Resources in the Community

As soon as a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, it is important to do some research to find out what local resources are available to you.

With the exception of Alzheimer's Disease Research (ADR), the following organizations are not affiliated with the American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF). In addition, AHAF does not endorse any particular programs offered by these organizations.

• Administration on Aging: The Administration on Aging agency, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is one of the nation's largest providers of home- and community-based care for older persons and their caregivers. Their mission is to promote the dignity and independence of older people, and to help society prepare for an aging population. Their phone number is (202) 619-0724. You can access their website at www.aoa.gov/.

• Alliance for Aging Research: The Alliance for Aging Research is a citizen advocacy organization for improving the health and independence of Americans as they age. Their phone number is (202) 293-2856. You can access their website at www.agingresearch.org.

• Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR): Founded as part of the National Institutes on Health, the ADEAR Center offers up-to-date information about Alzheimer's disease for patients, caregivers and professionals. The center has a large national database and can put you in touch with state, regional, and federally funded services available in your community. Their toll-free number is 1-800-438-4380. You can access their website at www.alzheimers.org/adear.

• Alzheimer's Disease Research (ADR): ADR funds major research and publishes materials about Alzheimer's disease for patients and caregivers. Publications are aimed at assisting the whole family, including children, in coping with Alzheimer's disease. Their toll-free number is 1-800-437-2423.

• American Association of Retired Persons (AARP): This nonprofit membership organization is an excellent source of information on long-term care options, caregiving, legal and financial planning, Medicare and Medicaid, and legislative issues affecting the elderly. Their phone number is (202) 434-2277.

• American Federation for Aging Research: The American Federation for Aging Research provides the latest information about groundbreaking new aging research tailored for a non-medical audience. Their phone number is (212) 703-9977. Their website can be accessed at www.afar.org.

• American Health Care Association (AHCA): A federation of more than 12,000 long-term care providers, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. AHCA provides consumer information on how to choose such a facility and how to pay for it. Their toll-free number is 1-800-555-9414. You can access their websites at www.ahca.org or www.ncal.org.

• Area Agencies on Aging: Check your phone book under "Aging" in the State Government pages. Each state has an Agency on Aging office located in its capital city. The state agency will refer you to one of its offices in your community. They can make referrals for a wide range of services, including home meal delivery, home health workers, transportation services and caregiver support groups.

• Caregiver.com: This website contains expert articles, weekly email newsletters, discussion boards and access to Today's Caregiver, a national publication that provides information specifically addressing the needs of family caregivers. Visitors will also find channels that highlight specific caregiving issues concerning Alzheimer’s disease. You can visit their website at www.caregiver.com.

• Eldercare Locator: This national organization, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, offers information and referrals for a wide variety of services for older people in their communities. These include adult day care, respite for caregivers, transportation, home health care, meals on wheels, assistance with housing and other services available locally. Their toll-free number is 1-800-677-1116. You can access their website at www.aoa.dhhs.gov/.

• FamilyCareAmerica: This organization helps caregivers identify and locate the agencies, institutions, profressionals, associations, manufacturers, and vendors that can help them with their specific needs. You can access their website at www.familycareamerica.com

• Health Care Professionals: The best initial resource for anyone facing health care needs and choices is the attending physician. Some health care providers and services will be covered by Medicare/Medicaid with a physician's referral. Other professionals that might deal with your patient would be a psychiatrist, home health nurse or social worker.

• HealthFinder: This website has health-care information for all ages and includes access to online journals, libraries and medical dictionaries. For seniors, there is the pension search directory and a directory with Spanish terms for Social Security Administration terms. Their site can be accessed at www.healthfinder.gov/.

• Local/State Health or Social Services Department: They can tell you what services in your state are covered by Medicare and which providers are Medicare/Medicaid certified. This agency should be able to provide information about support/respite services available in your area.

• Medicare: Medicare operates a toll-free hotline to answer questions about coverage and to get information about a patient's claims Their toll-free number is 1-800-772-1213. Their website can be accessed at www.medicare.gov.

• National Institute on Aging: The National Institute on Aging (NIA), one of the 25 institutes and centers of the National Institutes of Health, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. Their phone number is (301) 496-1752. Their website can be accesses at www.nia.nih.gov/.

• National Hospice Organization: They help family members of terminally ill patients locate either in-hospital care or home health care. Some hospices have special divisions for Alzheimer's patients. Their toll-free number is 1-800-658-8898.

• Resource Directory for Older People: A free directory designed to help older people and their families locate national organizations offering health information, legal aid, self-help programs, educational opportunities, social services, consumer advice, or other assistance. The directory lists over 200 federal agencies, professional societies, private groups, and voluntary programs. Available from National Institute on Aging Information Center, P0. Box 8057, Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8057, or call toll-free 1-800-222-2225

• Senior Citizens Bureau: The Senior Citizens Bureau is a free, non-profit community resource for the elderly, children of the elderly and other caregivers, advocates and professionals. They provide free or low cost services and guidance to the elderly. They offer its services and resources on a national basis. Their main goal and vision is to make the lives of senior adults easier by giving them free assistance in as many areas as possible. Their phone number is 1-866-847-4415. You can access their website at: http://www.seniorcitizensbureau.com/.

• Social Security Information Hotline: If you have questions about social security payments or eligibility, this hotline will direct you to the proper office or department. Their toll-free number is 1-800-772-1213.

• The National Council on the Aging has created a free, easy-to-use service that identifies federal and state assistance programs for older Americans. The information can be obtained from their website: BenefitsCheckUp.org.

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