As we go into another new year – and a new decade – many people take this opportunity to focus on a new beginning, whether a healthy lifestyle or saving money. Starting 2020 off as a Caregiver for your aging loved one can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to turn. It takes patience, strength, and support. We’ve found 5 government resources for caregivers that you should know about.
- Medicare
If the person you’re caring for is 65 and older, they are most likely receiving Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), and Part B (medical insurance), and collecting Social Security. If they are considered low income and have limited assets, they may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program which can help pay for Medicare Part A and/or B premiums, deductibles, and copayments. Learn more here: https://www.medicare.gov./
- Social Security
If your loved one’s Social Security benefits were earned through a low-paying job and are their only current source of income, they may qualify for a benefit called Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The federal program provides seniors with monthly payments to help supplement their income on a needs-basis. Learn more here: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/
- Administration on Aging (AoA)
The AoA manages services and national programs for your elderly loved ones – such as health insurance counseling, legal assistance, elder abuse protection and helps with long-term care. They have other resources and community-based that may be of help for you and your family. Learn more here: https://acl.gov/about-acl/administration-aging
- Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)
If your loved one is a veteran or spouse of a veteran, they may be eligible to receive benefits through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. The VA offers services such as health care services, pensions, burial benefits, disability compensation, and other services to eligible vets and qualifying family members. The application can be lengthily, but worth it. Learn more here: https://www.va.gov/
- The Americans with Disabilities Act National Network
If your loved one is disabled, the U.S. Department of Justice created the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which helps individuals be discriminated again in all aspects of public life, employment, state and government programs, transportations, public accommodations, telecommunications, and commercial facilities. There are free publications and resources available for the disabled and their loved ones here: https://adata.org/
Located in Greenwich, CT, CT Help at Home is proud to be a top-rated home health care provider in Fairfield County, CT, Westchester County, NY, Manhattan, NY and beyond. Our clients are our family and we treat everyone with compassion and care. Contact us today to see how we can help you and your loved ones: (203) 520-0116.