Looking for help for a 73 year old woman in Birmingham. Who can help her?

If her husband was a Vietnam War vet, she can qualify for in home help and money even if he is pasted away.

I think the OP has left the building.

Question for sbakerlundberg--how do you yourself know this lady? Is she a friend? Is she a neighbor of your friend? If you're in MN and she is in Alabama or some other state, the most you can do is call that state's APS. Especially if there is "no family" and you must know this lady very well to know that. Do you know if the lady has a church home? Maybe her former employer? Any connections at all? That type of info would be helpful to APS as they try to piece together this lady's life, if the lady her self cannot do so. But a stroke and not being able.to leave her dogs out, doesn't mean she is incapacitated. She could just be moving a little more slowly now, and OK to.stay in her home with some assistance. Agree, it wwould be unfortunate to have her "committed" to a facility if all.she needs is some food delivery and a few hours of companion care & housekeeping. APS will be able.to complete an assessment and provide services if she needs it, and if she does have assets but cannot manage them--then APS can get a Guardianship proceeding started on her behalf.. so yes in this case call.APS.

For those who want to avoid "government interference", please suggest an alternate plan. One avoids "Government interference" by planning in advance for old age. If this lady is living in unhealthy conditions, it behooves her local government you keep her safe and clean, and to kept infestations of vermin from spreading to neighbors.

I agree, double edge sword. I think our office of aging can recommend a nursing home if they find the person can no longer do for themselves. And the dogs...they aren't being let out. If she can't let them out she may not be feeding them. And remember, not everyone has money to pay for services. The aides that Office of the Aging provide are only there a while. Plus, they only have so many and may not be able to get to her right away.

My advice is to steer clear of any government agencies. They will impound the animals, condemn the house and have her committed or something similar. Care.com is a great place to get a caregiver, but who will come into a house with dog feces on the floor?

There is a Birmingham AL, also in Michigan, another in the UK and also in Australia. Which Birmingham?

There is really not a whole lot you can do for someone who is not related to you when you live so far away and she said she doesn't need or want help. One thing you can do is give her the number for the Jefferson Co. Council on Aging -- (205) 592-0413. They can tell her about local programs that include Meals on Wheels. I don't know what part of the city she lives in, but there are churches on every corner and senior centers in each area. Housekeepers are easy to find if she has some money to pay them. There are many resources, but she has to reach out for them.

I'm a little leery of jumping to gov't for assistance. It can be a double-edge sword.
When you say 'She cannot take care of herself' - Is she able to fix meals etc? Are the dogs in good shape? My mother had a stroke, but was still able to drive. Does this person drive a vehicle? If county Social Services gets involved - their brand of help may be to remove the dogs from the home, instead of helping her care for them. Not all counties within Alabama have an Adult Services Dept - http://dhr.alabama.gov/counties/county_select.aspx

Call your local senior services agency or Adult Protection Services.