Senior’s Center - This general site covers a broad spectrum of subjects: geriatric health concerns, long-term care, elderhostels, grandchildren, living wills, sexuality and aging and LincAmerica which allows a senior to register "medical history, current medications, doctors of record, insurance form, people to contact, and any other significant information" for medical personnel in case of an emergency.

SeniorOptions - "SeniorOptions is a public service Internet site providing comprehensive, yet local (city or county) directories identifying the facilities, agencies, firms, practices, and businesses who help older adults through out (sic) the United States."

Senior Resource™ - This site is divided into several broad categories: understanding aging (positive aging; sociologic, physical, and metabolic changes), housing choices (relocation options), resources by state, finance (Social Security, estate planning, trusts, reverse mortgages), and insurance (Medicare, supplemental insurance, auto and life insurance).

The Senior Center - This site contains information of relevance to seniors, including information on travel discounts, bookstores, medical information, web giveaways, and more.

Yahoo! Seniors’ Guide - This page specifically aimed to seniors provides links to Cool Sites and Top Picks in a wide array of subjects, such as recreation and sports, travel, gardening, finance, health, books, food and dining, genealogy, computers, organizations, and government.

Eldercare Web - An excellent umbrella site for just about any topic of interest to seniors.

The Resource Directory for Older People - This Resource Directory which is a cooperative effort of the National Institute on Aging and the Administration on Aging provides "names, addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers of organizations which provide information and other resources on matters relevant to the needs of older persons."

SeniorsSearch - "The only search directory exclusively for the over 50 age group," this site begins with 62 categories which each have more specific subcategories and web page listings.

agepage.com - This information and resource directory supports the "aging population, elderly, homebound, disabled, physically challenged, senior citizens, caregivers."

FAMILY AND INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

LinkAge 2000 - LinkAge 2000 is a site geared toward educating students about aging and older adults. The Resources section includes an FAQ, information on careers in aging, a site searchable index and a glossary. This site also features a "Wisdom from our Elders" page and an interactive game on aging policy.

Senior Partners in Education - This program from Indiana University is designed to allow students and seniors to correspond with one another on a regular basis. Seniors need not be grandparents to participate, and they receive newsletters with ideas to share with their junior partners.

National Grandparents Day - Find out the history of Grandparents Day celebrated the first Sunday after Labor Day. This site includes facts about the founder and also suggests activities for the day for families as well as groups.

Grandparents Homepage - Grandparents Homepage provides grandparents with ideas for activities with grandchildren, as well as a discussion of issues and concerns of grandparents.

Grandparenting: The Essential Sites - An online source for grandparenting information provided by Third Age, an online magazine for seniors. Topics range from science for grandchildren to caregiving and education. The site also contains links to Third Age and grandparent forums.

Answers Magazine - This site is "devoted to adult children of aging parents who want concise answers to their myriad of questions." Topics include legal affairs, housing options, depression and more.

You and Your Aging Parents - This site offers suggestions on how to cope with aging parents and how to talk frankly about unpleasant possibilities.

SeniorSearch™ - This web site includes links to many topics of interest to seniors including hobbies, cruising, pets, seniors discounts, arts and crafts, auctions, antiques and collections, photography, health and fitness, hotel accommodations, air lines, coupons, RVs and camping and much more.

The Official Elderhostel Home Page - "Elderhostel is a nonprofit organization providing educational adventures all over the world to adults aged 55 and over." Users will find information on the history of Elderhostel as well as current programs available. An informative FAQ and site search are also included.

Senior Frolic - A site for seniors with plenty of free time on their hands. With over 500 sites, Senior Frolic includes just about every interest and hobby.

Useful Links for the Elderly (and Others) - The Administration on Aging (AoA) provides additional links that might be of interest to seniors. The subjects range from reference, news, and dictionary sites to people searches and telephone directories.

RVers Online - The Bulletin Board at this site posts information at least twice a week. Under the Information Resources for RVers section, you can find a topical index, top choices for RV sites, modem friendly RV parks, links to other Internet sites, and a bibliography of books of interest to RVers. In addition, articles, editorial, travelogues, postcards and a mailbox are included.

Yahoo! Airline Programs - Seniors who travel often by plane will want to check out this Yahoo! listing of airlines which offer senior discount fares. Four major airlines are linked to this page, each with their own Senior Program.

Age of Reason - This site strives "to provide you with practical information relative to seniors lifestyles." It provides links to federal, state, and local government, more than 1,000 U.S. cities, the media, entertainment, health, sports, travel, and organizations and associations.

RetireNet - In addition to chat rooms, RetireNet offers a variety of links to many sites relating to seniors on such topics as recipes, vacationing, health, hobbies, fun stuff, and social issues. There is also a Pen Pals Program and the site is searchable.

AARP - This is the site for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), one of the largest and most influential associations of people over the age of 50. The AARP site has loads of information on member benefits, volunteer and community programs and issues and advocacy. This site is also searchable.

The 60 Plus Association - "A nonpartisan seniors advocacy group with a free enterprise, less government, less taxes approach to senior issues." Users can read legislative alerts, see how their Congressional representatives are voting and peruse press releases.

National Council of Senior Citizens - Designed for seniors to use, this site is written in large type and is easy to navigate. It provides seniors with information on their insurance plans and other benefits of membership. It also provides a list of web sites of interest to seniors.

NARFE - The National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) "is the only association dedicated to protecting the earned retirement benefits of federal employees, retirees, and their survivors." Visitors will find information on local chapters, the executive board, member benefits, and legislative agendas.

SeniorNet - SeniorNet is a nonprofit organization for computer-using seniors. Although there is a cost for membership, members are eligible for discounts on computer-related products, computer classes, and a quarterly newsletter.

Third Age - The "online home of a vibrant online society," Third Age provides seniors with a place to find advice, chat with other seniors, and find information on a variety of subjects. Topics include health, money, romance, work, family, and much more. The site is also searchable.

Seniorcom - One of the first sites dedicated to seniors, this site features departments where users can post messages, check community calendars, research retirement communities, chat with other seniors, and read up on various topics of interest to seniors.

Seniors-site.com - This web site is dedicated to providing a "unique, informative, interesting, and entertaining website for: senior citizens, adults 50+, your children, grandchildren and caregivers." This site features advisors who can be e-mailed, an FAQ, special offers, and bulletin boards covering such topics as housing, caregiving, medical insurance, widowhood, grandparenting, penpals, and fraud.

Senior Cyborgs: Get Linked to the Net - An online magazine for seniors, their children and caregivers. Dedicated to providing pertinent information, this site also offers forums, chat rooms, and covers subjects such as health, legal issues, home and garden, travel services, and more.

Flying Solo - This online magazine covers "specific topics dealing with divorce and separation and matters affecting the elderly and disabled, as well as extensive file and media libraries in those areas." This site provides a simple content query search function. The Divorce and Separation section covers such topics as alimony, property division, taxation, bankruptcy and divorce, estate and health planning, and retirement issues. The Matters Affecting Elderly and Disabled section includes information on health care, estate, and retirement planning, Medicaid qualifications, patient’s rights in hospitals and nursing homes, and much more. To gain complete access to all the articles, you have to be a member and pay an annual fee, however, many of the articles are accessible to all.

Resources for Active Seniors - This site, maintained by a list enthusiast, has more than 40 links that give users a good idea of the variety of websites geared toward a senior audience. The broad categories of online magazines, chats and forums, cyber-penpals, and special interests are a good place for seniors to begin websurfing.

HELPFUL AGENCIES

Texas Department on Aging - Originally formed to "administer programs funded by the Older Americans Act," the Texas Department on Aging (TDoA) continues to provide programs and services to Texans over 60 so that they can "maintain their health, personal independence, dignity and ability to contribute to society."

Texas Aging Sites Index - This directory page links to state agencies, area agencies on aging, local agencies, and other directory pages with a direct link to Texas sites.

The National Council on Aging - The National Council on Aging (NCOA) "is a center of leadership and nationwide expertise in the issues of aging".

National Institute on Aging - The National Institute on Aging (NIA) "promotes healthy aging by conducting and supporting biomedical, social, and behavioral research and public education."

Leadership Council of Aging Organizations - "The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations is a coalition of national non-profit organizations concerned with the well-being of America’s older population and committed to representing their interests in the policy-making arena."

Department of Veteran Affairs - This searchable site from the Veterans Affairs Department contains information on benefits, facilities, special programs, and the organizational structure of the Veterans Affairs. It also provides a list of related links.

Administration on Aging - The Administration on Aging (AoA) provides extensive information for seniors, their families, their doctors, and their caregivers.

Green Thumb Web Site - "Green Thumbs, Inc., is America’s oldest and largest provider of mature- and disadvantaged-worker training and employment" and as such, operates the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), a federal program, which "provides training and employment opportunities to low-income, older Americans residing in rural areas." SCSEP participants must be 55 years of age or older and meet federal income guidelines. Green Thumb also operates "older worker training projects across the country…(that) involve occupational skills, classroom, or on-the-job training."

Senior Corps - This site provides information for people over 55 with volunteer opportunities in their communities. Programs available include Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and Retired and Senior Volunteers. Senior Corps is a division of the Corporation for National Service.

San Antonio OASIS - OASIS which stands for the Older Adult Service and Information System "is a national education organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults" ages 55 and older. Membership is free. Program topics comprise arts and humanities, health, fitness, consumer interests, and travel. Member volunteer opportunities include intergenerational tutoring in schools in the Northside Independent School District and working at the OASIS Center. A link to the National OASIS home page is provided.

NCEA National Center on Elder Abuse - This site serves as a clearinghouse to disseminate information and fact sheets on what elder abuse really is. It defines the major types of elder abuse as physical, sexual, emotional or psychological, neglect, abandonment, financial or material exploitation, and self-neglect. It discusses why elder abuse occurs and who are the perpetrators and it lists state and local agencies such as Adult Protective Services, State Elder Abuse Hotlines, Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, and others.

Elder Abuse: What Is It? What to Do About It? - This brochure from the Access to Justice Network describes what elder abuse is, tells who abuses and who is abused, explains why it happens and what should be done to prevent it.

The Elder Abuse Home Page - This site is part of Project B.E.A.R.: Building Elder Abuse Resources. It defines elder abuse, discusses policy, education and research, offers a selected bibliography on this topic, and links to other related sites on the Web.

SeniorLaw Home Page - "This is a Web site where senior citizens, their families, attorneys, social workers, and financial planners, can access information about Elder Law (Elderlaw), Medicare, Medicaid, estate planning, trusts and the rights of the elderly and disabled." In addition, this site provides many more links to additional Internet sites on those topics and more, such as long term care insurance, elder abuse and neglect, and federal and state government and federal court resources. There is a form available on the SeniorLaw Search Engine page that enables the user to search the text of all the files at SeniorLaw.

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. - This non-profit association geared to attorneys provides educational information and "networking and assistance to those who must deal with the many specialized issues involved with legal services to the elderly and disabled." Hot Links connect you to associations, organizations, community resources and social services, other legal resources, and state and federal resources.

Bet Tzedek Legal Services - This site provides extensive consumer information on social security, Medicare, and nursing homes (including Medicaid eligibility rules).

Crash Course in Wills & Trusts - This "course is a concise and practical guide" to wills and trusts. Topics included are the disposition of property, the probate process, a simple living trust, tax issues, estate planning, specialized trusts, living wills, guardianship, and durable power of attorney.

On-Line Guide to Nursing Home Law - This guide to nursing homes answers such questions as how to pay for nursing home care and how to ensure quality care.

Older Americans Act - Cornell University provides the full-text of the Older Americans Act from the United States Code Title 42 Chapter 35 Programs for Older Americans.

The Administration on Aging and the Older Americans Act - This fact sheet put out by the Administration on Aging explains the Older Americans Act, state and community programs, research and resources, and aging in the future.

National Senior Citizens Law Center - The National Senior Citizens Law Center provides advocacy for low income elderly individuals. "Requests may be made by telephone, by mail or by e-mail. NSCLC is available to serve in a purely supportive or advisory capacity, as active co-counsel, or as lead counsel in litigation and administrative aging matters." This site also provides extensive links to resources on the following topics: age discrimination, Medicaid, Medicare, nursing homes, Older Americans Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, pension rights, and Social Security/SSI.

Avoiding Fraud When Buying Long-Term Care Insurance: A Guide For Consumers and Their Families - This 39-page document was "undertaken to alert, educate, and warn consumers and their families" about major problems and traps of long-term insurance policies.

Protecting Senior Texans - The Elder Law and Public Health Division of the Office of Attorney General of Texas investigates and prosecutes businesses that defraud senior citizens. This site includes information about Medicaid fraud control, preventing elder abuse and neglect, selecting a nursing home, the rights of the elderly, and TRIAD (Crime Prevention for Seniors). It also offers consumer protection brochures, a legal column, and links to other resources for elders.

Consumer Alerts! - Some of the alerts issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are home equity loans, reverse mortgages, buying a used car, hiring a contractor, investment fraud, and telephone scams.

Fighting Fraud Against Older Consumers - This site provides special tips for seniors to deal with telemarketing fraud. It tells how to report fraud and discusses the Elder Fraud Project.

The Better Business Bureau - The Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides alerts and news, consumer advice and information, business advice and information, scam alerts and advisories, and reports on companies. The BBB Help Desk offers information and assistance on BBB Business Reports and complaint handling. The Resource Library provides consumer buying guides and business publications. You can search to locate the Better Business Bureau serving your community at this site.

Senior Sites - A "comprehensive web source of non-profit housing and services for seniors." The over 5,000 listings here are searchable by state and by type of care facility. This site also has links to other websites that may be of interest to seniors.

New LifeStyles Online - A "guide for senior living," New LifeStyles Online offers a database of retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing centers, classified into Alzheimer’s, care management, home health care, residential care, and more. Users enter one of 32 cities, select a category, and are presented with brief descriptions of facilities and addresses for more information.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities - The Better Business Bureau provides information on all aspects of continuing care communities, including benefits of, characteristics, payment plans, and tips on contracts.

Understanding and Selecting a Continuing Care Retirement Community - Sponsored by the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, the CCAC is an independent accrediting group which seeks to "maintain quality and integrity in retirement communities." This site features a complete list of accredited communities by state and also includes tips for choosing a facility.

AAHSA - The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) is "dedicated to providing high-quality health care, housing, and services to the elderly." Its mission is to influence public policies which concern senior citizens. This site offers tips on selecting retirement and nursing homes as well as consumer information and a Health Answers website.

HUD - Government site for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) covers topics ranging from deciding where to live and reverse mortgages to fraud information and federal housing programs. Also included are links to sites outside of the HUD page that may be of interest to seniors, such as the Social Security Administration, Consumer Information and the National Council on Aging.

Elderly & Disabled Services - Homepage for the City of San Antonio’s Elderly and Disabled Services provides information on five projects for the elderly and disabled. Although some parts of this site are under construction, telephone numbers for more information are included.

HomeCare/Hospice Agency Locator - This database containing more than 28,100 home care and hospice agencies is searchable by city, state, or the first three digits of the zipcode. You can select payment options (Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance, or patient pay), agency classification, certification, accreditation, licensure, and programs and services offered.

Senior Issues - This web page for the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) deals specifically with issues of interest to seniors such as tips when shopping for insurance, hints to avoid insurance fraud, and information about HICAP or Health Information Counseling & Advocacy Program which works with seniors in the area of benefits counseling. AAA Benefits Counseling allows the user to locate a benefits counselor for assistance with public and private benefits. Senior Issues also has a section dealing with Medicare supplement insurance rates, HMOs for Medicare beneficiaries, annuities, and long-term insurance. Links to key contacts and other senior web sites are included.

Company Profile - Users can use this site to "find out if the insurance company: is a legitimate company; will be around to pay your claims; and treats its policyholders fairly." You can search this site by company name to view profiles of some of the most frequently requested companies. Information included: company information (status of license, home state, origin, date of incorporation, date licensed in Texas, mailing address, telephone numbers, and types of insurance licensed to write), financial ratings, complaint ratios, and company history.

HMO Profiles - If you need to find out about HMOs before you make a selection, this is the site for you. The Texas Department of Insurance has gathered pertinent information on the HMOs serving the state of Texas. Included for each HMO is the address, attorney for service, service area, type, date the company was licensed, complaints as of 12/31/97, enrollment and utilization, and financial information such as the balance sheet, income/expense, and premiums and experses per member per month.

Consumer Information - This Texas Department of Insurance site provides links to and consumer information about various topics such as rate guides; auto, life, health, homeowners, and business owners insurance; consumer complaints; senior issues; and weather warnings.

Helping You with Your Insurance Complaint - This TDI site aims to help consumers file complaints with their insurers. Users are advised of their rights, and given suggestions for filing the complaint. The claims process is also described.

Viatical Settlements - The Federal Trade Commission’s brochure explains viatical settlements, investigates various options, discusses eligibility and financial implications, and offers consumer guidelines to help avoid costly mistakes.

National Viatical Association (NVA) - The National Viatical Association "is dedicated to financially assisting and effectively promoting the needs of people coping with terminal illnesses." The site includes a brief description of viatical settlements, an explanation of terminology, and a discussion in question-and-answer format about viatical settlements.

Viatical Association of America - "The Viatical Association of America has developed this Website to help you learn more about the industry, our association, and the services our members provide." This site answers commonly asked questions, links to member companies, and explains why to viaticate.

Ayudándolo con su Queja de Seguros - Esta página preparado por el Texas Department of Insurance trata del proceso para cómo presentar una queja. Contiene sugestíones para la ruta más efectivo para ser satisfecho con los resultados. En español

Medicare - This is the official web site for the United States Government Medicare information. This searchable site covers what is Medicare and managed care; offers contacts and publications, and reports about fraud and abuse and how to report it. The site provides "Medicare Compare (which) is an interactive database for Medicare beneficiaries and people involved in their care…(It) provides easy access to information about Medicare managed care plans, including costs, premiums and types of services provided." En español

Texas Information-Have a Question About? - If you have questions about your Medicare bill; getting Medicare, other health insurance, and other benefits; your health plan choices; the Railroad Retirement Board; or complaints, appeals, and other Medicare rights, this site answers them by providing the appropriate contact information.

HCFA: The Medicare and Medicaid Agency - The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) is "the federal agency that administers the Medicare, Medicaid, and Child Health Insurance Programs." The Beneficiaries page is the first stop in exploring this site. It provides links so that you can find local contacts, report suspected cases of fraud, get a Medicare Handbook, gather information on managed care or keeping your health insurance, and more. Other sections are Plans & Providers, States, Researchers, and Students. There is a lengthy FAQ that answers many questions about Medicare, nursing home coverage, fraud and abuse, Medicaid, Medigap, expenditures, and health care outlook.

HMOs for Medicare Beneficiaries - Information about HMOs for Medicare beneficiaries gathered by the Texas Department of Insurance. Many questions about HMOs are answered here, including costs, advantages and disadvantages, HMO laws, and deciding on whether or not to join an HMO. Telephone numbers and addresses are given for state agencies as well as Texas HMO Plans for further information.

On-Line Guide to Medicare - Bet Tzedek Legal Services offers a questions-and-answers site that covers various topics about Medicare such as eligibility, premiums, services provided under parts A and B, the appeal process, Medigap insurance policies, and signing over Medicare benefits to an HMO.

HMOs para Beneficiarios de Medicare - Informacíon sobre HMOs para beneficiarios de Medicare preparado por el Texas Department of Insurance. Varios preguntas seran contestados, incluyendo cuesta, ventajas y desventajas, cuidado de emergencia, y la decisión de un HMO o no. Numeros de teléfono y direcciónes por más información son especificados y también una lista de HMOs en Téjas.

TRS Home Page: Teacher Retirement System of Texas - TRS, a dedicated benefit plan, is the "state’s largest public retirement system in both membership and assets." This site gives retirees and active members a summary of different benefit programs such as retirement, health insurance, death benefits, and refunds. Also included is a section on calculating the standard annuity, information about TRS investments, and links to other sites.

Pension Review Board - This site is the Texas Public Pension Directory which includes system name, chairman or CEO, mailing address, telephone number, plan type, asset date and total assets for each pension plan in Texas.

Retirement Planning Resource Center - This site by Neuberger & Berman Management Inc answers many questions concerning retirement by using FAQs and worksheets in clear, easy to understand language.

Social Security Online - This official web site of the Social Security Administration is searchable by keyword(s). There is extensive information available here in various formats, lists, publications, FAQs, news releases, and legislation. Everything you ever wanted to know about social security can be found here, including an explanation of Social Security, how to request a Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement (PEBES), cost of living information, and how to contact your local office. The Social Security Handbook which summarizes information about benefit programs as well as other benefits publications are here as well.

Social Security Información en Español - Aquí se puede ver las publicaciones del Seguro Social disponibles en Español. También disponible en Español hay estadísticas y otras páginas de interés. En español

On-Line Guide to Social Security Programs - The site by Bet Tzedek Legal Services is organized in a question-and-answer type format. It deals with the following topics: general information, retirement benefits, disability benefits, spousal retirement, disability and death benefits, dependent benefits, lump-sum benefits, SSI Program, and appeals and payment.

Lesbian and Gay Aging Issues Network - This site provides networking opportunities and information about abuse of lesbian, gay and transgender elders; the depiction of elder gays and lesbians in literature and film; working with older lesbians and gay men, and other diversity issues.

Original Prime Timers Worldwide - "The purpose of the organization is to provide mature gay and bisexual men, and their admirers, with opportunities to come together in a supportive atmosphere to enjoy social, educational, and recreational activities."

The Native Elder Health Care Resource Center(NEHCRC) - The NEHCRC "is a national resource center for older American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians, with special emphasis on culturally competent health care." Visitors to this site can read about their programs, visit the library and resource bank, and also find more information on the Native American Web Links page.

National Hispanic Council on Aging - The National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCoA) seeks to promote the "well-being of the Hispanic elderly through research, training, and educational programs. The NHCoA hopes to find solutions to the problems of poverty, limited access to healthcare, housing, and other issues affecting the Hispanic Elderly community."

HEALTH RESOURCES
General Health and Nutrition | Alzheimer's Disease | Arthritis | Asthma/Allergies | Cancer | Diabetes
Hearing Disorders | Heart Disease | Mental Health | Osteoporosis | Orthopedics | Parkinson's Disease
Sleep Disorders | Vision Disorders

General Health and Nutrition

NOAH: New York Online Access to Health - To find information at this site, you can either do a simple keyword search or browse through the many topics available, such as aging and Alzheimer’s Disease, arthritis and rheumatic diseases, asthma, cancer, diabetes, the eye, heart disease and stroke, mental health, nutrition, and neurological and neuromuscular diseases among others. This site is also available in Spanish. En español

HealthyWay™ Home - This site is comprised of various health communities: active living, addictions, allergies, alternative health, cancer, caregivers, chronic pain, disabilities, healthy eating, heart & stroke, HIV/AIDS, seniors’ health, sex & sexuality, and sleep.

Symptoms in Terminal Illness: A Research Workshop - This is a report from a research workshop sponsored by the National Institutes of Health dealing with symptoms in terminal illness. Topics covered are pain, dyspnea, cognitive disturbances and cachexia.

The American Dietetic Association - To search this site, simply type in the keyword or words and click the Search button. This source of medically sound information on nutrition offers a document on the Food Guide Pyramid for Persons 50 Plus as well as several fact sheets of interest to seniors including those on protein, grains, antioxidants, calcium, fiber, and water/hydration.

Pregúntale a NOAH sobre temas de salud y recursos - NOAH es un servicio de la Universidad de New York creado para propagar información sobre varios condiciónes médicos. Tiene información sobre el cancer, la diabetes, nutrición, y la salud mental. En español

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease - This extensive document authored by the National Institute of Mental Health defines Alzheimer’s, explores the diagnosis, examines the five prominent theories about the cause of Alzheimer’s Disease, discusses the treatment, and lists state agencies that coordinate services for older Americans.

Alzheimer’s Association - Some of the areas covered in this site are FAQs about the disease, statistical information, diagnosis, treatment options, and research. Another section treats various topics from a caregiver’s perspective such as legal planning, wandering, home safety, stress, paying for care, and programs. This site also allows you to locate the Alzheimer’s chapter nearest you.

Ask NOAH About: Aging - This paper defines Alzheimer’s Disease, explains the symptoms and how a diagnosis is reached, and discusses the treatment and care for the patient.

Ask NOAH About: Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease - This page provides links to many other web sites on the topics of aging, senior health concerns, the care and treatment of the elderly, with particular attention to Alzheimer’s Disease: definition, causes, diagnosis, treatment , research, and information resources.

Alzheimer Web - This site is "devoted to research on Alzheimer’s disease" and provides links to drugs, labs, papers, meetings, FAQs, and other resources.

Alzheimers.com - This site contains news stories as well as basic information on Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias.

Hoja Informativa: Enfermedad de Alzheimer - El Family Caregiver Alliance he preparado esta hoja informativa sobre el enfermedad de Alzheimer para educar al publico del definición y las síntomas, y también el diagnóstico. Hay un discución de descubrimientos científicos y además, direcciones para más información. En español

Arthritis

Arthritis Foundation - "News and Facts" provides fact sheets on various topics relating to arthritis, such as diet, exercise, unproven remedies and recommendations for preventing or reducing the effects of this disease. Common types of arthritis are covered as well as gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and sarcoidosis. This site is easily searchable by topics.

Asthma/Allergies

Asthma and Allergies In Seniors - The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology has written this brief publication dealing with asthma and allergies in seniors.

Cancer

American Cancer Society - This site includes cancer detection and prevention guidelines, treatment and alternative therapies, patient and family information, and the latest information on research.

The Prostate Cancer InfoLink - "Hot Off the Press is a current prostate cancer news service." Current review articles on research and treatment as well as information on current clinical trials are available in the What’s Hot section. Other subject category sections include information on the disease, the diagnosis, and treatment. Links to additional help and support groups as well as other educational resources can be found at this site.

Diabetes

American Diabetes Association - This official web site of the American Diabetes Association provides diabetics and their families educational publications as well as various types of services, such as the Diabetes Information and Action Line (D.I.A.L.), a national network of information and referral telephone lines for people with diabetes and their loved ones. Information on membership and volunteer possibilities are also included here.

AADEnet - The American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) provides the public information about diabetes education in your area as well as "educational offerings on a variety of topics."

Hearing Disorders

Sound Advice on Hearing Aids - Interested in purchasing a hearing aid? If so, check out this Federal Trade Commission (FTC) brochure that succinctly answers basic questions about purchasing a hearing aid, trial periods, purchase agreements, federal and state standards for sales and where to file a complaint.

Better Hearing Institute’s Hearing Help-On-Line - "This site provides comprehensive information on hearing loss, tinnitus, and hearing aids, as well as a directory of hearing care providers, audiologists, hearing instrument specialists, and otolaryngologists."

Heart Disease

American Heart Association - This official web site of the American Heart Association offers information on warning signs including an interactive risk assessment, an easy-to-use reference guide for heart disease and stroke, extensive information on treatment, prevention, recovery from stroke and heart attacks, and a search tool for all the files located at this site.

Fact Sheet: Stroke - Prepared by the Family Caregiver Alliance, this factsheet provides information on all aspects of stroke, from definition and symptoms to effects, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors. This site also includes addresses to write to for further information.

National Stroke Association - While parts of this site are under construction, the NSA provides an informative site about stroke and stroke-related topics. The site’s features include a newsletter, stroke prevention guidelines, and an association for health professionals.

Hoja Informativa: Derrame Cerebral - Preparado por el Family Caregiver Alliance, esta hoja informativa tiene información sobre todos los aspectos de ataque de apoplejía: definición, síntomas, efectos y tratamientos. También incluye direcciónes para escribir por más información. En español

Mental Health

If you’re Over 65 and Feeling Depressed - The National Institute on Mental Health presents information on depression in seniors. Topics covered at this site include definitions of the various types of depression, a checklist of symptoms, differentiation between depression and other illnesses, causes and treatment, and referral information sources.

Psych Central™ - Psych Central ™: Dr. John Grohol’s Mental Health Page is "your one-stop index for psychology, support, and mental health issues, resources, and people on the Internet." The Page One link lists consumer articles, helpful information, self-help inventories, and professional items. The Mailing Lists link provides a lengthy list "organized around topic areas, listed in alphabetical order and divided into two major categories: Lists and Professional Mailing Lists" with instructions for subscribing to each group. Topics of interest to seniors include: Incontinence, Alzheimer’s Disease, Blindtalk, Parkinson’s Disease, Widow/Widowers, and Stroke. The Newsgroup link points you to various psychology and support groups such as prostate cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s Disease, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and many more. The Psychology Web Pointer is an extensive annotated listing of additional web sites that have been reviewed by Dr. Grohol.

Hoja Informativa: Demencia - Esta hoja informativa trata de demencia y las formas de deterioro mental. Incluye un definición, síntomas y causas, diagnóstico, y cuidados. Direcciones para más informatión estan incluyados. En español

Osteoporosis

National Osteoporosis Foundation - This site provides up-to-date information about bone health and osteoporosis, the risk factors, prevention, and treatment.

Orthopedics

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons® On-line Service Home Page - Seniors looking for information about orthopaedic surgeons can visit the AAOS site. Here they can learn about the AAOS and visit the Find a Surgeon section and the Orthopaedic Yellow Pages. The public information section has patient education brochures on 17 subjects, including arthritis, foot problems, and low back pain, with some available in Spanish.

The American Podiatric Medical Association - The primary focus of the APMA site is to educate the general public about "afflictions and infirmities of the feet." An informative list of "Foot Facts" is given as well as a section on foot health. Visitors can also find a podiatrist in their area by entering their address.

Parkinson's Disease

The Parkinson’s Web - This site offers a comprehensive "Parkinson’s Primer". The Medical Treatment link discusses Parkinson’s Disease medications, the basics of drug therapy in Parkinson’s, conditions influencing treatment, drugs that may interfere with the management of Parkinson’s, and a Deprenyl update. Also included is a glossary, bibliography, information on surgical procedures, support resources, and an article on primary and secondary symptoms which was excerpted from the APDA’s booklet, Coping with Parkinson’s Disease.

The National Parkinson Foundation, Inc. - The National Parkinson Foundation, Inc. discusses Parkinson’s disease, its symptoms, causes, and progression. There is a glossary of terms, a report on the nutritional guidelines for Parkinson’s patients, referrals to patient/caregiver resources such as associations, other websites, and books, and a library with articles, online publications, and free publications that can be ordered. If you need to find a support group, this site provides an online link to many.

Hoja Informativa: La Enfermedad de Parkinson - Usuarios encontraran avisos sobre la enfermedad de Parkinson en esta hoja informativa. Tiene un definición, datos, síntomas, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Para más información hay direcciones para escribir. En español

Sleep Disorders

Sleep & Aging - If you are having trouble sleeping, this site will be of interest. It explains how sleep changes as one ages and discusses the many medical problems that can affect sleeping. Also covered are hot flashes, insomnia, sleep apnea cycle, dementia-related sleep problems, and drugs that may interfere with sleep.

Vision Disorders

The Lighthouse Inc. - An informative site by the top resource on vision impairment, this site includes a calendar of events, newsletter, new releases, vision news, research, education, related links, and more.

Macular Degeneration Foundation - Started as a point of information, this site continues to provide information on new research and developments in the study of macular degeneration. It includes links to related sites to eye problems and also to seniors.

Eye Wear Fast Facts - Part of the Federal Trade Commission’s "Facts for Consumers" series, this site offers information on eyewear as well as selecting an eye care specialist and legal rights concerning your prescriptions.

Eyecare Info - The Patient Information section of this site includes an eye care glossary, a FAQ about cataracts, "Cataracts in Adults: A Patient’s Guide," and information about cataract and refractive eye surgery.

American Council of the Blind - Caregivers concerned about blindness can visit the American Council of the Blind (ACB) for "general information about the Council." This site contains a Helpful Resources area where users will find other resources and information about blindness. There are also back issues of their monthly publications and radio reports.

HOSPICE

Hospice Web - This site provides a hospice directory organized by state, FAQs about hospice, a listing of various hospice services, and a lengthy HotLinks page to general information and hospice providers.

National Hospice Organization - The National Hospice Organization (NHO) "is the oldest and largest nonprofit public benefit organization devoted exclusively to hospice care." To locate a hospice in your area, search the NHO Database by entering the two letter abbreviation for your state or by using the U.S. map. Other information included at this site: an explanation of the basics of hospice, FAQs, membership benefits, discussion groups, publications, and links to other resources.

Hospice Foundation of America - "On this page you can learn about hospice care, how to select a hospice and how to locate a hospice near you. You can learn of our programs, (and) read excerpts from our publications."

American Health Care Association - The American Health Care Association: The Association of the Long-Term Care Community (AHCA) "is a federation of 50 state health organizations, together representing nearly 12,000 non-profit and for-profit assisted living, nursing facility, long term care, and subacute care providers that care for more than one million elderly and disabled individuals nationally." Even though it is geared primarily to association members, this site does have a "Consumer Information" section that defines nursing facilities, subacute care, and assisted living, and offers suggestions on selecting the proper level of care. Other subjects covered are advanced directives, making the transition to nursing facility life, Alzheimer’s Disease, paying for nursing facilities, long term insurance, and the "myths and realities of living in a nursing facility."

Mr. Long-Term Care - The LTC Resources section of this site has reading rooms with suggested booklists; facts and figures about long term care, Social Security and Medicare 1998; legislative news; and important issues. You can participate in an interactive discussion forum, locate nursing homes, and link to other resources and websites.

HomeCare/Hospice Locator - This database, copyrighted by the National Association for Home Care, contains more than 28,100 home care and hospice agencies and can be used to identify home care providers in the desired locale. Simply fill out the form using either the city, the state, or the first three digits of the zipcode and check the appropriate boxes to designate agency classification, Medicare/Medicaid certification, licensure, and accreditation, programs and services offered.

Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home - This guide is published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), the federal agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid. This site provides information on selecting a nursing home including long-term care options, gathering information, visiting nursing homes, treatment and services after admission, and a nursing home checklist.

How to Choose a Nursing Home - This short document put out by the Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Information Center offers suggestions that will help determine "what type of care that your family member will receive at a nursing home."

Federal Laws Regulating Nursing Homes - In order for a nursing facility to participate in Medicare/Medicaid, it must comply with the rules outlined in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations [42 CFR Part 483]. This document outlines what a nursing home must have and do under those regulations.

Family Caregiver Alliance - This easy-to-use site provides support for "caregivers of adults with Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and related brain disorders." In addition to serving as a clearinghouse for information on statistics, research, and public policy, it includes over forty fact sheets on various diseases and disorders and caregiving issues as well as twelve reading lists. The search feature allows the user to do a local search for documents at this site as well as an Internet search using Excite.

The Caregiver’s Handbook - The Caregiver’s Handbook: Assisting Both the Caregiver and the Elderly Carereceiver is a full-text nine-part online guide to the common problems in caregiving, the types of help available, caring for the caregiver, personal care, nutrition, medical aspects of caregiving, emotional and intellectual well-being, legal and financial affairs, liability of caregiving, and selecting a residential care facility.

American Federation of Home Health Agencies - The American Federation of Home Health Agencies (AFHHA), "a trade association representing primarily free-standing, Medicare-certified, home care providers," focuses on legislative and regulatory issues in Washington, D.C. This site includes links to AFHHA’s documents and position papers on various issues as well as governmental links to legislation and members of the Senate Finance Committee, the House Commerce Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.

Community Health Accreditation Program - Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP) accredits all home and community-based health-care organizations and provides the public with information about accredited organizations. The CHAP Gold Seal indicates that the home health care provider meets the highest quality standard in the industry. The government has designated CHAP for "deemed status" which indicates that CHAP’s Standards of Excellence met or exceeded the government’s own standards for Medicare certification.

HomeCare On-Line - This virtual headquarters of the National Association for Home Care (NAHC) provides information about meetings, conferences, legislation, regulations, and publications for providers, consumers, and students in the home care and hospice industries.

IANet: The Interactive Aging Network - This site is geared toward service professionals and organizations which provide services to older adults. It has organized information that may be of some use to the seniors they work with. Topics include advocacy, research, health, housing, and more.

Hoja Informativa: Cuidado Del Paciente - Una hoja informativa del Family Caregiver Alliance sobre el cuidado del paciente. Se trata de cuidado en el hogar, comportamientos problemáticos y planificación del futuro. Incluye direcciónes para más información. En español

Hoja Informativa: Cuidado en la Comunidad - Una hoja informativa sobre el cuidado en la comunidad. Ofrece sugestiones y opciónes para el cuidado y también recursos para más información. En español

Death & Dying

DeathNET: Advancing the Art & Science of Dying Well - DeathNET is "an international archive specializing in all aspects of death and dying" including links to more than 200 medical and health-related resources and more than 950 individual files on such topics as legal and medical issues, palliative care, living wills, the Kevorkian File, euthanasia, bereavement, and caregiving.

Sociology of Death and Dying - If you wish to determine your projected death date, click on the Death Clock. Also included in this academically-oriented site are general resources; death across culture and time; "how we die" with sub-categories such as accidental deaths, homicides, suicides, AIDS; death and social institutions; death in mass media; personal impact of death; and "moral debates of our times."

Webster’s Death, Dying & Grief Guide - "This web site represents a comprehensive collection of Internet resources with a holistic perspective." Some of the topics covered are general grief and healing resources, aging, caregiving, hospice, home care, pet loss, funerals, burials, wills, and eulogies.

Death & Dying - Besides the Personal Resources section which "offers experts, chat rooms, and message boards to assist members who are dealing with difficulties pertaining to death and grief," this site provides additional information and links to other articles and related websites.

Funerals: A Consumer Guide - This brochure published by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) covers various consumer issues regarding funeral arrangements, such as pricing, embalming, cremations, and required purchases.

Caskets and Burial Vaults - This FTC brochure discusses caskets, burial vaults, and grave liners, their uses, and your protective claims.

NFDA Online - This is the home page of the National Funeral Directors Association, the largest funeral service organization in the world. This site provides educational materials and brochures on death, dying, and funerals for consumers and funeral directors and links to other funeral service organizations and state funeral associations.

Funeral and Memorial Societies of America - Funeral and Memorial Societies of America (FAMSA) "is dedicated to a consumer’s right to choose a meaningful, dignified, affordable funeral" and as such it provides consumer alerts, educational materials, issues of social concern, and a forum to file a funeral complaint.

Funerals and Cemteries: A Consumer Resource Guide - International Cemetary and Funeral Association provides answers to real questions about funerals, cemeteries and burial, embalming, cremation, prearrangement and prefinancing, anatomical gifts, and grief.

National Selected Morticians - National Selected Morticians (NSM), an international association of independently owned and operated funeral homes and mortuaries, offers information about planning and arranging a funeral, providing grief assistance, and cremation. You can search the site for the name and address of the nearest NSM member funeral home.

National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc. - One of the objectives of NFDMA is to "provide a continuing program of service and to develop and disseminate information beneficial to members and the public at large."

Funeral Ethics Association - The Funeral Ethics Association provides information to consumers "who have questions about the ethical practice of funeral service" and provides educational information about funerals, funeral options, and funeral arrangements.

Grief and Loss Resource Centre - This site offers articles, poetry, commentaries, critiques, and annotated links to various topics involving funerals, loss, and grief, such as dealing with the holidays, loss of a pet, seniors and grief, recovery resources, spousal grief, and links for counselors, caregivers, and therapists.

The Grief Recovery Institute - This site provides mini-articles on various issues on the subject of loss and grief recovery. Other programs include workshops, outreach programs, and a helpline.

Bereavement Resources - This site provides links to 43 Internet sites pertaining to grief, loss, recovery, and bereavement.

Association for Death Education and Counseling - The Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) is the "oldest interdisciplinary organization in the field of dying, death and bereavement." Besides providing links to other resources on the Web, this site contains information for a conference "Embracing Our Differences in Dying and Grieving: Flowing with the River of Life" to be held in San Antonio, Texas on March 10-14, 1999.

GROWW: Grief Recovery Online (founded by) Widows & Widowers - "The primary function and expertise of GROWW is the development of bereavement support groups online in the format of ‘chat rooms.’" It includes mailing lists, FAQs, a library, and links to other resources.

WidowNet - WidowNet provides "information and self-help resources for, and by, widows and widowers." Topics covered include grief, bereavement, and recovery.

GriefNet - This searchable site includes grief resources, books, memorials, and an extensive listing of support groups for widows, widowers, and grandparents that can be used 24-hours every day of the year. There is a $5.00 fee each month for each support group you wish to join.

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners - This page provides information on such topics as filing complaints against a physician, physician assistant or acupuncturist and explains the complaint process. It also includes FAQs, demographics, board rules, the Medical Practice Act, press releases, and links to related sites.

Personal Emergency Response Systems Fast Facts - This Federal Trade Commission (FTC) brochure describes how a personal emergency response system works and offers shopping hints for evaluating different systems.

The American Health Assistance Foundation - The American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF) funds "research on age-related and degenerative diseases" and makes available to the public information about Alzheimer’s Disease, glaucoma, heart disease, stroke, and macular degeneration. AHAF provides "emergency financial assistance to Alzheimer’s disease patients and their caregivers."

Families USA - Informative health policy reports on Medicaid, Medicare, and managed care can be found in this site put out by Families USA, a "national nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health and long-term care for all Americans."

Online Statistical Data on the Aging - The Administration on Aging maintains statistical data on seniors. This page lists various resources which provide statistics and profiles about health, insurance, long term care, and housing.

Age Data - Statistical data gathered by census, yearly estimates, surveys, and projections are available on a national, state, and county level. The U.S. Census Bureau also maintains data specifically on the elderly, as well as interagency forums on aging statistics.

MedWeb Geriatrics - Geared to professionals in the field of geriatrics, this page links to other sites in such topics as incontinence, nursing homes, Alzheimer’s Disease, stroke, bone diseases, menopause, Parkinson’s Disease, osteoporosis, and ophthalmology.

American Geriatrics Society - The American Geriatrics Society (AGS), a "professional organization of health care providers dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all older adults," provides information and education that "addresses the health care concerns and needs of older people, their families, and other caregivers." The Patient Education Forum answers questions about health problems facing older adults.

Mayo Geriatrics - This site offers educational materials and articles helpful to caregivers in two sections: "Topics in Geriatrics" and "Geriatrics Pearls". Links to Internet and other resources are also included.

Social Gerontology & The Aging Revolution - This site covers general references and resources as well as such topics as the biology and psychology of aging, social psychology of aging, old age across culture and time, "ageism in the workplace", and other institutional impacts of the aging revolution.

American Physical Therapy Association Section on Geriatrics - This site has useful information for physical therapists, geriatric clients and their families and "anyone concerned with healthcare issues for older individuals."

GeroWeb - Maintained by graduate students at Wayne State University, this site "is designed as an online resource for researchers, educators, practitioners, and others interested in aging and older individuals." The site can be browsed by category and also searched by entering key words.

Web Sites in Gerontology - Scripps Gerontology Center offers web sites in gerontology in the following subject areas: Alzheimer’s Disease, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, caregiving resources, long-term care, legal issues, health/medical information, data and statistics, mental health, professional and member associations, sites for seniors, and search engines/directories.

The Aging Research Centre (ARC) - Aimed at the scientific and technical sides of aging, ARC shares research about the science, biology, and genetics of aging. Includes listings of newsgroups and journals of related interest to researchers.

Rand Research Review: Policies for an Aging Society - This is an online journal dealing with aging. Issues discussed include Social Security reform, retirement, marriage, Medicare, and more. Published by a group of researchers and developers, the journal strives to "improve policy and decision making through research and analysis."

Electronic Journals & Newsletters - This site from the Andrus Gerontology Center Library at the University of Southern California includes links to full text e-journals and newsletters as well as subscription information to selected publications not yet available online.

Aging Related Libraries and Non-Federal Databases - Maintained by the United States Administration on Aging, this site provides links to libraries and databases which are related to aging.

The links in this section were selected and evaluated by the staff of the San Antonio Public Library for their high quality content.

Updated: 06/05/02
Report broken links to: librarywebadmin@sanantonio.gov.