Here are just some of the resources and organizations we found helpful on our journey. This list updates frequently, so check back often.
American Recall Center – This organization is dedicated to providing seniors with up to date information regarding practical information on drugs, devices, healthcare safety and general health information. The Recallcenter.com site carries the HONcode which is a Code of Conduct for medical and health web sites. To receive the HONcode a website site must obtain certification from the Health On the Net Foundation, part of the HealthNet Organization. Note: This website and its content are sponsored by WEITZ & LUXENBERG P.C., as such, the American Recall Center will refer those interested in legal counsel, or learning more about the possibility, to this trusted partner.
Goodwill Home Medical Equipment has affordable, refurbished home medical equipment for sale at tremendous cost savings. Goodwill Home Medical Equipment has CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Partner), accreditation under the CHAP Standards of Excellence in the durable medical equipment category. You can donate items to them and they will be cleaned and refurbished to CHAP standards for sale to others in need. NOTE: this organization is limited in geography to areas of New Jersey. For more information about Goodwill Home Medical Equipment click here: Goodwill Home Medical Equipment website.
LegalShield/IDShield LegalShield is a national pre-paid legal service for individuals, families and businesses. If your parents do not have a will, durable power of attorney or living will in place due to cost, LegalShield creates these documents as part of the membership. Once a member, you pay a low monthly fee, and in return, get legal advice, letters and phone calls made on your behalf, contract and document review, and more. The national structure makes getting legal advice easier if your parents live in multiple states. In addition, you can purchase an IDShield plan to protect your Identity, including your Medical identity. Should your identity be compromised, your personal IDShield licensed private investigator will work to completely restore your identity back to where it was. For more information about LegalShield click here: LegalShield
Medicaid Eligibility Long Term Care Guide. This comprehensive Medicaid long term care guide is designed as a map of the United States. Simply click on your state to see its specific Medicaid eligibility. The guide figures are updated every time Medicaid updates them, usually every two years. The numbers for 2016 have been consistent with the numbers from 2015, but may change again in July of 2017, so check back. There is no charge to use the resource and a guide like this does not exist anywhere else on the web. It’s been listed by the NIH on their resources page so you can rest assured it’s legitimate information. (NIH resources).
Military Helper Organization Military Helper provides a comprehensive resource of information about living the military life. Check with their website to find local support, top tips on military life and a friendly community of people who understand what life is like for those serving in the military. They offer links to a variety of helpful websites and organizations such as. Veterans benefits for seniors
Nursing Home Abuse Support is an advocacy website, not a referral service. They provide free resources and support for seniors and family members who have been affected by senior abuse. The website is well designed and easy to navigate. They define different types of elder abuse, how it occurs in nursing homes, what to watch for and what to do if you suspect abuse. If you suspect abuse of any kind – elder, sexual, physical or financial abuse is occurring in your loved ones nursing home, this is the website for you. Nursing Home Abuse Support
Patriot Angels – We found out about this organization through a friend. I would not have been able to navigate the VA paperwork required for Aid and Attendance benefits without them. Aid and Attendance benefits are a little known VA benefit that a Veteran or Surviving Spouse can use to help pay for long term care. Patriot Angels guided us through the paperwork, checked in during the process, helped us refile when we changed caregiving agencies, and with their help, we are getting Aid and Attendance benefits for my mother. This benefit is huge in terms of mom being able to stay in her home. For more information about Patriot Angels click here: Patriot Angels website
Professional Paperwork Services This daily money management company is committed to building lifelong relationships with clients based on honesty, prompt service and results. Found in the Princeton NJ area, they offer services for: paying bills, health insurance claims and reconciliation, checkbook balancing and organizing records for tax purposes to name just a few. If you live far away from our parents and can’t perform or oversee these tasks for them, then Professional Paperwork Services is a terrific solution. For more information about Professional Paperwork Services click here: Professional Paperwork Services website
Senior Advice launched in 2016, and connects older people and their support systems to more than 80,000 housing options. The free senior living search engine contains comprehensive information on providers nationwide, including assisted living, nursing homes, memory care, home healthcare, independent living, adult day services, retirement homes, respite care, and hospice care. You can search the directory by zip code or city and find available housing options in your area for free. SeniorAdvice.com has dedicated experts who create and review content for accuracy, and a number of tools and resources to guide those looking for senior housing or involved in caregiving. The company has been featured on the best news and information websites, including CNBC, Huffington Post, AARP, Forbes, MarketWatch, and many more.
Sociavi – The Sociavi Pad is a wonderful and simple way to share moments with seniors and other loved ones. The accompanying smart and easy Sociavi app is available from the Apple Store or Google play. Unlimited free downloads allow you to share pictures and videos with the seniors in your life at the click of a button. If your senior is technically challenged (and even if they are tech savvy), this is the gift for them. Keep them feeling connected with photos and videos. Use the calendar and alert features for daily activities and appointments. For more information about Sociavi click here: Sociavi website