Resources

As the saying goes, “Knowledge is power.” At Senior Helpers, we see the truth in that saying all the time, when our clients and their families are informed, they feel empowered to decide what is best for their situations.

There is a wealth of resources available for senior citizens and their families, covering every topic from general care to specific illnesses. Learn from these resources to make informed decision about your family’s needs. The more informed you are, the better we can serve you. We have gathered trusted, informative resources to help you find solutions to your senior home care needs.

AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over. They are dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. They lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service.
 

Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
 

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

The AFA seeks to provide optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families—through member organizations dedicated to improving quality of life.
 

Medicare.gov

It is a common misconception that Medicare covers the cost of all long term care once you hit the age of 65. This, unfortunately, is not the case. Medicare.gov is a great resource to learn the types of care that are covered by Medicare, and where you may need to plan for supplementary insurance or funding to cover healthcare costs.
 

National Council on Aging

Tips, tools and resources to help older adults and caregivers of seniors to stay independent.
 

The Parkinson's Foundation

The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. Here they share some things to consider when additional help is needed.
 

Paying for Care- Long Term Care Funding Options

How people pay for long-term care—whether they receive care at home or in a hospital, assisted living facility, or nursing home—depends on their financial situation and the type of care they need. Many people may rely on a variety of payment sources, including personal funds (“out-of-pocket”), government programs, and private financing options. This overview from the National Institute on Aging provides a good summary
 

Rock Steady Boxing

Rock Steady Boxing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with affiliate locations across the United States offering a non-contact boxing based fitness curriculum to support improved quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease. Find a class in your area today.
 

Teepa Snow- Positive Approach to Care

Senior Helpers is honored to partner with dementia care expert Teepa Snow, a nationally renowned leader in the senior care industry with more than 30 years’ experience. Read more about Teepa here.

Local Resources:

Vernon Area Public Library:

The Vernon Area Public Library offers exceptional services to senior citizens and homebound individuals, ensuring everyone has access to library resources.

For residents facing temporary or permanent mobility challenges, the library provides a convenient delivery and pick-up service for books, movies, music CDs, audiobooks, and magazines. This service is free and available to anyone living in the library’s service area, including private residences, retirement centers, and assisted living facilities. The library staff carefully select and deliver materials every three weeks, tailoring choices to each patron’s preferences. Currently, 140 local residents receive library materials through this delivery service.

Additionally, the library creates Senior Activity Kits designed to stimulate conversation and engagement, particularly for those with memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s. These kits, developed using research from the Alzheimer’s Association, include themes such as Baseball, Farm, Companion Cat, and Music, among others.

The library also maintains mini libraries at local senior centers, stocked with books that have been withdrawn from the main collection.

The library offers many free programs and events designed for seniors, which range from performances, lectures, and discussion groups to a monthly “Memory Cafe” meet-up for people with memory loss and their caregivers.

Staff members Latha M., Mary R., Cheryl S., and a team of great volunteers make all these senior services possible. The Vernon Area Public Library’s motto, “Libraries are for everyone,” truly comes to life through these thoughtful and inclusive services. To sign up, call 224-543-1406, email senior@VAPLD.info, or fill out the form at VAPLD.info/delivery.

Thank you for all you do, Vernon Area Public Library!