Afics Committee on Aging

AFICS COMMITTEE ON AGEING

USEFUL WEBSITES FOR SENIORS

The internet makes available an array of websites aimed at providing seniors with useful information on a wide range of topics. The Aging Committee has put together this selection of sites to give an idea of what is available. We encourage you to explore these sites, whether to solve problems you, or someone you know, are currently experiencing or to help you plan for the future. Although this list focuses mainly on the New York area, similar sites are available in every state. Sites for national organizations usually provide a means to access information on local groups. You can access the sites directly by clicking on the address provided.

Please keep in mind that listing these sites does not imply that AFICS is recommending these specific organizations or has any connection with them. We would also like to point out that this is an initial list which will be revised and updated as additional information is identified.

GENERAL INFORMATION Government sites:

New York City Department for the Aging (www.nyc.gov/html/dfta) Includes information on senior services (caregiver support, senior housing, benefits for older New Yorkers, etc.), location of senior centers, health and wellness and many other topics.

New York State Office for the Aging (www.aging.ny.gov) Information to access services and programs available in local communities and statewide. Also, information on taxes, financial and legal assistance, health insurance, housing, recreation and volunteering.

New York City Transit (www.mta.info) Information on reduced fare metrocard and Access-a-Ride.

New York Public Library (www.nypl.org) Including computer availability, computer classes (keyboarding, typing, basic internet use) books by mail, large print, Braille and talking books.

Also see www.Brooklynpubliclibrary.org and www.queenslibrary.org

Connecticut Commission on Aging (www.cga.ct.gov/coa) and Connecticut Department of Public Health (www.ct.gov/dph/site/default.asp ) and (www.ct.gov/agingservices)

New Jersey Department of Aging and Senior Services (www.njfoundationforaging.org) and (www.state.nj.us/health/senior/index.shtml) Medicare (www.medicare.gov) The official U.S. Government site for people with Medicare. Information on eligibility, billing, appeals, card replacement, forms, etc.

Medicaid (www.health.state.ny.us/health_care/medicaid/) What medicaid is, who is eligible, how to apply. Addresses and telephone numbers of local departments of social services, drug prices, statistics, important phone numbers.

Other General Sites:

American Association of Retired Persons (www.aarp.org) An expansive website with references to nutrition, health, finances, leisure, travel, insurance, discounts, etc.

Senior Resource ( www.seniorresources.com) For seniors, family and caregivers, information on housing options for seniors, finance (including estate planning, trusts, etc.) insurance and care. Suggestions for home modifications to solve problems related to aging in your home.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

New York State Department of Health (www.nyhealth.gov) New York State statistics and data, laws and regulations, state programs, records (birth, death, marriage and divorce) forms (including health care proxy form). Information on a range of diseases and conditions, hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities.

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (www.nyc.gov/html/doh) Official notices and health bulletins (e.g. “Cut the Salt,”, also where to get a flu shot), City strategy for the flu season, community health profiles, statistics, information on various health topics including basic information on diseases and conditions and city public health programs.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS

American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) National non-profit organization that offers support and services to anyone afflicted by cancer. Programs include counseling and support groups, education, financial assistance and practical help. Also offers facts and figures, information on clinical trials, treatment decision tools, etc. Links to information on local American Cancer Society offices, local resources and events in local communities.

Cancer Care (www.cancercare.org) National non-profit organization provides free professional support services for anyone afflicted by cancer. In tri-state area, provides counseling, education workshops, community programs and practical help.

Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) For caregivers, people living with dementia and their families, professionals, researchers and the general public, offers information on latest Alzheimer’s care strategies, research findings, and advocacy initiatives. Updates on Alzheimer’s Association programs and events. Links to New York City chapter.

Alzheimer’s Research Forum (www.alzforum.org) Basically aimed at research community, provides up-to-date articles, abstracts. Also information on disease onset, drug development, disease management (including frequently asked questions, diagnosis, tests for the disease) and care giving.

Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) Provides information on the condition, fitness, nutrition, treatments, symptoms, and daily living.

American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) Information on nutrition, fitness, lifestyle, prevention, and research. Links to local events and community programs.

American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org) For patients, caregivers, researchers, etc. Information on diseases and conditions (e.g. warning signs of heart attach and stroke) preventing, managing and treating conditions, lifestyle considerations and advocacy.

National Association for the Visually Handicapped (www.navh.org) Provides the “hard of seeing” with services, vision aids and information about available assistance. Includes information on conditions (cataracts, macular degeneration, etc.), large print publishers, vision aids, and offers catalogue of devises (lamps, magnifiers, electronics, binoculars, etc.)

Lighthouse International (www.lighthouse.org) Non-profit organization dedicated to preserving vision and helping people overcome challenges of vision loss. Information on eye disorders, how the eye works, preventing eye disease, tips for confident living (e.g. eating out), clinical services (e.g. rehabilitation, orientation and mobility training)

Hearing Loss Association of America (www.hearingloss.org) National Association to provide assistance and resources for people with hearing loss and their families. Information on hearing loss, assistive technology (e.g. digital cellphones), advice on getting professional help. CARE AND CAREGIVERS/RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS

Aging Parents and Elder Care (www.aging-parents-and-elder-care.com) Advice and resources for those caring for elders. Includes checklists (e.g. dealing with elder drivers) advice on daily living, referrals to eldercare services, support groups, articles, etc.

American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (www.retirement- living.com). Information on home and community-based services, senior housing, assisted living, nursing homes, continuing care retirement communities, legal issues.

American Health Care Association (www.ahcancal.org) A non-profit federation of state health organizations representing care providers. Information for long-term care providers, residents and families. Includes suggestions on finding and evaluating a nursing home, assessing needs, coping with the transition, etc.

Visiting Nurse Service of New York (www.vnsny.org) Home health care providers that offer a wide range of services for seniors. These include information on various conditions, treatments and services to consider, as well as advice on caring for aging parents, legal and financial tips, and suggestions for talking to doctors and family.

Eldercare Locator (www.eldercare.gov) A service of the Department of Health and Human Services that can connect you with local agencies on aging.

National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (www.caremanager.org) Referrals to care managers in your area.

AFICS Websites for Seniors (last updated on 3 December 2014).