My parent on the Cape suddenly needs help. Who do I call first?
Short answer: Two free calls: Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands (800-244-4630) for an assessment, help at home and meals, and your parent’s town Council on Aging, which knows the local options. If they are leaving hospital, ask for the discharge planner by name.
Start with two free calls. Neither costs anything and neither is selling anything.
- Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, 800-244-4630. They do free assessments and arrange help at home, Meals on Wheels and care management, and they know what might pay for care.
- The town Council on Aging. Staff know the local programmes, arrange rides and SHINE Medicare help, and talk to families off-Cape every day. Find the number on the directory or your town’s page.
If your parent is leaving hospital, ask for the discharge planner or case manager by name and do not agree to a facility until you have asked the questions on our leaving-hospital page.
If you think someone is being abused, neglected or exploited, call Adult Protective Services, 24 hours: 800-922-2275.
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