In addition to the above programs that provide specific help, there are a number of information resources available online. We have included some that are not owned and operated by the federal government. Linking to these sites is not an endorsement of the content found there.
- Benefits - Understanding Federal Government Benefits
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Benefits.gov
This site is the official government benefits website. It is a free, confidential tool that helps individuals find government benefits they may be eligible to receive.The ABLE National Resource Center
The ABLE Act allows people with disabilities to create tax-advantaged savings accounts called ABLE accounts. Money in ABLE accounts can be used for qualified disability-related expenses, such as education, housing, and transportation. Most importantly, ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing their eligibility for federally funded benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). - Behavioral and Mental Health
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call the hotline at 800-273-8255
Suicide Prevention Resource Center or call the hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255) - Caregiver Resources
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There is a wealth of information on the Internet designed to assist family members and caregivers of older adults. Here are a few useful links to get you started.
Community Resource Finder
This site assists people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and their caregivers in finding local programs and services.ARCH –The National Respite Locator Service
This service helps parents, caregivers, and professionals find respite services in their state and local area that mach their specific needs.Caregiver Corner
This site has useful links and resources to help answer common caregiver questions.Family Caregiver Alliance
This site features information on programs at national, state and local levels that support and sustain caregivers.National Alliance for Caregiving
This site features publications and resources for caregivers, including the Family Care Resource Connection, where you can find reviews and ratings of more than 1,000 books, videos, websites and other materials on caregiving. - Healthy Living
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Healthfinder
HealthFinder is a government Web site where consumers will find information and tools to help them and those they care about stay healthy.National Institute on Aging
This website features basic health and wellness information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health.MedlinePlus
This website, produced by the National Library of Medicine, brings consumers information on diseases, conditions, and wellness issues in easy to understand language.Health Information for Older Adults – CDC
This section of the CDC website promotes health, chronic disease prevention, and quality of life among older Americans.Go4Life
This campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH is designed to help adults 50 and older fit exercise and physical activity into their daily lives.MyMobility Plan
Do you or your loved ones have a plan to stay safe, mobile, and independent as you age? Many people make financial plans for retirement, but don’t consider how to plan for potential mobility changes. The mobility planning tool can guide you to take action today to help keep yourself—or your loved ones—safe, mobile, and independent tomorrow. - Housing
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U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
The HUD website offers housing financial assistance resources and guides for making informed decisions.Information for Disabled Persons
Information for Senior Citizens
Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Vouchers
LeadingAge
LeadingAge website contains information about housing and long-term care services and facilities. - Preparing for Emergencies
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Older adults and people with disabilities often have unique needs in emergency situations. They and their families and caregivers should take steps to prepare for emergencies.
With advance planning, it is possible to accommodate issues such as mobility limitations and the need for battery or electrically powered medical devices or durable medical equipment. Without it, these limitations could negatively impact a person during a crisis.
At a minimum, each individual (with the assistance of his or her caregiver, if necessary) should create a kit of emergency necessities. This should include medication, food, water, batteries or chargers, and any supplies that pets or service animals may need. Individuals should also talk to friends, family, and neighbors to create a support network that can help with communication, transportation, and essential care during periods of time when other community-based services and supports are not available. Most important, they should learn the locations of the nearest Functional Needs Support Shelters appropriate to their needs. The following websites have additional information:
Ready.gov: Emergency Management Resources for Seniors:
Emergency Preparedness Resources for Persons with Disabilities
CDC Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults
CMS Emergency Preparedness Checklist
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline (1-800-985-5990)