Government Web Sites on Aging and Senior Services

State Government Sites of the Southeast
 

Alabama	Arkansas	Florida
Georgia	Louisiana	Mississippi
North Carolina	South Carolina	Tennessee

 

Federal Government Sites

Social Security Administration's official web site.
        Provides electronic publications on retirement, disability, supplemental security income, has an "Understanding Social Security" section, as well as a benefits planner and "Hot Issues" segment.

ElderPage- Information for Older Persons and Families
        The Administration on Aging provides up-to-date information on topics ranging from the proper use of medicines, prevention of flu and other illnesses, resource directories, fact sheets, a "Women and Aging Letter", safe driving when getting older, guides for talking with your doctor, tax information for seniors, housing, legal issues, and guides on nursing homes, fraud, and safety.

The Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare Information
        Contains news and updates, a "Top 20" segment from the Medicare Helpline, information about managed care plans, plan choices, fraud and abuse, nursing homes, local events, and health information.

The Health Care Financing Administration
        The HCFA administers Medicare and Medicaid and regulates health care facilities for the elderly. There are also links to data and statistics, laws and regulations, as well as public affairs (contains fact sheets and speeches) and additional government links for senior citizens.
Because of the increased usage of Medicare claims via the Internet, a link to The Medicare Learning Network has been provided. While originally intended for health care professionals, there are descriptions about proper submission of claims and payments to beneficiaries, and gives ways to contact insurance carriers and intermediaries by state (complete with abbreviation definitions).

Senior Corps- Corporation for National Service
        The organization provides seniors an opportunity to make use of their skills and to help others through volunteer service. There are three national programs, including a Foster Grandparent Program, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and the Senior Companion Program. These services were developed on the belief that senior volunteers are valuable resources in their communities. For a history of the organization, please click here.

Access America for Seniors
        This is an excellent source for anything 'senior' related. One can subscribe via e-mail to the monthly newsletter or read from the site archives. Topics range from health care financing, social security issues, veterans' affairs, to an online federal employee retirement calculator and information on health concerns. There are also links to various departments for seniors, including consumer protection, education and training, seniors and computers, tax assistance, travel and leisure, and the list goes on.

National Institute on Aging
        The NIA was formed to "provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people." There are press releases, online publications and resource directories, public service ads, information on upcoming conferences, workshops and meetings, and a "Frequently Asked Questions" section. This is another excellent source for senior information.

National Advisory Council on Aging
        This site provides information on meetings held by the NACA in both pdf and HTML format. Status reports, agendas, and related activities are available, as well as a calendar of events and a membership roster.

Disability, Aging, and Long-Term Care Policy (DALTCP)
        From the Office of the Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in the Department of Health and Human Services, this site offers information on Medicare and Medicaid projects, home and community-based/personal assistance programs, aging and disability issues, and a section on data, surveys, and statistics.

Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics
        Contains the report "Older Americans 2000: Key Indicators of Well-Being." There is information on population, economics, health status, health risks and behaviors, and health care.

Discussion about government legislation in relation to nursing homes
        This article discusses new nursing home laws as of August 2000 and what they cover. (While this is the only Federal Government link outside the United States, Australia's issues with nursing homes and current problems are similar to those of the U.S. - still a very interesting interview/article.)
 
 

Additional sites (both education and organization)

Online U.S. Government Documents About Aging
        Reports, articles, etc., are provided by the Administration on Aging, the Pension and Benefits Administration, the Special Committee on Aging, and the Social Security Administration.

HIV and Older People
        Contains the article "What everyone over 50 needs to know about HIV/AIDS." The site also has a reference section for further resources in professional journal articles, reports, and books, and contains national information and referral sources for seniors. Another excellent article to read is "The Agelessness of AIDS," which describes people over the age of 50 as the fastest growing segment of the epidemic.

Depression in Older Persons
        Reveals symptoms, causes, treatments, and resources for the elderly person with depression. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill also has an "Ask the Doctor- Care for the Elderly" page.

More Government Agencies and Offices
        This is an online resource of aging information developed by Pennsylvania State University. There are general public resources, professional resources, and research and education.

The American Health Care Association
        The AHCA provides consumer information about services in long term care facilities, and describes the differences among subacute care, assisted living, and intermediate care facilities. There are also links to contact your state for more specific information, and many articles on selecting the proper level of care for an elderly person.