Administration on Aging
In response to the growing number of older people and their diverse needs, the Administration on Aging (AOA), serves as the federal focal point and advocate agency for older persons and their concerns. Through information and referral and outreach efforts at the community level, AOA seeks to educate older people and their caregivers about the benefits and services available to help them.
Medicare
Find information on what Medicare covers, who is eligible and how to enroll. Search to get personalized reports on Medicare health plans, nursing homes, dialysis facilities, participating physicians and prescription drug programs in your area. Use the new search tool to find available Medicare-approved drug discount cards and compare prices for your prescriptions. You can also find new publications explaining the Medicare-approved drug discount cards and read about the changes to Medicare made by the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Find out about Medicaid and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The site http://cms.hhs.gov/consumers is designed to help seniors, health care providers and researchers easily find information on these, and other CMS programs including Medicare. For people with low income or limited resources, the Web site offers information about how the Medicaid program can help with medical costs and will provide Medicaid information by state.
The Resource Directory for Older People
Designed to help seniors find the information they need, the directory is a comprehensive listing of federal agencies, AOA-supported resource centers, professional societies, private groups and volunteer programs. The directory is arranged alphabetically by organization name, and there is a general subject index. The Resource Directory for Older People is a cooperative effort of the NIA and the Administration on Aging (AOA), and is also available by calling (800) 222-2225.
Talking with your Doctor: A Guide for Older People
This guide provides information on how to communicate effectively with your doctor and other topics including: preventing disease and disability; discussing your diagnosis; talking about treatments; making the most of medications and what to do if you are hospitalized or have to go to the emergency room. It provides a resource list for further information. Also available by calling the National Institute on Aging at (800) 222-2225.
Prescription Medicines and You
Taking medicines is not always as simple as swallowing a pill. It can involve many steps and decisions each day. Whether you are using a medicine yourself or helping a child or an adult, it is easy to get off track. This guide provides information on how to take part in decisions about your treatment, how to watch for problems, what questions you should ask about your medicine and tips on keeping a medicine record list. Also available by calling the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality at (800) 358-9295.
Exercise: A Guide from the National Institute on Aging
You're never to old too exercise! This guide is for anyone who wants to take those first steps toward an active lifestyle. The scientists and doctors at the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health collaborated to produce this book. It contains valuable information about how exercise and proper nutrition are crucial for staying healthy as we age and provides useful tips on establishing and maintaining a regular exercise program. Also available by calling (800) 222-2225.
Safety For Older Consumers: Home Safety Checklist
This booklet gives tips on home safety in a checklist format. Although geared for older consumers, it contains critical information for people of all ages. Available from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at (800) 638-2772. Ask for Document #701.
The Basics: What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse, like other types of domestic violence, is extremely complex. Generally, a combination of psychological, social, and economic factors contribute to the occurrence of elder maltreatment. This fact sheet provides information on the reasons for and types of elder abuse. It also provides State Elder Abuse Hotline numbers, where available. Also available by calling the National Center on Elder Abuse at (202) 898-2586. The Center is funded by the Administration on Aging.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
This fact sheet provides an overview and related information and resources on the many reasons why grandparents step in to care for their grandchildren.
A Grandparents' Guide
This guide offers information and tips to help grandparents become nurturing role models. It also includes a safety checklist on child-proofing the home.
