If you are looking for a particular service or information, the following may be able to help:
- Abuse Prevention and Response
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National Center on Elder Abuse provides resources on elder abuse prevention, including information on reporting a suspected case of elder abuse.
Protection and advocacy systems (P&As) work at the state level to protect individuals with developmental disabilities by empowering them and advocating on their behalf. There are 57 P&As in the United States and its territories, and each is independent of service-providing agencies within their states. P&As provide legal support to traditionally unserved or underserved populations to help them navigate the legal system to achieve resolution and encourage systems change. P&As ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to exercise their rights to make choices, contribute to society and live independently. Visit here to find state protection and advocacy systems contacts.
Related information:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
is a nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, friends and families. You can reach the Hotline 24 hours at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224. - Assistive Technology
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Assistive Technology (AT) is any item, device, or piece of equipment used to maintain or improve the independence and function of people with disabilities and seniors, in education, employment, recreation, and daily living activities. AT devices can be “low tech” like a built-up handle on a spoon to improve the ability to grasp, to “high tech” computers controlled with eye blinks. AT devices can be do-it-yourself, or even consumer electronics like home automation solutions that are more than just a convenience for a person with a disability! AT includes the services necessary to get and use the devices, including assessment, customization, repair, and training.
The Assistive Technology Program gives grants to every state to offer help to people with a disability in finding and acquiring the assistive technology that best meets their needs. You can get information on a wide variety of devices, help with acquiring devices, and even "try it before you buy it".
Contact information for state assistive technology programs can be found in the State Assistive Technology Program Directory. - Hurricane Response
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Do you or a loved one need help after a storm? Get information and resources to help connect you to services in your area.
- Support for People with Limb Loss
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The National Limb Loss Resource Center reaches out to and empowers people affected by limb loss and limb differences to achieve their full potential through education, support, advocacy, and the promotion of limb loss prevention. Services offered include information and referral, a robust peer mentoring program and information on assistive technology such as prosthetics and orthotics.
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman
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Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities and similar adult care facilities. They work to resolve problems of individual residents and to bring about changes at the local, state and national levels that will improve residents’ care and quality of life.
Thousands of local ombudsman staff and volunteers work in communities throughout the country as part of the statewide ombudsman programs, assisting residents and their families and providing a voice for those unable to speak for themselves. - Long-Term Care Planning
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At some point in our lives, about 60 percent of us will need assistance with things like getting dressed, driving to appointments, or making meals. Planning is critical, but many people are not sure what is covered by insurance, and people are often misinformed about what is covered by Medicare. In fact, in a 2015 survey of Americans over the age of 40, 36% mistakenly believed that Medicare would pay for ongoing care at home by a licensed home-health aide.
National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information provides information to help people better plan for long-term care needs. Information on in-home and facility-based long-term care options is provided.Related information:
- Guide to Long Term Care for Veterans
The Guide provides information about long term care options - home and community based, and residential care. Website: www.va.gov/GERIATRICS/Guide/LongTermCare/index.asp- Nursing Home Compare
The primary purpose of this tool is to provide detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country. Website: www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/home.asp - Meals and Nutrition Programs
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ACL's Administration on Aging provides grants to states to help support nutrition services for older people throughout the country. The programs provide health-promoting meals in a variety of group settings, such as senior centers, and faith-based settings, as well as in the homes of isolated older adults.
These nutrition programs also provide a range of related services through the aging network’s home-delivered meal providers and congregate meal providers. There are related nutritional services which include nutrition screening, assessment, education and counseling. Nutrition services also provide an important link to other supportive in-home and community-based services such as homemaker and home-health aide services, transportation, physical activity programs, chronic disease self-management programs, home repair and modification, and falls prevention programs.
The Eldercare Locator can help you find meals programs in your area. Visit https://eldercare.acl.gov or call 800-677-1116.Related information:
- Dietary Guidelines for Older Americans
The Dietary Guidelines provide authoritative advice on how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases.
http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/toolkit/default.htm#older_adults- The American Dietetic Association
The ADA website contains a section specifically designed for older adults who are interested in learning more about nutrition.
http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6837- NIHSenior Health – Eating Well As You Get Older
This easy-to-use website features basic nutrition information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health.
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/eatingwellasyougetolder/toc.html- Nutrition.gov
A federal resource that provides easy access to all online federal government information on nutrition. Website: www.nutrition.gov- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
This site provides information on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, including eligibility and application information. Website: www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ - Medicare and Medicaid Options
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Get counseling on your Medicare coverage options: The State Health Insurance Assistance Program uses local volunteers to help people with Medicare understand and select from their various Medicare coverage options including Part D drug plans, managed care (HMO), and Medigap plans.
Preventing and Reporting Medicare fraud: The Senior Medicare Patrol uses local volunteers to help people with Medicare protect, detect and report Medicare fraud.
Related Information:
- Official U.S. government site for Medicare beneficiaries.
- Information on Medicaid programs from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- HealthCare.gov
Federal government website providing resources on health insurance including information on the Affordable Care Act.- HealthFinder.gov
Quick guides to healthy living and a variety of tips and tools. - Support for People with Disabilities
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Find your local Center for Independent Living (CILs) in all U.S. states and territories.
The Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential, private nonprofit agencies that provide independent living services. At a minimum, centers funded by the program are required to provide the following independent living core services:
- Information and referral;
- IL skills training;
- Peer counseling;
- Individual and systems advocacy; and
- Services that facilitate transition from nursing homes and other institutions to the community, provide assistance to those at risk of entering institutions, and facilitate transition of youth to postsecondary life.
Centers also may provide, among other services: psychological counseling, assistance in securing housing or shelter, personal assistance services, transportation referral and assistance, physical therapy, mobility training, rehabilitation technology, recreation, and other services necessary to improve the ability of individuals with significant disabilities to function independently in the family or community and/or to continue in employment.Resources and Useful Links: ILRU website
- Support for People Living With Paralysis
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The Paralysis Resource Center provides comprehensive information for people living with spinal cord injury, paralysis and mobility-related disabilities and their families. Resources include information and referral in multiple languages; a peer and family support mentoring program; a military and veterans program; multicultural outreach services; and a free lending library.
- Support to People with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families
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State Developmental Disability Councils work to promote the inclusion and independence of people with developmental disabilities.