State & Local Resources
AARP Tax-Aide – The AARP supports the largest, free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service. With over 7,000 locations, you should be able to find a Tax-Aide location near you. They maintain an easy to use search by zip code page. See our posts on taxes.
Alzheimer’s Association – The Alzheimer’s Association website provides information on the latest Alzheimer care strategies, research findings and advocacy initiatives. They also provide updates on Alzheimer’s Association programs, partners and events. To find a regional, or local, support check out the Alzheimer’s In My Community page. See our posts on Alzheimer’s.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) – Assists adults age 50 and older and their caregivers. General information and assistance for seniors and their caregivers, Medicare and Medicaid assistance, out-of-home care, senior transportation programs, and senior center locations are examples of services provided by AAAs. They can be reached at www.eldercare.gov, or 800-677-1116.
Aging and Disability resource Centers (ADRCs) – Promotes the integration of long-term care information and referral services, benefits and options counseling services, and access to publicly and privately financed services and benefits for those in need of long-term supports and their families. ADRCs assist people of all incomes and ages in 43 states. To find out if your area is served by an ADRC, visit www.adrc-tae.org.
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) – CILs assist people with disabilities of all incomes and ages, and focus on consumer control. A state-by-state directory of CILs can be found by visiting www.ncil.org/directory.html. Note: The National Independent Living Council would like you to know that, “the words ‘Independent Living’ have been appropriated by the nursing home industry. CILs are not residential facilities and are opposed to segregation and forced institutionalization of people with disabilities.”
Elder Abuse Resource List – AARP has a state-by-state elder abuse resource list posted on their site. Elder abuse can take many forms of mistreatment—including physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse, as well as neglect. If you know of, or suspect, elder abuse please use this page to find and contact the appropriate organization in your state.
Funeral Consumers Alliance – Funeral Consumers Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting a consumer’s right to choose a meaningful, dignified, affordable funeral. The FCA offers pamphlets/newsletters on funeral choices, monitors funeral industry trends and practices, serves as a consumer advocate for legal and regulatory reform and helps 100 funeral planning societies stay in touch with each other and exchange ideas. While they maintain a directory of local affiliates, there’s a great deal of consumer information on national site. See our posts on funerals.
Hospice and Palliative Care Locator – Operated by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) the locator offers a number of options for searching, including by state, county, city and zip. You can also search for the types of services offered by the local organization, including inpatient palliative, pediatric, grief and bereavement. You can also call the call the NHPCO HelpLine at 800-658-8898.
National Association of County Veteran Service Officers – The County Veterans Service Officer knows the extent, the meaning and the application of laws that have been passed by the U.S, Congress in the interests of veterans and their dependents. They also know the rules and regulations adopted by the Department of Veterans Affairs to clarify and implement those laws. The County Veterans Service Officer will apply specialized knowledge in the best way suited to the needs of every individual veteran or other beneficiary who comes to the office for assistance. (Find a local service officer) See our posts on veterans.
National Association of State Units on Aging – The National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA) is a non-profit association representing the nation’s 56 officially designated state and territorial agencies on aging. NASUA’s mission is to, “…advance social, health, and economic policies responsive to the needs of a diverse aging population and to enhance the capacity of its membership to promote the rights, dignity and independence of, and expand opportunities and resources for, current and future generations of older persons, adults with disabilities and their families.” Also, check our post on NASUA.
National Parkinson Foundation – The NPF website contains a good number of resources that include publications, links to related sites, NPF Programs, local support groups and doctors. See our posts on Parkinson’s.
Social Security Administration – If you live in the United States and you want information and directions to the Social Security office that serves your area, just enter your U.S. Postal Service five-digit ZIP code below and select Locate. You’ll get information about your local Social Security office and other agencies in your area that may be able to help you.
State-by-State Help for Family Caregivers – A resource is intended to help you locate government, nonprofit, and private programs in your area. It includes services for family caregivers, as well as resources for older or disabled adults living at home or in a residential facility. It also includes information on government health and disability programs, legal resources, disease-specific organizations and more.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – The State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, is a national program that offers one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. Through federal grants directed to states, SHIPs provide free counseling and assistance via telephone and face-to-face interactive sessions, public education presentations and programs, and media activities.
State Insurance Departments – The best sources for company and agent licensing information. In most states, they can offer assistance to consumers if they have questions or complaints about credit unions, insurance companies, banks, securities, and HMOs. If you have questions, or concerns, about Medicare insurance plans, you may want to check with your state insurance commissioner.
State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) Office – Has information about state programs that help pay health and nursing home costs, as well as services in the community, for people with low incomes and limited resources. Find the contact information for your state. Note: You may have to do some digging in the state sites to find the right department. See also How Does Your State Support the Aging Population?
Today’s Caregiver Magazine Regional Resources – A resource locator that offers information at the county level, including: support groups, non-profit resources, financial aid, products and services and rural caregiver resources.