Family caregivers have access to a lot of information online–the problem is, it’s not always easy to find.  Here are some of the resources I’ve found especially helpful:

 

  • Find your local Area Agency on Aging
    • As part of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA), the federal Department of Health and Human Services distributes funds to individual state Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).  Follow this link, enter your zipcode, and you will be directed to the AAA in your community where you can learn about the services available to individuals over the age of 60.
  • Non-Profit Organizations for Eldercare Assistance
    • Great Non-Profits provides a list of senior-focused non-profit organizations. You simply enter your city or state, and they provide a list for you.
  • Meals on Wheels
    • Meals on Wheels is a well-known organization that provides a nourishing hot meal each day to elders who might otherwise go hungry. You can find a local organization by entering your zip code on the national organizations page.
  • Medicare and Medicaid-Programs Explained For Each State
    • The best way to find information about your state’s programs is to first select your state in the “Filter by State” box and then select “Medicaid and Medicare” in the “Filter by Subcategory” box.

    • NOTE: not all states have programs listed here; in those cases, you have access to the standard federal program benefits.

  • Find your local Area Agency on Aging
    • As part of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA), the federal Department of Health and Human Services distributes funds to individual state Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).  Follow this link, enter your zipcode, and you will be directed to the AAA in your community where you can learn about the services available to individuals over the age of 60.
  • Nursing Home Ratings and Inspection Reports
    • Finding the best long-term care solution for your parent can be difficult.  Each state conducts periodic investigations for care facilities and measures their compliance with state and federal regulations.  CarePathways.com provides a search feature to find these reports for facilities you may be considering.  They also have a service that assists in interpreting the reports if you desire assistance.
  • State Ombudsman for Long-Term Care
    • The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center provides contact information for state agencies responsible for assisting consumers who have concerns about the level of care they or a loved one are receiving in a care facility.  The ombuds can assist patients and family members with issues that cannot be resolved with the facility management.
  • Long-Term Care Costs in the United States
    • Genworth has compiled a state-by-state analysis of annual long-term care costs.  Simply click on a state to find the average cost of care there, as well as for selected local areas within that state.
  • Life Story Questionnaire
    • Caregiving for elderly parents offers opportunities to spend a lot of time with them, and sometimes it can be hard to know how to fill that time, at least when you’re not “doing” for them. This questionnaire provides some questions you can ask about their lives and is particularly useful for engaging those with dementia in conversations they are more able to participate in. It could also be used to create a family history, and if the time comes that they require facility care, is a way for the staff to get to know them as people, not just patients.
  • Veteran’s Administration
    • Is your parent a veteran?  This link to the Make the Connection resource page for the VA can connect you with services as well as a crisis line for  urgent assistance.  Whether you need to locate a VA hospital or find information about services available for veterans, you should be able to find what you need here.
  • National Elder Law Foundation
    • NELF certifies attorneys to practice specifically in elder law needs.  Some of the services these attorneys provide include planning ahead for Medicaid to preserve assets when possible, creating legal documents such as powers of attorney and advanced directives, assisting with determining whether an elder is legally competent to make decisions, and other services.To find a CELA-qualified attorney in your area, select your location and a list will come up.
  • Talking to Your Parents About Driving
    • Starting the “driving” conversation with aging parents is not for the faint of heart.  If the need for this conversation is becoming apparent, here are some helpful tips to guide you in starting the conversation..