GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Sites below are maintained by federal agencies. We suggest also doing a search with the name of your state and terms like caregiver, caring or Family resources to see what other resources are available where you live. Larger cities may also have websites with specific information available for caregivers.
Accessible Transportation Resource Center – Click on “community Transportation Database”, enter your zip code to find Transportation in your area. Page also includes other accessible transportation links. An ACL website
Administration for Community Living A comprehensive collection of government programs and policies to provide support related to health and wellness. Specific information by topics, such as long term care,housing, American Disability Act, is accessed by a drop down menu titled A-Z.
Aging Care On this website you can enter your zipcode to find inhome care or senior housing, find information on many care topics, and care guides on such topics veteran’s benefits, family caring for family and creating a care plan,
Alzheimers.gov Information on Alzheimers and other dementias, including FTD. Also tips on living with Dementia, caregiving, where to find clinical trials and information on government action. Goal is to connect people with dementia or their caregivers to federal resources. NIH website.
Americans Disability Act National Network Your one-stop resource for information, technical assistance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act. Click on your state to find what is offered in your area. Information on service animals, effective communication, accessible parking, and how to plan accessible events.
Assistive Technology Scroll down to find your state and information on what is available for you. Assistive Technology (AT) is any item, device, or piece of equipment used to maintain or improve the functionality of people with disabilities, allowing them to be more independent in education, employment, recreation, and daily living activities. AT includes the services necessary to get and use the devices, including assessment, customization, repair, and training. There are helps in finding and buying Assistive Technology and a ReUse program for equipment that are no longer needed by the original user. Funded by the AT Act.
Benefits.gov Click on your state for a list of government agencies that provide assistance. See below for more information.
Cancer.gov The federal government’s principal agency for cancer research and training. There is information about the different types of cancer, treatment, a dictionary of cancer terms, articles about financial aspects, how to provide support, what to tell other family members. You will have access to a variety of PDF booklets on different aspects of caregiving and supporting the patient and family.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National public health agency of the United States, providing information and guidance on various health topics and issues. Learn about healthy aging, seasonal flu, obesity, suicide,a particular disease and more, by searching the A-Z grid on the home page. This page https://www.cdc.gov/disability-emergency-preparedness/ has information on preparing for emergencies for those with a disability.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Straightforward collection of government issued guidelines, directives and publications. I want to draw attention to this page on pilot programs or Innovation Models that are available for enrollment https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/models. And particularly this Dementia Caregivers program https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide that begins in July 2024. If you are a fit for any of these programs you could receive better care and help shape the future of caregivers. Information under “Providers & Services” on how to file claims, complaints or appeals; how to get care in a disaster or an emergency , find medical equipment or care providers, and compare procedure costs. Easy to navigate.
Consumer Finance.gov This page has information for persons who have power of attorney, are a trustee or a court appointed guardian to manage money and financial decisions for someone else.
Department of Labor – FMLA Start here for information on the Family and Medical Leave Act. The FMLA entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave.
Disaster Assistance provide disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance
Eldercare Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration for Community Living connecting older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Since 1991, the Eldercare Locator has been linking those who need assistance with state and local agencies on aging, as well as community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers. Help includes services such as meals, home care or transportation. Check out the Caregivers Corner. An ALC website
HealthCare.gov Compare health plans and prices available in your area, and enroll in the one that best meets your needs. Need dental coverage too? Discover 2 ways to get it.
Insure Kids Now Millions of children and teens qualify for free or low-cost health and dental coverage through Medicaid & the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn about coverage options for your family or help us spread the word about free or low-cost health insurance coverage! Select your state for information.
Job Accomodation Network JAN helps employers recognize the valuable contributions that qualified workers with disabilities add to the workforce by providing accommodation solutions, trusted strategies, and practical guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Job accommodations play a vital role in creating inclusive workplaces, advancing the goals of the ADA, and increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. a service of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy
Justice.gov The mission of the Department of Justice is to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights. Most requested information includes: what to do when seeking guardianship. Senior Scams. and Financial Exploitation.
Long Term Care.gov Research suggests that most Americans turning age 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives. This website provides basic information so you can begin to think about how you will handle the need for long-term care. Menu includes: Needs, Who Pays, Medicare and Medicaid, Housing and Legal. Click on “Find Local Services” for links related to long term care costs. Check the link to State and National Data for median costs in your state.
Med-Line Plus MedlinePlus is a service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the world’s largest medical library, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Our mission is to present high-quality, relevant health and wellness information that is trusted, easy to understand, and free of advertising, in both English and Spanish. Anywhere, anytime, on any device—for free. Topic buttons lead to drop down menus with extensive and comprehensive information. Want to know what your medication is for? What happens and what information is obtained in a specific test? Latest information on a specific disease? This is your resource for all that and more.
Medicare This website provides help in finding providers and the drug plans best for you. Extra Help is a program for low income assistance. You must sign up for Medicare through Social Security (see link below). Care Compare https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/ allows you to type in your zipcode to access lists of providers, such as doctors, nursing homes, hospice, with contact information and ratings. Helpful resources to choose your health care providers.
Medicaid You must start here – scroll down to the map and click on your state for your information. This page lists Mandatory and Optional Benefits https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/mandatory-optional-medicaid-benefits/index.html Spend down procedure is explained here https://www.oms.nysed.gov/medicaid/resources/medicaid_spend_down.pdf
National Aging and Disability Transportation System “Transportation helps older adults maintain their independence and links them to services they need. Whether they drive their own cars or utilize a public bus, older adults depend on accessible transportation to get them everywhere from the grocery store to their doctor’s office.” Aimed at setting up rural programs, grants and funding. Click here: for tips, printable id/ information for those living with dementia to travel by themselves. To find transportation in your area click here: Type in your zip code and check the services provided by your local Area on Aging.
National Family Caregiver Support Program funded as part of The Older American Act starting in 2000 to support families providing care. Provides education for caregivers on a variety of topics. There is a section on Hospice, things to consider in choosing hospice, when to start and where to find services. Click on your state for specific information. “Related Topics” includes subjects related to government programs
National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute Focus on implementing national programs to help lower the risk for and consequences of heart, lung, blood, and sleep diseases and disorders. Health topics has A-Z listing on particular conditions. The Health Education button leads to related information.
National Institute on Mental Health Transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses. Learn more about mental disorders, such as BiPolar disorder, ADHD, Schizophrenia, and anxiety, as well as treatments and therapies. Where to find clinical trials,information on topics, as suicide prevention and dealing with traumatic events. You can request information booklets on different disorders, both in English and Spanish
National Institute on Aging NIA provides health information about common health conditions in older adults. Choose from the a to Z list. The quick basic overview provided is especially helpful for a caregiver who is unfamiliar with a condition such as diabetes, or cataracts. Also information on long-distance caregiving, exercise and other topics.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke – Click on the name of the disorder for information on that condition. You can also order booklets on a number of the conditions and use them for advocating for your LO – or educating other family members. on a wide variety of diseases and conditions. The complete catalog can be found here https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/publications Some are available in a printable PDF format and others are available in a printed booklet format which you can order free. Spanish language editions are available. A number of materials on stroke. Comprehensive booklet on Frontal Temporal Disorders. Download here: https://order.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2019-04/Frontotemporal-Disorders-booklet-508.pdf
Nutrition.gov Scroll down to “ Nutrition Tips for Every Stage of Life” and select the appropriate designation. For “older adults” there is a list of links to other government and educational sites with specific information. Also a section with recipes. “Topics” will provide links on dietary supplements, food safety, meal planning and shopping and more.
Ready.gov Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. Very easy to navigate website that covers the gamut from natural disasters to home fires to losing power. Choose the options that fit your situation and think about what YOU need to have and to do ahead of time.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes Start with the Find Help button for information on services, including Call or Text 988 Suicide Prevention.
S.H.I.P. SHIP is your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program. SHIP provides unbiased help to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. Whether you are new to Medicare, reviewing Medicare plan options, or have questions on how to use your Medicare, SHIP can help. Scroll down to the bottom and click on the orange button to find your state.
Social Security Includes information on social security benefits, forms to apply for help in getting a card, etc. This is where you will sign up for Medicare as well.
Supplemental Security Income – SSI is a benefit from Social Security that provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources.
TSACares.gov Disabilities and Medical Conditions If you need assistance during screening, you or your traveling companion may talk to the TSA officer about the best way to complete the screening process. . A drop down menu will let you choose from such things as mobility issues, blindness, respiratory equipment, implants and more. You may inform the TSA officer of your disability or medical condition verbally, by using the TSA Notification Card or by providing medical documentation
US Aging USAging “represents and supports the national network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocates for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs that help older adults and people with disabilities live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. To achieve this, we are committed to building a society that values and supports people as they age. Check the Resources and Aging Services tabs for help in your area”. Has a network of other specific topic websites that are listed and identified in other sections of this compilation based on topic.
Veterans Administration Scroll down to find the help you need and how to apply for benefits. Must be a military veteran. There is a separate and comprehensive website for caregivers https://www.caregiver.va.gov/ Scroll down for links to caregiver tips , including videos on safe transfers and other topics. All applications and appeals can be assisted by a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) who has been trained and certified in the VA claims and appeals process.
Vote.gov This page goes directly to how to vote with a disability. In most states, you can register to vote online or by mail, but how you return the ballot will differ according to state. There are links to check this out. If you plan to vote in person, there is a checklist of provisions for accessibility of the polling place so you can plan in advance. Click on the home page for additional information on voting in federal, state and local elections.
