Sometimes the Best Things in Life Are Free

One of the biggest challenges faced by older adults and family caregivers is sorting through the vast number of agencies, services and resources in order to find the "just right" answer to the need for help.

As older adults confront changes in their health, abilities and finances, the need for help can come in many forms ranging from transportation, financial assistance, in-home care, home modification to legal guidance.

All too often older adults and family caregivers become overwhelmed and frustrated not by the lack of help available but in trying to find the "right" service or agency.

Here's the good news:  ElderCare Locator is a "one stop" link to resources and programs nation-wide.  Funded by the U.S. Administration of Aging, the ElderCare Locator can be accessed online at www.eldercare.gov or by phoning a toll-free number (1-800-677-1116).

The ElderCare Locator website offers searchable databases, online chats with Information Specialists and an extensive listing of publications.

The toll-free number is staffed 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time by Information Specialists who can assist in connecting you to trusted resources and programs in your local area.

Beyond finding the help that a loved one may need to stay at home, you can also utilize ElderCare Locator to learn about support groups and respite care for family caregivers.

As the old advertising slogan boasted, "One call does it all".  ElderCare Locator may just prove to be that one call or website which can help you find the help you need for yourself or an aging parent.