The Elder Care Guide contains key information, links and statistics for senior citizens in the United States. With an aging population, the 65-and-older population grew by over a third (34.2% or 13,787,044) during the past decade, and by 3.2% (1,688,924) from 2018 to 2019. This guide also contains helpful contact information for county offices, Alzheimer’s Disease organizations and government agencies that offer assistance to caregivers and senior citizens at a national and state level. 

 

United States Key Aging Statistics

  • 22.6% of the United States population is aged 60, with the number of older adults projected to outnumber children for the first time by 2034. 
  • 47.3% of certified nursing home beds in the United States were rated four or five-stars over a three-month period.
  • The median household income for a United States senior (65+) is $44,992.
  • It is estimated there are currently more than 5 million people aged 65+ living with Alzheimer’s in the United States. Two-thirds of Americans over age 65 with Alzheimer’s dementia (3.6 million) are women. 

 

Choosing Long Term Care in the United States

 

Senior Services in the United States

 

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Address: 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201

Phone: 1-877-696-6775​

Website

 

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Address:451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410

Phone: (202) 708-1112        

TTY: (202) 708-1455

Website

 

National Institute on Aging

Address: Building 31, Room 5C27, 31 Center Drive, MSC 2292, Bethesda, MD 20892

Phone: 1-800-222-2225

TTY: 1-800-222-4225

Website

 

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging

Address: 1100 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20003

Phone: 202.872.0888  

Fax: 202.872.0057   

Website

 

Medicare Contact Center Operations

Address: PO Box 1270, Lawrence, KS 66044

Phone: 1-800-633-4227

TTY: 1-877-486-2048

Website

 

SHIP National Technical Assistance Center

Address: Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging, 3840 W 9th St, Waterloo, IA 50702

Phone: 877-839-2675

Website 

 

National Center on Elder Abuse

Address: c/o University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine and Geriatrics, 1000 South Fremont Avenue, Unit 22, Building A-6, Alhambra, CA 91803

Phone: 1-855-500-3537

Website

 

National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center

Address: 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 632, Washington, DC 20036

Phone: 202.332.2275 

Fax: 202.332.2949

Website

 

SMP National Resource Center

Address: Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging, 3840 W. 9th Street, Waterloo, Iowa 50702

Phone: 877-808-2468

Website

 

Aging Resources

U.S. Administration on Aging – Eldercare Locator – Resources in your community that provide information and assistance for older adults and caregivers.

Administration for Community Living – fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities.

Medicare.gov: Home Health Compare – Search tool to find Medicare approved home health agencies. 

Medicare.gov: Nursing Home Compare – detailed information about every Medicare- certified nursing home in the country.

National Council on Aging – BenefitsCheckUp – Search tool to find out what benefits may be available in your area.

LeadingAge – Association of nonprofit organizations providing older adults with quality, flexibility and innovation that they can trust. Their aim is to learn from each other, advocate together and inspire our country to view aging differently. 

LongTermCare.gov – Guidance on how to put a long-term care plan in place.

Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home – Resources to plan aging in place. 

Medicaid.gov – Official Medicaid website 

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) – State Health Information and Assistance Programs (SHIPs) offer counseling on how to make the best use of your Medicare, Medi-gap, and long-term care insurance.  

Indian Health Service – Supported by a partnership between CMS, the Indian Health Service, and the Administration on Aging these three agencies are providing technical assistance resources to help communities create effective systems for American Indian and Alaska Native elders, whether they live on reservations, in rural areas, or in urban areas.

The Leapfrog Group – collects and reports one-of-a-kind data to empower patients and purchasers to choose the right hospital or surgery center. 

American Health Care Association – the nation’s largest association of long term and post-acute care providers, AHCA/NCAL advocates for quality care and services for frail, elderly, and disabled Americans.

Pioneer Network: Culture Change in Long-Term Care – Pioneer Network is the national leader of the culture change movement, helping care providers to transition away from a medical, institutional model of elder care to one that is life affirming, satisfying, humane and meaningful. 

Aging Life Care Association – Aging Life Care Professionals are the experts and can assist in many ways — find the expert that’s right for you!

 

United States Elder Justice and Advocacy

Elder Abuse

National Center on Elder Abuse – The NCEA provides the latest information regarding research, training, best practices, news and resources on elder abuse, neglect and exploitation to professionals and the public.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Elder Abuse – The CDC works to prevent violence before it occurs. Information about Elder Abuse. 

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Elder Abuse FAQs – HHS provides instructions on recognizing elder abuse and how to report it.

The United States Department of Justice – Elder Justice – Elder Justice Initiative from the United States Department of Justice providing support for victims and families.

The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center – The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center provides support, technical assistance and training to the 53 State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs and their statewide networks of over 500 local Ombudsman entities. 

FBI Scams and Safety – Elder Fraud – The FBI works throughout the year to educate seniors and their loved ones on elder fraud scams and prevention. 

 

Fraud Prevention

The Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force – Elder Fraud and Financial Exploitation government resource. Includes information to help protect yourself from financial fraud and report suspected cases of fraud.

Medicare Fraud – The official U.S government site for Medicare. Report Medicare Fraud and Abuse and see examples of Medicare fraud.  

Senior Medicare Patrol – Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs) empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse.

 

Financial Scams

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) – Money Smart for Older Adults Program – The program raises awareness among older adults and their caregivers on how to prevent elder financial exploitation and encourages advance planning and informed financial decision-making.

Federal Trade Commission – Identity Theft – A system to help you report and recover from identity theft.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – The Office of Financial Protection for Older Americans provides resources to help manage the finances of older adults.

Internal Revenue Service – Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts – The official revenue service of the United States federal government providing resources and information about tax scams. 

 

Discrimination & Legal Assistance

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 – An act to prohibit age discrimination in employment.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Age Discrimination – enforces the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (Age Act), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in HHS-funded programs and activities. 

Administration for Community Living – Legal Assistance – Legal assistance and elder rights programs work in conjunction with other Administration on Aging programs and services to maximize the independence, autonomy and well-being of older persons.

Office of Medicare Hearing and Appeals – Administration of the nationwide Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing program for appeals arising from individual claims for Medicare coverage and payment for items and services furnished to beneficiaries (or enrollees) under Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. 

 

Housing Issues

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information – Mortgage Relief Scams – Guidance from the FTC on mortgage relief scams.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Information for senior citizens about housing options.

 

 

Caregiver Resources

My Health Finder – Get Support If You are a Caregiver – Easy-to-understand caregiver information. 

National Institute on Aging –  Long-Distance Caregiving – Twenty Questions and Answers regarding long-distance caregiving.

National Family Caregiver Support Program – provides grants to states and territories to fund various supports that help family and informal caregivers care for older adults in their homes for as long as possible.

Federal Resources for Caregivers – Federal agency resources for caregivers.

U.S. Administration on Aging – Eldercare Locator – Resources in your community that provide information and assistance for older adults and caregivers.

 

 

Veteran’s Services

US Department of Veteran Affairs – Elderly Veterans – As Veterans age, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides benefits and services that address a variety of issues including financial challenges and the changing health risks they face through VA benefits and health services.

US Department of Veteran Affairs – Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) – optimizing the health and well-being of Veterans with multiple chronic conditions, life-limiting illness, frailty, or disability associated with chronic disease, aging, or injury.

US Department of Veteran Affairs – VA Caregiver Support – The VA provides programs for caregivers of Veterans.

 

 

Elderly Health, Nutrition & Wellness

National Institute on Aging –  Exercise and Physical Activity – Latest articles and tips on how exercise and physical activity can help you stay healthy as you age. 

United States Department of Transportation – Older Drivers – material to help you understand how aging can affect driving and what you can do to continue driving safely as you age

U.S. Department Of Agriculture – Choose My Plate – Nutrition Information from the U.S. Department Of Agriculture for Older Adults. 

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases – Health Tips for Older Adults – Health tips for older adults including topics such as Healthy Weight, Healthy Eating and Healthy Eating Tips.

Meals on Wheels America – Meals on Wheels delivers meals, friendly visits and safety checks to ensure America’s seniors live nourished lives with independence and dignity.

National Institutes of Health – Nutrition for Seniors – Information, resources and research on nutrition for older adults. 

National Institute on Aging – Healthy Eating – Articles on how to make smart food choices, shop for healthy food on a budget, and what vitamins and minerals older people need.

FoodSafety.gov – Food Safety for Older Adults – Adults 65 and older are at a higher risk for hospitalization and death from foodborne illness. Learn about safer food choices for people with a higher risk for foodborne illness.

U.S. Department Of Agriculture – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – SNAP offers nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities.

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention – Older Adult Falls – Falls are a threat to the health of older adults and can reduce their ability to remain independent. However, falls aren’t something that just happens when you age, there are proven ways to reduce falls.

 

 

Aging Health Problems

National Institutes of Health – Arthritis – Information, resources and research on Arthritis in older adults. 

National Cancer Institute (NCI) – NCI is the nation’s leader in cancer research

The Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCCAM) – OCCAM coordinates and enhances the activities of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the arena of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

National institute on Aging – Diabetes in Older People – Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to dangerous health problems. Information on steps to take to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

National Institute on Aging – Hearing Loss – Hearing loss can have many different causes. Learn about common causes of hearing loss and when to see your doctor.

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention – Heart Disease – Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, causing about 1 in 4 deaths. You can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medicine.

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention – Flu & people 65 years and Older – Information regarding flu and best practices for Older Adults. 

National Institute on Aging – Aging and Your Eyes – Information on common eye problems and how to protect your eyes.

National Eye Institute – NEI’s mission is to conduct and support vision research and education programs that protect and prolong vision. 

 

 

Staying Connected to the Community

Senior Corps – a network of national service programs for Americans 55 years and older, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. 

U.S. Department of Labor – Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) – a community service and work-based job training program for low-income, unemployed older Americans.

The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults – Administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), the National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults is a national effort to increase social engagement among older adults through a variety of activities. 

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging – Aging Network Volunteer Resource Center – designed to build the capacity of Area Agencies on Aging to engage older adult volunteers and to enrich the experience of these volunteers

National Aging and Disability Transportation Center – to promote the availability and accessibility of transportation options for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers.

 

 

Mental Health

The National Institute of Mental Health – Older Adults and Mental Health – Warning signs and information regarding mental health issues in older adults. 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator – Find a treatment facility for mental health issues near you.

 

 

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

National Institute On Aging – Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Alzheimer’s Disease – Many people worry about becoming forgetful. They think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer’s disease. But not all people with memory problems have Alzheimer’s. Learn the symptoms and what else forgetfulness can mean.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia – The Federal Government portal to information on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia’s care, research, and support.

National Institute on Aging – Alzheimer’s Caregivers – Learn how to respond to changes in communication and behavior, provide everyday care, and get help when needed.

Alzheimers Foundation of America – The mission of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure.

Alzheimers Association – the Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

 

 

Prescription Assistance

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage – Official information about Medicare prescription drug coverage to help senior citizens get the prescription drugs they need. 

Medicare – Ways to Save on Drug Costs –  tips to consider if you think you might need to get help with the costs of prescription drug coverage.

U.S Food and Drug Administration – Generic Drugs: Questions and Answers – FAQs about generic drugs–from their safety to their effectiveness.

Vaccines.gov – Adults Age 65 and Older – answers to common questions about vaccines for adults age 65 and older.

 

State Aging Resource Guides