Agencies and Articles on Aging

Most agencies on aging get funding through the Older Americans Act. They offer a wide range of services in the areas of:

• Home care help
• Retirement planning
• Legal problems and financial help
• Social services
• Public benefits
• Counseling
• Education training
• Advocacy for elder rights
• Protective services
• Elder abuse prevention

If you or a loved one needs help with an age-related matter — such as health care, social security, or Medicare/Medicaid —national and statewide agencies can help.

Individual Agencies

Check with the agencies listed below for more information:

• Alzheimer's Association — A network of more than 280 chapters nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association provides support groups for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's. It also connects caregivers to resources to increase patient care and funds research efforts toward a cure for Alzheimer's.
• American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) — AARP provides members with publications on all topics related to older adult issues. It also advocates for legislation to improve older adult lives.
• National Council on Aging — The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit advocacy group working to help older people be financially independent and improve their health.
• National Institute on Aging — The National Institute on Aging is the federal government's agency providing research and policy proposals to serve older adult Americans.
• America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) — A trade association for insurance providers. AHIP offers information on the types of health insurance plans available to Americans, young and old. It discusses laws affecting health insurance coverage and eligibility requirements.
• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys — Established by the Older Americans Act, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging is a national organization. It helps local and community-based agencies in delivering older adult care services. The organization also provides a care locator to help older adults find their needed services and support.
• American Society on Aging (ASA) — The ASA works to educate older adults about the legal, healthcare, and social issues they may face as they age. The ASA also has an expanded network of branches focusing on specific groups within the older adult community, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) older adults and those with cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
• Medicare — Medicare is a government-funded health insurance program for older adults and other eligible people. Medicare offers a hotline to get information at 1-800-MEDICARE.
• Social Security Office — The Social Security Administration provides benefits to older adults at a certain age. It can also connect people to other services, such as healthcare and disability benefits.
• National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) — This nonprofit organization provides education and support for home care, elder care, and hospice providers.
• National Association of Area Agencies on Aging — Established by the Older Americans Act, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging is a national organization aiding local and community-based agencies in delivering older adult care services. The organization also provides a care locator to help older adults find their needed services and support.
• Caregiver Action Network — This national organization provides support and advocacy for family caregivers. This can include adult children caring for their aging parents or older adults caring for their spouses after suffering a debilitating injury or illness.

Helpful Older Adult Law Articles

Whether you need advice on legal matters, home safety, or communication with your older adult loved one, the following articles provide easy-to-understand insights and answers.

• Caring for Aging Parents — Understanding the legal and financial considerations of caring for an older adult relative is important. (FindLaw)
• Crimes Against Persons Age 65 or Older — Provides data from the National Crime Victimization Survey and the Uniform Crime Reports to summarize levels and rates of violent and property crimes against those age 65 or older. (U.S. Department of Justice)
• Getting Credit When You're Over 62 — Explains your rights and offers tips for applying for and maintaining credit. (Federal Trade Commission)
• Grandparents' Rights: Custody and Visitation — Information and tips about grandparents' rights to receive custody and visitation rights on their grandchildren. (Findlaw)
• Preventing Falls in The Home — Features a quiz to see how safe you are in your home. (FindLaw)
• Talking With Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People — Covers tips for good communication, discussing sensitive topics, and more. (National Institutes of Health)

Articles on Older Adult Abuse

The following article outlines signs of abuse and the reasons behind it. Gain a clearer understanding of the topic and learn how to identify and address potential signs of mistreatment.

• Older Adult Abuse and Neglect — Covers older adult abuse, signs of older adult abuse, reasons abuse occurs, and more. (American Psychological Association)

Long-Term Care Articles

The following articles provide information to help you make informed decisions about long-term care options and insurance.

• Consumer Information about Long-Term Care — Provides information on long-term care services, what to look for in a long-term care insurance policy, and a glossary of terms. (American Health Care Association)
• LTC Insurance: Is Long-Term Care Insurance Right For You? — An open and honest discussion can help secure the right kind of care at the right time. Here is some advice about how to get started. (FindLaw)
• Choosing a Long-Term Care Facility — Long-term care facilities are for those who need 24-hour monitoring, personal help, or nursing care because of a physical or mental condition. (FindLaw)
• LTC (Long-Term Care) Insurance: Risks and Benefits — Insurance companies advertise long-term care insurance as a necessary protection against the high cost of care. But is it a good investment? (FindLaw)

Articles on Residential Care Facilities

Whether you're considering assisted living or nursing homes, the articles below will help you make an informed decision. Find practical guidance on entering nursing home contracts and learn about the rights of nursing home residents.

• Assisted Living Residences — Find out what assisted living may offer and what to look for when evaluating it as a new home. (FindLaw)
• Nursing Homes: Making the Right Choice — Explains key issues, alternatives to nursing homes, important selection factors, nursing home resident rights, and more. (National Institute of Health)
• Do's and Don'ts of Nursing Home Contracts — Provides do's and don'ts for entering into a contract with a nursing home. (FindLaw)
• Nursing Home Resources — Who can help you decide about long-term care? (NIH)
• Rights of Nursing Home Residents — Lists some important rights of nursing home residents. It covers visitation, medical care, and more. (FindLaw)
• Alzheimer's Facilities: How to Find Proper Residential Care for Alzheimer's Patients — Older adults with Alzheimer's disease have special care needs. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a long-term care facility. (FindLaw)

Seeking Legal Guidance

If you're dealing with legal issues about your older family member or figuring out things like power of attorney, consider contacting a lawyer for legal help. Many lawyers provide free consultations to hear your situation and offer initial advice. Find an elder law attorney near you today.