Elder/Adult Dependent Care Resources
Caring for an elderly relative or adult dependent is a real challenge, and can have a negative impact on your ability to balance work and life. Making new arrangements, dealing with financial and legal issues and finding community resources can be time consuming, frightening and frustrating tasks - especially if you have to deal with all of this during work hours.
The NIH understands this and provides a way to give you direct access to elder/adult dependent care consultants. Whether you want to explore options the DC Metropolitan area or in another part of the country, the WLC's Elder/Adult Dependent Care Referral Service is available to assist you.
How Does this Service Work?
When you the WLC, you will be connected with an Elder/Adult Dependent Care Consultant who will discuss both your elder's needs and your own needs with you in detail. They will answer any questions regarding elder/adult dependent care that you may have and refer you to the different services that your elderly relative may need. They will also help you develop a workable plan of action.
The Elder Care Consultant will help you:
- Identify the needs of your elderly relative/adult dependent
- Understand how the elder's needs may change
- Ensure that the elder retains dignity and independence
- Facilitate communication among family members
- Figure out what your role is in the decision-making process
- Make plans to pay for necessary services
- Identify and evaluate available services wherever needed
and will provide information about:
- Adult day care
- Assisted living
- At-home care
- Chore/homemaker services
- Financial planning
- Fraud protection
- Health care
- Housing options
- Meals-on-Wheels programs
- Mental health
- Nursing homes
- Personal safety
- Relocation issues Respite care
- Reverse mortgages
- Senior centers
- Social Security & Medicare
- Transportation services
- Volunteer programs
A Word about Referrals
This service will provide you with referrals, not recommendations. The quality of the resources you select cannot be guaranteed by the referral service, the NIH Work/Family Life Center, or by the NIH. The referral service will make every effort to furnish information to aid you in your decision, however, only you can determine what meets your family's needs. You should carefully choose and closely monitor all arrangements you make for your elder or adult dependent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get referrals to activities and programs for my thriving energetic elder relative or adult dependent, or does the service just help people who care for elders whose health is failing?
The Elder/Adult Dependent Care Referral Service can help you find many interesting and stimulating activities that healthy, active seniors will enjoy.
How much does it cost for me to use the service?
Nothing. NIH pays for its employees and contractors to use this service. Of course, you are responsible for paying the fees that are charged by any service provider you use.
Can the service help me find resources even if my older relative lives far away?
Yes. The referral service has local consultants for those living anywhere in the United States.
How often can I use the service?
As often as you need to. Call the service again if your initial needs have changed or if you want to find out about new options.
How to Reach Us
You can reach the Elder/Adult Dependent Care Referral Service by calling the NIH Work/Life Center at (301) 435-1619.
If calling during other times, please leave your confidential message, including your name and telephone number, and a consultant will return your call on the next business day.
