After any natural disaster, finding stability and starting the rebuilding process can take months or even years. For older adults affected by a disaster, finding people who can help with their particular needs, like understanding how to use Medicare when displaced and applying for benefits programs, can help make the process less stressful.
Here are a few organizations and resources that have extensive experience working with older adults:
BenefitsCheckUp® and Benefits Enrollment Centers
There are many benefits programs that expand or become available to people affected by declared natural disasters. You can find out about those programs online at NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp®. These programs can help with shelter, nutrition, tax relief, and energy assistance, among others.
In addition, NCOA has a network of Benefits Enrollment Centers in communities across the country, which can answer questions and assist with enrollment in person.
Local disaster assistance
This Eldercare Locator can connect older adults and their families to resources all in one place. Use this tool to find services in your community that provide information and assistance on topics from legal assistance to transportation needs. Out-of-town loved ones can also use this resource to help connect displaced family members with local assistance.
The Eldercare Locator is available online or by calling toll-free 1-800-677-1116 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
Medicare coverage and health care resources
If you live in a place that's been declared an emergency or disaster area, the usual rules for your medical care may change for a short time. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can answer your questions about Medicare and help determine how to get replacement documents you may need. You can find their number online by entering your ZIP code or by calling toll-free 1-877-839-2675.
Additionally, you can find information on how to manage specific health conditions following a disaster on Medicare.gov.
Mental health support
In stressful situations like disasters, it is important to take care of your mental health needs. If you or your loved ones are in emotional crisis, text or call 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org. The nonprofit elder LGBTQ+ organization SAGE has affiliates and partners available to help locate lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender supportive services like inclusive housing options. They also offer mental health and wellness support for LGBTQ+ older adults, with support from trained professionals available 24/7.
These resources are just a few that can point you to assistance after a disaster. There are also many programs offered by federal, state, and local sources that can help with food, housing, and benefits needs.
