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Important Assistance Available for Senior Citizens
Grants For Citizens have many resources and assistance available for senior citizens in all 50 states. There are quite a few resources for senior citizens in need:
Food Programs for Seniors
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
This is the main food assistance program that was formed and has been financed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Its purpose is to end hunger in the country. Low and moderate-income households are urged to apply for this benefit. Eligible recipients will receive monthly cash support to purchase healthy food until they become self-sufficient. For more information, click here or call 1-800-342-3009.
- The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
This is a meal assistance program specifically designed by the federal government for low and middle-income senior residents. Seniors who need fresh fruit and vegetables and cannot buy it are eligible for this benefit. Eligible recipients can have locally grown herbs, honey, vegetables, and fruits. This initiative also supports the development of local farmer’s markets. The main criteria for this meal assistance are that applicants must be 60 years of age or above and have financial challenges. To learn more and apply, click here or call 1-877-774-9519.
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program
This is a food support program that was established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture particularly for adult people who are 65 years of age or older. The main aim of this program is to make sure that older citizens stay healthy by keeping a balanced diet. Eligible recipients will be having a monthly food package that includes fruit, vegetables, juice, milk, cheese, protein, and grains. For further information and apply, click here or call 1-202-645-6087.
- Administration For Community Living Nutrition Services
This organization was created to make sure that every senior citizen can live where they choose and with the people they want. It has a food support program for elder people who are not able to have healthy meals at their homes. It both offers home-delivered hot, cold, or frozen means, and food pantries at different senior centers throughout the country. Eligible seniors are also able to benefit from nutrition screening services, webinars, and counseling about healthy eating. Eligibility criteria changes from one state to another and most of the states provide various extra services. Further information can be accessed by clicking here or call 1-800-677-1116.
For more available services, visit Grants For Seniors.
Medicaid for Seniors
Medicaid is simply health coverage for low and moderate-income older people who are not able to afford it. Medicaid can be provided by the federal government, state offices, or non-governmental local organizations. Adult people who are 65 years of age or older and in financial crisis are mostly eligible for various Medicaid services. The main categories of these services are as follows:
- Part A: Beneficiaries of this Medicaid program will be receiving cash support for their medical and hospitalization expenses.
- Part B: Recipients of this Medicaid program will be paid for lab-ray services, physician services, necessary medical equipment, and more.
- Part C: This is a slightly special option for seniors who need a Medicare Advantage Plan such as PPO or HMO. This category is mostly provided by private companies to support older people who need health assistance.
- Part D: This is one of the most common categories that pay the costs of prescription drugs for low and moderate-income people in need.
Apart from these categories, there are various health programs and services for older people in need throughout the country. Some of these are as follows:
- Medicaid Waivers: These are also known as Home and Community Based Services Waivers. These programs are mostly created by the state offices according to the changing needs of the older population in each state. Hence, these health programs differ based on the state that you live in. The main goal of these state-funded Medicaid waivers is to assist older people with long-term care either at their homes or at nursing facilities. Some seniors may need long-term care and may not have someone to look after them or they may not be able to afford a caregiver. This is a highly beneficial option for elder people who need long-term care regardless of where they live. Since these programs get too much attention, it is better to apply as soon as possible.
- Cash and Counseling: This is a particular type of Medicaid service that is almost available in each state for seniors. This is a monetary aid and health counseling service for older people who are facing financial difficulties. Eligible candidates of this service will be receiving cash support for care or will be choosing their own care providers. These programs are also recognized as “consumer directed care” or “self directed care” since the recipient decides on it. Most people choose one of their family members as their caregivers. Especially if this person has already been living with the participant, it is also beneficial for reducing housing expenses. Thereby, if there is someone who already takes care of you, he or she also can be paid through these programs. This person can be your daughter, nephew, son, or spouse. Regardless of their kinship to you, they can be your paid caregiver.
For more information, visit Grants For Seniors.
Fighting Depression for Seniors
What Causes Loneliness and Depression Among Seniors?
As the environment and relationships change, older adults start to experience increased feelings of loneliness. What triggers loneliness among the elderly?
- Staying Alone. Having no family or friends to live with can cause feelings of loneliness in seniors.
- Working from Home. As you grow old, it is important to be around people, like coworkers, if not family and friends. Being forced to work from home doesn’t allow you to interact with workmates and may cause loneliness.
- Ending a Relationship. Going through divorce or separation from your long-term spouse can bring loneliness to your life.
- Death of a Spouse. The death of a spouse you have been with for many years can be frustrating and cause feelings of loneliness, especially if you are left with no one to stand with you in the trying times of your life.
- Lack of Social Connections. Seniors should be able to maintain meaningful social connections as this is essential for their health. Being not able to access such connections can cause loneliness. It is important to find a group to join and share life experiences.
- Retirement. Once you retire, there are high chances of losing your previous work-related connections. When this happens, you may experience feelings of loneliness.
- Being Unbale to Participate in Recreational and Social Activities Because of Limited Funds. The available centers for seniors are paid for and one can end remaining lonely simply because they are unable to meet such costs.
Health Risks Associated with Depression and Loneliness
Loneliness, first of all, brings about depression if not dealt with properly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Depression, loneliness is more likely to cause heart disease, stroke, and may lead to seniors committing suicide, based on the level of depression one is going through. This increases mortality risks among the elderly because of poor health. Recent research studies have also found out that loneliness brings about high blood pressure, obesity, and it weakens the seniors’ immune systems. Seniors experiencing loneliness are also more likely to develop physical mobility impairments, denying them the ability to take care of themselves. Seniors also stand a high chance of developing a disability due to poor health and reduced access to community services that happen as a result of loneliness and depression.
For more information, visit Grants For Seniors.
Grants for Seniors has many services and assistance available for senior citizens across America, such as financial help, health care, rent assistance, housing assistance, food assistance, clothing assistance, transportation assistance, daily living and much more. Check it out!