Finding Quality Eldercare

Do you need eldercare services? Or do you expect to need eldercare in the future? Day care, short-term and long-term services and facilities are available. But sometimes they're not easy to find. Check out the resources below. They can give your search a starting point, or lead you to agencies you hadn’t considered.

Referrals from friends

You probably know people who have had to find care for their elderly loved ones. Ask them for referrals, and find out which services or facilities to avoid. This is a great place to start, since friends are likely to give you honest feedback.

Local resources

Tap into your local resources, such as:

State resources

Are you having trouble finding specialized services locally? Ask the geriatric service of the nearest medical school hospital. Or check with your state’s public health department.

National resources

Check the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Eldercare Locator to find local eldercare resources. Senior citizen advocacy groups might have a chapter in your state. These groups include the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP®) and the Gray Panthers. Does your loved one have a disease or disability, such as Alzheimer's disease? Check online or in your telephone book for related organizations.

Getting to work

Finding good eldercare services can be a big job. But once you've found the right fit, your hard work will be worth it. Knowing your loved one is being well cared for will give you peace of mind.