Agency on Aging Delaware senior assistance programs.
Senior citizens and the elderly in Delaware can get help from state and federal government funded non-profits such as the Division of Services for the Aging and Adults and your local agency on aging office. Resources provide free food, advice, prescription medications, and much more to qualified seniors. Additional programs can offer help with medical bills, money management, referrals, and home delivered meals. A senior’s caregiver or immediate family members can also get support from their Agency on Aging office.
The AARP Foundation and Division of Services for the Aging worked with the state to create the Money Management Program. Low income seniors can attend workshops and gain assistance with paying routine bills, developing a budget, and help them with other financial matters. Seniors could potentially retain their independence by improving their money management skills.
Delaware Senior Medicare Patrol Program (SMP) is for the elderly and seniors who receive Medicare. Volunteers who work with agency on aging offices work closely with and support Medicare beneficiaries. The program will help them get questions on medical bills, resolve any issues, answer questions, and help deal with waste or fraud.
Nutrition services are offered to older Delawareans. The Division of Services works closely and in partnership with various community and national non-profit organizations to promote the health of older persons and the elderly through better nutrition.
Caregiver Assistance-Respite-Education, or CARE Delaware, can help people who are caring for older or senior family members. A number of assistance programs are offered including Respite Care Service, Skills Training, Grandparent or Older Relative Programs, and Information and Assistance.
A similar resource is the Delaware Kinship Navigator Program. This can be grandparents, uncles, or aunts who are taking care of children. They can get information regarding services, help them apply, and offer other support.
Respite care is offered to primary caregivers, such as family members. Your agency on aging center can coordinate care, and it can even be regularly scheduled on a weekly or monthly basis. This provides the person providing care to have a short break from their duties. Respite care is also coordinated by Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, and they will help coordinate the service and settings across the state.
Food includes Home-Delivered Meals as well as the operation of congregate meal sites. These items are provided in group settings such as aging centers, churches, or senior centers. People who attend can receive a free or low cost meal, and are also given the opportunity to socialize or attend activities. Nutrition counseling and education is also offered at these centers. On the other hand, the Delaware Meals on Wheels program delivers nutritionally balanced, hot meals (or bagged lunches) to homebound persons.
Home Modification can pay for modifications or safety improvements to seniors and/or those with a disability. This Delaware program, and funds from it, can only be used for permanent homes and are also used only when no other funding source is available to the homeowners. So this is a last resort when there is not enough money from another source or government program to pay for the modifications.
Minor chores and housekeeping may be able to help frail older persons, seniors or adults with physical disabilities. The service, which is done by trained housekeepers, will continue to allow people to live in their homes. Some of what is offered includes light housekeeping, assistance with shopping, free meal preparation, and laundry services.
Medical Transportation is offered in some cities and towns, and it will provide transportation to the doctor’s office or health care appointments for persons 60 years old and older. Some rides may be offered for shopping too.
The Delaware Free Legal Services Program assists older persons with legal representation and civil issues. Specifically, the legal aid program provides help with matters such as consumer, housing and benefits issues; powers of attorney; will; and advance directives.
Job programs are offered from the Senior Community Service Employment Program. The federal government and state of Delaware program provides paid, part-time work experience for eligible persons over 55 years of age. The job training that is available through the employment program takes place at various non-profit locations, charities and local businesses. The program is also subsidized. Seniors can access supportive services; get help with finding employment; and attend training workshops. More on SCSEP Senior Community Service Employment Program.
Case management and social services help older persons, caregivers, persons with disabilities, and others get connected with the financial assistance programs, bill paying services, and resources that they need. They will assess your situation. The senior will then get help in creating a care plan. Lastly, receive ongoing coordination.
Aging on Aging offices are a great place to turn to for Information and Assistance. Get information about and receive help in finding appropriate financial assistance programs, events, services, activities, and other local community or state of Delaware resources. This is available to older persons, disabled, senior citizens and their family members as well as caregivers.
Options Counseling is offered by Delaware Agency on Aging centers. It will help identify long term care needs and preferences and help people understand the service options available to them. Receive help in enrolling in government or public assistance as well, such as Medicare or long term care services. Options counselors can meet with you and go over all options available.
The main offices are at 1901 N. Du Pont Highway, Main Building, New Castle, DE 19720, DMS Fiscal Management, call (302) 255-9235 as well as 256 Chapman Road, Oxford Building, Newark, Delaware 19702, phone number is (800) 223-9074.
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