As a large home care agency, Family Resource often needs to access outside information for our clients, other professionals, and for ourselves. Over the years, here are some of the websites we have found most useful. If you think I’ve missed a good one, please let me know!
AARP
www.aarp.org
AARP is the largest and most influential association of aging Americans. An organization for people age 50 and over, AARP has been in the forefront in advocating for seniors. For some people AARP has become too big with too much of an invested interest in selling its own products and services; still it provides solid information on health, financial, caregiving, and other topics of interest to over 37 million AARP members.
Aging Life Care Association
www.aginglifecare.org
Formally known as the National Association of Geriatric Care Managers, the ALCA is a rapidly growing organization of geriatric professionals who provide vital support to families.
Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (Washington State)
www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa
Formally known as ADSA, ALTSA provides Washington State specific information regarding adult protective services, adult family home placement, in-home care, nursing facility placement and financial aid. They have many online publications, resources and numerous links for caregivers as well.
Alzheimer’s Association
www.alz.org
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support, and research. The Association’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Caring Connections
www.caringinfo.org
Caring Connections, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), is a national consumer and community engagement initiative to improve care at the end of life.
Elderweb
www.elderweb.com
Elderweb is an immense directory of eldercare resources available on the internet. Grouped by category, it is easy to navigate and I never fail to find interesting information.
Family Caregiver Alliance
www.caregiver.org
The FCA provides information on a wide variety of topics useful for anyone caring for an elderly person. Although very California-centric, they are all about championing the needs of families and friends providing long-term care for loved ones at home. They always have excellent information.
Home Care Association of America
www.hcaoa.org
The HCAOA (formally known as the NPDA – National Private Duty Association) is the national organization for home care agencies which provide primarily custodial or non-medical care. The site includes a listing of members searchable by state, so when asked for a referral to a home care agency in another state, I often start with HCAOA. The Washington State chapter of HCAOA is the Washington Home Care Association (WAHCA) and can be found at www.wahca.org
Senior Services of Seattle/King County
www.seniorservices.org
A comprehensive connection to community services for seniors and caregivers, Senior Services provides information on services for seniors in King County, that includes chore services, counseling, employment, health care, home repairs, housing, legal services, nutrition programs and transportation. Every area in the state has its own Senior Services organization and it’s often the best 1st place to go for information on services in a specific community.
Washington State Department of Health
www.doh.wa.gov/
In addition to being a large state agency tasked with the health of Washington State residents, the DOH is also the regulatory body for in-home service agencies including home care, home health, and hospice.
WebMD
www.webmd.com
Although not necessarily geared toward home care, WebMD is an extremely comprehensive and well-regarded website with access to thousands of articles on virtually every medical topic.
