Caregivers’ Resources
Help providing care, benefits, long-distance caregiving, legal matters, support for caregivers…

Consumer Protection for Seniors
Consumer fraud, elder rights, advocates for nursing home residents…

Education, Jobs, and Volunteerism for Seniors
Adult education, AARP working options, Senior Corps…

End-of-Life Issues
Advance directives, estate planning, hospice…

Federal and State Agencies for Seniors
Administration on Aging, Social Security Administration, Veterans’ Health Administration…

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Benefits and assistance, health and safety, state resources…

Health for Seniors
Disease, health care facilities, medicare, nutrition…

Housing for Seniors
Reverse mortgages, in-home help, nursing home comparison, and more…

Laws and Regulations Concerning Seniors
Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Medicare Modernization Act, Social Security Act…

Money and Taxes for Seniors
Investing, tax counseling, estate planning…

Retirement
Pension plans, benefits calculator, retirement ages…

Travel and Recreation for Seniors
Amtrak senior discount, older drivers, travel tips…

Resources (with Web links)

The AARP Guide to Internet Resources Related to Aging
Provides information about resources on the Internet related to aging. It lists and describes Web sites concerned with aging-related issues, including researchers, policy makers, service providers, caregivers and students. It has an alphabetical index and a list of contents where sites are listed by topic.

AARP – Retirement Planning
A section of the AARP Web site which focuses on retirement planning options, financing retirement and other important issues.

AgeNet
An information and referral network designed to communicate information about products and services that are important to enhancing the quality of life of older adults and their families.  Topics include: geriatric health, geriatric drugs, legal, insurance, financial, helpful products and caregiver support.

Aging Parents & Elder Care
This web site includes a wealth of information — articles, comprehensive checklists and links to key resources — designed to make it easier for people caring for an aging parent or elderly spouse.  It enables them to quickly find the information they need and avoid missing things that are important in the care they provide for their loved one.

American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) is a national association of not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing high quality health care, housing and home and community-based services primarily to the elderly. It offers a number of publications and has a Web site listing its members and their facilities, as well as links to a wide range of other useful sites.

American Health Assistance Foundation
The American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF) funds research seeking cures for Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related and degenerative diseases, and provides the public with information about risk factors, preventative lifestyles, available treatments and coping strategies.

Annuities Institute
The Annuities Institute is a cooperative group of retirement planning strategists covering 48 states whose objective is to provide advice on retirement planning and annuities.  The web site includes links to annuity companies, calculators, definitions, case studies and other information that is helpful in understanding an annuities investment.

Assisted Living Federation of America
The Assisted Living Federation of America is a national nonprofit membership organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in assisted living residences and promoting the interests of the assisted living industry.

Assistive Technology News Portal
News, articles, product reviews, market trends, plus product and vendor information relating to vision, hearing, mobility, learning and communications is available on this site from a firm called Axistive.  The company is the world’s leading news portal for assistive technology.  In addition to providing free, accessible and objective information on assistive technology products, the company’s goal is to stimulate global innovation of easy access technologies.

CarePathways.com
CarePathways.com was created by RNs to help families find the best care and living arrangements for their aging parents.  It offers online access to Inspection Reports of all USA Medicare/Medicaid Nursing Homes and provides evaluations of Assisted Living and other retirement living facilities.  The site includes a wealth of useful information to help people make decisions about future living arrangements.

CareScout
CareScout is a company dedicated to empowering Americans with cost savings and quality of care information on nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies nationwide.  Its database of 77,000 eldercare providers nationwide includes quality-of-care information, ratings, comparative data, products, and private-pay discounts on the cost of care.

CARF – The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission
CARF is an independent, nonprofit organization that reviews and grants accreditation services to senior housing institutions and related services providers.  It acquired the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC) in 2003 — the nation’s only accrediting body for continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs).  CARF’s Web site will provide you with lists (by state) of accredited CCRCs and assisted living facilities.  (Click here)

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
This site has eight major locations for information related to Medicare and Medicaid services.  Key topics include Medicare; Medicaid; the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); information about the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS); information on CMS regulations & program guidance; information on CMS research, statistics, data & systems; information on CMS program outreach & education, and tools and resources.

People with Medicare, family members, and caregivers should visit Medicare.gov, the official U.S. Government site for people with Medicare, for the latest information on Medicare enrollment, benefits, and other helpful tools.

Continuing Care Accreditation Commission
The Continuing Care Accreditation Commission is the only accrediting body in the United States for retirement communities offering a continuum of care. It was acquired by CARF in 2003.  You can search for accredited continuing care retirement communities on the CARF site by clicking here.  Search under Aging Services (first box) then ASContinuing Care Retirement Communities (second box)

Disability Information
This is a U. S. government web site designed for people with disabilities.  Called DisabilityInfo.Gov, it is part the President’s New Freedom initiative that provides one-stop access to information and programs that facilitate day-to-day living.  It is a multi-agency initiative with information on civil rights, education, employment, housing and transportation.

ElderCare Advocates
This site is operated by ElderCare Advocates, a private agency that works to help older Americans remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. Its quarterly online newsletter offers advice and information about housing and caregiving.

Eldercare Locator
The Eldercare Locator is a national toll-free referral number funded by the U. S. Administration on Aging to assist older people and their families find community services anywhere in the country.  Administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging in cooperation with the National Association of State Units on Aging, the Eldercare Locator connects callers to the best state and community sources of information and assistance to address the issues, needs, or concerns of elder persons and their caregivers.  To get help, call 800-677-1116 Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (ET).  From outside the U.S., dial Sperix at 1-301-419-3900.

Eldercare Web
A Web site for seniors offering information on issues relating to health, aging, social, financial, legal and has some feature stories.

ElderLawAnswers.com
Created by a nationwide network of attorneys, ElderLawAnswers.com provides consumers with clear information on legal issues facing seniors.  Consumers may find qualified elder law attorneys by searching by telephone area code.  The site offers primers on Medicaid, Medicare, estate planning and long-term care planning.  Handy tools include calculators and checklists.

Extended Care Information Network
This site offers a database of 24,000 extended care providers and over 9,000 home health care agencies. It is designed to match patient needs with providers or agencies that can accommodate them.

Families USA
A national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the achievement of high quality, affordable health and long-term care for all Americans.

Go60.com
Site provides leading edge information about research on aging, and how society is adjusting or not adjusting to the explosion of an aging population.

Healthfinder
This site is a gateway to consumer health and human services information from the U.S. government. It can lead you to publications, clearinghouses, databases, Web sites, and support and self-help groups, as well as government agencies and not-for-profit organizations that produce reliable information for the public.

HealthOnline
An interactive electronic community for people with a passion for health care. It includes columns by health authorities, and information on strategies, databases, organizations and resources. In addition, there are discussion forums and a site search feature.

Helpguide.org
Helpguide.org is an online resource for seniors searching for information on mental/emotional health, aging well, and eldercare.  It is a joint community project of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica and the Center for Healthy Aging.  The latter has gained a national reputation for innovative and effective programs and services to assist aging adults and their families with physical, emotional and financial challenges that come with aging.

HMOs4seniors.com
A Web site dedicated to assisting seniors and their caregivers with making informed choices regarding Medicare+Choice options.  The site features annual out-of-pocket cost comparisons for over 100 Medicare HMOs in over 50 cities.  It also includes a Medicare HMO search by zip code and provides a convenient online form to request detailed information from Medicare HMOs.  The site is maintained by HealthMetrix Research, Inc., as a free service to the public and the media.

Housing Services for Seniors
This site focuses on providing older persons with a wide variety of assistance related to financing, building, maintaining and locating housing.  It has information on independent living, housing with services, nursing facilities, assistive technology, and home remodeling.  The site is run by the Administration on Aging, a unit of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

International Council on Active Aging
The International Council on Aging is dedicated to changing the way people age by uniting and working with professionals in the retirement, assisted living, fitness, rehabilitation, and wellness fields.  Its primary focus is to changing society’s perceptions of aging and improving the quality of life for aging baby boomers and older adults with the six dimensions of wellness.  It publishes The Journal on Active Aging, a bimonthly magazine, a weekly newsletter, ICAA In the News, and operates a web site with helpful research, information and tools.

It’s An Age Thing
This is a PBS television series that focuses on particular life issues, from housing to retirement to driving, and features interviews with everyday seniors about choices thay have made in setting the direction of their own lives.  There are 13 half-hour programs in the series which are available on VHS videotape or DVD.  For a short description of each segment and ordering information, go to: http:/ww.wmht.org/itsanagething.org/series.  The program was first broadcast in June 2003 and PBS stations have the right to carry it through June 2006.

The Internet Retirement Alliance
This site is billed as the place to come for direction and information about retirement planning.  It has information about IRAs, pensions, insurance, Social Security, and a particularly useful news archives section.

Long Term Care Link
A comprehensive, non-commercial site about long term care insurance.  It contains detailed links to hundreds of other informational sites and links to LTC news announcements.

LTCinsurance.com
This site provides an unbiased information source for long-term care insurance.  Its goal is to be a guide to consumers through the complex levels of information about LTC insurance.  The site has articles about LTC insurance and those who request a quote will be contacted by an agent who will help them understand the options available.

Maturity Works
The National Council on the Aging operates a Workforce Development Division which provides leadership and training for workforce professionals nationwide.  It also sponsors the Senior Community Service Employment Program (with Federal money) to help older workers find part-time jobs and receive training in transferable skills.  Also under the NCOA umbrella is the National Association of Older Worker Employment Services, an organization for employment service professionals.

MealCall
MealCall is a non-profit organization that helps provide the necessary resources to local senior meal delivery organizations and congregate meal sites through direct financial support, helping to find volunteers, and providing online contact support between organizations and the people that need their services.  The web site enables consumers to find a meal program, i.e. Meals on Wheels or other meal delivery services, in their local area.

Medic Alert
The MedicAlert Foundation is a non-profit healthcare informatics organization dedicated to providing services to our members that protect and saves lives.  MedicAlert services are built around a repository of health information that enables members to manage their personal health records while maintaining security, privacy and confidentiality.  As the trusted third party custodian of comprehensive personal health information, the MedicAlert repository can connect to and provide critical medical information between patients, providers, payers, and first responders 24 hours a day anywhere in the world.

Medicare.gov
This is the official U.S. Government site for people with Medicare.  It is loaded with links and search tools to help you find important information.  Topics include the prescription drug plan, Medicare billing, Medicare appeals, Long-term care, plan choices, preventive services, enrollment information, and the ombudsman center.  It also includes tools enabling you to compare Medicare prescription drug plans, hospitals in your area, health plans and Medigap polices, nursing homes, and much more.  It also has the latest information on Medicare enrollment and benefits.

The Merck Manual of Geriatrics
The Merck Manual of Geriatrics focuses on the medical problems of the elderly, providing clinical information to physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other health professionals involved in the care of elderly patients.

Military Officers Association of America
The Military Officers Association of America, formerly TROA, is an independent, nonprofit organization that serves active duty and retired uniformed services members, their families and survivors.  With nearly 400,000 members in 426 U.S. and overseas chapters, MOAA plays an active role in military personnel matters, especially proposed legislation affecting the career force.  Its web site offers a wide range of information for active duty and retired officers, including how to join, membership benefits, a weekly update on Congressional lobbying activities, military news, information on health issues and finances, and much more.

My.Medicare.gov
This web site gives registered beneficiaries the ability to view eligibility and entitlement information, enrollment information including prescription drug plans, deductible and address of record information.  Additionally, it provides beneficiaries with the ability to order replacement Medicare cards, access to online forms and publications, preventive service information and the option for web chat assistance for any technical questions.  Users of the site can access and view the status of adjudicated claims as well as search for a specific claim.

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
An organization that offers referrals of attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals dedicated to helping elders with housing, health and long-term care planning, estate planning, and other legal issues related to aging.

National Association of Professional Geriatric Dare Managers
The National Association of Professional Geriatric Managers is a nonprofit association of care managers who help families caring for older relatives.  It also assists older adults and persons with disabilities in attaining their maximum functional potential.  Their member care managers are trained in any of several fields related to long-term care, including nursing, gerontology, social work or psychology, with a focus on issues related to aging and elder care.  The organization’s web site has an online directory of professional geriatric care managers that is searchable by location.

National Council on the Aging
The National Council on the Aging, Inc., a private, non-profit association, is a center of leadership and nationwide expertise on the issue of aging.

National Family Caregivers Association
The National Family Caregivers Association educates, supports, empowers and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the frailties of old age.  NFCA reaches across the boundaries of diagnoses, relationships and life stages to address the common needs and concerns of all family caregivers.

Nursing Home Abuse Resource
Dealing with nursing home abuse is a challenge for anyone.  This Web site includes information about the causes and types of abuse, and resources that can help a family.  The site is primarily focused on helping you find a lawyer in the state where the abuse takes place.

Pension Action Center
The Pension Action Center provides information and is an advocacy group for individuals experiencing problems with defined benefit or defined contribution pension plans.  It is funded by the U. S. Administration on Aging and is based at the University of Massachusetts in Boston.  Its two main services are the National Pension Lawyers Network and the New England Pension Assistance Project.

The National Pension Lawyers Network is a no-cost referral service that connects workers and retirees with professionals who can help them understand and enforce their pension rights.  It has a panel made up of lawyers from around the country who are available to represent workers, retirees, and their families in pension matters on a regular-fee, reduced-fee, and/or pro bono basis.  There are approximately 640 attorneys from all 50 states and the District of Columbia on the panel.

The New England Pension Assistance Project, just for residents of the six New England states, provides counseling and assistance, helps locate pension funds, explains rights and benefits under your pension plan, provides attorney referral, and has a listing of financial advisers.

PubMed
With this site, consumers have free access to Medline, the medical database managed by the National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine. The database contains over 9 million summaries and abstracts from 3,800 medical journals. Its primary audience in physicians and researchers though consumers will find it helpful.

Directory of Services for Seniors
This comprehensive site, operated by the DHHS Administration on Aging, provides access to a wide range of services for seniors.  It offers an overview of the range of supporting services available to older residents in their communities through the Older Americans Act (OAA) and other federal, state and local programs.  Included are links to access services for the elderly, including local community organizations.

RetirementJobs.com
As a leading career Web site for job-seekers aged 50+, RetirementJobs.com provides opportunities, inspiration, community and counsel to people over 50 seeking work to match their lifestyle.  Their job board connects experienced workers with tens of thousands of job listings from “Age-Friendly certified employers.  The company has partnered with Franchise Solutions and set up a Franchise Center that will have access to hundreds of the world’s leading franchises and business opportunities.   The data base can be searched by industry, investment range, and various categories that are important to individuals seeking self-employment, such as opportunities to work from a home office.

RxList
An Internet drug index which allows visitors to look up a drug by either generic or brand name, find out about side effects, read about new drugs and learn the results of clinical studies.

SeniorDiscounts.com
This Web site lists discounts on products and services for people age 55 and better.  The database has about 130,000 discounts and is searchable by city/state or zip code, and over 20 categories, including airlines, car rentals, cruises, lodging, health clubs, online retailers, and restaurants.  The company also publishes a printed version for people who do not have access to the Internet.  A membership in SeniorDiscounts.com is required for the printed guide.

SeniorLink
A national eldercare resource, referral and consultation web site for seniors, their families and providers.  It provides access to eldercare professionals, programs, providers, facilities, and agencies that offer information on a variety of senior-related services.

SeniorNet
A Web site for an international community of computer-using seniors which contains a variety of resources.

Senior Resource
An encyclopedia of housing choices, finance and insurance pointers to help pay the rent, aging information and specific housing resources to act on what you learn.

Senior Search
A search directory exclusively for people over age 50.  Includes links to companies in over 60 products categories.

SeniorWomenWeb
This site is for women over age 50 and has content consisting of reviews, essays, articles, letters, links and sightings.  Its focus is on keeping women informed about issues and includes news of concern and interest.

ShareTheCaregiving, Inc.
This not-for-profit organization seeks to inform and educate healthcare providers, corporations, communities, clergy, universities, and individuals about Share The Care , a model that details how ordinary people can create and operate a unique extended family-type support system to care for a friend or loved one.  It also provides links among caregivers and providers to evolve and continually develop a model through evidence-based evaluations and feedback from caregivers and providers.

Today’s Seniors
Whether you are retired, preparing for retirement, or just thinking about it, Today’s Seniors offers advice, tips and articles about retirement, personal finances, Medicare benefits, health and fitness, and more — all aimed at helping people to simplify their lives and get the most out of their retirement.

U.S. DHHS Administration on Aging
A wide-ranging Web site with information designed for older Americans and their families as well as those concerned about providing opportunities and services to enrich the lives of older persons and support their independence. It includes many Web site links to government and non-government resources.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
This is the primary site for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and provides access to a vast array of health and medical programs offered by its 12 agencies.  It is organized as a consumer guide to the more than 300 programs it administers.  Included is a special section for seniors as well as resource information on nursing homes, Medicare, health issues, long term care, Eldercare Locator, elder abuse, coping and caring, and a resource directory for older people.

USA.gov
If you need information from the U.S. government, you find a good part of it on USA.gov.  It is loaded with online information, services, and resources.  Included is a special section call Senior Citizens’ Resources which covers a wide range of Web links that can be very helpful.  It includes such topics as: consumer Protection for Seniors; Education, Jobs, and Volunteerism for Seniors; End-of-Life Issues; Federal and State Agencies for Seniors; Health for Seniors; Housing for Seniors; Laws and Regulations Concerning Seniors; Mondey and Taxes for Seniors; Retirement; and Travel and Recreation for Seniors.

Other Non-Web Resources

The Capsule
A bimonthly newsletter published by the nonprofit organization, Children of Aging Parents. It provides advice for caregivers on everything from retrofitting old houses to gift ideas for seniors.

Contact:

Children of Aging Parents
1609 Woodburne Road, Suite 302A
Levittown, PA 19057
Tel: 800-227-7294

The National Alliance for Caregiving
A national partnership that includes the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the American Society on Aging, and other groups.  It conducts research on aging and caregiving, promotes reliable resources, and increased public awareness of aging issues.

Contact:

The National Alliance for Caregiving
4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 642
Bethesda, MD  20814
Tel: 301-718-8444

The Sandwich Generation
A quarterly magazine designed to help people deal with the dearth of information available on the challenges of juggling parent and child care.  It offers legal, financial, medical and psychological advice.

Contact:

The Sandwich Generation
P.O. Box 132
Wickatunk, NJ  07765
Tel: 732-536-6215