Week of October 31, 2010
Administration on Aging Announces Eldercare Locator Services
The Eldercare Locator, a free, public service that has been connecting older adults and caregivers with resources in their community for nearly 20 years, is gearing-up for the "boom" of aging Americans. Today, Kathy Greenlee, Assistant Secretary for Aging cut the ribbon on a newly enhanced, person-centered call center that will serve as a link to information and services for older adults and caregivers across the United States. "In January, the first baby boomers will turn 65; this will mark the beginning of a dramatic increase of older adults in the United States. By 2030, there will be an estimated 72 million persons 65+, more than twice the number than in 2000," said Greenlee. "It is essential that these older adults and their caregivers are aware of what resources are available to them in their community. Calling the Eldercare Locator is an important step to learning about aging resources." The Eldercare Locator, a service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, is a toll-free number (800.677.1116) for older adults and caregivers looking for information about aging services in their community. As part of the newly enhanced call center, callers will speak with an Information Specialist (from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon. – Fri.), who will help connect them to a local agency in their area for information and assistance. Additional information will also be available for callers who have questions about long-term care alternatives, transportation options, caregiver issues and government benefits eligibility. Information is available in Spanish and other languages.
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