Senior Corner Articles Home

Community Care Services for Texas Seniors

Locate Care Provider's in Your Area

Most older people prefer to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Community Care Services refers to an array of supportive services that help older persons, and persons with disabilities, to live independently in their homes and communities.

There are a variety of community services that can benefit many older persons and their caregivers. One person may need only a little help with shopping to be able to live at home. Another person may need a mix of services, such as help with housekeeping, transportation and preparing meals.

Others may seek social contacts through senior centers or volunteer activities, such as the foster grandparent or senior companion program. Caregivers of older people who are chronically ill or disabled also benefit from community care services. For example, adult day care and respite care enable caregivers to work or take time off from caregiving responsibilities, knowing their loved ones are getting the care they need.

If you have decided that community care services are the best option for yourself or a family member, first decide what activities you need help with. For example, some people need personal care services to help them manage the activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, dressing, and grooming.

You might also consider if some of the following services might also be needed:

• Transportation
• Cooking and meal preparation. Some services can deliver meals to your home, and congregate (group dining) meal programs are also an option.
• Home health, rehabilitative therapy, or other medical care. These services can be provided in the home or in a community setting.
• Homemaker/chore services.
• Consider what the fees are for the services.
• Find out if your insurance company will cover the services.
• Consider if Medicaid can assist in paying for this service. Medicaid pays for some community services, usually limited home health, hospice and personal care, depending on the state in which you live.
• Lastly, consider if Medicare can assist in paying for this service. (It also covers limited home health and Hospice care.)

SOURCE: American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS)  also offers a full array of community care services designed to help people who are elderly or have disabilities remain in their own homes or in assisted living facilities in their communities. Some clients receive limited assistance, such as wearing an electronic monitoring device used to alert caregivers when the client has an emergency. Other clients receive assistance with daily living tasks, such as help with cooking, housekeeping, bathing, and in-home nursing services.

Visit the DADS website to learn more about the many services available to elder and disabled Texans. The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services is located at 701 W. 51st St., Austin, TX, 78751. TelephoneNo. 1-512-438-3011.

Elder Options of Texas

"The Most Comprehensive Online Directory of
Services and Resources for Texans 55+" 

Elder Options of Texas
Copyright 1999-2008 * All Rights Reserved

DISCLAIMER: Links to other websites or references to products, services or publications do not imply the endorsement or approval of such websites, products, services or publications by Elder Options of Texas. The determination of the need for senior care services and the choice of a facility is an extremely important decision. Please make your own independent investigation.