Many older citizens need special services to assist them in their daily lives, including things such as transportation, meals, and home care. As a result, adult children of older Americans often become caregivers and need to learn how to fulfill those roles.

The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging, an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living. Since 1991, the Eldercare Locator has been connecting older Americans and their caregivers with state and local agencies and community-based organizations that serve those in need.

If you are an older citizen requiring assistance or a caregiver, Access Wealth suggests that you visit their website at eldercare.acl.gov to discover the range of services this organization provides.

The process is easy. Enter your zip code and receive a list of resources in your community that provides information and assistance, complete with contact information.

Other features of the website include:

  • Access to Information Specialists, via online chat, phone, and email
  • “Caregiver Corner” provides useful links and resources specifically for caregivers
  • A Long-term Care Planning section has a wealth of information on this topic
  • The Aging Network with links to local, state, and federal agency resources
  • Brochures and Fact Sheets may be ordered or downloaded on many topics, such as:
    • Tips to avoid financial exploitation
    • Home health care
    • Home improvement assistance
    • Adult daycare
    • Resources for long-distance caregivers
    • Information about COVID-19

Whether you are responsible for a loved one or are the ones in need, this can be a stressful time. Making use of these public service resources may provide you with much-needed assistance to make daily living a little easier.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in February 2020 and has been updated for accuracy.