ABA Family Legal Guide

The Rights of Older Americans

The Older Americans Act and Services

I have an elderly neighbor who is finding it hard to manage on her own, especially with shopping and preparing meals. Are there services that could help her?

Yes. Under the Older Americans Act, several types of nutrition programs and chore services are available to aid older adults. These include home-delivered hot meals, as well as meals served at a "congregate" dining site. There may be limitations placed on home-delivered services because of the great need and the limited amount of funding. The area agency on aging (AAA) or someone designated will do an assessment of need. The result of such an assessment may lead to the identification of more services that may be arranged for your neighbor.