Many programs can help older adults who need care stay in their homes. They may get help from family, friends, or other caregivers. These programs provide health care and help with daily tasks.
These programs are available in many parts of the country, but some local areas do not have them.
To learn more about these programs and other services for older adults, call your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-677-1116.
You can also go to www.eldercare.acl.gov for more information.
Area Agencies on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) are local agencies found across the country. They get government funding to provide information and connect people to services in their community.
How AAAs Can Help
- Speak up for the needs of older adults.
- Help older adults understand their needs.
- Create care plans and arrange services to meet those needs.
- Use local, state, national, and private funds to provide services such as:
- Home care
- Home safety changes
- Meal delivery
- Transportation
- Respite care (short breaks for caregivers)
- Caregiver support
- Counseling about health insurance and legal services
Home Care
Older adults have different care needs at home. Many people pay for home care themselves. This is because Medicare and other insurance plans limit what they will pay for.
Medicare only pays for home health care if a person cannot leave home because of a medical problem. This is called being “homebound.”
A person is considered homebound if:
- They can only leave home for short and rare trips.
- It is very hard for them to leave home.
- They need help to leave home.
Home health care is not available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People who need care all day and night often get help from family, friends, or private caregivers.
Adult Day Services
Adult day service centers provide social activities and support for groups of older adults. Some centers also provide health care. For example, a nurse may check blood pressure or help with medications.
Many people who attend these centers need help during the day. Family caregivers may be at work or may need a short break. Some centers also have special programs for older adults with dementia.
Medicare usually does not pay for adult day services. However, some Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid, or other insurance plans may pay for certain services.
Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides adult day services for older adults age 55 and older who need a high level of care. Many people in PACE would need to live in a nursing home without this help. The goal of PACE is to help older adults stay in their community as long as possible.
Each state that offers PACE sets its own rules for who can join.
Most people in PACE spend several days each week at an adult day center. They also receive medical care there. A team of health and social service providers works closely with each person to plan and provide care.
Services may include:
- Respite care (short breaks for caregivers)
- Transportation
- Medications
- Rehabilitation, such as physical or occupational therapy
- Hearing aids, eyeglasses, and other supports
PACE uses funding from Medicare and Medicaid to pay for services. To find a PACE program near you, visit the National PACE Association website.
Managed Long-term Care Programs
States run these programs to help people with long-term health problems or disabilities get the care and support they need. Most people in these programs qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Programs are different in each state. They often work with partners such as:
- Home care agencies
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Health systems that provide medical care and long-term support services
These programs receive one set payment for each person enrolled. They use this payment to provide the services each person needs.
Home-Based Options
Hospital-at-Home
Hospital-at-Home programs help older adults with serious medical problems receive hospital-level care at home instead of staying in the hospital.
Studies show that people in these programs are often satisfied with their care. These programs may also lower costs and reduce some problems, such as falls and confusion, compared to hospital care.
Hospital-at-Home programs are not available in every state. The Veterans Administration has studied this model, and it has also been used successfully in other countries.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine uses technology, such as video calls, to provide health care. It can:
- Allow a health care provider to examine and talk with a patient
- Monitor health, such as checking blood pressure
- Provide mental health care, including managing medications and treating depression
Some people may have trouble using telemedicine. Barriers may include:
- No high-speed internet
- Limited experience using technology
- Vision or hearing problems
- Memory or thinking problems
- Insurance that does not fully cover services
In-home Technology
Technology can help older adults stay safe at home. For example:
- Personal emergency response systems, worn on the wrist or neck, can call for help in an emergency
- Devices can remind people to take medications and track when they are taken
- Smart systems can:
- Adjust heating and lighting
- Open and close doors with remote controls
- Monitor movement and activity in the home
Last Reviewed and Updated: October 2026
By: AGS/HiAF Public Education Committee, HealthinAging.org Content Reviewers