Partly because of their age, these men and women have to deal not only with many health related issues, but also with financial issues and how they affect their health. Many of them have to choose between getting their prescriptions filled or buying groceries. This in turn affects their physical health. This is the beginning of a spiraling cycle.



If you are reading this and you are in this position, there is help to stop this cycle. Specifically, if you live in the United States, there are a lot of resources that you may not have considered. Let's see what some resources are that can be contacted right in your own town.

Most states have Area Agency on Aging offices that will help you get food and even find you help paying your utilities. They will visit your home. Do you need medical care or a caregiver so that you can continue to live in your own home? Believe it or not, there is even help with that.

There are visiting nurses and even visiting physicians. There are home health care agencies that can set you up with someone who can come to your home to do basic chores including laundry, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. Most states have funds available to help you pay for this type of care. These home health care providers will even help you with bathing and dressing if that is necessary.

Whether you are disabled or just having health problems, and you are not quite the age where you are qualified for social security and Medicare, there are other programs that can help out. Some large department/food stores offer low cost or free prescriptions. Many of them even deliver those prescriptions to your home. Once you have a program to cover your medical needs, you can even have your prescriptions mailed to your home.

If you are having a difficult time paying for groceries, there are churches and other organizations that will make sure you have enough to eat. It is time to take that first step and admit that you would appreciate some help.

Even though you may feel embarrassed, please talk to your doctor about your situation. You will find that there is more support available than you realized. You have cared for others all your life; now it is your turn to receive some help.