How does one go about getting assistance for an elderly person ?

[bearfan454]

I figured someone in the DU Lounge will know the answer to this.
Is there an income limit ? What agency or department would one contact ? Any information on where to go for answers will help. Anyone know ?

[lizziegrace]

1. What kind of assistance?

Medical, financial, housekeeping, self-care, legal?

[bearfan454]

2. Medical in Texas

She is an elderly lady that lives alone and is not disabled. She is showing beginning signs of dementia.

[lizziegrace]

3. Is she in an urban area or rural? n/t

[brook]

8. Is there a Senior Hotline

in your area? They can tell you available agencies to contact. Hippywife gave you a good direction: Social Services. Make your appeal 'urgent' - "she's a possible danger to herself" - so they'll get someone out to assess her. Does she have a physician? A doctor's office should be in contact with available services....but they aren't always. A social service worker (at least here) would become her advocate and enroll her in any program she is eligible for.

You can also contact the nearest Agency on Aging office. I think most counties have one. They should know who to contact. They partially fund a senior program I work for - and we answer to them.

Thank you for caring. So many seniors have nobody...and sad to say, this country does not treat them very well.

[hippywife]

4. You could start here

at the Department of Human Services for your state:

http://www.dads.state.tx.us/

[spindrifter]

5. Don't overlook

a religious group. Catholic Charities in our area (not Tx.) has many programs that help link elders with a variety of services. If the woman is beginning to show signs of dementia, she may qualify for some disability service.

[GOPisEvil]

6. Call 2-1-1.

The operators there can assist you. It's run by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. It's open M-F, 8am-8pm.

[bearfan454]

7. thanks david nt

[Haole Girl]

9. I know someone who works with this group...

Maybe they can help...

http://www.mealcall.org/meals-on-wheels/tx/index.htm