Valuable Online Resources for Caregivers

June 25, 2007 — -- Hundreds of informational resources are available for caregivers, many of them free. Here are some valuable websites:BenefitsCheckUp

www.benefitscheckup.org

This site, a service of the National Council on Aging, provides information on more than 1,550 public and private benefits programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It offers information on programs that help low-income seniors pay for everything from prescription drugs to electricity bills. You can also use the site to apply for benefits programs.

Medicare.gov

The official site for Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. Click on "Medicare & You 2007" to learn what Medicare covers — and, perhaps more important, what it doesn't cover. Seniors and caregivers can also use this site to compare prescription drug plans and supplemental insurance policies. You can also use the site to search for Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes in your area.

National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers

www.caremanager.org

NAPGCM is the primary trade group for geriatric care managers, professionals who help family members monitor and manage care for aging parents. You can use the site to search for a care manager in your area.

Eldercare Locator

www.eldercare.gov

A nationwide directory of support services for older people and their caregivers.

LongTermCareLiving.com

This site, sponsored by the National Center for Assisted Living and the American Health Care Association, provides information about assisted living, nursing homes and other types of long-term care.

AARP

www.aarp.org/families

Site offers information on caregiving, housing for seniors, legal issues and driver safety. Also includes tips on hiring a home health care worker.