Granted, dealing with these agencies can seem a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, there are organizations that can help you.
One good place to start could be the Area Agencies on Aging. Chances are there's a local branch in your community. These agencies are dedicated to helping seniors get assistance with health care, home care, transportation and more. Many offer specific help with Medicare and Medicaid issues and provide volunteer counselors and community education programs.
To find out what's offered in your community, you first might contact your county's Department of Health and Human Services, which likely has a division on aging and adult services. They can direct you to specific programs.
There are also a number of websites dedicated to senior care issues, such as the Administration on Aging (aoa.gov) and the National Caregiver Alliance (caregiver.org). Both provide online tools for finding local resources and support services, as well as information on government health and disability programs, legal resources and more.
I don't know your living arrangements, but if you're in a position to consider an active adult/senior community, this might make sense. These retirement-oriented communities offer access to a wide variety of resources from job counseling to legal services.
Speaking of legal services, another option is to find an attorney who specializes in senior issues and understands how to navigate through the maze of government agencies. This may be more costly -- and you want to make sure you get an attorney who is highly recommended. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys has an online locator (naela.org) that can provide a starting point for finding a qualified attorney in your area.
MOVING FORWARD WITH YOUR FINANCIAL LIFE
I know it's not easy, but it's very important that you now take a close look at your new financial reality. You don't have to do it alone. You can discuss it with your family or seek out a financial adviser, if you don't already have one. Talk about how your lifestyle may change. Go over your saving and spending needs and assess your current situation and goals as you look ahead.
The key is to stay active and involved, reach out, and in some ways be your own advocate. By doing so, you may find that you have more of a support system than you imagined -- one that can help you move forward with confidence.