Resources for Quality of Life

This section offers helpful links to numerous organizations that focus on topics of interest to seniors.
Aging Organizations
Elder Rights
End of Life Care
General Health Resources
National Health Organizations
Housing and Living Options
Mental Health
Federal Web Sites


Aging Organizations

AARP

AARP is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to addressing the needs and interests of persons 50 and older. Site provides useful information and resources on topics such as: health and wellness; economic security and work; long-term care and independent living; and personal enrichment.

AARPWeb Site: www.aarp.org

 

American Society on Aging

The American Society on Aging is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the knowledge and skills of those working with older adults and their families. Site offers useful resources on a variety of aging-related topics.

Web Site: www.asaging.org

 

Elderweb

The site is designed for both professionals and family members looking for information on eldercare and long term care, and includes links to information on legal, financial, medical, and housing issues, as well as policy, research, and statistics.

Web Site: www.elderweb.com

 

National Council on the Aging

The National Council on the Aging is an association of organizations and professionals dedicated to promoting the dignity, self-determination, well being, and contributions of older persons. The Senior’s Corner section of the site contains health related resources and tips. Also available is "Use Your Home to Stay at Home" a booklet by the National Counsel on Aging (NCOA).View

Web Site: www.ncoa.org

 

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Elder Rights

National Consumer Law Center

Site contains useful consumer information for older adults.

Web Site: www.consumerlaw.org/initiatives/seniors_initiative

 

National LTC Ombudsman Resource Center

Center provides consultation and information and referral for long term care facility residents, families and others who use ombudsman services.

Web Site: www.ltcombudsman.org

 

The Pension Rights Center

Provides information on pensions and links to pension counseling assistance programs.

Web Site: www.pensionrights.org


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End of Life Care

Americans for Better Care of the Dying

Site contains a consumers guide for end-of-life care.

Web Site: www.abcd-caring.org

 

Hospice Foundation of America

The website contains useful information on grief and links to other end-of-life resources.

Web Site: www.hospicefoundation.org

 

National Hospice Foundation

Site contains consumer brochures designed to help individuals better understand hospice and end-of-life issues.

Web Site: www.hospiceinfo.org

 

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General Health Resources

Stanford University Health Library

Consumer health information library that provides evidence-based medical information.

Web Site: www.med.stanford.edu/healthlibrary

 

Mayo Clinic.Com

Provides useful and up-to-date health information and tools.

Web Site: www.mayoclinic.com

 

Su Familia: The National Hispanic Family Health Helpline

Service offers free reliable and confidential health information in Spanish and English. Call toll free Monday through Friday 9 am to 6 pm Eastern Standard Time.

Website: www.hispanichealth.org
Phone: 1-866-Su-Familia (1-866-783-2645)

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National Health Associations

Alzheimer’s Association

Site contains information on the disease and helpful materials for caregivers.

Web Site: www.alz.org
Phone: 1-800-272-3900

American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry

News, facts, tools and expert information for adults coping with mental health issues & aging.

Web Site: www.aagpgpa.org

 

Arthritis Foundation

Site and 800 number provides general information and resources on arthritis.

Web Site: www.arthritis.org
Phone: 1-800-568-4045

American Cancer Society

The Society provides information on all aspects of cancer through a toll-free information line, web site, and published materials.

Web Site: www.cancer.org
Phone: 1-800-ACS-2345

American Diabetes Association

Site contains basic information on diabetes and healthy living advice and tips.

Web Site: www.diabetes.org/homepage.jsp

 

American Heart Association

Site contains very useful information on heart disease and stroke prevention.

Web Site: www.americanheart.org
Phone: 1-800-AHA-USA-1

American Psychological Association

Site contains a Help Center that provides consumer information on mental health issues and concerns.

Web Site: http://helping.apa.org/

 

American Stroke Association

Consumer information for stroke prevention and care of someone following a stroke.

Web Site: www.strokeassociation.org

 

National Kidney Foundation

Consumer information to assist individuals affected by kidney diseases.

Web Site: www.kidney.org

 

National Mental Health Association

Site contains fact sheets and other materials related to mental health issues.

Web Site: www.nmha.org

 

National Osteoporosis Foundation

Consumer and professional information on bone health and osteoporosis.

Web Site: www.nof.org

 

National Parkinson Foundation

Site provides consumer and advocacy information related to Parkinson’s disease.

Web Site: www.parkinson.org

 

Parkinson's Educator

Site offers a on-line training course developed to train caregivers in caring for those with Parkinson's Disease in long-term care settings.

Web Site: www.ParkinsonsEducator.org

 

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Housing and Living Options

AAHSA

American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) website contains information about housing and long term care services and facilities.

Web Site: www2.aahsa.org

 

Senior Resource

Senior Resource provides information on housing choices for older adults.

Web Site: www.seniorresource.com/house.htm

 

National Association of Home Care

NAHC is a trade association representing the interests and concerns of home care agencies, hospices, home care aide organizations, and medical equipment suppliers. Site contains a consumer section focused on choosing a home care provider.

Web Site: www.nahc.org/

 

National Center for Assisted Living

The National Center for Assisted Living website contains consumer information on assisted living and other long term care options.

Web Site: www.ncal.org/consumer/consumer.htm

 

National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification

NRCSHHM is a non-profit organization that promotes aging in place and independent living for persons of all ages and abilities. The website contains excellent resources on senior housing and home modifications.

Web Site: www.homemods.org

 

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Mental Health

The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides this on-line resource for locating drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs around the Nation.

Web Site: www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov
24- Hour Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Mental Health Services Locator

This Locator provides you with comprehensive information about mental health services and resources by city, state or zip code. It is useful for professionals, consumers and their families, and the public.

Web Site: http://www.mentalhealth.org/databases/
Toll-free telephone: 1-800-789-2647
Suicide Prevention Hotline at: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
For TTY users call: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)
Web Site: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

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Federal Government
This listing presents federal Web sites that offer valuable information on a range of critical eldercare issues.

U.S. Administration on Aging

Site contains a wide array of information on older persons and services for the elderly. Several resource rooms focusing on such topics as Alzheimer’s Disease and caregiving are available.

U.S. Administration on AgingWeb Site: www.aoa.gov
Phone: (202) 619-0724

ADEAR Center

ADEAR Center is a current, comprehensive, unbiased source of information about Alzheimer’s Disease. The ADEAR Center is operated as a service of the National Institute on Aging.

ADEAR Center Web Site: www.alzheimers.org
Phone: 1-800-438-4380

Cancer Information Service

The Cancer Information Service (CIS), a program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), provides the latest and most accurate cancer information to patients, their families, the public, and health professionals.

Cancer Information Service Web Site: cis.nci.nih.gov
Phone: 1–800–4–CANCER

DisabilityInfo.gov

DisabilityInfo.gov is a comprehensive Federal website of disability-related government resources.

DisabilityInfo.govWeb Site: www.disabilityinfo.gov

 

FDA for Older People

FDA has numerous articles, brochures and other publications with information for older people on a wide range of health issues, including arthritis, cancer, health fraud, and nutrition.

FDA for Older PeopleWeb Site: http://www.fda.gov/oc/seniors
Phone: 1888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)

USA.gov

The official U.S. gateway to all government information.

AARPWeb Site: www.USA.gov
Phone: 1 800 FED-INFO

USA.gov for Seniors

USA.gov for Seniors site helps users access all government sites that provide services for senior citizens.

AARPWeb Site: www.USA.gov/Topics/Seniors.shtml
Phone: 1 800 FED-INFO

Food Stamp Program

Site provides information on the Food Stamp Program, including eligibility and application information.

Food Stamp Program Web Site: www.fns.usda.gov/fsp
Phone: 703-305-2286

GovBenefits.gov

Site is the official government benefits website. It is a free, confidential tool that helps individuals find government benefits they may be eligible to receive.

GovBenefits.gov Web Site: www.GovBenefits.gov

 

Healthfinder

Provides links to selected online publications, clearinghouses, databases, websites and support and self-help groups, as well as government agencies and nonprofit organizations for seniors and others.

HealthfinderWeb Site: www.healthfinder.gov

 

HUD

Site provides information related to housing options for seniors including information on HUD housing programs.

HUDWeb Site: www.hud.gov/groups/seniors

 

LIHEAP

Site contains general information on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

LIHEAPWeb Site: www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/liheap/faq.htm

 

Medicare.gov

The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare

AARP

Web Site: www.medicare.gov

 

NIHSeniorHealth

Site provides aging-related health information easily assessable for adults 60 and over.

NIHSeniorHealth Web Site: www.NIHSeniorHealth.gov

 

Nursing Home Compare

The primary purpose of this tool is to provide detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country.

CMSWeb Site: www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/home.asp

 

NUTRITION.GOV

A federal resource that provides easy access to all online federal government information on nutrition.

NUTRITION.GOVWeb Site: www.nutrition.gov

 

Prescription Drug Programs

This section of the Medicare.gov website provides information on public and private programs that offer discounted or free medication, programs that provide assistance with other health care costs, and Medicare health plans that include prescription coverage.

CMSWeb Site: www.medicare.gov/AssistancePrograms/home.asp

 

The Senior Corp

Senior Corps is a network of programs that tap the experience, skills, and talents of older citizens to meet community challenges. Through its three programs – Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and RSVP (the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program).

The Senior CorpWeb Site: www.seniorcorps.org
Phone: 1-800-424-8867

Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration toll-free number operates from 7AM to 7PM, Monday to Friday. Recorded information and services are available 24 hours a day. The website contains a wealth of information and resources including on-line databases and publications.

Social Security AdministrationWeb Site: www.ssa.gov
Phone: 1-800-772-1213

Veterans Administration

Information on VA benefits and services.

Veterans AdministrationWeb Site: www.va.gov
Phone: 1-800-827-1000

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