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Wednesday Welcome: Resources for Active Aging

Today’s post is by Joy Loverde, author of The Complete Eldercare Planner. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, as many as 42% of employed Americans have provided eldercare in the last five years; 17% are currently doing so. This is an issue that is likely to affect all of us, and for today’s post, we asked Joy to pull together a list of her favorite resources, with explanations about how they can help. The list below will help both caregivers and those who need care.

Joy LoverdeEldercare. This time it’s different. In addition to taking on the myriad responsibilities associated with parent-care, we can now expect to add aging spouses and life partners to the equation.  At the same time, we have entered the era of “Unmarried America.” One in three baby Boomers is unmarried.

No matter what your lifestyle situation may be currently, well-being in later life depends on gathering resources and making better choices now.  To help you get started in the planning process, check out my recommended list of resources below:

Next Avenue. Geared for people 50 and over, sign up for their weekly newsletter to receive articles, blogs, and videos that address a wide range of financial, caregiving, health, and lifestyle topics.

Aging in Place Technology. Provides thought leadership, analysis, and guidance about technologies and services that enable older adults to remain in their home of choice for longer.

Elderweb. This award-winning research site offers professionals and family members information on aging, eldercare, and long-term care including legal, financial, medical, and housing issues.

Benefits Checkup. Enroll in public and private benefits programs. You will also have access to an online application for Medicare’s Extra Help.

Eldercare Locator. A public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, this site connects you to services for older adults and their families. You can also reach them at (800) 677-1116.

Golden Reviews. Make better care decisions by taking a look at eldercare from the inside out. By bringing transparency and accountability to senior care, this resource creates a platform of open dialogue between care providers, their residents, and families. Browse through a directory of hundreds of thousands of care providers.

Support Groups Clearinghouse. This resource brings people together around life’s challenges by providing concise, up-to-date-information and meeting places for individuals, their friends and families, as well as professionals who offer pathways to help.

National Association of Senior Move Managers. A professional association of organizations that assists older adults and their families with downsizing, relocating, medical transporting,  and home modifications.

Alzheimer’s Reading Room.  This one-stop shop offers extensive information on dementia, mental health, memory loss, and treatment. The goal of this resource is to educate and empower.

Well Spouse Association. This national nonprofit membership organization gives extensive support to wives, husbands, and partners of the chronically ill and/or disabled.

EldercareABC Blog. A visit to this website provides access to thousands of insightful and informative blog posts; a library of articles and resources; tele-classes around the most pressing caregiving issues; interviews with experts and authors; special community events; group chat sessions, and products reviews.

Restart Retirement. This interactive online resource incorporates knowledge on wellness, travel, finance, and the passions and pastimes of mature adults.

The Wright Stuff. Established by knowledgeable and extremely helpful health care professionals, customer services is what separates this online store from the rest.

National Academy of Elder law Attorneys. Membership is comprised of attorneys, judges, professors of law, and students dedicated to improving the quality of legal services to seniors and people with special needs. The website also features a “Find an Attorney” option.

About Joy: Joy Loverde’s best-selling book, The Complete Eldercare Planner (Random House, 2009) reflects the depth of her understanding for the needs of older Americans. “The book is the best we saw…” says the American Medical Association.  Joy’s media credits include the Today Show, CBS Early Show, CNN, and National Public Radio among others. Joy also serves as a consultant and spokesperson for corporations, professional advisors, associations, healthcare organizations, senior housing, manufacturers, and other members of the fast-growing mature-market industry. Find Joy on her website: www.elderindustry.com.