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Guide to Planning a Dependent Care Fair |
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Appendix BIntroductionThe organizations included in Appendix B provide services and information on a wide variety of aging topics including health issues, support groups, community assistance, hospice care, housing, home care, and volunteerism. Try to offer the employees a broad representation of aging issues. Many of the national organizations have local chapters located throughout the United States which may agree to send a representative to your fair. Nationally based organizations should be contacted for materials. Check the organizational descriptions for titles of some available publications. Availability and cost of materials will vary. Keep in mind that most of these organizations strive to educate society about the aging field. However, reproduction of printed materials is costly. Organizations often must charge nominal fees for bulk orders. Request only request the number of copies needed. If availability is limited or the cost is prohibitive, ask the organization if photocopying the publication for distribution is permitted. The last section of this appendix lists types of locally based organizations that deal specifically with aging issues. Also, consider organizations such as hospitals, nursing homes, and libraries. They often will send representatives and can provide fair participants with a wealth of information on elder care services. If any questions in regard to the fair planning arise, contact us. NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONSAging Issues* denotes Local ChaptersTHE CORPORATION FOR THE NATIONAL SERVICE An agency of the Federal Government that sponsors a number of volunteer programs conducted by older adults, including the Foster Grandparent and Retired Senior Volunteer Programs. Free publications are available on various volunteer programs. AGING NETWORK SERVICES (ANS) A nationwide, for-profit network of private-practice geriatric social workers who serve as care managers for older parents who live apart from their children. Information is available on ANS programs and long-distance care giving. *ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION A volunteer organization that sponsors public education programs and offers supportive services to patients and families who are coping with Alzheimer's disease. A 24-hour, toll free hotline provides information about Alzheimer's disease and links families with nearby chapters which are familiar with community resources. ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE EDUCATION & REFERRAL CENTER A service of the National Institute on Aging that distributes information about Alzheimer's disease to health professionals, patients and their families, and the general public. The Center will provide information about the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, research, and services available to patients and family members. AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS A professional organization of doctors who specialize in treating the musculoskeletal system. Provides information about advances in implanting artificial joints, preventing osteoporosis, and relieving pain caused by bursitis and arthritis. Educational materials are available upon request. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY (AAGP) A professional organization of psychiatrists who have a special interest in the mental health care of older people. The Association assists in locating geriatric psychiatrists. Agencies can request copies of the AAGP Membership Directory - a national listing of geriatric psychiatrists who are members of the AAGP. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF HOMES FOR THE AGING (AAHA) This national association of nonprofit organizations provides quality housing, health, community, and related services to older people. AAHA's mission is to represent and promote common interests of its members through leadership, advocacy, education, and other services in order to enhance members to serve their constituencies. Free information on long-term care and housing for older people is available to the public. *AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED PERSONS (AARP) A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping older Americans achieve lives of independence, dignity, and purpose. Local chapters, which are listed in the telephone directory, sponsor educational programs on crime prevention, consumer protection, defensive driving, and income tax preparation. Publications are available on housing, health, exercise, retirement planning, money management, and a number of other topics. Agencies can place bulk orders for many AARP publications at minimal cost. AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION COMMISSION ON A program of the American Bar Association that analyzes and responds to the legal needs of older people in the United States. The Commission distributes information on legal issues of primary concern to older Americans. *AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY (ACS) A national, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives from cancer, and diminishing suffering from this disease, through research, education, and service. Local ACS units sponsor a wide range of services for cancer patients and their families and are listed in the telephone directory. The ACS offers free publications on specific types of cancer, as well as general information about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Contact the national office or the unit in your area. AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND Seeks to improve the living conditions of people who are blind and those with visual impairments. A toll free information service (open weekdays 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. eastern time) distributes a variety of free educational materials. *AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION (ADA) A voluntary organization that supports research to find a cure for diabetes and seeks to improve the well-being of people with diabetes and their families. Local ADA chapters offer older patients and family members information, educational materials, support, and referrals to appropriate community agencies and services. Pamphlets available include: Diabetes in the Family, Older Adults--Diabetes and You, The Other Diabetes, and the Family Cookbook. THE AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION A professional society of dietitians who work in health care settings. A professional practice group made up of dietitians who work in Area Agencies on Aging, meals-on-wheels programs, home health agencies, and other health care facilities, focuses on the special nutritional needs of older people. Individuals can call the Association to locate a registered dietitian in their community. Publications available include: Staying Healthy--A Guide for Elder Americans and Eat Healthy, and Stay Fit: Tips on Nutrition for the Mature Adult. AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND A national, nonprofit organization that advocates, develops, and provides programs and services to help people who are blind and have visual impairments achieve independence in all sectors of society. A toll free hotline offers information on visual impairment and blindness and answers questions about the services and products of the Foundation. Pamphlets available include: Aging and Vision; Cataracts and Their Treatment; Diabetes, Vision Impairment, and Blindness; and Living With Glaucoma. AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION (AHCA) A professional organization that represents the interests of licensed nursing homes and long-term care facilities. AHAC will provide educational materials on long-term care to consumers. Publications on guardianship, choosing a nursing home, financing long-term care, and long-term care services are available to the public. *AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION A voluntary health organization that funds research and sponsors public education programs to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Local Heart Associations can provide a number of pamphlets to consumers on various aging topics including: Recovering From a Stroke, An Older Person's Guide to Cardiovascular Health, and Medicine Cabinet Warning Sign stickers. AMERICAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION, INC. An organization of professionals who help people with functional problems caused by illness, or other disability. Occupational therapists help patients maintain, increase, or restore their ability to perform daily living skills. Publications and posters are available to health professionals and the public. AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION A professional organization of optometrists which provides free information to the public about vision and eye care, including Driving Tips for Older Adults and Your Vision: The Second 50 Years. *AMERICAN PARKINSON'S DISEASE ASSOCIATION A voluntary organization that funds research to find a cure for Parkinson's disease, educates the public about this illness, and offers assistance to patients and their families. Patient education materials are available on Parkinson's disease, speech therapy, exercise, and aids for daily living. AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (APA) A professional society of psychologists who counsel individuals with mental, emotional, or behavioral problems. Brochures about mental health are available to the public. Contact your State APA chapter or the national office. *AMERICAN RED CROSS Offers health education programs, health and blood services, and disaster relief. Local Red Cross chapters offer programs and pamphlets that are of special interest to older people. Local chapters are listed in the telephone directory. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERNAL MEDICINE A professional organization of internists who specialize in diagnosing and treating adult diseases. Free materials include: Medicare: What I Will and Will Not Pay For, Choosing a Nursing Home, and Staying Healthy as You Get Older. AMERICAN SPEECH-LANGUAGE-HEARING ASSOCIATION A professional society that supports the study of communication and funds research to improve the treatment of communication disorders. The Helpline answers questions from the public about communication disorders and offers names of certified audiologists and speech pathologists. Fact sheets are available on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of speech, language, and hearing disorders. *ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION A nonprofit, voluntary organization that supports research to find a cure for and ways to prevent all forms of arthritis and distributes information to the public about arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Local chapters provide general information and referral services to people with arthritis, their families, and the general public. More than 100 brochures, booklets, videotapes, and other resources are available free or at minimal cost. *CATHOLIC CHARITIES A social service organization that offers assistance to people of all ages. Extensive services are provided to older people. Each Catholic Diocese oversees local Catholic Charities program. *CATHOLIC GOLDEN AGE Sponsors charitable work and offers religious worship opportunities for older people. Local chapters plan a wide range of activities for members including disease prevention and health promotion programs. CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF AGING A nonprofit organization that promotes research and training in the field of aging. Materials on aging, health, fitness, and wellness are available to the public. CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS FOR THE ELDERLY Encourages rational, safe, and effective use of medication by older adults. Produces a variety of printed materials appropriate for professionals and consumers, including the Caregiver's Guide to Medication Management. *CHILDREN OF AGING PARENTS (CAPS) A nonprofit, membership organization that provides information and emotional support to caregivers of older persons. CAPS serves as a national clearinghouse for information on resources and issues dealing with older people. Materials are available on starting a self-help group. CONSUMER INFORMATION CENTER A program of the General Services Administration that helps Federal Government agencies promote and distribute useful information to the general public including publications on aging. The Consumer Information Catalog is available upon request. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC) Develops safety standards to protect the public against injury from consumer products, helps consumers evaluate product safety, and promotes research into the causes and prevention of product-related injury. Limited quantities of Home Safety Checklist for Older Consumers are distributed free by the CPSC. *COURAGE STROKE NETWORK Links stroke survivors, their family members, and the professionals who serve them by providing a forum for sharing knowledge and experiences related to living with a stroke. The Network offers referrals to stroke support groups. *DELTA SOCIETY A nonprofit, membership organization that promotes positive human-animal interactions and the benefits of animal-assisted therapy programs. Local chapters recruit and train volunteers to participate in animal visitation programs in local institutions. FOUNDATION FOR HOSPICE & HOMECARE Promotes hospice and home care, establishes responsible standards of care, develops programs that ensure the proper preparation of caregivers, educates the public, and conducts research on aging, health, and social policies. Consumer guides available include: All About Homecare and All About Hospice: A Consumer's Guide. HEALTH CARE FINANCING ADMINISTRATION Coordinates the Federal Government's participation in Medicare and Medicaid. The Medigap Hotline answers questions about Medigap insurance, health insurance to supplement medicare. The Medigap booklet is available from the Hotline. HEALTH INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Offers information to the public about all aspects of health and disability insurance including Medicare supplements and long-term care insurance. Single copies of the following publications are free: A Consumer's Guide to Consumer's Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance and A Consumer's Guide to Medicare Supplemental Insurance. *MAKE TODAY COUNT A nonprofit, self-help organization that provides emotional support to patients with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Chapters are located throughout the United States. MEDIC ALERT FOUNDATION A worldwide, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing personal medical information to protect and save lives. Emergency medical identification systems available include ID bracelets and necklaces, wallet cards, and a 24-hour answering service. Display materials and posters are available upon request. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT A private organization that develops health education materials for national, State, and local groups that work to maintain and improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of older people. The Association distributes Active People Over Sixty, Join the Active People Over Sixty poster, Health Protector booklet, and exercise instructions. NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI) The Federal Government's principal agency for funding cancer research and for distributing information about cancer to health professionals and the public. One of NCI's top priorities is cancer in older Americans. The toll free Cancer Information Service (CIS) can provide up-to-date information about cancer and cancer-related resources in local areas. CIS offers a variety of publications on cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. NATIONAL COUNCIL ON THE AGING A nonprofit, membership organization for professionals and volunteers. It serves as a national resource for information, technical assistance, training, and research relating to the field of aging. Brochures and publications on aging topics are available. NATIONAL EYE INSTITUTE The Federal Government's principal agency for funding eye research and distributing information on the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of eye disorders. Free brochures are available on cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. NATIONAL HOSPICE ORGANIZATION Promotes quality care for terminally ill patients and provides information about hospice services available in the United States. Operates a toll free hospice referral line. NATIONAL INFORMATION CENTER ON DEAFNESS Collects and distributes information on deafness to the general public and health professionals. Fact sheets are available on hearing loss and aging, including Homes and Housing for Aged Deaf Persons, Managing Hearing Loss in Later Life, and Aging and Hearing Loss: Some Commonly Asked Questions. NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING The Federal Government's principal agency for conducting and supporting biomedical, social, and behavioral research related to aging processes and the diseases and special problems of older people. Free publications are available on a variety of aging topics and include: Age Pages (fact sheets on topics of concern to older people), What is your Aging IQ?, and Who? What? Where? Resources for Older Women's Health and Aging. *NATIONAL MEALS ON WHEELS FOUNDATION Delivers nutritious meals to those who cannot prepare their own food. Call the 800 number above for a local Meals On Wheels number. NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR VICTIM ASSISTANCE A private, nonprofit group of criminal justice professionals, former crime victims, professionals who help witnesses of crimes and crime victims, and others committed to the recognition of victim rights. Pamphlets include The Elderly Crime Victim and material on victim assistance and victim rights. NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS FOUNDATION A voluntary health agency dedicated to reducing the widespread incidence of osteoporosis, a condition seen most often in older women. Osteoporosis: A Woman's Guide, An Older Person's Guide to Osteoporosis, and other publications are available to consumers. *NATIONAL SHUT-IN SOCIETY, INC. A private, nonprofit organization whose members work to bring cheer and comfort to people with chronic illnesses who are members of the Society. A list of local chapters is available on request. OFFICE OF DISEASE PREVENTION & HEALTH PROMOTION Supports and coordinates Federal Government programs in health promotion and disease prevention. Has free publications on national health observances, Federal health information centers and clearinghouses, and toll free numbers for health information. Lists of materials are available from each of these programs. OLDER WOMEN'S LEAGUE (OWL) Seeks to educate the public about the problems and issues of concern to middle-aged and older women. Local OWL chapters offer supportive services and mutual aid, especially to women who are alone. A number of publications are available on issues concerning older women. PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL ON PHYSICAL FITNESS & SPORTS Encourages Americans to raise their fitness levels. The Council distributes information to the public about the health-related benefits of regular exercise, including Pep Up Your Life, a fitness book for older people. *SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION The Federal Government agency responsible for the Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance program, as well as the Supplemental Security Income programs. Local offices are located in every State. Free publications, including Understanding Social Security, are available from local Social Security offices. UNITED SENIORS HEALTH COOPERATIVE A private, nonprofit membership organization that works to improve the quality and reduce the cost of health care and social services for older adults. Publications available address many aging topics including exercise, living wills and durable powers of attorney, stress, long-term care options, and senior housing options. *VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATIONS OF AMERICA Community-based and supported nonprofit home health care providers who offer a variety of home health care services to people, regardless of their ability to pay. A fact sheet about the Visiting Nurse Associations is available. VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA A nonprofit organization that offers programs and services to meet the specific needs of a local community. Programs for older persons include home repair, homemaker assistance, meals-on-wheels, transportation, and foster grandparent and senior volunteer programs. LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS & AGENCIESThere are local resources and organizations which provide services, information, and/or special programs to the elderly and their caregivers. Consult the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or local yellow pages or to obtain telephone numbers for the types of organizations listed or resources below.
The local AAA also is an excellent source for information. Located in approximately 300 communities throughout the United States, AAAs assist the older population and their caregivers in obtaining community services. In addition to participating in your agency fair, AAAs can suggest local organizations and agencies to invite. Call the Elder Care Locator (800) 667-1116 to obtain the phone numbers of the AAAs that service the areas where your employees live. Because many of the employees may live far away from their parents, it is a good idea to have representatives from national and local organizations.
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