Agencies and Articles on Aging

Most agencies on aging are funded according to the Older Americans Act and provide a wide range of services in the areas of:

• Home care assistance
• Retirement planning
• Legal and financial help
• Social services
• Counseling
• Education training
• Advocacy
• Abuse prevention

If you or a loved one needs help with an age-related matter -- such as health care, social security, or Medicare -- there are both national and state agencies that may provide helpful assistance.

Individual Agencies

Check with the individual 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, connects caregivers to resources to increase patient care, and funds research efforts toward a cure for Alzheimer's.
• American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) - Probably the best-known older adult advocacy group, AARP provides members with publications on all topics related to older adult issues and 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 individuals be financially independent and improve their health.
• Children of Aging Parents - A branch of the Family Service Association, Children of Aging Parents offers support groups for adult children who act as caregivers to their parents.
• 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 provides information on the types of health insurance plans available to Americans, young and old, and discusses laws affecting health insurance coverage and eligibility requirements.
• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys - This organization founded by attorneys focusing on legal issues specifically affecting older adult individuals provides an attorney directory, information about recent legislation, and updates on recent court cases affecting older Americans.
• 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 specific cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
• Medicare - Medicare is a government-funded health insurance program for older adults and other eligible individuals. In addition to providing resources online, Medicare also offers a hotline for individuals to obtain information at 1-800-MEDICARE.
• Social Security Office - The Social Security Administration provides benefits to older adults at a certain age and can connect individuals 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 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 the services and support they need.
• Caregiver Action Network - This national organization provides support and advocacy for family caregivers, whether 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

• Caring for Aging Parents -  It's important to understand the legal and financial considerations of caring for an older adult relative. (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 persons 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 & Visitation - Information and tips regarding grandparents' rights to receive custody and/or visitation rights concerning their grandchildren. (FindLaw)
• Law and Aging Resource Guide -- Find Legal Help in Your State - Covers older adult law, free or reduced-cost legal help, selecting an attorney, and more. (American Bar Association)
• 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, how to discuss sensitive topics, and more. (National Institute of Health)

Articles on Older Adult Abuse

• 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

• 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 require 24-hour monitoring, personal assistance, 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 really a good investment? (FindLaw)
• Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance - Explains this insurance covers services needed by those with chronic illness or disability. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Articles on Residential Care Facilities

• Assisted Living Residences - Find out what Assisted Living may have to 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 - 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 when making decisions about long-term care? (FindLaw)
• Rights of Nursing Home Residents - Lists some important rights of nursing home residents, covering 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)

If you have an older adult law concern or other legal concerns about your loved one, start by talking with an attorney. Many offer a free consultation to understand your situation.