Local help directory
Local help for a widowed father in the St. Louis area
Each entry below was opened on its own official page on September 12, 2026. We print a phone number only when we saw it there, and we describe a service only in the words the page used. If a number has changed, the source link wins.
Meals and a room with other people in it
- Aging AheadThe area agency on aging for St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson counties, at 14535 Manchester Road in Manchester. Its contact page lists (636) 207-0847 and (800) 243-6060, and says it runs 15 centers across its four counties.Source: agingahead.org/about-us/contact-us/. Checked September 12, 2026.
- Aging Ahead Meals on WheelsThe page says meals go to homebound seniors 60 or older who cannot prepare a nutritionally balanced meal for themselves and cannot attend a congregate meal site, that Aging Ahead's services are provided without charge with donations welcome, and that requests go to the closest Aging Ahead location or 1-800-243-6060.Source: agingahead.org/what-we-do/meals-on-wheels/. Checked September 12, 2026.
- Aging Ahead senior centersThe programs page says each senior center offers meals and activities. Centers it lists include West County 636-227-3882, South County 314-631-8698, Crown Center 314-991-2055, Covenant Place 314-442-3149, Ferguson 314-867-5661, Tri County 636-257-6264 and Washington 636-239-3374. We have not visited them; call before you drive him over.Source: agingahead.org/what-we-do/programs-activities-and-locations/. Checked September 12, 2026.
- St. Louis Area Agency on AgingFor a father who lives inside the City of St. Louis. The city page describes information on elderly services, transportation, food services and Medicare, and lists (314) 612-5918, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, at 1520 Market, Room 4086.Source: stlouis-mo.gov, St. Louis Area Agency on Aging. Checked September 12, 2026.
Getting him there
- Metro Call-A-RideMetro's van service. The phone line books and changes reservations and checks ADA eligibility. Reservations: 314-982-1505, answered every day including holidays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; hearing impaired callers can use Relay Missouri at 711.Source: metrostlouis.org/metro-call-a-ride/. Checked September 12, 2026.
Finding the right door
- Missouri Senior Resource LineRun by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. You enter a five-digit ZIP code and are transferred to the local area agency on aging: 1-800-235-5503.Source: health.mo.gov, Area Agencies on Aging. Checked September 12, 2026.
- Eldercare LocatorA public service of the federal Administration for Community Living that connects older adults and families to local services. Call or text 1-800-677-1116.Source: eldercare.acl.gov. Checked September 12, 2026.
- United Way 211United Way of Greater St. Louis's referral line. Dial 211 or 1-800-427-4626; texting that number reaches a navigation specialist Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Source: 211helps.org. Checked September 12, 2026.
- VA Caregiver Support LineFor the family of a father who served. The VA lists the line Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm Eastern: 1-855-260-3274.Source: caregiver.va.gov. Checked September 12, 2026.
The hard nights
- 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineCall or text 988, for him or for you. Chat is also offered on the site. In an emergency, call 911.Source: 988lifeline.org. Checked September 12, 2026.
- Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect HotlineIf you believe he is being neglected, exploited or harmed. Hotline hours are seven days a week, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.: 1-800-392-0210, Relay Missouri 1-800-735-2966. Reports can also be made online.Source: health.mo.gov, Stop Adult Abuse. Checked September 12, 2026.
The paperwork offices
- Missouri Bureau of Vital RecordsFor copies of Mom's death certificate. The state says requests can go through the nearest local public health agency, or to the Department of Health and Senior Services in Jefferson City in person, by mail, or by phone or online through VitalChek. A funeral director can request a copy as an official representative of the family.Source: health.mo.gov, Order a Copy of a Vital Record. Checked September 12, 2026.
- IRS: the final income tax returnThe IRS page on filing the final returns of a deceased person explains that a refund due on the deceased person's return is claimed with Form 1310. Take this one to whoever prepares his taxes.Source: irs.gov, File the final income tax returns of a deceased person. Checked September 12, 2026.
What is not on this list
No funeral homes, law firms, grief counselors in private practice or facilities: we have not checked them, and we do not rank anyone. For grief support groups, the National Institute on Aging suggests asking local hospitals, senior centers, nursing homes, religious groups, funeral homes or his doctor, and notes that hospice workers can be asked for bereavement support even if hospice was not used. Anything about his health goes to his doctor.
The one company named on this site is New Plan Care Solutions, a paid placement for non-medical help at home. It is not part of this directory; the box below says what the arrangement is.