Resources to Help Manage Care for Aging Parents

Resources to Help Manage Care for Aging Parents

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: February 4, 2010

The financial strain of caring for older relatives can be devastating without proper planning. Here are some online resources for those who want to put the proper safeguards in place and for caregivers who may be looking for assistance:

www.medicare.gov -- Find out what Medicare does and doesn't cover, compare home health agencies and nursing homes in your area, plan for your long-term care needs and other information.

www.homeinstead.com -- Home Instead Senior Care site has resources for finding home care, becoming a caregiver and other elder care resources.

www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c23141.htm -- A U.S. State Department site on caring for elderly parents that is aimed at families posted abroad but gives very valuable general information and links.

www.caregiving.org -- National Alliance for Caregiving, a nonprofit organization focusing on issues of family caregiving.

www.caps4caregivers.org -- Children of Aging Parents, a nonprofit assisting caregivers of the elderly or chronically ill with information, referrals and support.

www.thefamilycaregiver.org -- National Family Caregivers Association, another group that educates and supports those who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability.

www.nahb.org The National Association of Home Builders lists professional certified aging-in-place specialists who can assist in creating an environment that will enable loved ones to remain in their homes safely and independently.

www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp -- Information about Medicaid, with links to Web sites in every state and each state's eligibility requirements for benefits.

www.caring.com -- A venture capital-funded site with information for caregivers and other resources.

www.nsclc.org -- National Senior Citizens Law Center, has information on many issues affecting aging.

www.n4a.org -- National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, providing information on aging and a nationwide list of local agencies to turn to for answers.

www.mustforseniors.org -- Medication Use Safety Training for Seniors program, a national education awareness campaign for older adults and caregivers.