Old Colony Planning Council (Area Agency on Aging) www.ocpcrpa.org
70 School St.
Brockton, MA 02401
Telephone: 508 583-1833
FAX: (508) 559-8768
Email: ocpc@ocpcrpa.org

Old Colony Elderly Services, Inc.
144 Main Street P.O. Box 4469
Brockton, MA 02301
Telephone: 508 584-1561
Toll free: (800) 242-0246
FAX: (508) 897-0031
Email: info@oc-elderly.org

State and Regional
Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) www.ma-elderaffairs.org/
Center for Health Policy and Research www.umassmed.edu/healthpolicy/links.cfm
The Gerontology Center www.bu.edu/gerontology/summer.htm
Common Wealth of Massachusetts, Department of Revenue www.dor.state.ma.us:

Federal
U.S. Administration on Aging www.aoa.dhhs.gov
Social Security Administration www.ssa.gov:
Medicare/Medicaid/Insurance:
www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/medicaid.htm: Medicaid
www.hcfa.gov/medicare.htm: Medicare
www.nccnhr.org: National Citizen's Coalition for Nursing Home Reform
http://www.medicare.gov: The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare

National Resources

1. National Council on Aging: provides news, programs, health information, and links for seniors, providers and family members. www.ncoa.org

2. Geriatric Care Managers: These individuals are especially helpful when an elder's caregiving needs are complicated. The specialists are either nurses or social workers who can assist with short-term medical emergencies or provide privately and the fees vary from state to state. For more information call the National Association of Geriatric Care Managers (520) 881-8008 or www.caremanager.org

3. Family Therapist: When a caregiver feels alone in the caregiving process, family therapists will often assist to relieve some of the stress. Many times a family therapist will hold a family meeting to discuss the various issues that arise when caregiving issues arise. Payment for this service varies as some health insurances cover the cost of it. For more information contact your local Elder Services, the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (1-800-347-6647), or www.iamfc.org.

4. Elder Law Attorney and Certified Financial Planner: These individuals can assist families and caregivers with financial and legal matters. Since nursing home and private home care can become costly, an elder law attorney and/or financial planner can help an elder and/or caregivers prepare for such events. For more information contact the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (1-800-322-4237).

5. Family Caregiver Alliance: Family Caregiver Alliance is a community-based nonprofit organization offering support services for those caring for adults with AD, stroke, traumatic brain injuries and other cognitive disorders. Programs and services include an Information Clearinghouse for FCA's publications. This organization provides information on out-of-home care options. There are a variety of settings that may be appropriate for an elder (e.g. assisted livings, nursing homes, adult foster care), and many caregivers are uncertain as to how each setting differs. For more information write to them at 690 Market Street, Dept. P, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94104 or look at their web site www.caregiver.org.

6. National Family Caregivers Association: This is a non-profit membership organization, which unites caregivers across the United States. By becoming a member a caregiver receives support and validation, public awareness, educational materials, and most importantly the organization strives to maintain the caregiver's best possible quality of life. To become a member or receive more information call (1-800-896-3650) or visit their website at www.nfcacares.org.

6. Children of Aging Parents (CAPS): This is a non-profit organization, which seeks to support caregivers to the elderly. It provides information, resources, support groups, and educational materials to caregivers. Members of the organization receive a bi-monthly newsletter and a 15% discount on educational materials. For more information and a list of the educational materials that CAPS can provide caregivers call (1-800-227-7294). http://www.caps4caregivers.org , www.careguide.net

7. The Elder Care Locator: This is a nation wide directory assistance program, which connects caregivers and/or older persons with local support resources for aging adults. For more information call (1-800-677-1116).

8. Councils on Aging (COA)/ Senior Centers: These are organizations, which provide information, and referral services regarding community resources for elders as well as a variety of recreational and social activities for elders.

9. The Elder Line: This is a telephone information and referral service for elders, which will direct callers to resources throughout the nation as well as answer questions on elder care. To access this service call (1-800-243-4636).

10. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP): This is an organization for people who are 50 years of age or older which provides a variety of services to it's members which includes information and educational materials. To learn more about AARP or to become a member call (1-800-424-3410).

11. Alzheimer's Association: This nonprofit association supports families and caregivers of patients with AD. Almost 300 chapters nationwide provide referrals to local resources and services, and sponsor support groups and educational programs. Online and print versions of publications are also available at the web site http://www.alz.org (1-800-272-3900).

12. Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center This service of the National Institute on Aging is funded by the Federal Government. It offers information and publications on diagnosis, treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, long-term care, education and training, and research related to AD. Staff answer telephone and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources. Publications and videos can be ordered through the ADEAR Center or via the web site http://www.alzheimers.org (1-800-438-4380).

13. The National Institute on Aging Information Center The National Institute on Aging (NIA) offers a variety of information about health and aging, including the Age Page series and the NIA Exercise Kit, which contains an 80-page exercise guide and 48-minute closed-captioned video. Caregivers can find many Age Pages on the web site. http://www.nia.nih.govl-800-222-2225

14. Well Spouse Foundation Well Spouse is a nonprofit membership organization that gives support to wives, husbands, and partners of the chronically ill and/or disabled. Well Spouse publishes the bimonthly newsletter, Mainstay 212-685-8815 1-800-838-0879 Web address:http://www.wellspouse.org

15. The American Health Care Association provides information about long-term care with regards to skilled nursing facilities. Visit their web site at: www.ahca.org/info/family_guide/family_guide.htm

16. Retirement Living Information Center, Inc. is located at 19 Ledgewood Road, Redding CT 06896;tel# 203-938-0417;fax 203- 761-8634. They have a web site that offers information on senior living options at www .RetirementLiving.com. The Retirement Communities and Senior Housing section can be used to explore and select housing alternatives.

17. National Alliance for Caregivers

18. Families and Work Institute www.familiesandwork.org

19. iSafetyNet.US www.isafetynet.org

Other Resources

AARP www.aarp.org:

Family Caregiver Alliance www.caregiver.org

Children of Aging Parents www.careguide.net

National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) www.nfcacares.org

WFD Consulting www.wfd.com

Work and Family Connection www.workfamily.com