National Resources
Aging Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Benefits & Entitlements Bereavement Caregiving Case Management & Home Care Disease-Specific Organizations Elder Abuse, Neglect & Fraud End of Life Financial Management Food & Meals Health Hearing Hospice & Palliative Care Home Modifications & Emergency Response Systems Legal Services Loneliness & Social Isolation Long Term Care Facilities Mental Health Transportation Veterans Vision Impairment & Blindness Without Walls Programs
AGING
AARP
www.aarp.org
Find a broad array of resources and information on health, finances, medications, retirement, finances, home, family, benefits and more. Learn about current news and research as well as AARP programs available in your area.
Administration on Aging (AoA)
https://www.acl.gov/about-acl/administration-aging
The AoA is the principal agency of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services designated to carry out the provisions of the Older Americans Act. This website clearly explains the different aging services programs that are covered by federal funding (senior centers, aging and disability resource centers, etc.) and helps users access government sites that provide services for older adults.
Eldercare Locator
https://eldercare.acl.gov/
(800) 677-1116
A service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, this website will help you locate your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and other community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers. AAAs are public or private nonprofits designated by states to address the needs and concerns of all older persons.
Legal Services for the Elderly (Title III-B)
https://acl.gov/programs/legal-help/legal-services-elderly-program
(202) 401-4634
The federal Administration for Community Living provides legal assistance on many issues including income security, healthcare, long-term care, nutrition, housing, utilities, protective services, defense of guardianship, abuse, neglect, and age discrimination. This assistance is targeted towards older individuals in social and economic need.
MoMA's Prime Time Program
https://www.moma.org/calendar/programs/63
Learn how New Yorkers aged 65+ can engage with MoMA’s collection and special exhibitions; free monthly programs at the Museum, as well as customized Museum visits and/or community-based programs are offered for individuals as well as aging-services organizations within New York City.
Next Avenue
https://www.nextavenue.org
Connect to public media’s first and only national journalism service for America’s booming older population; daily content delivers vital ideas, context and perspectives on issues that matter most as we age.
NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA)
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/index.page
As the Area Agency on Aging in NYC, DFTA provides information and links to local senior centers, naturally occurring retirement communities, case-management and home-care agencies, home-delivered meal programs, mental health and friendly visiting programs, and much more in each borough.
SAGE – Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders
https://www.sageusa.org/what-we-do/
Access an array of services nationwide for LGBT elders and their caregivers. From advocacy to counseling as well as education and training, this organization is the “go to” for support to the LGBT community.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE & DEMENTIA
ADEAR Center (Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center)
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/about-adear-center
(800) 438-4380
A comprehensive source of information about Alzheimer’s Disease.
Alzheimer’s Association
https://www.alz.org
Multi-lingual 24/7 Helpline: (800) 272-3900
TDD: (866) 403-3073
A national organization with local chapters that provides education and support to all who are affected by the disease.
Alzheimer’s Store
https://www.alzstore.com
(800) 752-3238
Search for products to assist those with dementia and their caretakers. Products address safety and wandering, activities of daily living, falls, forgetfulness, entertainment, etc.
Caringkind
https://www.caringkindnyc.org/
(646) 744-2900
24/7 Helpline: (646) 744-2900
This NYC-based organization for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving offers a helpline run by professional staff; individual and family counseling sessions with licensed social workers; a network of support groups; education seminars and training programs; early stage services; and a wanderer’s safety program.
Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Met Escapes Program
https://www.metmuseum.org/events/programs/met-tours/met-tours-disabilities/met-escapes
Learn about this program designed specifically for visitors with dementia and their care partners; directed discussions about art, art making and other interactive and multisensory activities are offered.
BENEFITS & ENTITLEMENTS
Benefits CheckUp
https://www.benefitscheckup.org
Offered by the National Council on Aging, this is a comprehensive web-based service that determines eligibility of benefits programs for seniors with limited income and resources.
Government Benefits Search Tool
https://www.benefits.gov/
This U.S. Government benefits website is a free, confidential tool that can help you find government benefits you or a loved one may be eligible to receive.
Medicare
https://www.medicare.gov
24/7 helpline: (800) MEDICARE / (800) 633-4227
This is the official U.S. government website on Medicare; on the site you’ll find resources including the ability to find and compare doctors, hospitals and other providers; access forms and information about various plans; and create an account to change plans. You can also report Medicare fraud. Helpline is bilingual English/Spanish.
Medicare Rights Center
https://www.medicalrights.org/
Helpline: (800) 333-4114
Trained volunteers and staff can help you understand your Medicare benefits, find the right coverage, and understand how any existing coverage works with Medicare.
Medicaid
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/index.html
This is the official U.S. government website on Medicaid; on the site you’ll find resources including the ability to search for state-specific eligibility requirements, application procedures and downloadable application forms.
Social Security, Disability Issues, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
https://www.ssa.gov
(800) 772-1213
TTY: (800) 325-0778
Call this federal agency Monday through Friday, 7:00am-7:00pm EST, to speak with a Social Security representative; recorded information available 24/7. The website offers social security information in several languages.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/
Visit this federal resource to learn more about the SNAP program and whether you’re eligible. SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy individuals so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.
BEREAVEMENT
GriefShare
https://www.griefshare.org/
Join a weekly GriefShare group in your area; also available, free daily email messages that offer encouragement to help guide you through the healing process.
The Compassionate Friends
https://www.compassionatefriends.org
(877) 969-0010 or (630) 990-0010
With local chapters throughout the country, this organization offers supportive services and an online support community to bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings after the death of a child of any age.
National Widowers Organization
https://nationalwidowers.org/learn/
1-800-309-3658
Find information or men regarding grieving and where to find help; resources include a virtual “Widower to Widower” peer support program for those who want to contact each other.
CAREGIVNG
AARP
https://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/
(888) OUR-AARP /(888) 687-2277
Find an array of caregiver resources and information on this section of AARP’s website including support networks; financial, legal and benefit matters; grief and loss; end-of-life and advance directives; funeral arrangements and bereavement; and traumatic loss.
Caring from a Distance
https://www.cfad.org
This organization provides support to those taking care of an older loved one from a distance. Services include information about legal, financial, health care, and emotional issues; Caregiving Conferencing, in which a facilitator assists during a family conference call; and secure storage of medical and other information about your loved one for access by anyone you allow.
CaringBridge
https://www.caringbridge.org
Create a free personalized CaringBridge website that supports and connects loved ones during periods of critical illness, treatment, and recovery. This tool can be used to coordinate support and tasks, update family and friends through journaling, and more.
Caregiver Action Network
https://caregiveraction.org
Caregiver Help Desk: (855) CARE 640
Access free education, peer support, online forums and other resources for family caregivers across the country. The care support team is available through the help desk or via website chat to help you find the information you need to help navigate your complex caregiving challenges.
Well Spouse Association
https://www.wellspouse.org
This nonprofit membership organization gives support to wives, husbands, and partners of the chronically ill and/or disabled. Use the website to connect to or start a local support group, participate in the online forum, or search for resources.
The Jewish Board’s Bikur Cholim Coordinating Council (BCCC)
https://jewishboard.org/about-us/programs-services/jewish-community-services/bikur-cholim-coordinating-council/
Bikur cholim means "visiting the sick" in Hebrew and is the act of individuals or groups providing support to people who are ill, homebound, isolated and/or otherwise in distress. Use the website to access a directory of local Bikur Cholim programs and resources for creating one of your own.
CASE MANAGEMENT & HOME CARE
Aging Life Care Association
https://www.aginglifecare.org
(520) 881-8008
Search for “aging life care” practitioners in your area who are part of this membership organization for paid professional case managers; also see the helpful list of questions for you to use when considering one.
Medicare and Home Health Care
https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/home-health-services.html
(800) MEDICARE
Find types of home health care covered by Medicare (Parts A and B), eligibility details, and the official booklet from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.
New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA)
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/find-help.page
Find a DFTA-funded case-management agency in the five boroughs of NYC.
DISEASE-SPECIFIC ORGANIZATIONS
The below organizations offer vital education and up to date resources to support you through issues of prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, maintenance and quality of life issues. Some also provide supportive resources and local chapter directories.
American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org
(800) 227-2345
American Diabetes Association
www.diabetes.org
(800) DIABETES / (800) 342-2383)
American Heart Association
www.heart.org
(800) AHA-USA1 / (800) 242-8721
American Parkinson Disease Association
www.apdaparkinson.org
(800) 223-2732
American Stroke Association
www.stroke.org
(800) AHA USA or (800) 242-8721
Arthritis Foundation
www.arthritis.org
(844) 571-4357
National Kidney Foundation
www.kidney.org
(800) 622-9010
National Osteoporosis Foundation
www.nof.org
(800) 231-4222
National Parkinson Foundation
www.parkinson.org
(800) 473-4636
ELDER ABUSE, NEGLECT & FRAUD
911
If you suspect serious, threatening or dangerous abuse or neglect of an older adult, please call 911 or your local police station for immediate help.
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Provided by local and state governments, APS services ensure the safety and well-being of older adults who are or may be in danger of being mistreated or neglected, or who are unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm. To find APS in your city, call your local Area Agency on Aging or a local government official.
National Center on Elder Abuse
http://www.aginginplace.org/guide-to-recognizing-elder-abuse/
(202) 898-2586
This federally-funded national resource for information and materials on abuse and neglect also covers topics such as interventions, laws, and best practice guidelines.
New York State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
https://www.ltcombudsman.ny.gov
This government program advocates for older adult and persons with disability who live in nursing homes, assisted living and other licensed adult care homes by investigating and resolving complaints made on their behalf. Learn more about resources and help available to help residents understand and exercise their rights.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
https://www.uspis.gov/tips-prevention/mail-fraud/
Find tips on protecting seniors from telemarketing and mail fraud schemes, including sweepstakes, as well as a resource for reporting fraud.
END OF LIFE
Funeral Consumers Alliance
https://funerals.org/
(802) 865-8300
Learn about your consumer rights and options, as well as the best process for planning a fair and affordable funeral; this network of affiliate groups and volunteers is ready to help those in need at the time of death or those who are thinking ahead. them based on the quality of care they provide.
The Conversation Project
https://theconversationproject.org/
Access tips, video resources, a starter kit and downloadable forms to help you or others talk about and/or document wishes for end-of-life care. (Note: DOROT is pleased to be able to support you in completing a conversation.)
MJHS Hospice and Palliative Care
https://www.mjhs.org/our-services/mjhs-hospice-palliative-care/?ds_rl=1277439&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIirnJi9LB5QIVUODICh3Ufg9AEAAYASAAEgL-OvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Access compassionate care to support patient palliative and hospice needs at end of life. This NYC-based non-profit helps patients and families address the needs of chronic or advanced illness through an array nursing, homecare, social service and spiritual services.
Visiting Nurse Service of New York Hospice and Palliative Care
https://www.vnsny.org/how-we-can-help/hospice-palliative-care/
(212) 609-1900
Access compassionate care to support patient palliative and hospice needs at end of life. This nonprofit health care organization is a resource for a variety of home health needs including hospice and palliative care (in Manhattan’s five boroughs) and home care (in NYC as well Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties).
What Matters, Caring Conversations About End of Life
https://jccmanhattan.org/jewish-life/jewish-ritual-life/what-matters/what-matters-faqs
Find forms and an array of resources about advance care planning and learn from a diverse group of rabbis and religious leaders speaking about end of life issues and Jewish tradition through Sage Voices, a video series. (Note: DOROT is pleased to be able to support you in completing a What Matters conversation; our trained facilitators can help you thoughtfully consider and document your end of life healthcare preferences and choose an appropriate health care agent/proxy.)
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Bill Payer Program of the New York City Department for the Aging
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/bill-payer-program.page
This government program partners with a financial-technology company to help older adults manage their household bills. Use this website to find out if you or someone you know is eligible for this service, understand how it works, and connect with your local case management agency to get started.
Silver Bills
https://www.silverbills.com/
(866) 653-4427
Contact this company to learn how it can help lift the burden of bill paying for you or a loved one. Clients are assigned a trained customer service representative who becomes the main contact and provides support.
American Association of Daily Money Managers
https://secure.aadmm.com/
(814) 357-9191
Search for daily money managers in your area who are part of this national membership organization and gain knowledge about the role of money managers and how to choose one.
FOOD & MEALS
Feeding America
https://www.feedingamerica.org/
(800) 771-2303
Find a local food bank, soup kitchen, or food pantry through the nation's largest charitable hunger-relief organization.
Meals on Wheels Association of America
https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org
(888) 998-6325
Find a Meals on Wheels program anywhere in the country for you or a loved one aged 60+; to be eligible, one must be unable to make a nutritious meal or have no one to do so. Call the local provider to learn how to get started.
HEALTH
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Healthfinder
https://healthfinder.gov/
Review disease and other health information using this resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: search an A-Z topic database, find services near you, and get personalized prevention services recommendations.
NIH Senior Health
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health
Use this National Institute on Aging resource to stay abreast of aging-related health information and research; e-mail lists available on a variety of topics.
HEARING
Hands On
https://handson.org/
(212) 740-3087
Learn how this NYC-based nonprofit provides accessibility to arts & cultural events for the Deaf and hard of hearing communities.
Hearing Loss Association of America
https://www.hearingloss.org
Access hearing loss basics, information on technology and devices, and a directory of HLAA professional members across the country; read about financial assistance available through Medicare and state agencies and find a local chapter for emotional support, camaraderie, and education.
Independent Living
https://www.independentliving.com/category/HEARING
(800) 537-2118 / (855) 746-7452
Search for products to assist those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing through this mail order company.
HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
https://www.nhpco.org/
(703) 837-1500
Download state-specific forms for living wills and healthcare power of attorney, and access free publications about hospice, palliative care, advanced directives, bereavement and more. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) staff and materials available.
Hospice Foundation of America
https://www.hospicefoundation.org
(202) 457-5811 or (800) 854-3402
Find educational materials on issues related to caregiving, terminal illness, and bereavement, as well as a state hospice locator.
Medicare
https://www.medicare.gov/hospicecompare/
This federal government resource allows you to search for hospices that serve your area and compare them based on the quality of care they provide. our area and compare them based on the quality of care they provide.
HOME MODIFICATIONS & EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEMS
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Fall Prevention Center for Excellence
https://www.homemods.org
Learn about and link to organizations involved with modifications and supportive housing and find related products that can improve your living environment.
Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0316-personal-emergency-response-systems-health-information-older-people
Get informed about personal emergency response systems (PERS), which are electronic devices designed to let you call for help in case of emergency while at home, even if you are unable to reach the telephone. Find helpful tips for how to select a device.
LEGAL SERVICES
Elder Law Answers
https://www.elderlawanswers.com
(866) 267-0947
Understand the basics of Eldercare Law and find local lawyers you can connect with through the website.
Law Help
https://www.lawhelp.org
Learn more about an issue, your rights, and where to find legal services near you. This national nonprofit assists people living with low incomes by providing referrals to local
National New Association
https://www.guardianship.org
(877) 326-5992
This membership organization establishes and promotes a nationally recognized standard of excellence. Get information about guardianship, related duties and responsibilities, how it may affect rights, and more. You can search for a professional across the U.S.
New York City Department for the Aging’s Assigned Counsel Project
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/legal-help.page
Run in partnership with the Civil Court of the City of New York , this program helps New Yorkers aged 60+ who are at risk of being evicted from their homes; find out if you are eligible for free legal help and social services by visiting the help center at the courthouse or asking the judge in charge of your case.
LONELINESS & SOCIAL ISOLATION
Connect2Affect
https://connect2affect.org
Use this website created by AARP Foundation to learn about the prevalence, main causes of and interventions for loneliness and isolation; search the directory for programs and services in your area.
The Foundation for Arts and Healing’s UnLonely Project
https://artandhealing.org/filmfest3
Watch and comment on videos from the Annual UnLonely Film Festival, which brings public awareness to the negative physical and mental health consequences of loneliness associated with a wide range of living conditions and circumstances while also exploring and promoting creative arts-based approaches to reduce the burden.
LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES
Long Term Care Community Coalition
https://www.nursinghome411.org
Find information and data on New York State nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Nursing Home Compare
https://www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/home.asp
(800) MEDICARE
Get detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country.
MENTAL HEALTH
Crisis Text Line
Text “HELLO” to 741741
This service is available 24/7 throughout the U.S. and serves anyone in any time of crisis. You will be connected to a counselor to provide information and support.
Geriatric Mental Health Foundation
https://www.gmhfonline.org/
(703) 556-9222
Review consumer and patient articles and information on a variety of issues and diseases related to older adults and find a geriatric psychiatrist in your area.
Mental Health America
https://www.mhanational.org
(800) 969-6642
Get information on a variety of mental health topics as well as links to local mental health providers.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
https://www.nami.org
Helpline: (800) 950-NAMI, (800) 950-6264
Learn about the types of mental illness and find support for unique populations (veterans, LBGTQ, family members, caregivers and more); also available, statistical data and information on warning signs and treatments.
National Institute of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/older-adults-and-mental-health/index.shtml
This government website provides topic-specific information and statistics as well as resources for finding a health or mental health care provider or treatment.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
(800) 273-TALK/ (800) 273-8255
Spanish: (888) 628-9454
TTY: (800) 799-4889
Call this free, confidential crisis hotline 24/7 to be connected to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network; centers provide counseling and mental health referrals.
Service Program for Older People (SPOP)
https://www.spop.org
Intake/Referrals: (212) 787-7120 Ext. 514
As the only non-profit organization in NYC entirely dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of older adults, the agency offers a range of mental health and support services delivered in its Upper West Side office, in the home, or at satellite clinic locations throughout Manhattan and in Downtown Brooklyn.
TRANSPORTATION
Access-a-Ride
https://access.nyc.gov/programs/access-a-ride/
(877) 337-2017 or (718) 393-4999
Review eligibility criteria and apply for public transportation for eligible customers with disabilities or health conditions that prevent them from using the public buses and subways for some or all trips. Access-a-Ride runs 24/7.
American Public Transportation Association
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/public-transportation-links/new-york/
(202) 496-4800
Get access to state and local links for all modes of public transportation.
VETERANS
Veterans Crisis Line
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/veterans-crisis-line.asp
Helpline: (800) 273-8255, Press 1
Text: 838255
Live Chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat
Start a confidential discussion, text or online chat session 24/7 with a specially trained responder. The Crisis Line connects Service members and Veterans in crisis, as well as their family members and friends, with qualified, caring VA responders.
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
https://www.va.gov / https://www.va.gov/geriatrics/
(844) 698-2311
Get a comprehensive list of programs available for veterans and their families, including health care, educational assistance, survivors’ benefits, and burial assistance. The federal agency’s Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care provides additional information and resources specific to older adult veterans.
VISION IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS
American Foundation for the Blind
https://www.afb.org/research-and-initiatives/aging require training and adaptations to improve someone's overall safety and independence.
Learn how you or loved one with an eye disease can live independently and productively: connect to local services, review a wide range of assisted living products and find resources and tools needed to continue to read, shop, cook, manage finances, and go out with friends.
Independent Living
https://www.independentliving.com/category/VISION
(800) 537-2118 / (855) 746-7452
Search for products to assist those who are visually impaired or blind through this mail order company.
Lighthouse Guild
https://www.lighthouseguild.org
(800) 284-4422
TTY: 711
Use the online Vision A-Z directory to learn about eye diseases and conditions, or learn how this NYC-based organization can help you coordinate care for eye health, vision rehabilitation, behavioral health and related services to help you reduce the burden of living with vision loss.
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
https://www.loc.gov/ThatAllMayRead
Part of the Library of Congress, this is a free library program of braille and audio materials circulated to enrolled patrons. People may be eligible for the program if they are blind, have a visual disability that prevents them from reading regular print, or have a physical disability that keeps them from being able to hold a book.
VISIONS-Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
https://www.visionsvcb.org/older-persons/?view=textise
(888) 245-8333
Get information about how this NYC-based nonprofit helps people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. Specific for older adults, it offers in-home vision rehabilitation training/adaptation and unpaid caregiver support. It also runs the first city-funded senior center exclusively for people aged 60+ who are blind or severely visually impaired in the U.S.
WITHOUT WALLS PROGRAMS
These phone-based communities offer a variety of opportunities for social engagement, lifelong learning, peer interaction and support groups for older adults who wish to get engaged from the comfort of their own home.
Covia Well-Connected
https://covia.org/services/well-connected/
(877) 797-7299
Family Eldercare, Lifetime Connections Without Walls
https://Familyeldercare.org
(888) 500-6472
Mather Lifeways, Telephone Topics
https://Matherlifeways.com
(888) 600-2560