Last month’s article only covered a few of the free or low-cost services available to seniors in Washoe County. The age for these “senior” benefits differs by the program or business that offers it. AARP benefits start at age 50. Play in Senior Games at age 50+. Some discounts for movies, recreation and other businesses start at age 55. Many of you live in “55+” communities that are seniors-only homes. Government-funded benefits from the cities, counties, states, and most federal programs start at age 60. And Medicare benefits start at age 65. Here are some more “senior services” to check out:
Senior Companions: UNR’s Senior Outreach Services (SOS) and Seniors in Service (SIS) pair isolated, vulnerable seniors age 60+ with limited resources with vetted and trained volunteers who visit weekly to provide companionship and support services. Both programs are currently waitlisting seniors who need this service because they need more volunteers. If you or someone you know wants to become a senior companion, contact Sanford at https://med.unr.edu/sanford-center or 775-784-4774. Contact SIS at https://seniorsinservicenevada.org/senior-companion-program or call
Caregiver Resources, Respite Care and Support Groups: Respite services provide a break for unpaid, over-stressed caregivers who need time for themselves to support their own health and wellbeing and that of the person receiving the care. Neighbor Network of Northern Nevada (N4) at https://neighbornv.org/ or 775-453-4774, sends paid, trained community care partners for 5 hours per week to provide respite for the caregiver. N4’s direct service respite program serves adults with disabilities, seniors 60+, and folks of any age with dementia or possible dementia. Call or check their website for more details. Seniors in Service and Alzheimer’s Association offer free respite care vouchers for up to $1000 a year. For these voucher programs, the caregiver must be 18+, and the person receiving care must be 60+ or have disabilities.
AARP Nevada: AARP trained volunteers are preparing free tax returns for seniors through April 14. Call 775-525-0815 (NW Library, Neil Road Rec Ctr; 775-525-0636 Washoe 9th St. Sr Ctr; 775-386-2516 Spanish Springs Library. The local Reno-Sparks AARP Chapter meets for lunch upstairs at Baldini’s Casino every third Wednesday of the month at 11am. Join us for an interesting speaker on senior issues and make some new friends. It only costs $10 a year to join and a catered buffet lunch is only $20. Contact Mary Muller, AARP Chapter lead at [email protected] or 775-772-4219for more information. AARP’s website has hundreds of free online/zoom exercise and learning opportunities and in-person classes and activities in Northern Nevada for folks 50+. Contact 866-389-5652https://local.aarp.org/reno-nv/aarp-events. We have a talented team of Northern Nevada volunteers and would love you to join us for Age Friendly zooms, outreach and advocacy events, Movies for Grownups, veterans’ events, walks in the park and more!
Older Americans Month is coming in May 2024. Watch for events booklets in late April and learn more about all the services above and attend free days at museums, ice cream socials, plays and more!
