Internet caregiving resources for family caregivers

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety website is focused on driver education, safety, and prevention. Order free brochures on driving and the older driver, or buy videotapes about older drivers and safety issues. Several written driving tests for the older driver can help families deal with difficult issues.

www.aaafts.org

The Abledata Assistive Technology website provides catalogs of assistive technology. Product information price ranges are included on the website. The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the Department of Education funds the site, but it does not endorse any of the products.

Tel: 1.800.227.0216
www.abledata.com

The Acces America for Seniors website is a govornment-wide initiative to deliver electronic services from govornment agencies and organizations to seniors. It's a one-stop site for elder care infortmation online, especially anyone who wants information on senior issues from A to Z.

www.seniors.gov

The Administration on Aging website acts as the hub for all government aging services and provides the network of state and area agencies on aging. The website is chock-full of senior resources, information and links to other related government sites.

www.aoa.gov

Aging with Dignity is a privately funded nonprofit organization that puts a special emphasis on improving caregiving for the elderly at the end of their lives. "Five Wishes" is an easy-to-understand living will, or advanced directive, for all ages. Click on "Five Wishes" on the website for a preview.

Tel: 1.850.681.2010
www.agingwithdignity.org

The Alzheimer's Association website offers a wide range of information and support services. It provides a caregiver's guide, "ask the expert" online, medical information, and a finder to locate your local Alzheimer's Association chapter. The Alzheimer's Association's “Safe Return” program, a 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer's or a related dementia who wander or have a medical emergency, is also described here (www.alz.org/SafeReturn).

Tel: 1.800.272.3900
www.alz.org

The Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral website provides the latest information on new treatments; you can track current clinical trials and how to connect to 20 national Alzheimer's disease centers throughout the country. The site also keeps you posted on results of the most recent research studies.

Tel: 1.800.438.4380
www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers

LeadingAge's Consumer Hub includes a directory of 5,000 not-for-profit facilities that care for the aging and those in assisted living. The website has a "Find Homes and Services" feature for consumers to search by city, state, zip, distance and type of facility or service.

Tel: 1.202.783.2242
www.leadingage.org

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is an educational and action organization for those 50 and over. To find information on the AARP website about caring for an aging parent info, type the word "caregiver" into the search box. AARP members can take advantage of the AARP Legal Services Network (www.aarp.org/lsn), a free first consultation with a lawyer.

Tel: 1.888.687.2277
www.aarp.org

The American Diabetes Association website is extensive, providing the latest in research, general info, nutrition, news, lifestyle tips, and links to other great senior resources. On this website you can also find local chapters near you.

Tel: 1.800.342.2383
www.diabetes.org

The American Heart Association website provides research, information, and education about the heart. It includes: warning signs of heart attacks and stroke; separate sections about women and heart disease; general patient information; and links to other sites offering relevant information.

Tel: 1.800.242.8721
www.americanheart.org

The American Hospice Foundation website provides you with helpful information on hospice care. Referrals to a hospice near your parent, counseling resources, and support programs are available on its website.

Tel: 1.202.223.0204
www.americanhospice.org

The American Lung Association website provides information on all lung topics such as asbestos, air quality, tobacco or tuberculosis. You can contact a local chapter by typing in your zip code on the website.

Tel: 1.800.548.8252
www.lungusa.org

The Arthritis Foundation website offers very good consumer health information on prevention and treatment of arthritis. It provides information and referral services and can refer you to a local chapter, support groups, and classes by phone or on the website. The website also has a product store and a section on advocacy.

Tel: 1.800.283.7800
www.arthritis.org

BenefitsCheckUp is a free screening service from the National Council on Aging. Fill out their forms on the website to learn if you qualify for hundreds of state, federal, and private programs. You can also find out if you qualify for Extra Help for Medicare Part D and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – the new name for the federal Food Stamp program), as well as help with health care, in home care services, meals, utility bills, and more. This is an online service only.

www.benefitscheckup.org

The Center for Medicare Advocacy is a private, nonprofit foundation whose focus is on health care rights, especially needs of Medicare beneficiaries. The website has links to other sites that emphasize Medicare.

Tel: 1.860.456.7790
www.medicareadvocacy.org

The Department of Veterans Affairs operates all federal veteran's services. The website is excellent and will save you a great deal of time. You can determine your parents' benefits, who qualifies for what, and how to apply. Contact information is provided and application forms can be downloaded and printed.

www.va.gov

Eldercare Locator is run by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. If you call and describe your problem, someone will direct you to local and regional agencies for senior services and to your local Area Agency on Aging. You can also receive this information by visiting the website.

Tel: 1.800.677.1116
www.eldercare.gov

Families USA is a great advocacy organization in healthcare and long-term care. The website offers consumer information on Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drug costs, a legislative action center and Web health links. Apply your caregiving experience and become an advocate.

Tel: 1.202.628.3030
www.familiesusa.org

The Family Caregiver Support Program, funded by the Administration on Aging (AOA), is offered in every state through your local Area Agency on Aging. If you are caring for someone in your home who is 60 years of age and older and who has a moderate income, you may qualify. Many programs pay $200 a month for families to spend on in home care services and supplies that can help them keep an older adult at home. Some programs also offer up to $2,000 in home modifications.

Tel: 1.800.677.1116
www.eldercare.gov

The Family Caregiving Alliance website offers information and support to families caring for loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions. Click on the ‘'Family Care Navigator'' for a state-by-state help for Family caregivers.

Tel: 1.800.445.8106
www.caregiver.org

The Healthfinder website is a gateway site to consumer health and human services information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its content is useful and the site is easy to use, has links to agencies and databases, and has a directory of services.

www.healthfinder.gov

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency that runs low-income housing for seniors. Visit the HUD website to find out if your parent qualifies for federal congregate housing and other housing services.

www.hud.gov

The Lighthouse National Center for Vision and Aging website provides very helpful information for those with vision problems, as well as a terrific catalog of devices to make life easier and vision better. It will also tell help you find a low vision clinic is near you.

Tel: 1.800.829.0500
www.lighthouse.org

The Meals on Wheels Association of America website helps you track down the number of the local Meals on Wheels program in your area to have meals delivered to your parents' home, or to volunteer. Or check your local phone book for Meals on Wheels.

Tel: 1.703.548.5558
www.mowaa.org

Medicaid Waiver Programs enable lower-income individuals who would otherwise need and qualify for nursing home care to stay at home. Services like home care, assistance with daily living tasks, at home nursing care, care management and supplies may be covered. Use the Eldercare Locator to find out what programs are offered in your state.

Tel: 1.800.677.1116
www.eldercare.gov

The Medicare Hotline website can be used to inquire about plans and what HMOs offer service in your area, to get brochures mailed to you, or to get resolution to problems or report fraud. At www.medicare.gov you can click on "Nursing Home Compare" and get the latest inspection reports on every nursing home in the country.

Tel: 1.800.633.4227
www.medicare.gov

MedlinePlus is the website for the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health. If you want to bookmark just one site for your medical information, this is it. It's a terrific resource for all kinds of medical information and links to other senior resources. If you click on the drug information site, you can review reports on over 9,000 prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys website provides information, education, networking and assistance to those who deal with the specialized issues of legal services to the elderly and disabled. The website for this nonprofit association also has a function that helps you find elder law attorneys in your area.

Tel: 1.703.942.5711
www.naela.com

The National Alliance for Caregiving website is for a national non-profit coalition of national organizations focusing on issues of family caregiving. The website provides information about professional associations, service organizations, disease-specific organizations, a government agency, and corporations.

www.caregiving.org

The National Association for Continence (formerly Help for Incontinent People) provides education, information, advocacy, and support on incontinence for the public and health professionals.

Tel: 1.843.377.0900
www.nafc.org

The National Association for Hispanic Elderly provides information and referral services for elderly Hispanic and low-income people. Employment counseling, training, and placement services are available. Other referrals include housing, disaster relief, and income tax help.

Tel: 1.626.564.1988
www.anppm.org

The National Association for Home Care website describes all of the different services and therapies available under home care. The site offers links to elder care information and home care and hospice locators. It also offers a guide on how to choose a home care provider.

Tel: 1.202.547.7424
www.nahc.org

The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers is an association of member geriatric professionals, with an emphasis on advocacy, education, and standards of care for the elderly.

Tel: 1.521.881.8808
www.caremanager.org

The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged seeks to improve the quality of life among aging African-Americans. It is not a service provider; however, the website offers programs in job opportunities, health care, housing options and long-term care.

Tel: 1.202.637.8400
www.ncba-aged.org

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship is a patient-led organization for persons with cancer and their families. The website includes the "Cancer Survival Toolbox," an audio program given to newly diagnosed patients as well as those transitioning off treatment.

Tel: 1.888.650.9127
www.canceradvocacy.org

The National Consumers League is a private, nonprofit group described as the oldest consumer's group in the United States. It represents consumers on all workplace and marketplace issues. One click on the website gives you access to information on everything ranging from telemarketing and Internet fraud to drug interactions.

Tel: 1.202.835.3323
www.nclnet.org

The National Council on the Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization whose mission is to improve the lives of older adults. This group works with organizations across the country to help seniors find resources, jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently and remain active in their communities.

Tel: 1.202.479.1200
www.ncoa.org

The National Eye Institute specializes in vision research and information for professionals, the public, media, and educators. The website's A-Z sitemap includes articles and videos about age-related eye diseases and other eye issues.

Tel: 1.301.496.5248
www.nei.nih.gov

The National Family Caregivers Association is a national charitable organization for caregivers. It provides assistance in the areas of information and education, support and validation, and public awareness and advocacy. Its website, featuring caregiving resources online, is comprehensive.

Tel: 1.800.896.3650
www.nfcacares.org

The National Health Information Center website is designed to help the general public and professionals find health information. It offers resources on a wide range of health topics selected from over 1,600 government and non-profit organizations.

www.healthfinder.gov

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute website offers excellent information on diseases of the heart, lung and blood. Learn about the latest results of studies, news and centers that are seeking patients for clinical trials.

Tel: 1.301.592.8573
www.nhlbi.nih.gov

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization is a nonprofit membership organization representing hospice and palliative care programs and professionals in the United States. The site offers an array of support, links and educational resources.

Tel: 1.703.837.1500
www.nhpco.org

The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases website offers a wealth of information on these diseases. It provides the latest research results, a clinical trial finder, understandable health information, and links to other helpful sites to prevent and control these diseases.

Tel: 1.301.496.3583
www.niddk.nih.gov

The National Institute of Mental Health website provides the latest information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness.

Tel: 1.866.615.6464
www.nimh.nih.gov

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website describes brain attacks and offers prevention strategies. It also offers information on other brain disorders such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and epilepsy. You can also receive referrals to local clinical research centers.

Tel: 1.800.352.9424
www.ninds.nih.gov

The National Institute on Aging website includes a resource directory with links to other aging-related sites, as well as a list of "Age Pages" on various topics related to aging available to the public. You can read the "Age Pages" online.

Tel: 1.301.496.1752
www.nih.gov/nia

This National Institutes of Health houses a wide range of health institutes. By visiting this gateway site you can link to other institutes, find clinical trials for most diseases throughout the country and review the data on 9,000 prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Tel: 1.301.496.4000
www.nih.gov

The National Mental Health Association is an organization with 340 local affiliates dedicated to improving mental health and addressing mental illnesses. The website has an information center to find affiliates and obtain free publications.

Tel: 1.800.969.6642
www.nmha.org

The National Osteoporosis Foundation website contains a great deal of information on Osteperosis. Get news, information for patients, prevention tips, brochures, videos awareness kits for free and for sale.

Tel: 1.800.231.4222
www.nof.org

The National Shared Housing Resource Center website is a national clearinghouse for information on shared housing. You can click on "Directory," then choose a state and get the name, address, phone number and description of a program.

www.nationalsharedhousing.org

The National Sleep Foundation website offers great information on sleep disorders and treatment. You can also find sleep clinics on the website.

Tel: 1.703.243.1697
www.sleepfoundation.org

The National Stroke Association website offers a wide range of information on strokes. It makes referrals to medical experts, rehab centers, and support groups. The website offers very good links to other related sites.

Tel: 1.800.787.6537
www.stroke.org

The Older Women's League (OWL) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on issues of women as they age, particularly women 40 and older. There are 73 chapters nationwide.

Tel: 1.877.653.7966
www.owl-national.org

The Paralyzed Veterans of America focuses on special needs of veterans with spinal cord dysfunction. Issues include: health care, research, education, benefits, civil rights, and opportunities for paralyzed veterans.

Tel: 1.800.424.8200
www.pva.org

The Parkinson's Resource Organization is a national organization devoted to helping people affected by Parkinson's disease. The website provides information, education, support, and a newsletter.

Tel: 1.877.775.4111
www.parkinsonsresource.org

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance, sponsored by America's pharmaceutical research companies, helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need for free or nearly free.

Tel: 1.888.477.2669
www.pparx.org

Self Help for Hard of Hearing People is a nonprofit educational organization. The website offers very good links and information on hearing loss and hearing aids. It identifies free screening sites throughout the country during annual Hearing Loss Week.

Tel: 1.301.657.2248
www.shhh.org

SeniorHomes.com is a free resource for people looking for senior housing or senior care. Browse their valuable articles or search their site to find assisted living, independent living, Alzheimer's care, or a retirement community with their nationwide directory.

www.seniorhomes.com

The SeniorLaw website is an excellent one-stop source for all legal matters affecting older people. It has great links and information and is very current.

www.seniorlaw.com

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency that runs Social Security retirement, survivor's benefits, disability insurance, and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). The website is an award-winning government site that is easy to use and answers most of your questions. It offers a directory of local offices.

Tel: 1.800.772.1213
www.ssa.gov

The National Women's Health Information Center focuses on women's issues. Use the website "search" box to find a multitude of excellent direct links by typing in "aging," "caregiver," or "elder care." Resource information is available on Alzheimer's, empowering caregivers and working women, and elder care.

Tel: 1.800.994.9662
www.4women.gov

The Veterans Administration (VA) offers a wide range of benefits to veterans. For example, an older veteran suffering from Alzheimer's disease may be eligible to attend an adult day center and the VA will help pay for the costs.

www.va.gov

The Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of America provides skilled nursing, hospice, home health aides, homemakers, nutrition advice, and in home support. Use the website to find a VNA near you and ask if your parents are eligible for home health care.

Tel: 1.202.384.1420
www.vnaa.org