What should I do if my aging parent lives alone?

Start by having an open, compassionate conversation about their needs and concerns. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of their: Physical health and mobility Cognitive function Home safety Social connections Daily living capabilities Develop a support plan that might include: Regular check-ins (in-person or virtual) Home safety modifications Exploring support services like meal delivery, transportation, and home health care Technology solutions like medical alert systems Consideration of part-time caregiving or assisted living if needs become more complex

What are the best options for older adults living alone?

The right option depends on the person and their needs. Health, social needs, and community support are all factors in finding the best option. Top choices for older adults include: Independent living communities Assisted living facilities Aging in place with home modifications Senior co-housing arrangements Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) Living with carefully selected roommates Proximity to family or support network with regular assistance

What are the benefits of moving to a retirement community?

Some of the advantages of moving to a retirement community include: Built-in social opportunities and community engagement Maintenance-free living Enhanced safety and security Access to on-site medical care Structured activities and wellness programs Reduced household responsibilities Meal services Transportation assistance Emergency response systems

How can I help an older adult with no family?

Support strategies for older adults without family include: Connect them with local senior services Establish a network of trusted neighbors and friends Help them access community resources Set up regular check-ins Assist with legal and financial planning Explore volunteer companion programs Connect them with religious or community organizations Consider hiring a professional care manager

Key Resources for Older Adults Living Alone

Aging in place successfully

As the National Institute on Aging notes, most of us want the same thing: to independently stay in our homes for as long as possible, and to have friends and family to turn to when we need help. While those desires seem simple, they can become challenging: friends and family aren’t always nearby, health can fluctuate, and our capabilities can change.
The best way to ensure you can remain in your home and community as you grow older or age in place is by planning for any potential concerns. Knowing the resources available can help you feel confident and prepared for any of life’s surprises.

Finances

If you’re retired or thinking about retirement, your finances are going to be on your mind. Fortunately, there are lots of resources available to help with budgeting, retirement planning, and managing health care costs. Some of the best financial resources available for older adults include:
AARP: AARP offers members and non-members online resources like retirement and social security calculators, tax filing tips, and money management strategies.
Foundation for Financial Planning (FFP): For those who are concerned about stretching their retirement dollars, FFP offers pro bono financial guidance through its Retirement Resilience Program, helping older adults with key financial issues.
Advisers Give Back: This non-profit organization connects volunteer Certified Financial Planners with those seeking guidance in managing their money. Advisers Give Back is donation-based, so the services are free, and you’re only asked to pay what you can.
BenefitsCheckUp: An online tool to help older adults and those who may be eligible for benefits programs in their area. BenefitsCheckUp can help you find resources to help pay for health care, medicine, utilities, and more.
Social Security Administration: The Social Security Administration provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits for those who are eligible. You can check their site to learn about your eligibility.

Home safety

It’s easy to become accustomed to small safety issues that may pop up around your home – a step needing repair or a door that doesn’t close properly. However, those small problems can lead to much bigger issues when they’re not taken care of. Here are some resources for improving the safety of your home:
USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans: The Section 504 Home Repair program offers loans to very low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards or modernize their homes.
Area Agency on Aging (AAA): Your local AAA may offer minor home modification services or referrals.
Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists (CAPS): CAPS can earn their certification through the National Association of Home Builders to become experts in making homes more accessible for aging in place. You can find a CAPS directory here.
AgeSafe America: You can schedule a 240-point home safety assessment through AgeSafe America to fully understand current and future risks and adjustments your home may need to safely age in place. The assessment costs between $199 and $399, depending on the size and location of your home.
Occupational therapy home evaluations: If deemed medically necessary by your health care provider, you may qualify for an occupational therapy home evaluation, which can help identify potential risks and recommend home modifications.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): HUD offers information for older adults seeking support to stay in their homes, find a new home, and avoid scams.
Homemods.org: Among other resources, this organization offers the Home Modification Information Network, which allows you to look up home modification policies, funding sources, and programs by state.

Transportation

Access to reliable transportation is critical for maintaining independence. Options may include:
Area Agency on Aging (AAA): Your local AAA can help you find transportation resources based on location.
National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC): NADTC works to make transportation available and accessible to older adults and those with disabilities.
Rides in Sight: Rides in Sight offers a database of transportation resources available to older and mobility-challenged adults.
Independent Transport Network America (ITNAmerica): ITNAmerica supports sustainable, community-based transportation solutions for older adults.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): NEMT is a Medicaid-sponsored service to get older adults to and from medical appointments appointments.

Food and Nutrition

Proper nutrition is key to managing chronic conditions and overall health. Options to support your nutritional needs include:
Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals and provides social interaction
Grocery delivery services: Regardless of whether you can’t or don’t want to go grocery shopping, online grocery delivery services bring your groceries to you. Popular options include Amazon Fresh, Instacart, Shipt, and Walmart+
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP): SNAP provides benefits to low-income households by supplementing grocery budgets.
Eat-Right.org: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides comprehensive nutrition information for older adults, and a directory of credentialed food and nutrition specialists.
MyPlate for Older Adults: For those looking to keep up with how their nutritional needs change with age, MyPlate for Older Adults offers food and activity guidance specifically geared to those 50+.

Housekeeping and home care

A clean, organized home supports physical and mental well-being. Here are some In-home care services for light cleaning and daily living assistance:
Seniors Helping Seniors: Seniors Helping Seniors connects older adults looking for work, providing services and companionship with older adults seeking affordable, professional, in-home care.
Caring Senior Service: Caring Senior Service offers light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation, and more.
National cleaning services: National companies that provide cleaning services for older adults include Molly Maid, Merry Maids, and ComForCare.

Health Care

Finding the right provider or the information you need to make the best health care decisions can be life-changing. Here are some resources to narrow down your choices:
Home health services directory: Medicare’s healthcare provider directory can help you find a Medicare provider for various health needs.
Hiring a health care provider: The National Institute on Aging provides a worksheet of questions to ask when hiring a health care provider.
Answering health-related questions: MyHealthfinder is managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, providing information about staying up to date on vaccines, healthy living, and more.

Social Engagement

Social isolation is a significant risk factor for cognitive decline and mental health issues. Ways to stay connected:
Volunteering: Senior Corps, a division of Americorps, connects older adults with volunteer opportunities.
Intergenerational activities: Generations United aims to improve the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational collaboration.
Connect Champions: Commit to Connect is an organization focused on ending social isolation and loneliness. They offer ways to expand your network and meet new people.
Technology training: Senior Planet by AARP offers technology training for older adults so you can become more comfortable with video calls, social media, online security, and more.