Decisions about long term care can be overwhelming. The following sites offer answers to frequently asked questions about home care services and long term care.
RI Department of Human Services
RI Department of Health
Caregiverstress.com
Online stress assessment tool and resources for coping with stress
www.Caregiverstress.com
Medicare
Centers for Medicaid and Medicare
Social Security
RI Department of Elderly Affairs
DEA is the state’s primary agency devoted to the development, implementation and monitoring of a comprehensive system of community-based programs and services for seniors.
www.dea.ri.gov
AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole.
http://www.aarp.org/
Administration on Aging
Federal agency that publishes consumer guides.
http://naic.org
Alzheimer’s Association
Involved in research and support. It is dedicated to finding preventions, treatments and a cure for Alzheimer’s. Provides info care consultations and support services. Also, find local chapters here.
http://www.alz.org
Rhode Island Chapter: www. alz.org/ri
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA)
Offers free publications on selecting housing and care options and provides lists of accredited care communities.
www.aahsa.org
American Cancer Society
Provides information, support groups, discussion board.
http://www.cancer.org/
American Diabetes Association
Provides research, information and advocacy. Links to programs in New England.
http://www.diabetes.org
American Stroke Association
Provides outreach to stroke survivors and their caregivers through a national call center.
http://www.strokeassociation.org
Arthritis Foundation
Provides information regarding drug treatments and pain management; message boards.
http://www.arthritis.org/
Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA)
Provides information and education to consumers, industry partners and researchers. Offers an online directory of homes and services by city and state.
www.alfa.org
Beyond Indigo
This membership online support site provides emotional support and information to caregivers facing terminal illness, death and dying, and bereavement. Contains a message board organized by topic, information for caregivers, and tools and resource.
www.death-dying.com
Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare info)
People with Medicare (the federal health insurance program for retirees), family members, and caregivers should visit Medicare.gov, the Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare, for the latest information on Medicare enrollment, benefits, and other helpful tools.
www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicare.asp
Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicaid info)
For information about qualifying for Medicaid to pay for nursing home care.
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp
Children of Aging Parents (CAPS)
Local finder for caregiver support programs.
http://www.caps4caregivers.org/
Department of Health & Human Services (Federal)
Contains a health information library, caregiver section, health care services and systems information and a directory of organizations, including government agencies, clearinghouses, non-profits and universities.
http://healthfinder.gov
Family Caregiver Alliance
Information,support and advocacy.
www.caregiver.org
FirstGov for seniors
Online government resources, including information on consumer protection, education, health, legal, finances and retirement. Also includes links to other government agencies.
http://seniors.gov
Meals on Wheels program
Provides information about home delivered meals for frail elders.
http://www.mowaa.org/
Medic Alert Foundation International
Emergency medical identification cards and bracelets.
www.medicalert.org
Medicare Rights Center
An independent source of Medicare information, assistance and advocacy which works toward helping older adults and people with disabilities get quality, affordable health care.
www.medicarerights.org
National Alliance for Caregiving
A national resource for caregiving, consisting of an alliance of 25 national organizations, that increase public awareness, develop national programs and conduct research regarding caregiving.
www.caregiving.org
National Association for Home Care
Publishes “How to Choose a Home Care Provider.” Trade association representing the interests and concerns of home care agencies, hospices, home care aide organizations, and medical equipment suppliers.
www.nahc.org
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
The umbrella organization for the 655 Area Agencies on Aging throughout the United States provides information and access services and coordinates and administers programs for adults such as community and home-based services.
www.n4a.org
National Family Caregivers Association
A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support and assistance to caregivers through information, education, public awareness and advocacy. Offers caregiving tips and advocacy updates.
www.nfcacares.org
National Family Caregivers Support Program
Health and Human resources offers online guide that provides information, support and assistance.
http://www.aoa.gov/aoaroot/aoa_programs/hcltc/caregiver/index.aspx
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Publishes a nationwide directory of hospices.
www.nhpco.org/
National Parkinson Foundation
Offers education, training and outreach and links to local chapters.
http://www.parkinson.org/
National Respite Locator Service
Helps parents, caregivers and professionals find respite services in their state and local area to match their specific needs.
http://www.archrespite.org/
Social Security Administration
Online services, apply for benefits, local office finder, news, information.
www.ssa.gov
Well Spouse Foundation
A national, nonprofit membership organization that gives support to wives, husbands, and partners of the chronically ill and/or disabled.
www.wellspouse.org
Women’s Health Information Center (federal)
Offers resources for caregivers.
http://www.4woman.gov/