Help with chores you don’t know about

For many seniors, the biggest challenge is not health care but dealing with daily chores. As mobility declines, cooking, cleaning, laundry and grocery shopping can become overwhelming. The Older Americans Act (OAA), first passed in 1965, provides funding for programs that provide such assistance.

Its reauthorization passed the Senate in December 2024 to provide housekeeping services at low or no cost. These hidden supports allow seniors to age with dignity. That’s why it’s important to continue with these plans.

What the Older Americans Act Covers

OAA funds a wide range of community services: home-delivered meals, transportation, caregiver support, and homemaker assistance. Homemaker services include light cleaning, laundry, cooking and errands. They are designed for older adults who do not require comprehensive care but have difficulty completing daily tasks.

Local agencies on aging (AAA) administer these programs and customize them to community needs. Qualifying seniors can receive regular assistance to reduce burden and prevent premature transition to assisted living.

Who is eligible for homemaker services

Eligibility varies by state and county, but most programs serve adults 60 and older. Priority is often given to people with limited income, disabilities, or chronic health conditions. Older adults living alone are particularly targeted because isolation increases the risk of physical decline.

Documentation requirements are usually minimal – proof of age and need. Due to limited funds, weekly service hours may be subject to certain restrictions. Still, even a few hours of help can make a big difference.

Examples of housework assistance

• Light housework: Vacuuming, dusting, laundry
• Dietary support: Grocery shopping, meal preparation, kitchen cleaning
• Errands: Pick up prescriptions and mail packages
• Security check: Make sure sidewalks are clear and spot hazards

These tasks may seem small, but they directly impact independence. Older adults who receive homemaker support often avoid falls, malnutrition, and hospitalization.

Why older people miss out

Awareness is the biggest obstacle. OAA is not as widely known as Medicare or Social Security. Projects are usually advertised locally through community centers or bulletin boards rather than as a national campaign. Seniors who don’t proactively seek information may never have heard of homemaker services. Pride also plays a role – many retirees are reluctant to ask for help around the house. As a result, valuable support goes unused.

How to apply

The first step is to contact your local Area Agency on Aging. Staff can explain eligibility, help with paperwork, and connect seniors with providers. Applications are usually free and simple. Seniors should ask specifically about “homemaker services” or “household assistance” under the Older Americans Act. There may be a waiting list, so it’s wise to apply early. Family members can also apply on behalf of their loved ones.

Emotional benefits of homemaker support

In addition to actual housework, housewife services also provide companionship. Employees often become trusted visitors, reducing loneliness and providing social interaction. Seniors say they feel safer knowing someone is checking in regularly. Emotional well-being is an implicit benefit of these programs, complementing physical support.

As life expectancy increases, homemaker services will become even more important. They bridge the gap between independence and institutional care, allowing seniors to stay at home longer. The challenge is to spread awareness and let retirees know that these schemes exist. The Older Americans Act has quietly supported millions of people for decades—now it’s time to highlight Homemaker Services as one of its most tangible benefits.

Have you or a loved one used Homemaker Services under the Older Americans Act? Sharing your experiences can help other older adults discover this hidden support.

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Teri Monroe began her career in communications working for local government and non-profit organizations. Today, she is a freelance financial and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she enjoys golfing with her husband, taking long walks with her dog Milo, and playing pickle ball with friends.