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What local services help older adults living alone?

Start with your parent’s local Area Agency on Aging and the Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov), which connect families to services in your parent’s area: home-delivered meals, transportation, in-home help, adult day programs, and more. Then ask the pharmacy, their doctor and community or faith groups. Use your parent’s zip code, not yours.

Updated October 2026.

The short version

  • Call or search the Area Agency on Aging for your parent’s area.
  • Use the Eldercare Locator with your parent’s zip code.
  • Common help: meals, rides, in-home help, adult day programs, home modifications.
  • Ask about cost and eligibility before you commit.
  • Keep the schedule in one shared place.

Where to start

  1. The Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov) finds local services from a zip code. This works for a parent in another state.
  2. The Area Agency on Aging for the parent’s county can explain what is available and who qualifies.
  3. The doctor, hospital social worker or pharmacy often know local programs.
  4. Community and faith groups sometimes offer rides, visits and meals.

The kinds of help to look for

  • Home-delivered or group meals.
  • Transportation to appointments and shopping.
  • In-home help with housekeeping, bathing, or personal care.
  • Adult day programs for company and supervision during the day.
  • Home modification help and safety assessments.
  • Friendly visitor or phone programs for companionship.

How to choose

Ask about cost, who is eligible, how soon service can start, how workers are screened, and what happens if someone cancels. Cost and eligibility vary by place and program, so ask before you rely on anything. Involve your parent in the choice so the help is accepted.

Keep it organized

When several people and services help, a shared place for the schedule keeps everyone on the same page. With KinectedCare, your CareTeam shares notes and a CareLog, and care coordination is free.

Questions people ask

Do these services cost money?
It varies. Some are free or low-cost through public programs, and some are paid. Eligibility and cost depend on the program and where your parent lives, so ask each one.
How do I find services for a parent in another state?
Use your parent’s zip code on the Eldercare Locator, or call their local Area Agency on Aging, and ask for the programs available there.
What if my parent refuses help?
Start with the smallest, most useful service, like a meal or a ride, and let them choose. Our guide on talking about accepting help has wording that works.
Does KinectedCare arrange services?
No. KinectedCare helps the family coordinate notes and keeps the CareTeam informed. It doesn’t arrange or provide services.
Does KinectedCare replace emergency services?
No. KinectedCare is not a medical device or an emergency service. If someone may be hurt, call local emergency services first.

Keep reading

Sources

  • Eldercare Locator (U.S. Administration for Community Living): find local services for older adults. eldercare.acl.gov

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