• If possible, relocate laundry fa-
cilities to the first floor to further avoid
stairs and dangerous falls.
• Acquaint your parent with servic-
es in their neighborhood that can come
right to their door, such as grocery deliv-
ery, dry cleaning pick up and delivery,
senior transportation, etc.
• Encourage your parent to choose
direct deposit for any income, and use
online bill pay to reduce banking trips.
Even postage stamps can be purchased
online. Fortunately, upcoming genera-
tions will be more tech savvy and be
able to take full advantage of Google
searches. If your parent is not among
them, start teaching them to use the In-
ternet!
• Help your parent get acquainted
with the services offered by their local
senior center. Low-cost nutritious meals,
socialization, and group activities are
some of the benefits derived from be-
coming a member.
Common Concerns
If staying at home is important to
your parent, they will eventually need
outside help of some kind. An important
part of planning is thinking about how
to pay for the help that’s needed. Some
things you want for them may cost a
lot. Others may be free. Some might
be covered by Medicare or other health
insurance. Some may not. Check with
your insurance provider(s). It’s pos-
sible that paying for a few services out
of pocket could cost less than moving
into an independent living, assisted liv-
ing, or long-term care facility, and your
parent would still be able to remain at
home. Resources like Benefits.gov and
BenefitsCheckUp® can help you find
out about possible benefits your parent
might qualify for.
Is your parent eligible for benefits
from the U.S. Department of Veter-
ans Affairs (VA)? The VA sometimes
provides medical care in your home.
In some areas, they offer homemaker/
home health aide services, and adult day
health care. To learn more, visit www.
va.gov, call the VA Health Care Benefits
number, 1-877-222-8387 (toll-free), or
contact the VA medical center nearest
you.
Get in the
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Neighbor Helping Neighbor Since 2003
Volunteer today to help your
neighborhood seniors go places.
Through the work of volunteers,
Hearts and Hands is the largest
provider of free, escorted senior
transportation in
Erie and Niagara Counties.
Giving just two rides a month can
make a difference in the life and
independence of a senior.
For More Information on Aging in Place
Eldercare Locator
1-800-677-1116
https://eldercare.acl.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
1-800-633-4227 • 1-877-486-2048
www.medicare.gov
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
1-202-872-0888
[email protected] • www.n4a.org
We Make
Volunteering Easy!
• Select assignments which
fit your schedule On-line or
by phone.
Department of Housing and Urban Development
1-202-708-1112 • 1-202-708-1455
https://www.hud.gov/ • Volunteer training, liability
insurance and mileage
reimbursement are provided.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
National Energy Assistance Referral Hotline
1-866-674-6327
[email protected] • https://liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/help We need your help
now more than ever
National Resource Center on
Supportive Housing & Home Modifications
1-213-740-1364
[email protected] • www.homemods.org
Contact Hearts and Hands
today and get started
716.406.8311
www.hnhcares.org
[email protected]
March 2020 WNY Family 29