As we get aged, we may require assistance from local resources and services to help us in common daily living activities.

“211” is a vital call service that can refer and connect you with essential community services for the US elderly. These services may include adult day care, respite care, community meals, transportation, and even homemaker services for older people.

Let’s briefly review how “211” services work and its different services for the elderly.

Access to 211 service

We can access the “211” operators via phone calls or text chat.

  • For a phone call, we can dial 2-1-1 or (352) 332-4636. This service is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
  • For text messages or chat, we need to text our zip code to 898-211.

How does it work?

After connecting with the operator, we can share any elderly issues we might face in old age. The operator may ask us to share information about our location, age, and the issue we’re facing.

The referral specialists at 211 centers access databases of available public and private health and human resources and link or refer us to the best available local resources.

211’s Referral services for the elderly

Although 211 has a wide variety of referral services, let’s discuss the services for older adults.

  • Adult daycare centers provide a peaceful living environment for older people who require supervised care. In a center, we have increased opportunities to socialize and enjoy activities with other people of similar age.
  • Respite care centers help us give a break to our primary caregivers. Often, we may feel that our primary caregiver (who may be our close family member or friend) needs some break from our care. In such a scenario, respite care provides short-term relief for our primary caregivers.
  • Community meals refer to non-profit and private organizations that deliver balanced and nutritious meals to homebound elderly. Often, these meals are also known as meals-on-wheels.
  • Transportation assistance by 211 is called Ride United, a joint venture by 211 and United Way Worldwide. Ride United provides up to three discounted or free round-trip rides via Lyft to the deserving community, such as the elderly facing transport challenges.
  • Homemaker services include nonmedical home support services that can help in the daily living activities of the elderly. It mainly includes support in personal hygiene, cleaning of household items, washing clothes, cooking, and other household chores.

Usually, the elderly ask for a referral to the services mentioned above. However, 211 also provides referrals for other services such as mental health resources, emergency financial assistance, suicide prevention, and many others.

Take-Home

When we step into old age, we usually need help in many tasks such as personal care, homemaking services, cooking, and transportation. Our primary caregiver may also seek short-term relief from our care. In such as case, dial 211 and share your problem with the operator. Providing different solutions to our problem, the operator may refer us to the available local resources that can help us resolve our issue. Some of the main referral services of 211 include adult day care, community meals, respite care, and transportation service.