The wide range of services includes domestic help, home health care, transportation, information and referral, adult day care, and legal advice. The AAA's purpose is to keep elders in their homes and out of institutions, for as long as possible. See Selected Community Resources in this Guide . You can also get information from your elder's doctor or other medical professionals, community mental health centers, hospital discharge planners or social workers, geriatric care managers, local and national medical associations, senior centers, family service agencies, adult protective services and rehabilitation centers. Employment services that specialize in older workers are a good source for companions, drivers and housekeepers for an older person living alone.
Word of mouth is also a valuable resource.
Check with religious and civic groups, neighbors and friends. Many churches and synagogues sponsor volunteer programs to run errands for seniors or visit shut-ins. Students willing to do odd jobs or chores can be found by placing a job listing with the UC Berkeley Career Center. Private organizations and hospitals, among others, offer support groups. If you have the funds, but not the time or patience to do the caregiving yourself, consider hiring a private geriatric care manager, a licensed professional who will develop and administer a course of action, and monitor the care plan for you.