What Kind of Help is Available?

In The System -- Low Income Senior Options

The maze of services offered to seniors is astounding. Many services are free or require only that participants meet the qualifications to participate. Some such as Meals on Wheels, which will deliver hot meals to a seniors home, for a minimal cost. But how do you search for such services, where do you start, and whom do you talk to?

Seniors and caregivers can locate many resources by calling their local Social Services Office. They can explain programs and qualification requirements. A few of the services found through Social Services are:

• Food Share Wisconsin


• Wisconsin Medicaid


• Prescription Drug Resource


• Senior Care

There are resources through various agencies that apply to special needs. The Alzheimer's Association has funding available for home health assistance, supplying Aide services to homebound seniors who can no longer bath themselves, or do household chores.

In The Community -- Options You Might Consider

If you have a one time project need, such as the construction of a wheelchair ramp or outfitting a bath with grab rails and other items to make a home safe for the senior citizen. I suggest checking with the local Boy Scout Troup or even the local High School as many encourage students in community activities and they will often assist by sponsoring it as a school project.

The nice thing is that like signing up for a free drawing and finding yourself on a mailing list for all kinds of things you do not want. Once the name of the person needing assistance makes it into the system, you will find that resources you did not know existed approach you and so that is a nice thing!