Top ten resources for caregivers

 

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) offer a wide range of community-based Eldercare Locator services; care management, information and referral; protective services, information for caregivers and other benefits that can help your family member or friend stay at home and remain active in the community. Call 1.800.677.1116 to find the agency nearest you, or visit eldercare.gov.

 

This program is offered in every state through your local Area Agency on Aging. It provides assistance to families providing care in their home for someone who is 60 years of age or older. It also provides support for grandparents raising grandchildren. Call 1.800.677.1116 to find your local AAA or visit eldercare.gov.

 

 

This is a one-stop website featuring links to hundreds of government programs and agency services directed toward seniors. You can visit the website seniors.gov or call 1.800.333.4636.
 

 

The National Council on Aging offers a free screening service that can address your eligibility for benefits provided by local, state and federal agencies, as well as non-profit organizations. They also identify prescription benefits that you may be qualified to receive. This is a web-based service available only at benefitscheckup.org.

 

 

Every year Medicare beneficiaries must decide whether or not they want to stay with “Traditional Medicare” or opt for a managed care plan. They must also choose a Medicare Part D prescription plan and Medigap policy. At medicare.gov you can compare plans; learn what Medicare covers; and research quality care reports on nursing homes, home health agencies and durable medical device and equipment companies. Or you can call 1.800.MEDICARE. For a specialized section on Caregiver Resources, click here.

 

 

Call the SSA to arrange for direct deposit of checks, ask about benefits, request a copy of your Social Security Card, determine eligibility for disability or SSI, use the “Retirement Estimator” to find out the amount of your monthly check based on different ages of retirement, and apply for Social Security and Medicare online. Call 1.800.772.1213 or visit the website at ssa.gov.

 

 

MedlinePlus, produced by the National Library of Medicine under the United States National Institutes of Health, allows you to easily access a wealth of reliable, up-to-date information on 800-plus diseases and conditions. The information includes links to resources; explanations and side effects of thousands of prescription drugs and supplements; contact information on clinical trials; a medical encyclopedia; a medical dictionary; and easy-to-understand tutorials on common conditions, tests and treatments. All information is available in both English and Spanish. The information is free and the website does not support advertising. Go to medlineplus.gov.

 

 

This website has a huge database of assistive devices, technology and equipment to make the tasks of daily living easier. You’ll find descriptions and consumer reviews of devices, as well as contact data to purchase products. The site is sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) and does not sell any of the products commercially or receive any funds from the companies listed. It is a free and objective source for consumers. Go to abledata.com or call 1.800.227.0216.

 

 

The VA offers a wide range of benefits to veterans. For example, an older veteran with Alzheimer's disease may be eligible to attend an adult day center and the VA will help pay for the costs. Call 1.800.827.1000 or visit the website at va.gov. 

 

 

Three major websites offer information and resources to family caregivers. All of them are non-profit organizations and each offers its own unique resources for caregivers. They are: National Alliance for Caregiving; Family Caregiver Alliance (or call 1.800.445.8106); and the National Family Caregivers Association (or call 1.800.896.3650).