Planning for senior care can be overwhelming and stressful. We understand this and want to provide you with helpful resources to ease your concerns. We have compiled useful website links that cover topics like Medicare, long-term care, health care news, symptom checkers and wellness tips. Please click on any of the links below to access this valuable information.
Aging & Wellness
What are good websites offering information on health care, insurance and Medicare?
National Council on Aging is an advocacy website that offers information on navigating health care, insurance and Medicare rules, regulations and limitations. Their mission and goal is to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those in marginalized communities. They look to impact older adults’ health and economic security, including women, people of color, and low-income and rural individuals.
For physical wellness, look at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website, which covers various topics on aging for seniors. More information is available from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), which has a helpful A-Z list of resources and advice on healthy aging for older adults.
For information and resources on assisted living, the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) offers a plethora of guidance dedicated to serving the needs of the assisted living community.
Older adults with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and their family members can receive support and information about the disease through the Alzheimer’s Association as they navigate treatment options and day-to-day management of symptoms.
There are many resources provided online that help provide answers to your senior care planning tasks. These sites serve as excellent resources to plan and anticipate medical needs for seniors.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Learn which private insurance plans, public programs and community services are available to you
- Talk to a Medicare representative: Use this site to reach a live person about Medicare benefits and resources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: If you are a veteran, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has resources such as benefits and services, health and well-being, burials and memorials, and more available for those who have served our country
- Eldercare Locator: An extensive reference list for federal websites that offer information about eldercare
Consumer Protection
How can I protect myself from scams and identity fraud?
Older adults are at greater risk for scams and identity fraud. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and FBI.gov are great resources for scam alerts and advice on protecting yourself from well-known scams. People who are perpetrating scams often use emotions, like anxiety or fear, to get you to make quick decisions that may leave you confused or penniless.
“When you’re afraid, the emotional part of your brain takes over the cognitive part of your brain,” AARP fraud expert Doug Shadel says. “That’s what they want. When your emotions kick in, it swaps out the logic.”
From AARP, here are three ways that you can protect yourself from scams:
- Monitor your reactions to calls from strangers. If you feel anxious or angry, get out of the situation immediately.
- Never make an impulse buy. Wait at least 24 hours to regulate your emotions before purchasing.
- Seek advice from someone you trust. Discuss the situation out loud with a friend or family member to help rationalize your feelings.
Senior Discounts
Where can I find websites offering discounts and freebies for seniors?
We are always looking for a good deal! There are plenty of resources for discounts and freebies for senior citizens. Many businesses have a senior discount on food or services, so don’t hesitate to ask when you frequent your favorite restaurant. For a full roundup of senior discounts, here’s a great list.
For restaurants, check out this extensive list of eateries that have senior discounts in 2023. While many have varying discounts and eligibility, you can check here first before grabbing a bite to eat.
Legal Aid
Where can I find rights and elder law facts for senior citizens?
Older adults may benefit from assistance from attorneys and legal resources about their rights and available resources:
- Administration for Community Living: The ACL’s Legal Services for Older Americans Program provides more than 1,000 legal service providers nationwide for older adults.
- Legal Services Corporation: Legal aid is available by location for anyone who needs it. Utilize this website to find legal services in your area.
- National Disability Rights Network (NDRN): Join NDRN’s nonprofit membership organization to connect you to client assistance programs and protection and advocacy systems.
- Companies such as LegalZoom and LegalShield offer prepaid resources to older adults on a variety of legal matters.
- Nursing Home Abuse Center: Nursing Home Abuse Center is a resource that provides information and support to both victims and families who have experienced nursing home abuse or neglect in a nursing facility.
Networking
Doctors and loved ones note the importance of socialization for seniors with friends and family to reduce self-isolation and depression symptoms. There are a variety of online communities and forms for seniors to connect, such as:
Retirement Planning
Where can older adults go for advice and resources on retirement planning?
Retirement planning is an important part of getting older. A useful website about retirement is the Social Security Administration, where you can check eligibility, apply for benefits and plan for retirement.
Now that you have read this article, you should be fully prepared to tackle any issues that come your way as a senior citizen. There’s only one left to take care of – and that’s where you live! We invite you to explore Tutera Senior Living & Health Care as your next place of residence.
Tutera Senior Living & Health Care is a locally owned, diversified post-acute senior health care provider operating 70 senior living communities in nine states throughout the country. As one of the nation’s premier senior care providers, Tutera Senior Living & Health Care offers its residents independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, post-surgery rehabilitation and memory care.
Take a moment to explore the community closest to you by clicking here. We hope to see you soon!
