RESOURCES

The Best Senior Resources

They help seniors, their families and caregivers to prepare their homes and lives for successful aging in place.

Looking for Financial Advice from a Professional? Planning for retirement is not easy and advice is often times too complex to understand. These helpful resources will provide the advice and tools you need to get started and to make financial planning less of a burden.

A Guide to Finance for Seniors reviews the important financial considerations for older adults including ways to ensure you are cashing in on tax credits, deductions, senior discounts, help you prepare for taking Social Security, how to build a retirement portfolio, and ensure your estate is in order. 

The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors has on its site a growing list of more than 50 fee only fiduciary financial planners (they do not charge a commission). They are focused on how to help you outline a path to achieve your financial goals.

National Foundation for Credit Counseling  is an established network of non-profit counseling agencies that provide a step-by-step process on how to handle problems ranging from bankruptcy to student loan debt to an evaluation of your budget and financial goals.

Nerd Wallet provides consumers and small businesses with the tools, information, and insights they need to make financial decisions. Check out their dynamic retirement calculator where you can plug in your age, savings, and income to determine when you can retire.

The American Association of Retired Persons is the nation's largest non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Americans age 50 and older to live lives of independence, dignity, and purpose. This site provides real world tips and tools to protect your loved ones. 

Looking for an Aging Life Care Professional near you? You may use the Aging Life Care Manager® Search Tool.

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research.

A Crisis Guide for Caregivers of Seniors with Alzheimer's or Other Dementia available through Caring.com. Find trusted advice and tips on how to handle common crisis situations and locate essential resources to help you navigate the complexities of caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

 For seniors veterans living at home and enrolled in the VA heath care system, the Guide to Long Term Service and Supports  provides helpful guidance to resources and information about long-term care including various home and community-based residential care options available.  

ATTENTION VETERAN ENTREPRENEURS

There are several resources for veterans that may help veteran entrepreneurs reach their goals, Here is a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know  to help veterans prepare and flourish in business: How to Start a Small Business: A Veteran's Small Business Guide with Tools and Financial  Resources. 

There are over 2,500 benefit programs nationwide. Find out what benefits may be available in your area. 

MEALS on WHEELS is a nationwide network of community-based, non-profit programs dedicated to providing older Americans in their communities with nutritious meals at little or no cost, if you meet eligibility requirements.  

Enter your zip code at the Meals on Wheels website to learn more about this service.

A Comprehensive Guide to Elderly Resources explains a variety community resources and programs available to help seniors and their families and how you can access them.  A printable copy of the guide is available.

One in ten adults over age 60 + have experienced some kind of elder abuse. This guide defines the different types of abuse, outlines the signs of abuse, offers ways you can help, and how to properly report it.

A Senior's Guide to Fentanyl explains what Fentanyl is, why it is a threat, and tips for talking to adult children and grandchildren. Learn tips on how to recognize the signs of Fentanyl use. The website has helpful articles and interactive drug education videos.  A printable copy of the guide is available.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. 

What is Substance Abuse Treatment: A Booklet for Families Created for family members of people with alcohol abuse or drug abuse problems. Answers questions about substance abuse, its symptoms, different types of treatment, and recovery. For additional resources on substance abuse and mental health, please visit the SAMHSA Store.

Senior Guidance is an organization dedicated to helping older adults during their most difficult times. They provide numerous helpful resources and articles on senior living, aging, dementia, senior care, caregiving, and more.  Older adults and their caregivers can search and find 50,000+ senior living facilities across every city, town, and county in the United States.

Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly Pace® assist people age 55 and older by providing and coordinating all types of care a senior may need such as medical care, personal care, rehabilitation, social interaction, medications, and transportation. To qualify for PACE, seniors must be certified by their state to need nursing home care and live in a PACE service area (covers 264 centers in 31 states). PACE can be contacted by calling  Medicare at 800-633-4227.

MEDICARE

Where can I find updated and accurate information on Medicare plans, benefits, and features for Pennsylvania and other states? 

The Medicare Plans Resource Center team of experts help current and future Medicare recipients build their understanding of Medicare while navigating the complex system. They assist the families and loved ones of older adults and people with disabilities to find actionable solutions to the health care coverage problems. Learn more about Medicare and your Medicare Rights.

VISION

Would you please recommend the best websites which cover vision health, vision disorders, and treatment options? 

The top most trusted websites on vision include the following:

American Foundation for the Blind. Call 800-232-546. The foundation provides referrals to rehabilitation centers, state agencies, low vision clinics and other services.

Eye Smart. Call 415-447-0219. This organization was created by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and provides information on eye diseases and makes referrals to ophthalmologists, some of whom offer low-cost eye care to provide to people over age 65.

Glaucoma Foundation. Call 212-285-0080. The foundation provides information and referrals to local glaucoma specialists and connects sufferers to support groups. Its newsletter, Eye to Eye, is available on the website free of charge.

National Eye Institute. Call 301-496-5248. The Institute supports research projects and provides information on eye diseases, the latest research and treatments.

HEARING 

Financial Assistance for Hearing Aids: A Complete Guide for Older Adults

A helpful guide to secure affordable hearing aids provided by insurance, health care professionals, and other resources at national, state, and local levels.

ISOLATED  SENIORS

Is there a nationwide program that reaches out to lonely, depressed, isolated, frail and/or suicidal older adults?

The Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line at 800-971-0016 is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. It is the only program nationwide that reaches out to isolated and depressed older adult and have a friendly conversation. Trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed older adults.

ADVANCE DIRECTIVES

I think it may be time to prepare my advance directives. Where can I find free 

downloadable forms for each state?

When you prepare your advance directives, complete the state specific one to where you live. Remember to get information on life-sustaining treatments that may be available and decide what type of treatment you would or would not want. Be sure to share your end of life wishes and preferences with your loved ones and physician.

Download your state-specific advance directive form here.

INTERNET SAFETY

Where can I learn more about Internet Safety for Seniors?

The Internet provides numerous opportunities for people to meet people, conduct business, assess records, support hobbies and interests and more. Seniors can learn to take advantage of the opportunities without falling prey to predators. To help seniors become more aware of potential risks online and how they can better protect their personal information go to the website Protect Seniors Online.

NURSING HOMES

Where can I go online to learn more about a nursing home's quality of service and treatment of its residents?  

Nursing Homes Compare, a website provided by Medicare has detailed information about every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the United States. Search here at https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/

for nursing homes based on a location and compare the quality of care.