It can be overwhelming and frustrating as your loved one ages, especially regarding income versus expenses. The expenses can add up quickly! Activities people could do before may become limiting because of a person’s medical condition or as their body gets older. Paying people to help adds up, so it is nice to know if the government offers programs to help pay for things. The good news is that programs are available through the federal and state governments.

The federal government has several programs to help people 62 and older.

• Retirement payments for people or spouses (current or ex-spouse) that have paid into the Social Security system.
• Supplemental Security Income for low-income people
• Health Insurance – Medicare / Medicaid
• Housing programs
• Food assistance programs – SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps
• HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) to help pay home heating expenses

You can go to the Social Security Administration or Eldercare Directory to learn more about the various federal programs available.

Every state has an Aging Services Division. Aging Services Divisions lets people know the various senior programs offered to the residents of their state. Each state may have similar programs available, but some may vary.

For example, California’s Department of Aging provides programs and services for

• Food and Nutrition
• Home and Community Services
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman
• Family Caregiver Services including IHSS (In Home Support Services)
• Caregiver Resource Center
• Medicare Counseling (HICAP)
• Legal Services
• Senior Employment Training
• Health Promotion
• CalFresh Healthy Living (Nutrition and Exercise)
• Dignity at Home Fall Prevention Program
• Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS)
• Aging and Disability Resource Connection
• Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)
• Volunteer information
• The Office of the Long-Term Care Patient Representative

Some programs are income based, and some are available to seniors regardless of income. Remember, you are not alone. There is support out there for your aging loved one.

STAGES is here to educate you on the available support.