FOR SENIORS AND THOSE WHO LOVE THEM
for the purpose of this page( and many organizations in this category) , seniors or elders are assumed to be 55 years and over , although as a 51 year old , I am recieving Elderhostel and AARP info. !
Finances , losing a spouse , travel , medical concerns , getting home helpers , medicare and medicaid , disabilities , adult children moving back home , senior discounts , taking care of your grandchildren , how to spot someone who may try to scam seniors , publications for seniors.FREE services and perks for seniors , seniors caring for grandchildren
Also information for caregivers , respite care , day care , nursing homes , retirement homes , in-home options , long distance care giving.
09/19/09
Here is a nice free book for women 50 and over who travel ( or would like to travel) overseas. I ordered one . I am one of the overseas travel wanna-be's ; 0 )
LINK : http://www.oattravel.com/gcc/general/default.aspx?oId=279250
08/15/09
Scam alerts ! Many scammers are out there who have no scruples at all of taking advantage of people in thier weakest moments. Here is some information about someone being scammed through the obituary of a loved one. This and more information about scammers can be found at the following site :
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourmoney/scamalert/articles/scam_alert__deceiving.html
07/29/09
Looking for something to do with the grandchildren ? That is low cost ? How about FREE ! Here is a free download book of 100 free things to do with grandkids. ENJOY !
http://www.grandparents.com/gp/fllpg/dnld/?clktrk=global-bottom-promo-2
25 pages of resources for seniors from state and national levels . Great links and resources !
http://www.newahirc.org/taxonomy/term/338
06/22/09
TO FIND AID FOR YOURSELF OR A LOVED ONE WHO IS A SENIOR , HERE IS A NEW RESOURCE MAP, You are looking for the Aging and Disability Resource Center near where you live,
ADRCs provide one-on-one counseling and streamlined access to programs and services that can enable people to remain in their own homes and communities.http://www.adrc-tae.org/tiki-index.php?page=ADRCLocator
06/03/09
FOR SENIORS IN DISASTER AREAS : YOU WILL NOT LOSE ANY OF YOUR OTHER ASSISTANCE IF YOU GET AID FOR DISASTER !
"A federal grant does not add to a senior's taxable income, as long as the grant is given as assistance to recover from a disaster,This means that senior citizens will not have to sacrifice any part of their Social Security benefits."
Additionally, disaster grants won't affect income levels, causing a senior citizen to become ineligible for Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps or Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Seniors should also know that state/federal grants do not have to be repaid.
Call the FEMA Helpline at the number below for DRC locations.
Disaster survivors may apply for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling this toll-free number, 800-621-FEMA (3362), 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., daily. Those with speech or hearing impairments may call TTY 800-462-7585
________GENERAL SITES______________
08/26/08
This site is for a walk-in-bathtub.(I am not advertising the bathtub ! ) The site is being added for their helpful links page , which has some good links for seniors.
http://www.safetybath.com/resources.html
Suprisingly , there are few organizations just for older women. Here is the only national one. It is a great idea. There are many more widows than widowers.
" Welcome!
As the only national grassroots membership organization to focus solely on issues unique to women as they age, OWL strives to improve the status and quality of life of midlife and older women. OWL is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that accomplishes its work through research, education, and advocacy activities conducted through a chapter network."
OWL THE OLDER WOMENS LEAGUE
ELDERWEB
Networking , information , creative ideas for elders.
Aging Parents and Elder Care
– A guide to caring for your elderly loved one –
This site has a search by state of each states' caregiver assistance programs
Here is a great site which much information , covering the following. It is for those of us who are 50+ . A wonderful site with tons of assistance .
Health
Mental Health
Prescription Drugs
Nutrition & Fitness
Insurance
Cancer
Conditions & Diseases
Procedures & Surgeries
Healthcare accessories
Mobility
Living
Recreation
Housing
Dating
Independent living
Money
Reverse Mortgage
Retirement
Investments
Starting a Small Business?
Stocks
Money management
Insurance
News for Seniors
Travel
Timeshares
Senior Vacations
Senior Discounts
Snowbirds
This is an article about how to build a social life as a senior . Very good ideas for many of us who want more interaction with other people !
"Although experiencing loss and loneliness as a senior citizen is difficult, it is not impossible to develop a new social life. A good attitude is a major factor, as is making most of the opportunities that come your way. Here are some ways that you can begin to build a fulfilling social life for yourself that will help you to live meaningfully and with purpose. "
HOW TO BUILD A SOCIAL LIFE AS A SENIOR CITIZEN.
This may sound funny ,but I can hardly wait until I am 55 , so that I can take advantage of what Elderhostel has to offer. I will be saving up the pennies !
Welcome to Elderhostel! We are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing extraordinary learning adventures for people 55 and over. Whether you want to stay close to home or venture around the world, you will find programs that meet your interests, activity level, budget, schedule and lifestyle.
We invite you to tour our Web site and see why more than 160,000 people attend Elderhostel programs every year. Take a moment to browse our discussion board, then join us for an adventure you will never forget.
Let the journey begin.
ELDERHOSTEL - AN ADVENTURE IN LIFELONG LEARNING
------------side note---------------------------------
If you enjoy the out-of-doors , here is a site where you can get discount cards for national parks($10.00 lifetime benefits) and if you are qualified as disabled , you can get a lifetime pass for FREE !
NPS government FEES AND PASSES
Here is another wonderful site . They have a great layout and are up to date. They also have an online community which can be a Godsend for those caring for elders by themselves.
ElderCare Online is a beacon for people caring for aging loved ones. Whether you are caring for a spouse, parent, relative or neighbor, we are committed to providing an online community where supportive peers and professionals help you improve quality of life for yourself and your elder.
Eldercare online also has a great feature called the Elder Care Locator. It is designed for helping a person find local services for seniors.
Welcome to the Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging.
Established in 1991, the Eldercare Locator links those who need assistance with state and local area agencies on aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers. Whether an older person needs help with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver needs training and education or a well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities, the Eldercare Locator is there to point that person in the right direction.
You may find the information resources you need by following the directions below or you may speak to an Eldercare Locator information specialist by calling toll-free at 1-800-677-1116 weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET).
This site is from the people at About.com . They consistently come up with wonderful information.
SENIOR LIVING FROM ABOUT DOT COM
This is a special site that I came across when looking for wish foundations forchildren. It is wish fufillment for elders ! They do individual wishes as well as group wishes for special luncheons.
Individual Wish Fulfillment recipients will:
Be at least 68 years old
Have a financial need demonstrated by an income of not more 200% of poverty level annually per family member
Have the physical and cognitive ability to formulate, communicate and fulfill the wish
Have a documented history of contributing positively to the welfare of others over their lifetime
Meet all program requirements
The purpose of Individual Wish Fulfillment is to provide a fun experience that the recipient has never had the time or money to do themselves. It is to provide an experience that brings a smile.
Group Award Luncheon participants will:
Be at least 68 years old
Have the cognitive skill ability to comprehend the event
Have a history of contributing positively to the welfare of others
Be selected from within the local community and surrounding area
Group Award Luncheons will be celebratory events with awards ceremonies, fun speakers, free gifts, music, door prizes and other events to celebrate the lives of the recipients. Twilight Wish Foundation will travel locally to multiple townships during the year. Funding will determine the number of towns that we can visit on an annual basis.
_____________LEGAL ISSUES __________
This is a Web site where senior citizens, their families, attorneys, social workers, and financial planners, can access information about elder law, Medicare, Medicaid, guardianship, estate planning, trusts and the rights of the elderly and disabled.
________GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS_______
____________and reform___________
This page is by the Administration on Aging. There are some links to more information and also to government programs and benefits .
Elders & Families
Welcome to the “Elders and Families” section of the Administration on Aging website. Elders and Families is designed to assist older persons and their caregivers quickly obtain information and resources on a variety of aging-related topics. The information will help you become more familiar with issues affecting older adults, and the services and opportunities available to assist them.
This is a search page for benefits. Here you will find help with :
Medicare Rx Extra Help...
Extra Help through Medicare’s Prescription Drug Coverage. You can also find out if you qualify for other valuable benefits programs.
Find More Benefits Programs...
Find and enroll in federal, state, local and private programs that help pay for prescription drugs, utility bills, meals, health care and other needs.
Apply for Benefits...
Get applications and fact sheets for over 250 programs that will help pay for prescription drugs, and health care costs.
This is from the site for the National Association to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.
It is an important topic for all people in the U.S. to be concerned about.
National Committee Mission Statement
"The mission of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, a membership organization, is to protect, preserve, promote, and ensure the financial security, health, and the wellbeing of current and future generations of maturing Americans.
The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare acts in the best interests of its members through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts, and the leadership of the Board of Directors and professional staff.
The efforts of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare are directed toward developing better-informed citizens and voters."
"Senior Citizens Resources from the U.S. Government" A
Housing , finances , food , health , medicine ,policies , etc.
RESOURCES FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
____ASSOCIATIONS and NETWORKING________
This is an organization that addresses something sadly lacking in the U.S. -generations of people helping each other .
It seems that in our country , many seniors are 'put away' in nursing homes .
I used to be an ombudsman for nursing homes , covering a section of a large metropolitan area , and I can say ,
SHAME ON US FOR THE WAY WE TREAT SENIORS IN OUR COUNTRY !!!
There is a gold mine of wisdom , learning experiences and history , plus much more , to be mined by getting to know an older person . On top of that , you can be someone that an older person has been looking for to help their loneliness .
We need to get start caring for each other and nurturing each other through intergenerational relationships.
Check out the local chapters of this organization . Seniors , we need wisdom in this country badly . Please consider being a mentor for the younger generations.
The AARP is a great organization to belong to.
Here is a state by state search page for finding the local AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) :
This is AARP's mission statement :
"AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over.
AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service.
AARP also provides a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members.
These benefits include AARP Web site at www.aarp.org, "AARP The Magazine," the monthly "AARP Bulletin," and a Spanish-language newspaper, "Segunda Juventud."
Active in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP celebrates the attitude that age is just a number and life is what you make it. "
Many seniors are wary of networking by the internet. If you follow precautions and don't give out information such as phone , address , last name etc. , the net is as safe as meeting people in person.
In addition , for many seniors who are home bound , the net could be their lifeline and a great way to combat bordom and depression as well as loneliness.
________ HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESOURCES________
From the FDA , here are some topics that they have free information and free brochures for. One topic in particular is important for all of us who are concerned with our health. That is health fraud. There is information for finding out about health fraud on this site.
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.
This is a site explaining the Farmers Market Nutrition program for seniors . This is a great service.
What is the purpose of the SFMNP?
The purposes of the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program are to:
(1) Provide resources in the form of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmers' markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture programs to low-income seniors,
(2) Increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding or aiding in the expansion of domestic farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community support agriculture programs, and
(3) Develop or aid in the development of new and additional farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community support agriculture programs.
Who is eligible for SFMNP benefits?
Low-income seniors, generally defined as individuals who are at least 60 years old and who have household incomes of not more than 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines (published each year by the Department of Health and Human Services), are the targeted recipients of SFMNP benefits.
Some State agencies accept proof of participation or enrollment in another means-tested program, such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program or the Food Stamp Program, for SFMNP eligibility
.
CONTACTS TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE FARMERS MARKET PROGRAM IN YOUR STATE
Here is a list of topics relevant to Alzheimer's disease, caregivers and others interested in the disease. This list is kept fairly current. New discovery's about Alzheimer's and it's cause are linked , as well as other pertinent information that will assist you and your loved ones.
Here is another site for those who have loved ones with Alzheimers Disease . Included on this page is a source for getting financial assistance.
As soon as a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, it is important to do some research to find out what local resources are available to you.
With the exception of Alzheimer's Disease Research (ADR) and the Alzheimer's Family Relief Program (AFRP), the following organizations are not affiliated with the American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF). In addition, AHAF does not endorse any particular programs offered by these organizations.
___ASSISTANCE WITH PAYING FOR MEDICATIONS___________
Some of these programs also help fill out all paperwork. Some also will check up on elders (usually a small fee)
PARTNERSHIP FOR PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE.
FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE WITH PAYING FOR HEALTH CARE NEEDS , TRY HERE :
HELP PAYING FOR HEALTH CARE AND RELATED NEEDS
_____NURSING HOME ABUSE AND NEGLECT / ELDER ABUSE______________
One of the very sad truths about our country and it's lack of respect for our elders is abuse and neglect. When I worked as an ombudsman for nursing homes , I saw cases of neglect , not neccessarily abuse , but that is because when I walked into the front door of the nursing home , they had a code on the intercom to tell the workers that I had arrived. Abuse and neglect are things you need to watch out for . For yourself ,and for your elder family member if you are a caregiver. Let the people at the home know that you are aware . Call often . Talk to your elder and the staff . If you live out of town , enlist a friend to check up often in person. If you have an elder who lives alone and is vulnerable , or if you are that elder, stay informed . Get a keyhole to see who comes to your door ,and don't answer for ANYBODY you don't know. Contact an ombudsman or other advocate if you suspect anything , or if you want a recommendation to a nursing home. DON'T ASK THE NURSING HOME TO CONTACT THE ADVOCATE. You do it outside of the nursing home's reach.
The Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living (CCAL) i
s the only nonprofit consumer-based organization nationwide focused on the needs, rights and protection of assisted living consumers, their caregivers & loved ones. CCAL:
believes that advocacy action is necessary today to ensure quality care tomorrow;
advocates for the safety, quality care and protection of assisted living residents;
educates consumers to help them navigate the confusing array of assisted living choices and make appropriate, informed decisions
We are consumers and advocates who define and achieve quality for people with long-term care needs. We accomplish quality through:
informed, empowered consumers
effective citizen groups and ombudsman programs
promoting best practices in care delivery
public policy responsive to consumer needs
enforcement for consumer-directed living standards
If you even suspect abuse or neglect in a nursing home , contact your long term ombudsman :
Ombudsmen:
- Advocate for residents' rights and quality care
- Educate consumers and providers
- Resolve residents' complaints
- Provide information to the public
FIND A LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN
________MORE ON ABUSE , SCAMS , AND FRAUD________________
My grandfather was raised on a farm in rural Canada . When he moved to live with my family , many years later , he still had a country mentality that everybody is safe and can be trusted ( NOT a bad way to think , but in our world , sadly not true ). When a man and his son came to the house , and suggested that the roof needed weather proofing , my grandpa went to his bedroom , pulled out a pile of CASH ($400.00) and paid for the job on the spot. The man sprayed black stuff on the roof and drove away . The black stuff was very cheap tar and it washed away . So , please be careful with people and how you handle your money !
MISSION STATEMENT:
ElderAngels assists elderly victims of financial abuse.
We strive to prosecute the abuser, obtain restitution for the victim and educate the public about such crimes.
ElderAngels works with law enforcement agencies across the country in pursuit of justice for victims of fraud. The non-profit’s many contributions have resulted in the arrest of thousands of individuals for a wide variety of crimes, including financial elder abuse, fraud and theft.
TELEMARKETING FRAUD
robs U.S. citizens of at least $40 billion annually, according to Congressional estimates, and surveys by the American Association of Retired Persons indicate that over half of those victims are age 50 or older.
The National Consumers League, the oldest nonprofit consumer organization in the United States, was established in 1899 to promote and protect consumers' social and economic interests. In light of the devastating emotional and financial impact of telemarketing fraud on seniors,
NCL studied the problem in a comprehensive manner and developed new strategies for combating it.
______WHAT KIND OF NURSING HOME TO LOOK FOR________
After all the warnings about nursing homes , what if you have no choice ,and need to go to a long-term care facility ? In my experience as an ombudsman , I decided there were two types I would go in if and when that comes up for me : Faith based nursing homes ,and the Eden Alternative . Preferably a place that provided a cottage style home and transition to more assisted living if needed.
HOW TO CHOSE HOUSING FOR SENIOR LIVING
THE EDEN ALTERNATIVE TM
has the potential of remaking the experience of aging and disability across America and around the world. It is a powerful tool for improving quality of life. To make that happen, however, we need to teach others about what The Eden Alternative™ is and how they can use it to transform the communities in which they work.
We create coalitions of people and organizations that are committed to creating better social and physical environments for people. We are dedicated to helping others create enlivening environments and the elimination of the plagues of Loneliness, Helplessness, and Boredom. We are dedicated to helping people grow.
The core concept of The Eden Alternative™ is strikingly simple. We must teach ourselves to see the environments as habitats for human beings rather than facilities for the frail and elderly. We must learn what Mother Nature has to teach us about the creation of vibrant, vigorous habitats.
Faith based nursing homes are found mostly through your local place and choice of worship experience. Some will accept those outside their faith if the individual will adhere to the rules of the community. Check at your place of worship to see what your faith offers ,and for ideas of who to contact.
____FREE EDUCATION ! !________
Here is a great benefit for seniors ! Go back to school !
350 Colleges You Can Go To For Free
Believe it or not, more than 350 colleges and universities all across the country have special programs for seniors who are interested in going back to school. This often means free or low-cost tuition, discounts on fees and books, and even special deals on housing.
Anyone interested should contact the school they wish to attend to find out how to apply for a discount or waiver. Some limitations and restrictions may apply, such as residency and space availability.
Tuition and basic fees are based on the lowest fees (in-state, in-district, in-county, non-degree seeking, undergraduate etc.). Special fees may apply to some classes. Generally, lab, books and materials are additional, and vary depending upon class.
Some other additional fees include parking, health insurance, and a fee for degree seeking and graduate students. An interested individual should contact the school they wish to attend to find out how to apply for a discount or waiver.
Qualifications vary from school to school. Some limitations and restrictions apply such as an income limit, residency, and space availability.
SCROLL DOWN ON THIS PAGE TO '350 COLLEGES YOU CAN GO TO FOR FREE'.
_FAITH BASED RESOURCES AS I FIND THEM_________________
FOR JEWISH ELDERS :
JASA Offers Assistance to Jewish Senior Citizens affected by Tragedy
The Jewish Association for Services for the Aged (JASA) provides comprehensive social services for the elderly in New York City, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties. JASA has 26 centers that offer seniors direct assistance, including in-home visits, Glatt kosher meals are also available for elderly and displaced people, as well as offering limited financial assistance
Contact: Sally & Henry Peace; Helpline: 212-273-5272 for a location of the nearest center.
__END OF LIFE PLANS____
Here is a great page . I just found it (2/22/07) courtesy of Emil , who posted about this wonderful site . This particular page is about living wills.
Thank you Emil , for telling Aidpagers about this site !
RESPECTING THE HEALTH TREATMENT WISHES OF SENIORS
This site is for caregivers AND those they care for.Specifically for end-of-life situations , but much information for any caregiver , or person going through a life change.
Many good tips , especially for grief which can occur with different situations , such as illness , change in income ,pain , physical disabilities.
Grief is a part of life.
Many of us choose to not think about death and grief , but it is so important to do your research BEFORE a situation happens.
This can reduce the stress for everyone ,and make this life journey go smoother.
CARING CONNECTIONS
"ABOUT US
Caring Connections, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), is a national consumer engagement initiative to improve care at the end of life, supported by a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Caring Connections
Provides free resources and information to help people make decisions about end-of-life care and services before a crisis.
Helps people connect with the resources they need, when they need them.
Brings together community, state and national partners working to improve end-of-life care.
Spearheads a national consumer engagement campaign called It's About How You LIVE. "
Caring connection also has a wonderful learning plan that is extremely helpful when you don't know where to start .
Here is a search engine to find a HOSPICE in your area .
In the town where I live , we have a wonderful hospice that is elegant and home-y , It is also peaceful and respectful of people . They can live at the hospice , or have home visits .
FOR SENIORS WHO ARE CARETAKING FOR THIER GRANDCHILDREN
Here is a whole page full of links that are of great use to those who are caretaking for thier grandchildren . It seems that families of grandparents parenting thier grandchildren has grown in giant leaps . Why aren't the younger people in this world responsible for thier own children ? What has happened in our country ?
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/reslist/rl_dsp.cfm?subjID=30&rate_chno=AR-0028A
This is a page of information and freebies for you if you are blessed with grandchildren . This site also has info. for Grandparents taking care of their Grandchildren.
http://www.aarp.org/families/grandparents/gic/gic_pubs.html
More help for grandparents raising grandchildren:
http://www.abanet.org/child/subsidized.shtml
______________________
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MORE SOURCES FOR FREE AND LOW COST ASSISTANCE
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