Stanislaus County Senior Resources
The official local and state programs that help Stanislaus County seniors stay safe, supported, and independent — the kind of on-the-ground help a national referral site can’t give you. Every listing links to the program’s own page, with contacts verified from the source.
New to caregiving? Start with our caregiver checklist →
Start here
Free local help finding and accessing services — a real person, not a national call center.
Stanislaus County Aging & Veterans Services — Information & Assistance
The county's Area Agency on Aging: a single starting point to find and access local services for older adults. Se habla español.
Source: Stanislaus County Aging & Veterans Services, Information & Assistance page
Area Agency on Aging
The federally designated aging agency for Stanislaus County and the advocates who work for residents.
Stanislaus County Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Independent advocates who investigate and help resolve complaints for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Stanislaus County. Program operated by Catholic Charities Diocese of Stockton. Statewide crisis line: 1-800-231-4024.
Source: The Consumer Voice, PSA 30 Stanislaus LTC Ombudsman Program listing; cross-checked against Stanislaus County's elder abuse / RCFE reporting page
HICAP — Medicare counseling
Free, unbiased counseling on Medicare, supplemental insurance, and long-term-care coverage through the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program. Appointments available in Modesto, Turlock, Oakdale, and Patterson.
Source: California Health Advocates — HICAP Stanislaus County office
In-home & protective services
Programs that help a loved one stay safely at home, and protect those at risk.
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
Helps eligible low-income older adults and people with disabilities pay for in-home care so they can remain safely at home. Apply Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.
Source: Stanislaus County Community Services Agency (CSA), Adult Services
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of elders and dependent adults — 24-hour confidential hotline.
Source: Stanislaus County Aging & Veterans Services — Elder Abuse page
Adult Protective Services — statewide hotline (CDSS)
If the county line doesn't connect, this statewide hotline routes your call to the right county APS agency by zip code — 24/7/365.
Source: California Dept. of Social Services (CDSS)
Caregiver & dementia support
Help for the family members doing the caring — plus specialized dementia guidance.
Valley Caregiver Resource Center
Free support for unpaid family caregivers across the Central Valley, including Stanislaus County — care planning, family consultation, respite help, and support groups.
Source: Valley Caregiver Resource Center
Alzheimer's/Dementia Support Center
Modesto-based nonprofit offering caregiver support groups for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia, serving Stanislaus, San Joaquin, and Merced counties. 24/7 call or text line.
Source: Alzheimer's/Dementia Support Center, Modesto (agency listing cross-checked via Network of Care Stanislaus County)
Alzheimer's Association — 24/7 Helpline
Round-the-clock, confidential support and dementia-care guidance in 200+ languages. Stanislaus County is served by the Northern California & Northern Nevada chapter.
Source: Alzheimer's Association, Northern California & Northern Nevada chapter
Respite & day programs
Short-term relief for the family member doing the caring, and daytime programs for the person they're caring for.
211 Stanislaus County
Free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral service covering all of Stanislaus County — adult day programs, respite, and other local health and human services. Operated by United Way of Stanislaus County.
Source: 211 Stanislaus County (United Way of Stanislaus County)
Help paying for care
Medi-Cal programs that can offset the cost of long-term care for those who qualify.
Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)
A California Medi-Cal program that can help pay for assisted living (RCFE) care for eligible enrollees in participating counties, as an alternative to a nursing home. See our guide for whether it currently operates in Stanislaus County.
Source: California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
Veterans
Wartime veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for VA benefits that help pay for senior care.
Stanislaus County Veterans Service Office
County advocates who help veterans and their families claim VA benefits — including the Aid & Attendance pension, which can help offset the cost of assisted living or in-home care.
Source: Stanislaus County Veteran Services
Legal help
Free legal assistance for older adults and their families.
Senior Law Project (Senior Advocacy Network)
Free legal services for Stanislaus County residents age 60+ — wills, trusts, elder abuse restraining orders, and housing issues. No income requirement.
Source: Senior Advocacy Network / Senior Law Project, Modesto
Meals & transportation
Day-to-day support that keeps seniors nourished and connected.
Elderly Nutrition Program — Senior Lunch Sites
Nine congregate lunch sites across Stanislaus County for adults 60+, usually at senior or community centers. Suggested $3 donation per meal; no one turned away for inability to contribute.
Source: Stanislaus County Aging & Veterans Services — Elderly Nutrition
Home-Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels)
Frozen home-delivered meals for homebound adults 60+, delivered weekdays. Suggested $3 donation per meal; no eligible participant denied for inability to contribute.
Source: Stanislaus County Aging & Veterans Services — Elderly Nutrition
Senior Transportation Assistance
Assisted transportation for adults 60 and older through Stanislaus County Aging & Veterans Services.
Source: Stanislaus County Aging & Veterans Services