How many seniors in Des Moines may be in need of financial assistance?
In many instances, the help your aging loved one needs is financial. When seniors are on an especially tight budget, they may have to make nearly impossible decisions, like whether to pay a utility bill or eat healthy food for the month, or whether to pay their full mortgage payment or a medical bill. There are quite a few seniors in Iowa who are living below the poverty line, and even more who are financially insecure. Fortunately, they are not alone.
While financial needs can seem overwhelming, they’re not the only needs you or your senior may have. There are all kinds of senior and caregiver support in Des Moines and Ames. Maybe the senior you care for is interested in getting more information about aging in place with independence and dignity or maybe you are interested in meeting other caregiver relatives who are in a similar situation to yours. Whatever your needs, there are resources available to provide the information, assistance, or guidance that you and your loved one need.
Are there mental health resources available to seniors in Des Moines?
Because seniors can be more isolated than other age groups, signs of mental illness in seniors can often go unnoticed. Fortunately, you are caring for your aging loved one and can help them (and you) find resources if they are suffering from mental health issues. Unfortunately, Medicare may not cover all mental health expenses. That’s why the following national organizations are available to help seniors with mental health issues.
- Healthy IDEAS (Identifying Depression, Empowering Activities for Seniors)
- American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry
- Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives for Seniors (PEARLS)
- Brief Intervention and Treatment for Elders (BRITE)
In addition to national organizations, you may find some more local agencies that offer mental health help for seniors. Just make sure to do your research and make sure they are who they say they are and they do what they say they do before entrusting the care of your loved one to them. Unfortunately, seniors are a vulnerable group who are too often targeted by scam artists.
Caregiver support in Des Moines
As a caregiver who is most likely unpaid and untrained, you are doing a great service by caring for your aging loved one. It’s important that you take care of yourself first because caregiver burnout could leave you unable to care for your loved one at all. Take advantage of caregiver support in Des Moines. Taking care of yourself will leave you with the energy needed to search for the senior resources in Des Moines or Ames that your loved one needs. Also, don’t feel bad about using resources to take care of some of your senior’s needs rather than doing everything yourself. By connecting them with a pet care professional, a meal delivery service, or a senior laundry service, you are freeing up yourself to spend more quality time with your loved one.
If you need more information about what resources are available and how to find reputable providers, check out our comprehensive guide to finding senior resources.
The best senior resources in Des Moines
Taking advantage of senior resources in Des Moines can benefit both you and the senior you care for. It can make both of your lives easier and give you more quality time to spend together. It can also help you save money, learn more about aging and what that entails, and meet others in your situation. Use our listings to find resources for seniors in Des Moines today.
