Websites for Seniors

http://www.society-csa.com Website of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, which lists all current CSAs in good standing by area of the country and includes helpful information about the CSA program.

http://www.aarp.org AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) is the largest organization in America other than the Catholic Church! The AARP website includes wealth of articles on many topics and links to other sites devoted to issues that matter to seniors. The website also identifies services and information available to AARP members

http://www.agingwithdignity.org Aging with Dignity is a nonprofit organization which exists to preserve the rights of the sick, aging, and dying. Includes the forms and information for �the Five Wishes,� an excellent starting point for family discussions about planning for end of life issues.

http://www.alz.org Website of the Alzheimer�s association, with extensive information about the disease, and support and services for patients and caregivers.

http://www.agelessdesign.com Information about Alzheimer�s and related dementia diseases.

http://www.cms.gov A US government website, this provides a one stop source of information about the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Now includes a consumer-friendly assessment of home health care agencies in all areas of the country. Searchable by zip code.

http://www.medicare.gov The official US government Medicare website, with detailed information about the program.

http://www.wismedrx.org/ Information about the Medicare prescription drug program compiled by the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups.

http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/seniorcare/ Website describing Wisconsin�s Senior Care program which provides prescription drug coverage for Wisconsin seniors (Medicare approved through June, 2007).

http://www.medicarerights.org Medicare Rights Center (MRC) is the largest independent source of health care information and assistance in the United States for people with Medicare. Founded in 1989, MRC helps older adults and people with disabilities get good, affordable health care.

http://www.ssa.gov The official website of the Social Security administration, organized in a clear and helpful way.

http://www.seniors.gov This is the federal government�s �firstgov� website specifically organized for seniors, with news and links to information and websites useful to senior citizens.

http://www.firstgov.gov This is the federal government�s compilation of links to all federal programs. It is extensive, fascinating, and the volume of information can be overwhelming!

http://www.geron.org Website of the Gerontological Society of America provides a referral service to experts in aging, such as care giving, as well as resources, publications, and other information.

http://www.aca.gov Website of the US Commission on Aging, with helpful resources and links.

http://www.aoa.gov/ Website of the US Department of Human Services Administration on Aging, containing many articles about and of interest to seniors.

http://www.cwag.org Website of the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups. Excellent resources regarding Elder Law and issues of interest to seniors. Membership in CWAG entitles seniors to discounts on prescription drugs from Canada among other benefits.

http://www.adrc.co.marathon.wi.us Website of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Marathon County, WI which provides information about services available to Marathon County WI seniors (Note: other Wisconsin counties have similar websites). The site has excellent links to other valuable resources for seniors.

http://www.unitedwaymc.org Website of the United Way of Marathon County, WI. Provides information about services and FirstCall, a single source seniors can use to find help about many issues. Also a good place to scout local volunteer opportunities.

http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/aging Summary of services available to seniors in Wisconsin.

http://www.partnershipforcaring.org Provides information about end of life issues. Also has state-specific forms for living wills and medical powers of attorney (also called Advanced Directives).

http://www.seniorlaw.com Website with information about elder law issues, Medicare, Medicaid, estate planning, and the rights of the elderly and disabled.

http://www.eldernet.com Provides links to other websites of interest to seniors. It was developed by a Massachusetts attorney who practices elder law.

http://public.findlaw.com/ Links, organized by topic, to resources about various legal issues.

http://www.elderlawanswers.com/ Website with information about elder law issues, Medicare, Medicaid, estate planning, and the rights of the elderly and disabled.

Note: Readers are encouraged to consult an attorney with legal questions and concerns.

http://www.va.gov Website of the United States Veterans Administration, that describes many programs and benefits available to veterans and their families.

http://www.hiaa.org Consumer information guide about long term care

http://www.longtermcareliving.com Long term care education and information

http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/LTCare State of Wisconsin site that describes options for providing long term care and pilot programs being provided in Wisconsin counties that provide nursing home alternatives.

http://www.insure.com
Comparative quotes on Long Term Care (LTC) insurance

http://www.longtermcarequote.com Website that provides comparison quotes and a publication that provides an overview of Long Term Care insurance

http://www.caremanager.org/ Website for seniors and parents that describes services that can be provided by Professional Geriatric Care Managers

http://www.NIHSeniorHealth.gov A talking website launched in October, 2003, that is designed for seniors with vision problems. Has received �rave reviews.�

http://www.healthcompass.org Provides older adults and caregivers with a self-study program designed to help seniors make well informed decisions about health and lifestyle issues.

www.benefitscheckup.org A service of the National Council on Aging (NCOA)

http://www.ncoa.org The information below was reprinted from Gannet Newspapers, June 22, 2004 because of its potential importance to senior citizens, HFG clients, and their families.

A confidential service, BenefitsCheckUp contains more than 1,150 different programs from all 50 states. Programs listed include those that provide seniors with financial assistance, legal services, health care, home energy and housing assistance, in-home services, educational opportunities, employment opportunities, and volunteer opportunities.

To use the program, go on line (www.benefitscheckup.org) and complete a questionnaire that takes about 15 minutes. In a few minutes, you�ll get a report detailing all the programs and services for which you qualify.

In addition to identifying the programs that a person may be eligible to receive, the website also provides a detailed description of the programs, local contacts for additional information, and materials to help a person successfully apply for each program. This is a tremendous service! Nearly one million people have turned to BenefitsCheckUp to find out about programs and save money.

You�ll be amazed at the wide array of programs that are out there, but according to the NCOA, millions of seniors are eligible for public benefits but are not receiving them, either because they don�t know about them or don�t know how to apply. In fact, NCOA studies show that:

� 25 percent of all people screened by BenefitsCheckUp were eligible for, but were not receiving, food stamps � 40 percent were eligible for home weatherization programs � 17 percent were eligible for Medicaid

Here�s what you need to have ready when you go on line:

1) Your state and zip code 2) Date of birth for yourself and your spouse 3) Your type of residence (house, apartment, mobile home) 4) Length of time in your current residence 5) Employment history for self and spouse (whether each person ever worked for the state, local, county, or federal government) 6) Veteran status for self and spouse 7) Names of prescription medicines you are taking (it is recommended that you have available the prescription bottles or information about your medications from your health professional) 8) Current income and assets from all sources for self, spouse, and other in the household 9) Estimates of current expenses, such as a. Mortgage or rent b. Utilities c. Out of pocket medical bills d. Expenses for caring for someone at home

http://ncoa.org/index.cfm?bType=ie4 National Council on Aging website has news and information important to seniors.

http://www.funeral-help.com/ The aim of this website is not to disparage the death care industry but rather to educate the public as to their rights, options, and resources. Hopefully you will gain some valuable insights and learn to protect your family's assets when the time comes, and it will come ... for us all.

Some Financial Planning Websites of General Interest

http://www.hermeningfinancialgroup.com The website of Hermening Financial Group, with news, calculators, and links to information and research about investments and planning issues.

http://www.fpanet.org/ The Financial Planning Association� (FPA�) connects those who need, support and deliver financial planning. We believe that everyone is entitled to objective advice from a competent, ethical financial planner to make smart financial decisions.

http://www.fool.com Website of the popular newspaper series, the Motley Fool, with a broad range of financial information and advice.

http://www.529directory.com Directory of 529 college savings plans.

http://www.kiplinger.com Website of Kiplinger�s publications with excellent resources, calculators, and information.

http://www.smartmoney.com Website of Smart Money, the Wall Street Journal�s consumer magazine, oriented toward investments but with some general financial information.

http://www.quicken.com Website of Quicken, the popular software for money management, with many planning resources.

http://money.cnn.com Website with content from Money magazine.

In addition, most brokerage, mutual fund, financial planning, and insurance companies maintain websites to assist consumers with planning issues.