Resources
Where to get help when you're on your own
A short, hand-picked list of government and nonprofit services that matter most for solo agers — the ones that connect you to local help, pay for care, or stand in for the family member who'd normally make calls on your behalf. These are independent organizations; we're not affiliated with any of them.
Find help near you
Eldercare Locator
The federal front door to local aging services — meals, transport, home care, and more. Call 1-800-677-1116 or search by ZIP. Run by the Administration for Community Living.
Area Agencies on Aging
Your local AAA coordinates in-home help, caregiver respite, and benefits screening. USAging's directory finds the agency for your county.
SHIP — Medicare counseling
Free, unbiased one-on-one help understanding Medicare, Medigap, and Advantage plans, with no sales pitch. Every state has one.
NCOA BenefitsCheckUp
A free screener from the National Council on Aging that finds the benefit programs you may qualify for — food, medicine, utilities, and more.
Paying for care
Medicare
What Medicare covers (and the long-term custodial care it doesn't), plus plan comparison and your wellness-visit advance-care-planning benefit.
Medicaid long-term care
The largest payer of long-term care once assets fall below your state's limit — including the five-year look-back you need to plan around early.
Social Security
Retirement and SSI benefits, plus the representative-payee program for managing payments if you can no longer handle them yourself.
VA Aid & Attendance
If you served, this benefit adds to a VA pension to help pay for care at home or in a facility. Eligibility and how to apply.
Legal, advocacy & health
Find an elder-law attorney
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys directory — for powers of attorney, guardianship nominations, and Medicaid planning specific to your state.
Find a geriatric care manager
Aging Life Care professionals coordinate care, attend medical appointments, and act as a paid advocate — useful when there's no family nearby to do it.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
A free advocate who investigates complaints and protects the rights of people living in nursing homes and assisted living — your watchdog if you have no one else.
Alzheimer's Association
A 24/7 helpline (1-800-272-3900), care planning, and support for memory loss — including planning ahead while you can still make your own choices.