I am taking a class called Social Services for the Aging and it has been very enlightening. I wish I had this textbook and education tucked away in my purse when I was called upon to support an older couple during their ongoing crises several years ago. This knowledge would have really helped. Because as many of you know, there’s no obvious path forward when geridrama rules the day. It’s like, you want to call someone for help but all your brain can muster is, “wth”?

When I was in my wth stupor trying to figure out a care and life management plan for two older friends, I started with their attorney. He helped advise me on professionals who could assist and actually had several names of geriatric care managers and daily money managers in their area who were vetted and acceptable. And of course, relationships with these folks led to changemaking connections to other wonderful providers — hospice and caregiving firms, medical specialists, psychologists and many others. It seriously took a village, but on the front end it felt like being swept up, alone, in a huge, violent tornado.

So if this is you swirling around in some surprise, scary vortex, know you can go about your own personal wth in several ways: 1) you can do what I did and beg, cry and plead with the attorney or caregiving manager in your life to tell you what to do and who to call, or 2) you can get on the phone with your friends and family and start a list of people and services they’ve used and recommend, or 3) you can do what people in the know and people who write college level gerontological textbooks do: research local resources available to you and get your own grip on it.

I did not know any of this existed when I was panicking and pitting under my desk at work, trying to cobble a plan together. But believe it or not, our country has done a pretty good job assembling, connecting and supporting senior resources in areas around the country during the past several decades. And of course they would, as the challenges and opportunities of aging is literally every American citizen’s future. This is everyone’s sitch one day! So let’s look a little closer at how we can use the resources available to us to turn that “wth” into a what a relief moment.

The best way to learn about local resources for older adults is to tap into a mix of community organizations, government services and professional networks and the easiest way to begin is to research Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) organizations in your area. These agencies are a go-to hub for services like meals, transportation, caregiver support and case management. The first place to start looking is going to eldercare.acl.gov to find the Eldercare agencies in your area.

Next, you can get on the telephone and ring up the folks running local senior centers near you. Not only do these centers have activity calendars, classes and social groups available, but they also serve as information points for local programs like home care, wellness checks and tech help.

Get the 411 on aging services from United Way’s 2-1-1. They can help get you or your loved one connected to service resources that might help keep them in their homes. Dialing 2-1-1 connects you to a trained specialist who can direct you to services like home repair assistance, mental health counseling or financial help.

Talk to your or your loved one’s healthcare provider. Doctors, clinics and hospital social workers often have up-to-date knowledge of community programs, especially for patients with ongoing health needs. Also, your library can be a wonderful resource. Check Libraries and faith-based organizations for information on free events, referrals or even transportation help. Online platforms and directories like AgingCare.com, Care.com, or Nextdoor can help direct you to local providers and community recommendations.

In Northeast Florida, here are some of the places that can help get you pointed in the right direction:

ElderSource – Area Agency on Aging for Northeast Florida: ElderSource is the primary Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for Northeast Florida. They offer a wide range of services, including:

• Information and referrals for housing, home care, transportation, and financial assistance
• Medicare/Medicaid counseling through the SHINE program
• Caregiver support and respite services
• A searchable online resource directory
• Elder Helpline: (888) 242-4464 or (904) 391-6699
• Website: myeldersource.org

City of Jacksonville Senior Services Division: the city operates 15 senior centers offering:

• Free hot lunches and breakfast on select days
• Wellness programs, fitness classes, and recreational activities
• Counseling and social services
• Transportation assistance
• General Info: (904) 255-5400

Aging True Community Senior Services: Aging True is a nonprofit providing:

• In-home care and homemaker services
• Meals on Wheels and nutrition counseling
• Adult day health care
• Mental wellness and caregiver support
• Contact: (904) 807-1203
• Website: Agingtrue.org

Figuring out care management, resources and support services for yourself or the older adult in your life can be very tricky, and can make you bawl your eyes out with frustration. But remember you are not alone. This is something everyone has the pleasure of figuring out during their lifetime, at least once, and if they’re fortunate enough to make it to their second half! So be patient with yourself, take deep breaths, sip that chardonnay slowly and know that a solution exists and is yours to claim with a little research and conversation.