Finding affordable products and services is very helpful for seniors. Most live on a limited income such as Social Security benefits, a small retirement plan income, or another form of government assistance.

Fortunately, there are many helpful resources, but they can be challenging to find.

The local Area Agency on Aging (Tacoma office) (names of offices can differ) is an intelligent place to start a search for helpful services that provide affordable or free products to seniors. Local charities and large nonprofits can also be excellent resources.

Here is a list of affordable senior products and services to help start your search:

Benefits Counseling:

• Free benefit counseling is available through the local Area Agency on Aging or AAA. This “counseling” will help you discover all of the local help available to you. You can receive answers about insurance coverage, food stamps, income assistance, and other items available. In some areas, virtual benefits counseling is available through benefitscheckup.org. This site can help to search for specific resources or discover new ones.

Adult Day Care:

• These daycares are run by government agencies, charities, or religious groups. The purpose of these programs is to provide older adults with a safe place to socialize and take part in fun activities or enjoy a hot meal with supervision. Many sites will charge a small fee to cover operating expenses if there is a charge. Some will charge based on an ability to pay. Eligibility requirements differ at each facility depending upon the level of assistance they can provide. You can find daycare services through the local AAA.

Medicaid-Covered Dental Care:

• Few dentists accept Medicaid insurance. To find a dentist that does take Medicaid, contact your state’s health department or check out the Find-A-Dentist website run by the American Dental Association.

Free Dentures:

• Some sources will provide free dentures to low-income seniors. A call to the state dental association, nearby dental colleges, or the local AAA could help to direct you to these services.

Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs:

• There are State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs that offer savings on drug costs.

Prescription Drug Discounts:

• Even after government help with medications, some still cannot afford the cost of prescriptions. Some drug companies offer assistance programs to specific individuals.

National Family Caregiver Support Program:

• The NFCSP provides funding to states for the use in support of informal caregivers. AAAs often administer these programs.

Discounted Phone and Internet:

• LifeLine is a federal program for low-income people that provides discounted phone or internet services.

Free Food Services:

• Supplemental National Assistance Program (snap), which used to be called food stamps, is available. Local food banks, nonprofits, charities, and many other community programs that supply free meals may also be helpful.

Free Hearing Aids:

• Hearing aids can be expensive, but a few places will help with the cost. Try the local Lions Club many chapters offer or know of hearing aid banks. Clinical trials can also provide help with hearing aids. You can get into one by contacting a manufacturer to see if they conduct any.

These are just a few free, discounted, and helpful services for seniors in need. For more information, you can contact your AAA.

For more information on assisted living in King County or available services to help cover the costs, don’t hesitate to contact us anytime.