Resources for seniors & families

Clear starting points for Medicare, Social Security, home care, safety, meals, and caregiver support. Most of these services are free. When in doubt, call — you do not have to figure it out alone.

Prefer to talk to a person?

You do not have to sort this alone. Free local guidance:

Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 211: Dial 211 Medicare: 1-800-633-4227

Medicare & health coverage

Medicare.gov

Official site for coverage, plan compare, claims, and finding doctors, hospitals, and home health agencies.

1-800-633-4227

Open Medicare.gov

SHIP – free counseling

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs give unbiased Medicare help. They do not sell insurance.

1-877-839-2675

Find your SHIP

Extra Help (drug costs)

Social Security program that can lower Medicare prescription drug costs if income and resources are limited.

1-800-772-1213

Apply for Extra Help

Medicare Savings Programs

State programs that may pay Part B premiums and other costs. Income limits are often higher than people expect.

Learn about MSPs

Home health by ZIP

Search Medicare-certified home health agencies near you and compare quality ratings.

Open Home Care finder

Care Compare

Compare nursing homes, hospitals, doctors, hospice, and more using official Medicare data.

Open Care Compare

Money, Social Security & benefits

Social Security

Retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and your online my Social Security account.

1-800-772-1213

Visit SSA.gov

Benefits.gov

Find federal and state benefit programs you may qualify for with a short questionnaire.

Start benefits finder

IRS – seniors & tax help

Tax information for retirees. Free tax help may be available through local VITA/TCE sites.

IRS Interactive Tax Assistant

Consumer Financial Protection

Help with banks, credit cards, debt collection, and financial scams targeting older adults.

1-855-411-2372

Visit CFPB

For family caregivers

Eldercare Locator

Free connection to local Area Agencies on Aging, respite, adult day programs, and more by ZIP.

1-800-677-1116

eldercare.acl.gov

Caregiver Action Network

Education, support groups, and practical tools for family caregivers nationwide.

caregiveraction.org

AARP Family Caregiving

Free guides on planning care, talking with family, and finding local help.

AARP Caregiving

Alzheimer’s Association

24/7 helpline for dementia questions, local support, and care navigation.

1-800-272-3900

alz.org

VA Caregiver Support

Programs for caregivers of veterans, including training and possible financial support.

1-855-260-3274

VA Caregiver Support

Arch National Respite

Find respite care options so family caregivers can rest.

archrespite.org

Safety, scams & protection

Report elder abuse

If you suspect abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, contact Adult Protective Services in your state.

Find APS by state

FTC – Scam alerts

Learn about common scams and report fraud. Never send gift cards or wire money to “fix” an account.

1-877-FTC-HELP

FTC Scam Center

National Do Not Call

Reduce telemarketing calls. Register your phone number for free.

donotcall.gov

Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living. Free and confidential.

Find your ombudsman

Fall prevention

CDC guidance on reducing falls at home — a leading cause of injury for older adults.

CDC Falls

PurePath safety guide

Plain-language steps for passwords, email scams, and safer browsing.

Open technology guides

Daily living help

211

One number for local food pantries, utility assistance, transportation, and community programs.

Dial 211

211.org

Meals on Wheels

Home-delivered meals and friendly check-ins in many communities.

Find meals near you

USA.gov – seniors

Government portal for housing, health, jobs, and consumer protection for older adults.

USA.gov seniors

National Council on Aging

Benefits check-up tools and programs that help older adults stay independent.

ncoa.org

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

24/7 support if you or someone you love is in emotional crisis.

Call or text 988

988lifeline.org

Fun with grandkids

Add silly stickers to photos and share a laugh — simple, private, on your device.

Open Fun Photo Studio

Overwhelmed by options? Describe your situation in PurePath Chat and get a calm, plain-language starting plan.

Ask PurePath Chat