Family Caregivers Can Help Senior Adults During Older Americans Month

Senior adults have not only made a lifetime of contributions to society, but according to the U.S. Census Bureau seniors are on track to outnumber young people for the first time ever. Thus, older adults deserve both recognition and support for senior-specific issues that are only going to increase in the years to come, and that is what Older Americans Month is all about.

Since 1963, every U.S. president has declared the month of May, Older Americans Month. This involves ceremonies, events, fairs and similar activities, as well as connecting seniors to resources that provide valuable support services. Older Americans Month also coincides with National Elder Law Month, which provides outreach, education and legal services to seniors across the country. 

Adult children of aging seniors and family caregivers can play a critical role in facilitating these resources by assisting their elder loved ones. Let us share a few of these important resources for you to consider.

• Eldercare Support: The national Eldercare Locator helps connect older adults and their family caregivers with trustworthy elder care organizations across the country.
• Health Care: State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, or SHIPs, provide free support to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.
• Long-Term Care: The U.S. Administration on Aging assists seniors in understanding what is involved in long-term care, such as nursing homes and assisted living. The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care helps older adults and their family caregivers understand their rights. It can also assist in obtaining help if they need it.
• Elder Abuse: The National Center on Elder Abuse helps combat elder abuse. Learning more about this critical issue can help identify warning signs, protect vulnerable seniors and take necessary actions.
• Pensions: Millions of senior adults depend on their pensions to survive. Family caregivers can help resolve pension-related problems by connecting with groups like PensionHelp America.
• Legal: The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, which our own attorney is a member of, is a nonprofit association that provides legal services for senior adults and people with special needs. NAELA established National Elder Law Month as a way to acknowledge the elder law profession and provide legal support for the nation’s senior community.

We know that you and your loved ones may need estate planning or elder law help right now. If you or someone you know would like more information or specific guidance on legal matters, do not hesitate to contact us now, or anytime throughout the year.