|
Other Resources
 Advocacy
Aging Services
Benefits
Caregiving
Disability Information
Health Information
Legal and Financial
LGBT Resources
Local Resources
Long Term Care
Advocacy
American Association of Retired Persons
Contains information about caregiving, Alzheimer's Disease, Medicare, and Nursing Homes. Provides the consumer with information about different aging benefits, aging services, and options for care.
www.aarp.org
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Legislative Directory
Offering a fast and easy way for Massachusetts residents to identify their elected officials.
www.mass.gov/legis
LGBT Aging Project
Advocates for changes in laws and policies. Provides training and assistance to service providers throughout the state. Offers a framework for seniors, their friends and family who want to speak out for themselves.
www.lgbtagingproject.org
Mass Home Care
Mass Home Care is a network of 30 non-profit Age Info Centers which cover every city and town in Massachusetts. Mass Home Care advocates for community care and makes a confusing system easy to use.
www.masshomecare.org
Massachusetts Senior Action Council (MSAC)
MSAC is a statewide, democratically-run membership organization open to people of all ages. It promotes the rights, well being, and dignity of all people, particularly vulnerable senior citizens.
www.altrue.net/site/msac
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Offering updated information on national legislation impacting Older Americans.
www.n4a.org
Back to Top
Aging Services
Alzheimer's Association of Massachusetts
Contains specific information about Alzheimer's Disease including information about the disease, caregiving, resources, diagnosis, research, advocacy, and medications.
www.alzmass.org
ElderWeb
A research site for professionals and family members looking for information on eldercare. Includes links to information on legal, financial, medical, and housing issues, as well as policy, research, and statistics.
www.elderweb.com
Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA)
Through the statewide elder network, EOEA
provides services locally via Aging Services Access Points (ASAP), Councils on Aging (COA) and senior centers in communities across the Commonwealth. This network reaches out to elders in need of services that include home care and caregiver support, nutrition programs, protective services, health and wellness services, housing options, SHINE counseling (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders), or counseling services for elders with limited English proficiency.
www.mass.gov
Statewide Eldercare Information
Massachusetts ' largest online resource of Elder Services, Programs, and Information.
www.800ageinfo.com
The Eldercare Locator
A nationwide toll-free service and web site, which helps older adults and their caregivers find local services for seniors. The U.S. Administration on Aging makes a part of their service available on-line so that consumers can easily link to services in their state.
www.eldercare.gov
The U.S. Administration on Aging
This site is designed for older people, caregivers, and professionals in the field of aging. It provides has a wealth of information about aging services across the U.S., with links to local and state resources.
www.aoa.gov
Back to Top
Benefits
Benefits Checkup
A screening tool for state and federal benefits. A free service sponsored by the National Councils on Aging. Data entering a person's information will give you an overview of benefits they may be eligible for.
www.benefitscheckup.org
Food Stamps
Provides information and applications (in English and Spanish) to help people who meet the rules for food stamps receive them.
www.gettingfoodstamps.org
Medicare
Provides comprehensive information about Medicare. The site also offers a Medicare Personal Plan Finder, Nursing Home Compare, Dialysis Facility Compare, Participating Physician Directory, Supplier Directory, Medicare Health Plan Compare, Medigap Compare, and information on Prescription Drug Assistance Programs.
www.medicare.gov
Social Security Administration
Explains retirement and disability benefit information. Downloadable documents available.
www.ssa.gov
Back to Top
Caregiving
Family Caregiver Alliance
Offers programs at national, state and local levels to support and sustain caregivers.
www.caregiver.org
The U.S. Administration on Aging Caregiver Resource Page
Links to caregiver sites including government, non-profit and commercial sites. Includes information and articles, such as Family & Medical Leave and other helpful issues.
www.aoa.gov/eldfam/For_Caregivers/For_Caregivers.asp
Back to Top
Disability Information
Able Data
Database on assistive technology. Sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and the U.S. Department of Education. Information on 19,000 available products.
www.abledata.com
Greater Boston Aide to the Blind
GBAB is the only agency is Massachusetts devoted exclusively to the personal support and rehabilitation of adults age 50 and over who are visually impaired. Clients from all over eastern and central Massachusetts are served through center-based, community and in-home programs. The goal of all programs is to help clients remain independent safe and comfortable in their own homes and communities.
www.gbab.org
Massachusetts Assistive Technology Partnership
Monitored by Boston Children's Hospital and administered by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Increases access to assistive technology and home modification. Includes, resources, funding sources, legal rights & advocacy, free services for senior's with low vision, disability training and events, equipment loans. Links to state departments and Independent Living Centers.
www.matp.org
Mass Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Serves as the principal agency representing the Commonwealth's 560,000 Deaf, late deafened, and hard of hearing people within state government.
www.mass.gov
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Devoted to illnesses, which leave people wheelchair bound, particularly spinal chord injuries and M.S. Menus for disability rights, health care, sports and recreation, publications and architecture are included. Assistance with the processing of VA claims.
www.pva.org
The Association of and for Retarded Citizens and Their Families
Contains informational materials on mental retardation, aging issues, family supports. Links to local ARC chapters which have information on independent living skills training, job search, health care and supports for family members.
www.TheARC.org
Back to Top
Health Information
The Massachusetts Commission on End of Life Care
This organization provides an on-line guide to end of life resources.
www.endoflifecommission.org
Healthfinder
Developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and coordinated by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Contains a health library on diseases and conditions, prevention, wellness, health news, doctors, dentists, hospitals, long term care, public clinics, health insurance, prescriptions, Medicare and Medicaid. Information is also available in Spanish.
www.healthfinder.gov
Massachusetts Division of Insurance's Consumer Service
Contains Massachusetts Health Information, including Medigap and Medicare RX plans.
www.mass.gov/doi/Consumer/CSS_health.html
MassHealth
In Massachusetts , Medicaid (Title XIX) and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) (Title XXI) are combined into one program called MassHealth. MassHealth pays for health care for certain low- and medium-income people living in Massachusetts.
www.mass.gov
MassMedLine
Provides Massachusetts residents with information, on various insurance programs, programs sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry, private organizations providing discounts on medications, clinical information from licensed pharmacists, and outreach programs.
www.massmedline.com
MassPRO
Provides information about the flu and a list of public flu clinics by town.
http://flu.masspro.org
Medicare
Provides comprehensive information about Medicare. The site also offers a Medicare Personal Plan Finder, Nursing Home Compare, Dialysis Facility Compare, Participating Physician Directory, Supplier Directory, Medicare Health Plan Compare, Medigap Compare, and information on Prescription Drug Assistance Programs.
www.medicare.gov/
Medicare Rights Center
The largest independent source of Medicare information and assistance in the United States . Helps older adults and people with disabilities get high-quality, affordable health care.
www.medicarerights.org
The National Institute on Health
Contains downloadable publications and fact sheets, the latest news on research findings, journal articles, national opportunities for participation in clinical research trials, and funding opportunities.
www.NIH.gov
WebMD
Contains information on diseases and conditions. Visitors can keep an ongoing health record. Perform online searches for doctors, clinics, insurance, medical tests, health and wellness programs and nutrition. Contains 80 message boards and 20 chat rooms.
www.webmd.com
Back to Top
Legal and Financial
Legal Services for Older Adults and Elder Law
This links directly to the Administration on Aging Elder Law information page.
www.aoa.gov/prof/notes/notes_legal_services.asp
Greater Boston Legal Services
Provides free civil (noncriminal) legal assistance to low-income people in Boston and thirty-one additional cities and towns.
www.gbls.org
Also has a Elderly Unit that works closely with the Medicare Advocacy Project (MAP) and is available to assist clients with Medicare problems.
www.gbls.org/elderly/index.htm
The American Bar Association
A resource for professionals and consumers, this organization provides a wealth of legal information.
www.abanet.org
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
A non-profit association that assists lawyers, bar organizations and others who work with older clients and their families. Information, education, networking and assistance for those who must deal with the specialized issues involved with legal services to the elderly and disabled.
www.naela.org
The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
The largest professional association of comprehensive, Fee-Only financial planners in the United States . This site allows users to identify NAPFA members across the country. NAPFA member can not profit from the sale of financial products, and charge only for the financial advice they give.
www.napfa.org
Back to Top
LGBT Resources
Listed below are Somerville and Cambridge resources that serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) elders and their families by providing opportunities to socialize with other LGBT elders, and to connect with the wide network of resources that are available in the community.
Faith Communities
Health/Medical
Housing
Legal Services
Local Advocacy Resources
Local Newspapers
Online & National Resources
Services
Social Groups
Support Groups
Back to Top
Local Resources
Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services
Offers resources about legal issues facing lower-income Massachusetts residents.
Although the site is intended for advocates and social service professionals, the materials may be useful to anyone seeking information about laws affecting Massachusetts residents.
www.masslegalservices.org
Cambridge and Somerville Program for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Rehabilitation (CASPAR)
Provides prevention, intervention, and treatment to individuals and families whose lives are affected by substance abuse.
www.casparyouth.org/about/casparinc.html
Cambridge Council On Aging
Provides programs and services for Cambridge residents age 60 and over. The services fall into two major categories: Social Services and Senior Center activities.
www.cambridgema.gov/DHSP2/coa.cfm
City of Cambridge , Massachusetts
Contains a wide variety of information from department phone numbers to upcoming city events. Tax abatement and exemption information and forms are available on line, as well as information about the Council on Aging, public safety, flu shots and snow removal.
www.cambridgema.gov
City of Somerville , Massachusetts
Features a community calendar and information of city services. The Senior Shuttle schedule is available on-line, as well as information about the Council on Aging.
www.ci.somerville.ma.us
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Makes it easier to discover the many things happening in Massachusetts government. Provides links to state services, information, and facts.
www.mass.gov
Concilio Hispano
Provides services to the greater Boston Latino community. Through a wide range of innovative programs Concilio Hispano emphasizes education, prevention, intervention, rehabilitation and community involvement.
www.conciliohispano.org
Fuel Assistance
The City of Cambridge 's Low Income Heating Assistance Program, (Fuel Assistance) serves the cities of Cambridge and Somerville . Fuel Assistance is a Federal and State funded program, assisting low-income households with winter heating costs incurred between November 1 and April 30.
www.cambridgema.gov/DHSP2/fuelassistance.cfm
Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center
Promotes the general welfare of Chinese-speaking Asian elders including their psychosocial and economic well-being. A comprehensive network of programs and services assists elders to maintain their independence and remain at home.
www.gbcgac.org
Haitian Coalition (The)
Organizes Haitians to improve the economic, political, physical, and social environments in Somerville and Cambridge. It also provides services to Haitians living in surrounding communities, primarily Medford, Malden, and Everett.
www.haitian-coalition.org
MAB Community Services
Formerly the Massachusetts Association for the Blind, MAB
provides services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
www.charityfinders.com
Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS)
MAPS works with and for the Brazilian, Cape Verdean, Portuguese and other Portuguese-speaking communities to increase access and remove barriers to health, education and social services through direct services, advocacy, leadership and community development.
www.maps-inc.org
New England Homes for the Deaf (NEHD)
Provides communication, accessible housing, health care, social support and recreational activities for Deaf and Deaf-Blind people.
www.nehomesdeaf.org
North Charles, Inc.
North Charles is one of the largest non-profit providers of mental health and addiction treatment services. Through accessible, high quality and affordable counseling, research and training programs, North Charles serves thousands of people from Cambridge, Somerville and the Greater Boston, Massachusetts communities.
www.northcharles.org
Somerville Council On Aging
Provides services that enhance the lives of senior citizens, offering comprehensive programs that reflect the City's growing and diverse senior population.
www.ci.somerville.ma.us
Back to Top
Long Term Care
Massachusetts Assisted Living Facilities Association (MASSALFA)
A non-profit association devoted to supporting the establishment and operation of quality assisted living residences in Massachusetts that provide appropriate supportive housing and services for individuals with varied needs and income levels.
www.massalfa.org
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
This site contains the Division of Health Care Quality's nursing home survey information, to allow consumers to help evaluate the quality of care provided by the state's Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing homes.
www.mass.gov/dph/qtool/qthome.htm
Medicare
Provides comprehensive information about Medicare. The site also offers a Medicare Personal Plan Finder, Nursing Home Compare, Dialysis Facility Compare, Participating Physician Directory, Supplier Directory, Medicare Health Plan Compare, Medigap Compare, and information on Prescription Drug Assistance Programs.
www.medicare.gov
National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform
Includes information on Ombudsman programs, Government and Policy, family involvement and citizen's groups. Also features printer friendly Fact Sheets on topics ranging from Resident's Rights to Assessment and Care Planning to Long Term Care Insurance information.
www.nccnhr.org
Back to Top
|
