Although most seniors never come to terms with what they need deep down inside, it is crucial to understand that all seniors deserve assistance, guidance, and special attention to navigate the aging process with confidence and persistence. Aging shouldn’t be a hassle, and there are organizations and groups dedicated to improving the lives of seniors and their families in every state, county, and region based on their needs, physical state, and current living conditions.

Need help figuring out where to start or how to find non-profit organizations that greatly benefit your parents and other seniors you know? Here is a list of six non-profit organizations that help senior citizens live more comfortably.

We All Need Assistance: 6 Organizations That Greatly Benefit Senior Citizens

6 Non-Profit Organizations That Benefit Senior Citizens

Taking on the role of the primary caregiver can be overwhelming, especially when you are on your own. The good news is that several helpful organizations are dedicated to reorganizing senior citizens’ lives and making them feel relieved knowing there is an institution willing to help and cater to their essential needs.

Below is the list of six non-profit organizations that are expertly designed for seniors’ unique needs, both mentally and physically, across the country.

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)

The world has seen rapid growth in the number of people living with Alzheimer’s. Findings reveal that more than 6 million people of all ages suffer from the disease in the United States alone.

Aging in conjunction with Alzheimer’s can be tough on your parents’ general wellness, especially if they don’t receive in-time adequate care and medical attention.

Whether you are looking for reliable sources to stay prepared or in the middle of the transitional process guiding your parents through the later stages of life smoothly, the AFA is your best bet. The AFA provides valuable information and practical assistance for not only those affected by Alzheimer’s disease but also their caregivers and family members.

Since its establishment in 2002, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has been striving to achieve its one goal: bringing Alzheimer’s to light and relieving the burden of the devastating disease on senior citizens across the country through innovative, senior-friendly programs and nationwide free screening programs made accessible in all states.

The Foundation also works to distribute a full range of helpful information, provides training to caregivers, and offers specific services. The AFA is also the world’s largest funder for research and projects on finding a better cure and good management strategies for dementia.

Learn more about the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at https://alzfdn.org/.

American Association of Retired People (AARP)

Retirement might mean many things to your parents. But at the same time, they may feel unsure about what is waiting for them ahead with too much time on their hands. Although your support goes a long way, it may be difficult to fully understand the feelings that come with that stage of life.

The best-known American Association of Retired People (AARP) was founded by a retired teacher, Ethel Percy Andrus. The AARP advocates for seniors’ rights and supports them in maintaining their lives as comfortably as possible following retirement.

It provides various services that greatly benefit 50-year-old seniors, such as caregiving, financial assistance, social activities, health-related services, special discounts, health insurance programs, and more. So AARP could be an abundant source for you to guide your parents through retirement at greater ease and flexibility once they enroll in the program.

Learn more about the American Association of Retired People at https://www.aarp.org/.

Salvation Army of America

Looking for an organization to improve not only day-to-day needs but also the spirit of seniors? Salvation Army is an international non-profit organization that offers different benefits and programs for people in need and low-income households throughout the states, such as feeding hungry people, supplying medicine, providing clothing, and helping the youth.

Their principal mission is to make the most of the donation, with almost 90% going directly to unfortunate individuals or programs that aim to support people in impacted areas.

Learn more about the Salvation Army of America at https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/.

Meals on Wheels America (MWA)

Malnutrition is considered a leading cause of degrading seniors’ quality of life, leaving them more vulnerable to heightened risks of falls, possible hospitalization, and higher fatality rates. All seniors require proper nutrition to function well and proceed with their lives, especially if they are living independently. But running errands and shopping for groceries, though sounds enjoyable for younger people, turns out to be an uphill battle for seniors.

If you know someone needing help accessing proper meals every day, Meals on Wheels may be what you should look into. From a small group of volunteers dedicated to delivering meals to the doorsteps for seniors who couldn’t leave their homes, Meals on Wheels today has become one of the largest and oldest foundations, with more than 5,000 offices across the country.

It focuses on solving hunger and improving senior citizens’ health and quality of life by distributing congregate meals or operating meal delivery services at considerably modest fees. Moreover, they also set up specific programs that help seniors regain financial balance.

Learn more about Meals on Wheels at https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/.

Second Wind Dreams

We all have dreams and desires. Some people are lucky enough to accomplish theirs, but some are not.

But as their mantra goes, “Never too old to dream,” the non-profit organization Second Wind Dreams grants seniors’ dreams in assisted living communities, memory care centers, and nursing homes.

No matter how big or small the dreams are, Second Wind Dreams can make them a reality. Ever since the establishment in 1997, many senior-based communities have closely coordinated with SWD and generous donors to fulfill those wishes written on each senior’s bucket list, ranging from simple ones like having a pet to holding a themed party and big ones like visiting certain places or organizing an outing.

Learn more about Second Wind Dreams at https://www.secondwind.org/.

Pets for the Elderly Foundation

It has been shown that pets help senior citizens combat loneliness and make them love their lives even more with adorable tricks performed by four-legged furry companions. In addition, having a pet also allows seniors to be more active and feel refreshed by taking their furry friend for morning walks, where sunshine and fresh air can elevate their moods. This activity is not only enjoyable but also helps reduce the risk of depression and other age-related health problems.

The mission of the Pets for the Elderly Foundation highlights the importance of interaction between pets and humans, providing several impressive benefits when owning a pet while also rescuing and sheltering homeless animals.

If you are interested in engaging in meaningful activities and finding the perfect friend for your parents to add more joy to their lives, you know what to do.

Learn more about Pets for the Elderly Foundation at https://www.petsfortheelderly.org/.

At 12 Oaks, our team of caring professionals is dedicated to keeping residents safe, engaged, and connected to their families and friends while leading fulfilling lives. 12 Oaks senior living communities are an ideal place to enjoy the encore season of life.

For questions or to schedule a personalized tour, don’t hesitate to contact us. 

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Searching for senior living help? At 12 Oaks Senior Living, we would love to learn more about your unique needs and the opportunity we may have to help you meet them. Our blog is one of the valuable resources we provide to inform and encourage seniors to lead fulfilling and thriving lives. Contact us today to schedule a visit.