Examples include Federal Jobs Information Service (FJIS) which has information about work programs for older workers, including jobs funded by the Older Americans Act or under Title II of the Older Americans Act of 1965.

2. Federal Legislation (Title II of Older Americans Act of 1965)

Federal Legislation (Title II of Older Americans Act of 1965) provides funding for older individuals, elderly people and disabled. Assistance can include programs to prevent or mitigate health problems, financial management, vocational training and transportation. Funding is available if the individual has a physical or mental impairment that prevents him or her from working. Residents can apply for services, but must be mentally competent to apply; some programs require an individual to be assessed by a physician prior to application. Funds are limited; seniors who qualify will receive up to $2,800 each year.

3. Non-Profit Organizations

There are many non-profit organizations from which seniors may benefit from their services. Non-profits include Senior Help USA, a national organization that provides a variety of services to older adults. Other examples include:

a. Senior Care Providers Association (SCPA) – also known as care providers – can assist seniors by providing counseling and job placement services, as well as referrals to other community resources.

b. Seniors Service Centers (SSCs) – the SSCs offer programs to help seniors learn how to prepare for future situations such as health care needs and financial issues. They offer services not only to low-income seniors but also to those who can afford to pay for services.

c. Lifespan is a non-profit organization that offers the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), which provides information and referrals to local community resources such as housing, security, food and employment assistance.

d. Area Agencies on Aging offers many different services for seniors based on their location and needs. Services may include: home delivered meals, help with completing food stamp applications, transportation and information and referral.[3]

4. Local Senior Centers

Many senior centers in each state offer activities, educational programs and housing services. There are also senior centers that offer counseling, health care, food bank, legal advice and health care services. Most provide snacks at lunch time or dinner time or different varieties of meals for seniors on a daily basis.

5.Medicare

Medicare is a federal program that provides medical coverage for those who meet eligibility requirements. The program also provides insurance protection for those who need to purchase supplemental insurance plans. Medicare (and Medicaid) covers preventive care such as screenings, such as colonoscopies and mammograms; as well as hospital stays, prescriptions and home health care services. Medicare has an income requirement that one must meet in order to qualify for the program, which excludes people who are homeless or less than 65 years of age.

6. Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides medical coverage for those who meet eligibility requirements, including: very low-income families and individuals, who have few assets and little money to pay for long-term care services. Medicaid is available in all states, but each state has the option to tailor their programs however they choose to do so. Medicaid is used to cover nursing home care as well as other long-term care expenses such as special equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers. Some states may select to cover other services such as private facility care or adult daycare.[4] Medicaid also provides payment for Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) services, which includes nurses working in clients homes or assisted living centers.

Conclusion

Seniors are often vulnerable to abuse. Abuse often occurs when persons are sick or may have dementia. It is important for seniors to be aware of the signs of abuse, as well as their rights to report it if they are being abused.

In conclusion, there are so many options available to seniors to meet their needs and the needs of a family member. It is important for a caregiver of a senior, to be aware of the possibilities available in that area or location of where they live. A family member of an older adult that is being abused by another, should find the proper ways and places to get the help necessary on how they may be able to regain control of their life.

There are many organizations and government programs available to help seniors and their families. These can include: government assistance, local senior centers and non-profit organizations.