How to Access Services

Now that you know a bit about the wide variety of assistive services and residences available to you, it might seem overwhelming. Even knowing the areas where you could use some assistance is not the whole story -- now you must develop the skills necessary to access those services. The best plan is simply to ask anyone you can think of -- and then ask some more!

Services Resources

Fortunately, there are a great many professionals who are eager to assist you.

• For an overview of services available in your area, contact the local, county, or state office, bureau, or commission on aging. Ask for a case worker and describe the type of needs you have. These agencies can tell you how to contact the area outreach worker, one of your best resources for services.
  
• If you are hospitalized, talk to hospital discharge planners. They have an extensive knowledge of assistive services available and may be able to help you plan for future needs. Many hospitals themselves provide services for caregivers and older adults, such as the Lifeline medical alert program or support groups for people with various illnesses.
  
• Your local senior center is another place to meet the staff and talk to them about services available in your area. They might be able to provide you with information about which firms and services have provided others with positive experiences. Senior centers are also a place where private and governmental agencies publicize their programs and services.
  
• Retirement communities and long term care organizations are committed to helping seniors live well. They often provide educational programs designed to help you live to your fullest potential
  
• Many churches and civic groups (including schools) provide community services for older adults. Ask other older adults the name of the person or company that provides them with some of the assistance they receive. 
  

Benefits Specialists

Once you begin to understand the many services available to you, you will wonder about managing the cost of those services. The same principles apply here as in your search for quality services:  Ask the right questions.

One important resource available to you is your county's benefits specialist. The benefits specialist provides assistance at no cost to residents age 60 and over with benefit and entitlement programs such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, Medical Assistance, Food Stamps, and the Community Options Program.

Services offered include information about eligibility criteria and assistance in applying for an entitlement, assistance in receiving benefits, and information about covered services or appealing denials and terminations.

Benefit specialists also may refer you to community resources such as area coalitions and senior centers, housing options and other legal services. Contact your county's benefits specialist through the county commission (or other unit) on aging.

Go to Introduction
Go to Home and Community Based Services
Go to Senior-Specific Residences
Go to Stay Organized
Go to Making the Transition
Go to The Not-for-Profit Choice
Go to a listing of the not-for-profit facilities and services that are members of WAHSA.