These are free services from government agencies and respected nonprofits. I don't receive anything for listing them. If a link stops working, let me know.
Local help near you
- Eldercare LocatorThe federal starting point for local help: your Area Agency on Aging, meals, transportation, in-home help and more. Phone 1-800-677-1116.eldercare.acl.gov
- BenefitsCheckUpA free screening from the National Council on Aging that finds benefits you may qualify for: help with food, medicine, utilities and more.benefitscheckup.org
- Meals on Wheels AmericaFind a local program that delivers meals and a friendly visit.mealsonwheelsamerica.org
- USAgingThe national association of Area Agencies on Aging, with guides to local services.usaging.org
Medicare and Social Security
- Medicare.govThe official site: coverage, the plan finder and open enrollment dates. Phone 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).medicare.gov
- SHIP: State Health Insurance Assistance ProgramFree, unbiased, one-on-one Medicare counseling in every state. SHIP counselors do not sell insurance.shiphelp.org
- Social SecurityRetirement benefits, Medicare enrollment and your my Social Security account.ssa.gov
Health and staying steady
- National Institute on AgingPlain-language health information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health.nia.nih.gov
- CDC: Older adult fall preventionFacts and checklists on staying steady, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.cdc.gov
- NCOA: Falls preventionPractical tips and a free falls risk check from the National Council on Aging.ncoa.org
- Walk With EaseA free, self-guided six-week walking program from the Arthritis Foundation.arthritis.org
Veterans
- VA.govHealth care, disability benefits and more for veterans and their families.va.gov
- Veterans Crisis LineDial 988 then press 1, or text 838255. Free, confidential, 24/7.veteranscrisisline.net
Crisis lines and scam help
- 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineCall or text 988, any time, for yourself or someone you are worried about.988lifeline.org
- AARP Fraud Watch Network HelplineFree help if you think you have been targeted by a scam. Phone 877-908-3360. You do not have to be an AARP member.aarp.org
- ReportFraud.ftc.govReport scams and fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.reportfraud.ftc.gov
Travel
- America the Beautiful Senior PassLifetime or annual access to national parks and federal recreation lands for U.S. citizens and permanent residents 62 and over.nps.gov
- TSA CaresFree help getting through airport security if you have a disability, medical condition or need extra assistance.tsa.gov
For families
- Family Caregiver AllianceGuides and fact sheets for families helping an older relative.caregiver.org
- Caregiver Action NetworkFree education and peer support for family caregivers.caregiveraction.org
- AARP Family CaregivingPlanning guides, checklists and a caregiving resource center.aarp.org
In an emergency, call 911. For poison emergencies, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Print the free Who to Call sheet for your refrigerator.
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