Types of Care

Home and Community Based Services

Like most older people, you may want to live in your own home, but you may also need help and support in order to stay there. Home and community-based services can help you with personal care (help with things like bathing, dressing, going to the bathroom, and more) or chores. They may include health care services, social activities, or even just someone to call and check on you if you live alone. Also, if you are taking care of a family member or friend, these services can give you the help and support that you need. While there are many different community services for older people, not all are available in every community. Check with OKAHSA to locate a not-for-profit provider of services or you can contact your local area agency on aging for available services in your area.

While there are many different services available, not every community has them. Check with your local Area Agency on Aging for what services are in your area. Some of these services include: 

• Adult Day Services (ADS): ADS provides a variety of health, social and related support services to seniors and disabled individuals in a safe setting during the day. Some ADS programs are designed especially for people with Alzheimer's disease.

• Care Managers: Care managers help people determine the services they need and financial assistance for services. Together, managers and their clients create a plan that best fits an individual's lifestyle.  The Care Manager arranges the services for them.

• Congregate Meal Programs: These programs, which are often sponsored by senior centers or housing communities, offer free or low-cost meals to seniors in group settings.

• Financial Counseling Programs: Participants in these programs get help balancing a checkbook, filing taxes and Medicare/Medicaid forms.

• Friendly Visiting: These volunteers will come visit and check in a person at his or her home.   

• Home Health Care Services: These services include part-time nursing services, personal care, help with chores, medical supplies or equipment and different kinds of therapies (physical, occupational, and speech) to help a person recover from an illness or surgery. 

• Homemaker or Chore Services: These programs provide assistance with common household chores as well as harder tasks like washing windows or shoveling snow. 

• Hospice Care: Hospice care provides comfort and support to individuals and their families when a life-limiting illness no longer responds to cure-oriented treatments. Hospice care is provided in the home, a nursing facility or a free-standing hospice. View this fact sheet for more information about hospice.

• Home-Delivered Meals: Participants receive meals if they cannot cook on their own.

• Information and Assistance Services: Use this service to find out more about  the different types of services and resources in a particular area.
  Personal Care Services: Personal care attendants provide assistance with tasks such as bathing and dressing. 

• Respite Care: These programs provide caregivers with a much-needed break from their responsibilities.

• Senior Centers: Across the country, senior centers provide a place where elders can come together for social and recreational activities. 

• Transportation Services: These services provide transportation for shopping, medical appointments, and senior centers.