National Organizations for Caregiver Support:
Family Caregiver Alliance – www.Caregiver.org resources and support for caregivers (CGs). FCA is a public voice for CGs. Pioneering programs for information, education, services, research & advocacy support & sustain the important work of families nationwide caring for loved ones with chronic disabling health conditions.
National Alliance for Caregiving – www.caregiving.org Established in 1996, The National Alliance for Caregiving is a non-profit coalition of national organizations focusing on issues of family caregiving. The Alliance’s mission is to be the objective national resource on family caregiving with the goal of improving the quality of life for families and care recipients.
Caregiver Action Network (formerly the National Family Caregivers Association)–
http://www.caregiveraction.org/ The Caregiver Action Network mission is to empower family caregivers to act on behalf of themselves and their loved ones, and to remove barriers to health and well being.
Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving – http://www.rosalynncarter.org/resources/ An advocacy, education, research, and service unit of Georgia Southwestern State University. RCI overall goal is to support caregivers – both family and professional- through efforts of advocacy, education, research, and service.
Veterans’ Caregiver Support Program www.caregiver.va.gov Supporting CGs who support veterans. Offers resources & support for CGs of veterans. Includes National CG support line 1-855.260.3274; staffed by LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers).
Caregiving Websites
General Information & Blogs
AARP: American Association of Retired Persons – Caregivers Caregiving section www.aarp.org/homefamily/caregiving
contains info & tips.
Caregiving.com – www.caregiving.com – Community of family caregivers sharing their stories, support, and solutions. Helping you help family & friends.
MedicineNet.Com We bring doctors’ knowledge to you – www.medicinenet.com/caregiving/article.htm – Get information about caregiving for older adults and the elderly. Learn about the role of a caregiver, the impact of stress on caregivers, respite care and support.
Medline Plus – a service of the US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/caregivers.html
Today’s Caregiver – www.Caregiver.com “For, About, and By Caregivers”. Well, SpouseTM Association – http://wellspouse.org a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization, advocates for and addresses the needs of individuals caring for a chronically ill and/or disabled
spouse/partner. We offer peer to peer support and educate health care professionals and the general public about the special challenges and unique issues “well” spouses face every day. 3-27-15 note: this website link doesn’t appear to work, but if you type the address into your browser, that does connect.
Dementia Support:
Alzheimer’s Association – www.alz.org Mission – to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, provide and enhance care and support for all affected; to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. CG section–http://www.alz.org/care/overview.asp
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America – www.Alzfdn.org Mission: to provide optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families—through member organizations dedicated to improving quality of life. Includes Care Crossroads www.carecrossroads.org, support for caregivers whose round-the-clock responsibilities prevent them from interacting in person at organized programs. Social workers are online via live Skype and chat, as well as e-mail and phone calls to the organization’s toll-free hotlinePrograms & Services – Information and/or Funding
Bucks County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA)
http://www.buckscounty.org/government/HumanServices/AAA BCAAA is the office on aging for the Bucks County area, offering over 20 programs/services to assist older adults to remain in their homes successfully or to obtain placement outside their homes when necessary. The AAA also has a comprehensive Information and Referral department to answer questions and offer referrals to other agencies in the community that provide the specific services needed. General information is also available on aging issues through an “Aging Collection,” available at Bucks County Libraries. The website includes a link to the Bucks County Elder Law Handbook, and a green box to click on to make a referral. For vendors of specific services, see separate lists of providers of various services, available on request.
Bucks County Department of Mental Health/Developmental Programs (formerly MH/MR)
http://www.buckscounty.org/government/HumanServices/MHDP offers a variety of programs/services to individuals in need of mental health information or treatment and those with intellectual disabilities. The website also includes information about providers of these services.
Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission Inc. –
http://www.buckscounty.org/LivingAndWorking/drugandalcoholcommission Mission – to reduce the use of tobacco and eliminate the use of illegal drugs and the abuse, misuse of, and addiction to alcohol and other drugs. As the state and locally designated Single County Authority (SCA) for alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, our agency will work continuously to ensure the provision of a comprehensive and balanced continuum of quality prevention, intervention and treatment services for the county. The website also includes information about providers of these services.
Medicare – www.medicare.gov is the official US Government site for Medicare. Includes information & forms for enrollment, costs, coverage, claims, etc. and link to its “Nursing Home Compare” section.
ElderCare Locator – www.eldercare.gov ElderCare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting you to services for older adults and their families. You can also reach us at 1-800-677-1116. Users can search by city or zip code for local resources for aging; users can also search by topic to find National Information and Resources, Publications, of information and resources in your area
Financial
BenefitsCheckUp – www.benefitscheckup.org is free service of the National Council on Aging (NCOA), a nonprofit service and advocacy organization in Washington, DC. BenefitsCheckUp asks a series of questions to help identify benefits that could save you money and cover the costs of everyday expenses such as prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other basic needs. After answering basic questions, you will get a report created just for you that describes the programs you may get help from. You can apply for many of the programs online or you can print an application form. Bucks County Assistance Office and COMPASS – www.dhs.pa.gov Site to find out if you qualify for Pennsylvania health and human services, apply online for benefits administered through the PA Department of Welfare such as SNAP (food stamps), heating assistance, help with health care coverage, child care, etc.
Credit Counseling Center – www.ccc-credit.com – a non-profit organization providing budget analysis
and creation, foreclosure avoidance/assistance, debt consolidation, reverse mortgage counseling, bankruptcy counseling. Services are free or low cost.
Social Security – www.socialsecurity.gov – official site of Social Security. Users can apply for social Security retirement, disability, SSI, survivors’ benefits or Medicare online; get or replace a Social Security card, etc. Provides information about various benefits, appeals, and any planned changes.
Legal
Bucks County Bar Association – http://www.bucksbar.org/ The Bucks County Bar Association is dedicated to providing its members, potential members and all persons and organizations connected with the law, support and fellowship for the advancement of the legal profession. Bucks County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) is a public service of the non-profit Bucks County Bar Association to assist persons willing and able to pay usual and customary attorney fees in securing appropriate legal representation. Those who appear to be financially unable to pay attorneys’ regular fees for legal representation regarding Civil matters should call the Bucks County Legal Aid Society at 215-781-1111, or, regarding Criminal matters call the Public Defender’s Office at 215-348-6473. If you do not qualify for free representation with either of these agencies, these agencies will determine if you qualify for a reduced rate through the Lawyer Referral Service Marginal Referral Program.
National Elder Law Foundation – http://www.nelf.org/ is the only national organization certifying
practitioners of elder and special needs law. NELF’s Certified Elder Law Attorney designation is itself certified by the American Bar Association. The website includes a link to locate over 400 Certified ElderLaw Attorneys in 48 states. Bucks County Elder Law Handbook, available online through Bucks County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) at http://www.buckscounty.org/government/HumanServices/AAA at 866-232-8484.