Services and Benefits for Older Adults |
Resources Related to Modules |
Disease-Specific and Health Care Resources |
Caregiver Information and Resources |
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For quick access to a searchable listing of services and programs in the Chicago area available to people of all ages, visit CJE SeniorLife's Community Resources On-Line. The below listings are intended for resource purposes only and should not be viewed as an endorsement. CAREgivinghelp recommends that you always conduct your own evaluation of organizations or individulas listed in any online directory. This may be particularly important for directories sponsored by private entities or for directories where screening criteria for being listed are unclear. City of Chicago Services and BenefitsCommunity Resources On-Line is a comprehensive database designed to help Illinois residents locate services available in their neighborhood. The database connects visitors with just about any type of resource imaginable.
City of Chicago: Resources for Seniors and Caregivers By visiting the City of Chicago's Resources for Seniors and Caregivers, visitors are connected to a variety of programmatic and web-based resources offered by the City, including information on elder abuse, domestic violence, grandparents raising grandchildren, health, and finances.
Visitors to the Chicago Department on Aging site are connected to a wide range of services and programs, as well as the latest information related to older adults living in the City of Chicago. Topics on the site include caregiving, health, housing, finances, transportation, volunteerism, and education.
City Clerk of Chicago's Senior Citizen Medical I.D. Program This site provides detailed information regarding the Senior Citizen Medical I.D. program and how to enroll. http://www.chicityclerk.com/seniors/index.html
Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly's site provides
links to instructional videos, reading demonstrations, and information
on citizenship. It also provides free links to their products,
which include "how-to" and fact sheets for persons assisting
a loved one to learn English.
The RTA Reduced Fare Card site provides visitors with information regarding who is eligble to apply, how to apply, and where to go for additional information. http://rtachicago.com/infocenter/reducedfare.asp
Chicago Metropolitan Area Services and BenefitsCommunity Resources On-Line is a comprehensive database designed to help Illinois residents locate services available in their neighborhood. The database connects visitors with just about any type of resource imagineable.
Access Living in Chicago is for people with all types of disabilities. This non-profit organization promotes independence and the inclusion of people with disabilities in every aspect of community life and provides information about services for people with disabilities.
AgeOptions: Serving Suburban Cook County AgeOptions, serving Suburban Cook County residents, helps visitors identify and locate resources in the areas of health, senior benefits, finances, housing, and home maintenance. This site offers a special section on prescription drug assistance programs.
Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly's site provides links to instructional videos, reading demonstrations, and information on citizenship. It also provides free links to their products, which include "how-to" and fact sheets for persons assisting a loved one to learn English.
Family Alliance, located in Woodstock, IL, offers older adults and their families a range of programming and services, such as adult day services, case management, support groups, counseling, and transportation assistance. http://www.familyallianceinc.org
Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging The Northeastern Illionis Area Agency on Aging, serving residents of DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties, provides visitors with information on local events, available resources, advocacy, and caregiver support specific to the counties served.
The RTA Reduced Fare Card site provides visitors with information regarding who is eligble to apply, how to apply, and where to contact for additional information. http://rtachicago.com/infocenter/reducedfare.asp
Senior Services Associates, Inc. Senior Services Associates, serving Aurora, Kane, Kendall, and McHenry counties, provides details on upcoming events for the counties it serves, links for older adults, and activities for seniors in the surrounding communities. http://www.seniorservicesassoc.org
Illinois Statewide Services and BenefitsACCESSsi: Community Resources Directory ACCESSsi: Community Resources Directory is a directory of thousands of services available to people of all ages in Southern Illinois and is searchable by county. The site was developed by mulitple government and university sponsors to help people living in rural Illinois find what they need.
Access Living is governed and staffed primarily by people with disabilities and provides technical assistance for consumers and their families regarding living with a disability. http://www.state.il.us/dhr/housenet/disab/access/access.html
Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly's site provides links to instructional videos, reading demonstrations, and information on citizenship. It also provides free links to their products, which include "how-to" and fact sheets for persons assisting a loved one to learn English.
Circuit Breaker and Illinois Cares Rx By accessing this site, visitors can gain information on tax grants, license plate discounts, and prescription drug assistance via the I-Save Rx program. Instructions on enrolling and and re-applying are provided. Links to information on community support, elder abuse, domestic violence, and intergenerational programs are also provided.
Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging By accessing this site, visitors can gain information on tax grants, license plate discounts, and prescription drug assistance via the I-Save Rx program. Instructions on enrolling and and re-applying are provided. Links to information on community support, elder abuse, domestic violence, and intergenerational programs are also provided. http://www.i4ainfo.org/IHindex.htm
The Illinois Benefits' site highlights the state's free resource for benefits, information and enrollment assistance for people with Medicare, their caregivers and the volunteers and professionals that assist them. Visitors are able to complete the Benefits CheckUp questionnaires to determine if they are eligible for the program. http://www.illinoisbenefits.org/
The department provides online listings of a variety of programs and services across the state, including adult day services, Alzheimer's Association chapters, area agencies on aging, case management units for older adult services, and resource centers. Click on "Directory of Agencies Serving Seniors."
Illinois Department of Public Health: Nursing Homes in Illinois The Illinois Department of Public Health provides guidelines for selecting a nursing home and a listing of nursing homes in the state, data on violations of specific nursing homes and information on advanced directives. Click on the "A-Z Topics" and then click on "Long Term Care." http://www.idph.state.il.us
( The Long Term Care page can be found at http://www.idph.state.il.us/healthca/nursinghometestjava.htm)
I-SaveRx, which is available and open to all Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri and Vermont residents, offers visitors information on purchasing medication refills at a discounted price. Visitors are able to enroll in the program via the website.
NationalThe Administration on Aging (AoA) site is designed to provide
a comprehensive overview of a wide variety of topics, programs
and services related to aging. Whether you are an older individual,
a caregiver, a community service provider, a researcher, or a
student, you will find valuable information provided in a user-friendly
way.
Benefits CheckUp: Are you or your loved one missing out on benefits available to you? Benefits CheckUp guides users through a series of questionnaires to determine if site visitors are elligible for assistance with paying for prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other needs. http://www.benefitscheckup.org/
Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging. The Eldercare Locator connects older Americans and their caregivers with sources of information on senior services. The service links those who need assistance with state and local area agencies on aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission This notice created by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2007, provides caregivers with guidance regarding unfair treatment under the federal EEO laws of workers with caregiving responsibilities. http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/caregiving.pdf
Medicaid: The Official Government Site The Medicaid site provides visitors with an index page that links visitors to information on the Medicaid program. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp
Medicare: The Official Government Site The Medicare site provides visitors with an index page that links visitors to information on the Medicare program.
Medicare Prescription Drug Finder The Medicare Prescription Drug Finder allows beneficiaries, their caregivers, and family members to review annual Medicare prescription drug plan and health plan information online. The site offers more information and greater clarity on available drug plans, including out-of-pocket costs, pharmacy networks, and important Medicare news and updates. For 2008, enrollment begins November 15, 2007.
Medicare Rights Center's Home Health Care Info The Medicare Rights Center is an independent source of health
care information and assistance regarding Medicare that offers
education on Medicare benefits and rights. The site offers education
on Medicare benefits and rights, free web based video seminars
with question and answer sessions, and a telephone hotline to
answer questions. The seminar on Medicare Home Health Care provides
visitors with an audio-visual presentation that addresses what
types of home care Medicare covers, how much coverage Medicare
pays for, how you get Medicare home care, and what your rights
are. The site is also provided in Spanish.
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development: People with Disabilities This page has been designed as a one-stop resource for People with Disabilities. It has pulled together a directory of links on housing and accessibility from a variety of sources. http://www.hud.gov/groups/disabilities.cfm
Driving and TransportationAARP offers an online "Driving IQ" test, online driver safety classes for older drivers and lists of courses offered in your area. From AARP's home page, click on "Family, Home and Legal" and then click on "Driver Safety." http://www.aarp.org/families/driver_safety/
American Occupational Therapy Association The American Occupational Therapy Association provides information about driving evaluation, links to resources for self assessments and a searchable database of professional driving evaluation services. Under "For Consumer's and Caregivers" click on "Evaluating Your Driving Fitness" for basic information on this issue or click on "Find a Driver Rehab Specialist" to locate professional driver evaluation services in your area. http://www.aota.org/olderdriver/
National Center on Senior Transportation The National Center on Senior Transportation website offers extensive resources toward the advancement of transportation options for older adults who wish to live more independently within their communities, including announcements, facts and tips, publications, special events, opportunities of others, and technical assistance for the aging and human service community, transit providers, and older adults and caregivers. http://www.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=NCST_homepage
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides information about driving and aging; click on "Traffic Safety" and then click on "Older Drivers" for a guide on "How to Influence and Understand Older Drivers" as well as information about the effect of various health conditions on driving, including Alzheimers.
NIH
Senior Health: Caring for Someone with Alzheimer's-How Long Should
Driving Continue? The National Institute on Aging provides a very brief video (with transcript) of a professional presentation driving on Alzheimer's; click on "Caring for Someone With Alzheimer's," then "Safety", and then "Driving." http://nihseniorhealth.gov/listoftopics.html (The video and transcript are available at http://nihseniorhealth.gov/alzheimerscare/driving/02.html)
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago: Driver's Rehabilitation/Resources The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago provides driver rehabilitation services (driving evaluation) for those who may need assistance due to physical, cognitive or perceptual deficits; this service includes driving evaluation. Their "LIFE Center" health information page also has links to a list of local driver rehabilitation programs in the Chicago area; click on Housing and Transportation and then click on Transportation-Driver's Rehabilitation. There is also a list of driving and transportation resources the "LIFE Center" health information page, which has links to national, state and local resources, including information about driving with various health conditions; click on Housing and Transportation and then click on topics related to driving or transportation http://lifecenter.ric.org/ (RIC's driver rehabilitation page can be found at http://www.ric.org/patient/services/driver.php; RIC's LIFE Center page can be found at http://lifecenter.ric.org/)
Sponsored by the AAA Foundation, this site provides safety tips, video simulations, and advice about how to handle "giving up the keys." http://www.seniordrivers.org/home/
Nationwide Directories for Services and Caregiver ResourcesThe following is a list of searchable databases, directories, and referral services for a variety of social, health and long term care services, as well as caregiver resources. CAREgivinghelp recommends that you always conduct your own evaluation of organizations or individulas listed in any online directory. This may be particularly important for directories sponsored by private entities or for directories where screening criteria for being listed are unclear. A Place for Mom offers a free referral service that assists with
finding appropriate nursing homes, assisted living, Alzheimer's
care, retirement communities, and home care (nationwide). American Association of Homes & Services for the Aged provides
a directory of nursing homes and services (nationwide). Click
on "Consumer Information." American Geriatrics Foundation provides a list of geriatric physicians
in your area if you submit an online Physician Referral Request
form (nationwide). Assisted Living Federation of America provides a directory of
assisted living facilities (nationwide). Care.com's Senior Care Directory provides a comprehensive listing
of resources by state in seven categories including: health care,
housing resources, transportation resources, home care, end-of-life
care, legal resources and financial planning and management. Caregiver's Home Companion has a directory of caregiver resources
(nationwide). Family Caregiver Alliance has a state by state database of publicly-funded
caregiver programs (nationwide). Geriatric Mental Health Foundation offers a search tool for finding
a geriatric psychiatrist (nationwide). Gilbert Guide Online's paid service reviews and ranks of long
term care providers in New York City, Philadelphia, Dallas/Fort
Worth, San Francisco/East Bay, and Los Angeles. The site offers
a free 7 day trial. Hospice Foundation of America provides a directory of hospices
(nationwide). National Adult Day Services Association provides a directory
of adult day services (nationwide). National Alliance for Caregiving and AXA Foundation offer the
Family Care Resource Connection, resources for caregivers (nationwide). National Association of Private Geriatric Care Managers offers
a "find a care manager" tool (nationwide). National Private Duty Association has a listing of home care
providers (nationwide).
State-by-State Caregiver-Specific Sites and Resource DirectoriesThe links below provide you with a number of state-specific caregiving resources. In addition to the resources unique to a particular state, many of these sites also offer general caregiving information, so you may be interested in reviewing a number of these websites, even if you do not live in that state or region of the country. If your state is not currently listed below, check with your local Area Agency on Aging for caregiving resources available in your region. CALIFORNIA California Caregiver Resource Centers California's Caregiver Resource Center website serves as a point of entry to services available to caregiving families in every county of California. Services include family consultations, care planning, respite, support groups, education, and much more. Multilingual staff is available at most locations. http://www.californiacrc.org/californiacrc/jsp/home.jsp FLORIDA MyFlorida Web 211 is a centralized point of access to find a variety of human services offered by the State of Florida and their business partners. http://flweb211.myflorida.com/ IDAHO 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine is a statewide online up-to-date community resource directory, providing a comprehensive range of low cost or free health and human services to the people of Idaho. If Idaho residents can't find what they are looking for online, they can call 2-1-1 or 800.926.2588. ILLINOIS Community Resources On-Line (primarily Chicago but includes state-wide) Community Resources On-Line is CJE SeniorLife's database of social
services and other resources for people of all ages, including
older adults and caregivers IOWA The Iowa Family Caregiver website offers a information on its Family Caregiver Program, as well as a searchable database that allows visitors to select their area of the state along with keywords to find services available in their region. The site also links to a number of caregiving tips and resources and provides information on upcoming events specific to seniors and caregivers. MAINE Maine Primary Partners in Caregiving Project This project provides an online manual and fact sheets for caregivers on topics such as depression, loss of intimacy, and men as caregivers. It is a joint effort of Maine's Eastern Area Agency on Aging and the University of Maine Center on Aging. From the home page of the Center on aging, click on Publications and Reports and scroll down to the Maine Primary Partners in Caregiving section. http://www.umaine.edu/mainecenteronaging/
MICHIGAN Caregiver Resource Network (Western Michigan) The Caregiver Resource Network website provides a listing of upcoming events, links to caregiver fact sheets and articles, a listing of resources, and a self-assessment for caregivers. http://www.caregiverresource.net/ MINNESOTA CaregiverMN offers overview information on a variety of caregiving issues, such as housing, medical and health issues, dementia, and family dynamics. Also included on the site are links caregiver resources in Minnesota and nationwide, as well as access to an "Ask the Expert" feature. Some materials are offered in Spanish, and there is also information specific to Hmong families. http://www.caregivermn.org/HomePage.asp MinnesotaHelp.info® is an online directory of services designed
to help people in Minnesota identify resources such as human services,
information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms
of aid and assistance within Minnesota. It is especially rich
in resource information for seniors and their caregivers; people
with disabilities and their caregivers; parents and families;
and low income people. MISSOURI Missouri Aging Information Network The Missouri Aging Network website provides a guide to issues you will need to consider and a list of questions to ask of home care agencies and individual home care workers. NEVADA The Nevada Care Connection offers a searchable statewide database of resources for the elderly and their caregivers, as well as a calendar of events and classes, tips and tools, and links to other caregiver resources. http://www.nevadacareconnection.org/index.php?page=home NEW JERSEY CaregiverNJ has a number of downloadable fact sheets and forms designed to help strengthen caregivers' knowledge, as well as to keep them organized. In addition, visitors will find a searchable directory to help caregivers identify resources available in their county or region of the state. http://www.state.nj.us/caregivernj/ NORTH CAROLINA Family Caregiver Support Program The Family Caregiver Support Program site is from the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services. http://www.ncdhhs.gov/aging/fcaregr/fchome.htm The Full Circle of Care from the Triangle J Area Agency on Aging in North Carolina provides a wealth of information on a wide range of topics, including legal and financial issues. http://www.fullcirclecare.org/index.shtml OHIO Connect Me Me Ohio provides an up-to-date directory about programs and services pertaining to aging and disabilities. It is also a site for providers to list the services they offer for free. http://www.connectmeohio.org/en/oh/cgi-bin/index_ohio.asp OREGON Oregon Department of Human Services Caregiver Resources The Oregon DHS Caregiver Resources connects visitors to a searchable directory of area services available to seniors and people with disabilities, as well as information on the Oregon Lifespan Respite Care Program. http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/spwpd/caregiving/resources.shtml#oregon WASHINGTON The Northwest Regional Council The Northwest Regional Council for several counties in Washington State provides a wide variety of brief caregiver fact sheets on topics ranging from aging, family issues, day to day caregiving tasks and decisions, care arrangements, self care and more. http://www.nwrcwa.org/default.htm WISCONSIN Wisconsin Alliance for Family Caregiving Wisconsin Alliance for Family Caregiving provides visitors with caregiving resources and education, as well as information on state-specific and national resources available to family caregivers. http://www.uwex.edu/ces/flp/caregiving/
Communication Techniques for DementiaCommunication
Difficulties: Assessment and Interventions A majority of this article focuses on medical professionals communicating with persons suffering from dementia. However, there is a chart midway through the page that helps a person assess his/her loved one's communication abilities. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/511629
NIA
Resource List: Managing Communication and Behavioral Problems
in People with AD By visiting this resource list, visitors can read a brief synopsis of books and videos available to people wanting more information on managing communication and behavioral problems in people with Alzhiemer's. http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/managing.htm
Home Modification and Assistive ProductsThe Caregivers Marketplace provides cash back on the purchase of care products that are not typically covered by insurance or Medicare (such as Depends, bathing products, etc.) http://www.caregiversmarketplace.com
Illinois Assistive Technology Project This organization provides information and assistance with assistive technology, loan programs, and an online classified ad program for those who want to buy or sell assistive technology devices.
National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Partnership The web site has links to assistive technology programs in other states. http://www.resna.org/taproject/
Infinitec: Infinite Potential through Assistive Technology Infinitec offers creative solutions to those suffering from a physical disability. The site's resources include tips on home modification, exercise, travel, recreation, etc.
National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification This site provides visitors with a nationwide list of resources related to home modification designed to improve caregiver and care recipient safety. There are also online courses that provide detailed information on making home modifications.
Companies that sell adaptive clothing: Access Clothing http://www.accessclothing.com Adaptive Clothing http://adaptiveclothing.com Finally It Fits http://www.finallyitfits.com Independent You http://www.independentyou.com Life with Ease http://www.lifewithease.com Active Forever http://www.activeforever.com Caregiver Products http://www.caregiverproducts.com Care Apparel http://www.careapparel.com Foot Smart http://www.footsmart.com Jeans and Slacks for Those in a Wheelchair http://www.wheelchairjeans.com Buck and Buck http://www.buckandbuck.com Professional Fit Clothing http://www.professionalfit.com
Identifying Depression in a Loved OneBy visiting the site or by calling 773.508.1000, you can be connected with licensed mental health professionals trained to deal with depression in the elderly. In most cases, counseling is covered by Medicare and private insurance. http://cje.net/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=227&srcid=260
AGS Foundation for Health in Aging: Depression The AGS Foundation has a comprehensive description of depression, covering items from types to identification to treatment and management. It also offers links to other resources, including a variety of links to fact sheets on depression in specific populations, other websites covering depression in older adults, and tips on talking with your physician about depression. http://www.healthinaging.org/agingintheknow/chapters_ch_trial.asp?ch=32
Conditions with Dementia-Like Symptoms: Depression This fact sheet from the Alzheimer's Society in the United Kingdom explains how to distinguish between depression and possible dementia.
Geriatric Mental Health Foundation This site has mental health information for older adults and their families. It also provides a search tool for finding a geriatric psychiatrist in your area and information on the role of geriatric psychiatrists. In addition to information on depression, the site also provides fact sheets on healthy aging, alcohol and drug abuse, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, and caregiving issues. Fact sheets on depression and a few other topics are provided in Spanish. http://www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/
Healthy Place Depression Center Visitors to the Healthy Place Depression Center can find detailed information regarding different types of depression, depression in different populations, therapy options, support groups, online message boards, and self quizzes.
Mt. Sinai Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry Department In addition to providing visitors with information regarding the range of services the department offers, the Mt. Sinai Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry Department site provides basic fact sheets on different medical conditions such as Alzheimer's, anxiety disorders, and stroke. http://www.mountsinai.org/msh/msh_frame.jsp?url=clinical_services/psychiatry_ms.htm
The National Institute on Aging provides brief overviews of a range of issues related to depression in older adults. http://nihseniorhealth.gov/depression/toc.html
Helping Your Loved One to Avoid FallsAGS Foundation for Health in Aging: Falls The AGS Foundation for Health offers information on falls: causes, evaluation, and treatment, as well as links to a general fall fact sheet, what to ask a physician about falls, information on ongoing research focused on falls, and other topics relating to falls, including falls and balance problems, bone weakness, and mobility problems. http://www.healthinaging.org/agingintheknow/chapters_ch_trial.asp?ch=21#top
CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control The CDC provides visitors with the latest statistics relating to falls and hip fractures in older adults and information on avoiding falls and fractures. Also provided on the site is a bibliography of medical and academic journal articles written on the subject. http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/preventadultfalls.htm
Fall Prevention Center of Excellence Stopfalls.org has been designed for professionals and consumers, providing information on books, websites, fact sheets, and services available to those wanting to know more about preventing falls. http://www.stopfalls.org/index.shtml
Infinitec: Infinite Potential through Assistive Technology Infinitec offers creative solutions to those suffering from a physical disability. The site's resources include tips on home modification, exercise, travel, recreation, etc.
NIH Senior Health: Falls and Older Adults The National Institute on Aging provides brief overviews of a range of issues related to falls among older adults. http://nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/toc.html
Parkinson's Disease Foundation: Fall Prevention Information in this fact sheet developed by the Parkinson's Disease Foundation is designed specifically for those dealing with Parkinson's Disease. It covers special areas of consideration for both Parkinson's sufferers and their caregivers. http://www.pdf.org/Publications/newsletters/winter03_04/Fall_Prevention.cfm
Care TeamsCaregiving 101 offers web-based training courses on various caregiving issues. This particular lesson focuses on ways in which you can build a Care Team, as well as issues to consider as you create and manage your team. http://caregiving101.org/LessonContent/m3/m3l1.asp
Care Pages follows the "blog" format in that it serve as a virtual meeting place on the web where caregivers, Care Teams, and families can share news and photos. It is also a good way to give and receive online emotional support. Signing up for and managing your CarePage is easy and FREE! http://www.carepages.com/home.jsp
Lotsa Helping Hands is a simple and FREE way for friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to assist loved ones in need. It's an easy-to-use, private web-based group calendar, specifically designed for organizing helpers, where everyone can pitch in with meal deliveries, rides, and other necessary caregiving tasks. http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/
Share the Care is a model designed to help caregivers create "caregiver families." This site provides stories of caregivers who have created these "families," FREE downloadable forms to help you create your caregiving family, and links to purchase the Share the Care handbook. http://www.sharethecare.org/index.html
Hiring HelpA Place for Mom offers a free nationwide referral service that assists with finding appropriate nursing homes, assisted living, Alzheimer's care, retirement communities, and home care.
Alzheimer's Association's Carefinder The Alzheimer's Association Carefinder offers an interactive care planning tool for dementia caregivers. http://www.alz.org/carefinder/index.asp
Community Resources On-Line is a comprehensive database designed to help Illinois residents locate services available in their neighborhood. The database connects visitors with just about any type of resource imagineable, including information on adult day programs, support groups, respite services, and private care management.
National Association for Care's "How to Choose a Home Care Provider" "How to Choose a Home Care Provider," developed
by the National Association for Home Care, provides basic
information on a variety of in home services, as well as
tips for selecting and paying for such services. http://www.nahc.org/consumer/coninfo.html
Medicare Rights Center's Home Health Care Info The Medicare Rights Center's HOme Health Care Info webinar provides visitors with an audio-visual presentation that addresses what types of home care Medicare covers, how much coverage Medicare pays for, how you get Medicare home care, and what your rights are.
Missouri Aging Information Network The Missouris Aging Network website provides a guide to issues you will need to conisder and a list of questions to ask of home care agencies and individual home care workers. http://moaging.com/Internal/HowtoHire.as
National Private Duty Association This professional association has a nationwide searchable listing of home care providers http://www.privatedutyhomecare.org/
Tender Loving Care: A Guide to Hiring an In-Home Caregiver Tender Loving Care: A Guide to Hiring an In-Home Caregiver,
developed by the American Federation of State, County, and
Municipal Employees, is a easy to understand guide about
the different types of workers that can be hired to provide
in home care. It includes basic information about the limitations
of Medicare and Medicaid coverage, as well as checklists
of questions to ask of a home care agency or a public agency. http://www.afscme.org/publications/1288.cfm
Financial, Legal, and Health Care DecisionsAging Parents and Common Sense Aging Parents and Common Sense is a downloadable guide for adult children and is particularly relevant for "long distance" caring. It covers how to gather important documents and information in preparation for becoming more involved in an aging parent's life, and dealing with financial and legal affairs. http://www.axa-financial.com/axa_foundation/Aging_Parents.pdf
The ABA has a page on aging issue. Click on "Public Resources" and then "State Programs for Older Persons." From there you can download several publications including Legal Guide for American Over 50, which covers a variety of financial and legal topics, as well as publications on health care advanced planning and guardianship. The ABA also offers "Find Legal Help" and "Find a Lawyer" features.
Consumers' Toolkit for Health Care Advance Planning Consumers' Toolkit for Health Care Advance Planning, developed
by the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging
provides a comprehensive set of tools to help you make appropriate
decisions and communicate with others regarding an individual’s
health care preferences
The Illinois Department of Public Health provides a copy of the Do Not Resuscitate Form, as well as guidance for individuals who wish to use the form to inform their physician. http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/books/guide_individual.htm
This privately-sponsored site provides comprehensive legal information on a wide range of health care, end of life, and financial issues, as well as information on Medicaid and Social Security. The site also offers online tools for finding an attorney or information about state laws (nationwide), a variety of calculators and checklist, and discussion forums for the public. http://www.elderlawanswers.com
Five Wishes, developed by Aging with Dignity, is an easy to understand tool for documenting an individual’s wishes regarding medical decisions which can also be used to have frank discussions with others regarding medical, personal, emotional and spiritual needs. Using Five Wishes forms meets the legal requirements of Illinois for the living will and durable power of attorney for health care. http://www.agingwithdignity.org/5wishes.pdf
The Full Circle of Care from the Triangle J Area Agency on Aging in North Carolina provides a wealth of information on a wide range of topics, including legal and financial issues. http://www.fullcirclecare.org/index.shtml
Health and Financial Decisions: Legal Tools for Preserving Your Autonomy Health and Financial Decisions: Legal Tools for Preserving Your Autonomy, developed by the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging, is a basic guide to understanding alternative tools for making financial and health care decisions when an individual is incapacitated. http://www.abanet.org/aging/publications/docs/HealthFinancial2004.pdf
Illinois—Advance Directive: Planning for Important Health Care Decisions Illinois-Advanced Directive: Planning for Important Health Care Decisions is available online from Caring Connections, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. This is a guide to the issues related to medical decisions and how to prepare and use advance directives in Illinois. http://www.caringinfo.org/files/public/Illinois.pdf
The Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, Illinois Office of State Guardian The Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission of the Illinois Office of State Guardian provides copies of Illinois advance directions, the “Do Not Resuscitate” Form, and information regarding legal guardianship http://gac.state.il.us/pdfs/DNRForm.pdf
Johnson & Johnson provides information on legal, financial and end of life issues. http://www.strengthforcaring.com/
This web site is intended for those caring for someone with a serious or terminal illness. It addresses end of life issues and provides information, advice and forms for making end of life decisions. Click on the topics on the left side of the page. http://www.seriousillness.org/
National Association of Elder Law Attorneys This professional association offers a nationwide "Locate an Elder Law Attorney" tool, as well as general information about what elder law attorneys do. Click on "Public."
Alzheimer's Disease and Related DisordersAlzheimer's Association Carefinder The Alzheimer's Association's Carefinder offers an interactive care planning tool for dementia caregivers. From the home page, click on "We Can Help" and then "Carefinder." http://www.alz.org/carefinder/careoptions/carenav1.asp
Alzheimer's Association: Living with Alzheimer's/Caring for Alzheimer's The Alzheimer's Association has information about the disease for the general population, children, African Amreicans, the individual who has a memory disorder, and the caregiver. Go to the "Living With Alzheimer's" tab and click on "Caring for Alzheimer's" for tips regarding day to day care tasks. Some materials are provided in Spanish.
Alzheimer's Association's "Partnering with Your Doctor" The Alzheimer's Association offers an online booklet focused on "Partnering with Your Doctor" that helps persons with memory loss and their caregivers information on obtaining a proper diagnosis, working with a physician to get the best care, and how to prepare for follow-up visits to the physician. Also on this page you will find information about workshops offered by the Alzheimer's Association. There is a link to see if this workshop is offered in your area. A Spanish version of the booklet is also available. http://www.alz.org/we_can_help_partnering_with_your_doctor.asp
Alzheimer’s Association Resource List The Alzheimer's Association Resource List represents a collection of items prepared by the Alzheimer's Association Green-Field Library staff on topics relevant to Alzheimer's disease, and caregivers. On this page, links to a variety of websites are offered along with citations of books, articles, movies, and plays recommended by the library staff. Many of the print materials listed are available at the Green-Field library in Chicago. For those without easy access to the Green-Field library, the Alzheimer's Association recommends that you contact your local Alzheimer's Association chapter or public library for assistance. From the home page click on "Alzheimer's" and then "Publications" and then "Library Resource Lists." http://www.alz.org/we_can_help_resource_lists.asp
Ageless Design Research Foundation updates its site each day with new articles and press releases relating to dementia that they have found on various websites. Each article that the site lists includes a brief description along with a link to the originally written story. http://www.alznews.com/Library/InfoManage/Guide.asp?FolderID=53
Alzheimer's Foundation of America This web site provides educational materials and tip sheets on managing daily caregiving tasks, dealing with behavioral problems, and more.
AlzOnline: Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Online AlzOnline provides presentations on issues related to caring for someone with Alzheimer's in powerpoint, video and/or audio as well as other educational materials and tip sheets. It includes educational materials about health issues related to dementia, such as incontinence, nutrition, sleep problems, pain, and depression. The site also maintains a message board with a variety of user groups, a scheduled online support group, and links to national and Florida resources. The site is also available in Spanish. http://alzonline.phhp.ufl.edu/
This site provides a variety of forums and articles on caregiving issues, many of which are related to caring for someone with dementia.
The
Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer's
Lewy-Body Dementia Association This site provides information about the disease and providing care. Click on "Caregiver" and look for "Words of Wisdom" which provides some basic advice on issues such as assisting with activities of daily living and dealing with trips in the car. http://www.lewybodydementia.org/index.php
National Institute on Aging's Tips for Alzheimer's Caregivers The National Institute on Aging's through its Alzheimer's Disease
Education and Referral Center (ADEAR) offers Tips for Alzheimer's
Caregivers with brief, bulleted lists of suggestions and resources
regarding a variety of dementia caregiving issues such as visiting
the doctor, dealing with incontinence, coping with the holidays,
etc.
NIH Senior Health: Caring for Someone with Alzheimer's The National Institute on Aging provide very brief videos (with
transcripts) of professionals speaking about a range of issues
related to activities, personal care, safety, driving, getting
support and other topics.
Northwestern University Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center The Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center (CNADC), located in Chicago, IL, offers visitors to the site detailed information on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, such as Primary Progressive Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia, as well as indepth information relating to research and resources available to patients and caregivers. http://www.brain.northwestern.edu/
Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center The Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, located in Chicago, IL, provides visitors with information on patient care services and educational programs along with details relating to a variety of on-going research projects being conducted by the Center. http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-1099611541603.html
Parkinson's DiseaseAmerican Parkinson's Disease Association's Young Parkinson's Information & Referral Center This Young Parkinson's Information & Referral Center provides information and support for Parkinson's sufferers who are still at the stage of their lives where they are trying to maintain careers, remain involved with their young family's activities, and plan for the future. http://www.youngparkinsons.org/pages/index/siteindex.htm
National Parkinson's Disease Foundation The National Parkinson Foundation site, designed for both professionals and consumers, provides information on Parkinson's research, events, and resources. It provides downloadable publications on how to manage various aspects of Parkinsons and discussion forums, where visitors can post their questions to a variety of experts from physicians to nurses or share with other caregivers. Visitors must complete a free sign-up sheet to participate in this aspect of the site. Some publications are provided in Spanish. http://www.parkinson.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=201&srcid=-2
This site provides extensive testimonials from other caregivers and links to a wide variety of resources. http://www.pdcaregiver.org/index.html
Parkinson's Disease Caregiver Information This site provides basic information about what to expect with the disease, links to other resources, and an online caregiver forum.
Parkinson's Disease Foundation The Parkinson's Disease Foundation site provides information on Parkinson's research, publications, and resources. The site also offers an "ask the expert" section that provides a detailed archive of "past topics of the week." Publications include brochures (e.g., Parkinson's Q & A) and fact sheets that provide information or advice on specific health or caregiving issues.
StrokeThe American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, offers a wide array of programs, products, and services designed for patients, caregivers, and professionals. There is an on-line discussion group available for stroke survivors and their families. http://www.strokeassociation.org
This site provides education information about aphasia as well as a nationwide listing of support groups.
The National Stroke Association links site visitors to programs and support groups designed for stroke survivors and their families while also offering brochures, fact sheets, and a free subscription to their Stroke Smart magazine.
The National Institute on Aging provides brief overviews of a range of issues related to strokes. http://nihseniorhealth.gov/stroke/toc.html
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago provides information on and links to many of the services it offers at its various locations throughout Chicagoland and the state of Illinois. The RIC's website is not limited to stroke information, though it does have a dedicated stroke section that details what RIC has to offer in terms of caring for stroke survivors and their famiiles. Click on "Online Health Resources" and then on "Caregiving and Equipment" for a searchable database of links to resources related to caring for someone who has had a stroke.
Health Care and Aging10 Things To Know About Evaluating Medical Resources on the Web Because the number of websites offering health-related resources grows every day, this site provides a short guide of important questions you should consider as you look for health information online. Answering these questions when you visit a new site will help you evaluate the accuracy of the information you find. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/webresources/
From AARP's home page, click on "Health" to access information about a variety of health conditions, including brain health.
About Incontinence from the International Foundation for Gastroinstestinal Disorders The International Foundation for Gastroinstestinal Disorders' "About Incontinence" website provides an overview of the causes of bowel incontinence, as well as treatment, management, and downloadable fact sheets. http://www.aboutincontinence.org/
Aging in the Know: Your Gateway to Health and Aging Resources on the Web The American Geriatric Society Foundation for Health in Aging provides a comprehensive collection of brief articles covering a wide range of topics related to health care for older people, including information on health and mental health conditions that are common among older adults, changes associated with aging, communicating with health care providers, making health care decisions, and dealing with insurance. To easily find information on a variety of health topics related to aging, click on "Topics at a Glance." http://www.healthinaging.org/agingintheknow/default.asp
American Geriatrics Foundation American Geriatrics Foundation will provide a list of geriatric physicians in your area if you submit an online Physician Referral Request form; this site also has links to Aging in the Know (health information) and Elder Care at Home (for caregivers).
American Urological Association This site has a well organized section with information on many urological conditions or diseases that may lead to incontinence, as well as a "Find a Urologist" tool. The site has a web based Spanish translation feature.
Caring Today Magazine has added a Diabetes Caregiver Guide to its website. The online guide offers information on a range of topics including communicating with the person in care, diet, insulin, health conditions, and resources. http://www.caringtoday.com/node/695
This is a gateway to health information web sites provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This site has a section on "Seniors and Aging" which provides information on a variety of health and caregiving issues, including an overview of geriatric assessment, which can be found under "Senior Housing and Care." http://www.helpguide.org/ (Information about geriatric assessment can be found at http://www.helpguide.org/elder/geriatric_assessment.htm)
This web site provides information on a variety of diseases, treatments, and services. Click on the alphabetized topics list. The site has a translation feature for Spanish and other languages.
National Insitute on Aging Spanish-Language Website The Spanish-language website offered by NIA has information on a wide range of health topics, including diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer and diabetes, helpful tips on choosing a doctor and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and links to other health-related, Spanish-language websites such as Medicare and MedlinePlus. http://www.nia.nih.gov/Espanol
This National Institutes of Health web site provides tips on finding health information and links to reliable health information for the public; click on "The Public." The site is also provided in Spanish.
Sponsored by three universities in Ohio, this site provides health information for consumers. Click on "Senior Health" for topics related to aging. Each topic has an option to "ask an expert" of a health care professional. Previous questions and answers can also be viewed.
The National Institute on Aging provides brief overviews of a range of health and caregiving issues related to aging. http://nihseniorhealth.gov/listoftopics.html
Positive Aging Resource Center The Positive Aging Resource Center, sponsored by a hospital and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has a section for "Older Adults and Caregivers." The site focuses on ways to promote physical and mental health. It targets anyone who is experiencing changes in health or caregiving roles. It offers information and ideas for exercising despite limitations, staying active and socially connected, and dealing with depression and other mental health issues.
Talking with Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People By visiting this site, visitors can place an order to receive their FREE copy of the new, revised edition of the National Institute on Aging's "Talking with Your Doctor" booklet, which provides readers with worksheets, and offers many tips and suggestions. http://www.niapublications.org/pubs/talking/index.asp
Urinary Incontinence from the Urology Channel The Urology Channel's site on incontinence offers visitors treatment and management options, as well as quizzes and videos to help caregivers and those suffering from incontinence better understand the condition. http://www.urologychannel.com/incontinence/
Medication ManagementThis site can has information about specific drugs and drug interactions, as well as recent news on drugs. Please consult with your pharmacist or doctor for more information regarding any medications.
Geriatric Essential Tools: Evaluating Medication Regimens Walgreens Continuing Education Web Site is intended to be used by pharmacists and provides an overview of how medications that may negatively affect geriatric patients. Please consult with your pharmacist or doctor for more information regarding any medications. https://webapp.walgreens.com/cePharmacy/programsHTML/2-medication.pdf
MUST (Medication Use Safety Training) for Seniors(tm) MUST for Seniors(tm) is an interactive website designed to give older adults and caregivers the tools and know how to avoid medication misuse, recognize and manage common side effects, and improve medicine use knowledge, attitudes, and skills to avoid medication errors. This site includes downloadable booklets and presentations, as well as a series of short videos on a variety of topics. http://www.mustforseniors.org/
This site, provided by Web MD, has information about specific drugs, side effects and costs. Please consult with your pharmacist or doctor for more information regarding any medications.
Organizations and Resources for CaregiversAoA's Caregiver Support Resource Room The Administration on Aging (AoA) site is designed to provide
a comprehensive overview of a wide variety of topics, programs
and services related to aging. Whether you are an older individual,
a caregiver, a community service provider, a researcher, or a
student, you will find valuable information provided in a user-friendly
way. The AoA maintains the National Family Caregiver Support Resource
Room. http://www.aoa.gov/prof/aoaprog/caregiver/caregiver.asp
Alzheimer's Association's Carefinder The Alzheimer's Association's Carefinder offers an interactive care planning tool for dementia caregivers. http://www.alz.org/carefinder/careoptions/carenav1.asp
Alzheimer's Association's "Partnering with Your Doctor" The Alzheimer's Association offers an online booklet focused on "Partnering with Your Doctor" that helps persons with memory loss and their caregivers information on obtaining a proper diagnosis, working with a physician to get the best care, and how to prepare for follow-up visits to the physician. Also on this page you will find information about workshops offered by the Alzheimer's Association. There is a link to see if this workshop is offered in your area. A Spanish version of the booklet is also available. http://www.alz.org/we_can_help_partnering_with_your_doctor.asp
Caregiver.com's Regional Resources page allows you to search by state to locate support groups and other resources specific to yuor region. http://www.caregiver.com/regionalresources/index.htm
The Caregiver's Home Companion This private publishing company provides a caregiving newsletter (with archived issues), an online "ask an expert" feature, and a searchable national resource directory. http://www.caregivershome.com/community/askexpert.cfm
Caregiving 101 offers web-based training courses on various caregiving issues. This particular lesson focuses on ways in which you can build a Care Team, as well as issues to consider as you create and manage your team. http://www.familycaregiving101.org/
CarePages follows the "blog" format in that it serve as a virtual meeting place on the web where caregivers, Care Teams, and families can share news and photos. It is also a good way to give and receive online emotional support. Signing up for and managing your CarePage is FREE! http://www.carepages.com/home.jsp
Chicago CAREgiver magazine's site offers a comprehensive list of local and national organizations designed to help caregivers and their families, and contact information on a variety of support groups is listed. The website also gives visitors the ability to subscribe to the magazine, as well as a way of obtaining back issues. http://www.chicagocaregiver.com
The Children of Aging Parents website provides visitors with a caregiver guide, weblinks, and information on local support groups. http://www.caps4caregivers.org/
The American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health In Aging provides an online guide for caregivers which deals with a variety of health issues; click on "Elder Care at Home." http://www.healthinaging.org/ (The guide can be accessed directly at http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/eldercare/)
This site provides a variety of forums and articles on caregiving issues, many of which are related to caring for someone with dementia.
Family Caregiving 101 is a website that has been designed as a tool for caregivers to help with "self-acknowledgement." In addition to education and support, this site has information on caregiver policy and networking. http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/empowerment/fc101.cfm
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