Looking for financial support to help care for a loved one?

Question: Is there financial help out there for taking care of my 89 year old father?

Dr. Amy: The best way to find out if your father is eligible for assistance is to call your county office of the Department of Social Services. If he is not able to take care of himself because of physical or cognitive limitations, he may be eligible for Meals on Wheels, home care visits, help with light cleaning etc. Eligibility for services and support is income tested. I would also encourage you to call your Area Agency on Aging, which may also be able to provide assistance.

If your father suffers from a disease like cancer or Alzheimer’s, it’s a good idea to call the community organization for that disease—the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society, American Parkinson’s Disease Association etc. These organizations have valuable information about sources of support, too. Good luck!