Senior Support Help

You are not alone. Help is available for meals, warmth, safety, and companionship — right where you are.

Experiencing elder abuse or neglect? callEldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 · callCall 211 for local Adult Protective Services

What this covers

Meal delivery, home care, senior centers, elder abuse support, Medicare/Medicaid help, caregiver support, transportation for seniors, and aging-in-place services.

Does not cover: Nursing home placement or long-term care facility search (contact your area agency on aging). For general health care, see Health.

Who is this for?

Adults 60+ and their caregivers who need help with daily living, meals, transportation, health care navigation, or staying safely at home.

How help usually works

Area agencies on aging coordinate most senior services. Meals on Wheels delivers hot meals to homebound seniors. Senior centers offer social activities, meals, and referrals. Home care programs provide personal care assistants.

schedule Typical timeline: Meal delivery can start within days. Home care assessments take 1-2 weeks. Senior center programs are ongoing and walk-in.

Best first steps

Call the Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 to find services near you.
For meal delivery, contact your local Meals on Wheels — most programs are free or donation-based.
If you suspect elder abuse, call the Eldercare Locator or your local adult protective services.
For Medicare questions, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit a local SHIP counselor for free help.

What to bring

Medicare/Medicaid card, photo ID, proof of age (60+), and a list of current medications and care needs.

Emergency vs. standard help

Emergency: For elder abuse, call 911 or the Eldercare Locator. Standard: Contact your area agency on aging for home care, meals, and support services.

What kind of help is available?

restaurant

Meals delivered to your door

Meals on Wheels and similar programs deliver hot or refrigerated meals to homebound seniors. Free or low-cost. Call 211 or 1-888-998-6325.

thermostat

Extreme weather help

Cooling centers in summer. Warming centers in winter. Many are free and open on same day. Call 211 to find one near you.

directions_bus

Transportation

Rides to doctor appointments, grocery stores, and community centers. Many area agencies on aging offer free or low-cost rides.

handshake

Companionship & safety checks

Telephone reassurance programs and friendly visitor programs. Reduces isolation and checks that you are okay.

payments

Benefits & programs

Help finding and applying for Medicare, Medicaid, SSI, SNAP, and other benefits you may qualify for. Free assistance from trained counselors.

shield

Elder abuse protection

If someone is taking your money, hurting you, or threatening you — Adult Protective Services can help. Reports can be anonymous.

National resources — available everywhere

Eldercare Locator

Connect to local Area Agencies on Aging for meals, transportation, health, legal, and caregiver support. Free, nationwide.

call 1-800-677-1116 language Website

Meals on Wheels America

Home-delivered meals for seniors who cannot easily leave their homes. Find your local program.

call 1-888-998-6325 language Find Your Program

Adult Protective Services (via 211)

Reports elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Available in every state. Reports can be made anonymously.

call Dial 211

211 — Local Senior Services

211 connects you to local senior services including housing help, food, utilities, and in-home care. Free, confidential.

call Dial 211 language Website