Caregiving

• Feel free to buy scholarship essays at the legitimate scholaship essay writing services. All of them are listed on the web. Contact any.
• A Place for Mom Family
  elder-care-community.aplaceformom.com/.
  Online community for families caring for elderly loved ones. A supportive community to ask questions, exchange experiences and share perspectives about caring for aging loved ones.
• American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
  www.thelongtermcaresolution.org/home.aspx
  An association focused on assisting older and/or disabled adults in identifying sustainable options to long-term care expenses.
• Caregivers Handbook
  www.longtermcarelink.net/eldercare/the_caregivers_handbook.htm
  A guide to caregiving and information on related healthcare programs that could assist family caregivers.
• Caregivers Toolkit
  www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=1695
  A toolkit to help practitioners assess the needs of family caregivers.
• Caring for Dementia
  charmeckcoa.org/docs/Resource_CaringforDementia.pdf
  Caring for a loved one with dementia. Keeping the spirit alive.
• Children of Aging Parents
  www.caps4caregivers.org
  A national organization for caregivers.
• Family Caregiver Alliance
  www.caregiver.org
  The first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. Family Caregiver Alliance now offers programs at national, state and local levels to support and sustain caregivers.
• Mary Ellen Geist on the Diane Rehm Show
  wamu.org/programs/dr/08/08/13.php#20691
  Mary Ellen Geist gave up a great career to return home to help her mother care for her ailing father. She writes about the often overlooked but vital role husbands and wives, daughters and sons provide for loved ones battling Alzheimer's Disease.
• National Alliance for Caregiving
  www.caregiving.org
  The National Alliance for Caregiving is dedicated to providing support to family caregivers and the professionals who help them and to increasing public awareness of issues facing family caregivers.
• National Family Caregivers Association
  www.nfcacares.org
  An association that educates, supports, and empowers more than 50 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness, disability or the frailties of old age.
• National Organization for Empowering Caregivers
  www.care-givers.com
  An organization that provides assistance, education, support, referrals and respite for informal family caregivers, as well as to promote public awareness about the realities of those who care for loved ones.
• Nursing Home Compare
  www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/Include/DataSection/Questions/SearchCriteria.asp
  The primary purpose of this tool is to provide detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country.
• Project Compassion
  www.project-compassion.org
  Project Compassion creates community and provides support for people living with serious illnesses, caregiving, end-of-life and grief.
• Today's Caregiver Magazine
  www.caregiver.com
  Caregiver Media Group is a leading provider of information, support and guidance for family and professional caregivers.
• Well Spouse Foundation
  www.wellspouse.org
  A foundation that provides caregiver support for spousal caregivers.

Community Resources

• AARP
  www.aarp.org
  AARP is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization for people age 50 and older. AARP is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all who age, leading positive social change and delivering value to members through information, advocacy and service.
• All For Seniors - Charlotte
  www.allforseniors-charlotte.org
  A comprehensive directory of senior-related services and agencies in the Greater Charlotte area.
• Alzheimer's Association - Western Carolina Chapter
  www.alz.org/northcarolina/
  A non-profit organization which aims to provide information and support for persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, as well as address related concerns such as patient and family services, information and referral, education and advocacy.
• Area Agency on Aging - Mecklenburg County
  www.centralina.org/aaamec.htm
  A state designated lead regional organization that serves as a medium of grants and a forum for local government to address current problems and future needs of the aging population.
• Better Business Bureau Consumer Foundation
  www.charlotte.bbb.org
  This organization's mission is to promote and foster the highest ethical relationship between businesses and the public...through voluntary self-regulation, consumer and business education and service excellence.
• CPCC Lifelong Learning Institute
  cce.cpcc.edu/lifelonglearning
  An institution catered to address lifetime learning among midlife individuals through provision of information, education, work force development, career re-training and civic engagement opportunities.
• Centralina Area Agency on Aging
  www.centralinaaging.org
  Centralina Area Agency on Aging strives to support and enhance the capacity of service and advocacy systems to promote independence, preserve dignity and advocate for the rights of older and disabled adults and their families.
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Library
  www.plcmc.org/catalog/default.asp
  The Public Library offers comprehensive services and programs that promote intellectual and professional growth among individuals across all ages.
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Centers
  www.cmseniorcenters.org
  A non-profit organization designed to provide services and opportunities to citizens 55 years and older and their families, regardless of race, color, religion, sex and national origin and disability.
• Eldercare Locator - US Administration on Aging
  www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare/Public/Home.asp
  A public service link for older adults and caregivers that provides access to state and local agencies on aging and community based organizations.
• Elderhostel
  www.elderhostel.org/welcome/home.asp
  A window of information to providing extraordinary learning adventures for people 55 and over to meet your personal interests, activity level, budget, schedule and lifestyle.
• Fit City Challenge
  www.fitcitychallenge.com
  A community level initiative to encourage people to engage in physical activity to improve and maintain healthy lifestyles.
• Friendship Trays
  www.friendshiptrays.org
  A non-profit organization that delivers nutritious meals to elderly, handicapped and convalescing people who are unable or limited in their ability to prepare or secure meals.
• Just1Call
  www.just1call.org
  A one-stop source of information and assistance for senior citizens, adults with disabilities, caregivers and service providers in Mecklenburg County.
• Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services
  www.charmeck.org/departments/DSS/Home.htm
  Mecklenburg's very own department committed to enhancing quality of life through the provision of services for families, children, older adults and people with disabilities.
• Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation
  www.parkandrec.com
  Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is home to 210 parks & facilities on over 17,600 acres of parkland.
• North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement
  www.unca.edu/ncccr
  Established in 1988 as an integral part of the University of North Carolina at Asheville, the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement has the three-fold purpose of promoting lifelong learning, leadership, and community service opportunities for retirement-age individuals.
• Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
  www.cmseniorcenters.org/RSVP.htm
  An institutional program for adults for adults age 55 and older that helps use their life experience and skills through volunteering.
• Rx Compare
  www.maprx.info/compare.html
  An online tool designed to work in conjunction with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) online Planfinder tool.
• Senior Living Guide
  www.seniorlivingguide.com/
  Senior Living Guide was founded several years ago as a housing and service resource for seniors and family members. We have created an easy to use tool for finding senior housing, assisted living, active adult communities, nursing homes, Alzheimer's care and senior services such as home health care and companions.
• Senior Living Guide
  www.sourceforseniorliving.com
  An online communication information tool for senior industry professionals.
• Senior Net
  www.seniornet.org/php/default.php
  SeniorNet's mission is to provide older adults education for and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom.
• Shepherd's Center of Charlotte
  www.shepherdscharlotte.org
  A senior citizen's center dedicated to mobilizing active older adults as volunteers and offering programs to encourage learning and services for older adults to aid them in remaining securely at home for as long as possible.
• Status of Seniors Initiative
  statusofseniors.charmeck.org
  A committee formed to identify emerging aging issues, conduct research on these aging issues and develop recommendations to address these aging issues in Mecklenburg County.
• United Way 211
  charmeckcoa.org/docs/211Flyer.pdf
  Information on United Way's 211 service to find out about local community resources.
• United Way of Central Carolinas
  www.uwcentralcarolinas.org
  A non-profit organization that supports agencies and service providers in Anson, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Mooresville/Lake Norman, which focuses on building strong and healthy communities, empowering seniors and the disabled and investing in children, youth, and families through food distribution and agency relation, community works, public policy, information and referral services.

Death, Dying and Bereavement

• Hospice & Palliative Care - Charlotte Region
  www.hpccr.org
  A non-profit healthcare organization that provides services for people with life threatening illnesses and supportive services for families, caregivers and the bereaved.
• Project Compassion
  www.project-compassion.org
  Project Compassion creates community and provides support for people living with serious illnesses, caregiving, end-of-life and grief.

Goverment Agencies

• Administration on Aging
  www.aoa.gov
  A government agency responsible for developing a comprehensive, coordinated and cost-effective system of long-term care options that helps elderly individuals maintain their dignity in their homes and communities, as well as to help society prepare for an aging population.
• Department of Veterans Affairs
  www.va.gov
  A government department dedicated to providing care, benefits and services for our nation's veterans.
• Eldercare Locator - US Administration on Aging
  www.eldercare.gov
  A public service link for older adults and caregivers that provides access to state and local agencies on aging and community based organizations.
• Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services
  www.charmeck.org/departments/DSS/Home.htm
  Mecklenburg's very own department committed to enhancing quality of life through the provision of services for families, children, older adults and people with disabilities.
• Medicare
  www.medicare.gov/
  The official government site for Medicare.
• Medline Plus
  www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
  An authoritative and extensive source for information on medications and health related news and issues.
• NC Department of Insurance SHIIP
  www.ncdoi.com/Consumer/Shiip/Shiip.asp
  The Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) answers questions and counsels Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, Medicare prescription drug plans, long-term care insurance and other health insurance concerns.
• National Institutes of Health - Senior Health
  www.NIHSeniorHealth.gov
  A website on aging-related health information for older adults, family members and friends.
• National Institutes of Health
  www.nih.gov
  A website on aging-related health information for older adults, family members and friends.
• Resource Alert: Emergency Preparedness
  web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=721
  The following resources may be useful in assisting human service and transportation professionals as they develop plans to address the needs of their customers in the event of an emergency:
• Social Security Administration
  www.socialsecurity.gov
  The Social Security Administrations' mission is to advance the economic security of the nation's people through compassionate and vigilant leadership in shaping and managing America's Social Security programs.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

• Alzheimer's Association - Western Carolina Chapter
  www.alz.org/northcarolina/
  A non-profit organization which aims to provide information and support for persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, as well as address related concerns such as patient and family services, information and referral, education and advocacy.
• Charlotte Senior Sports
  www.charlotteseniorsports.com
  The goal of Charlotte Senior Sports is to become a reliable resource for organized senior athletic events in Charlotte. Choose a sport from the list at the right to get started.
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Games & SilverArts
  www.cmseniorgames.org
  Charlotte Mecklenburg Senior Games (CMSG) is a non-profit organization established to promote health and wellness for persons 55 and better. Senior Games provides a forum to meet new people, enjoy healthy competition, be creative and most importantly to HAVE FUN!!!
• Council on Aging's Senior Disaster Registry
  charmeckcoa.org/docs/SrReg.pdf
  Council on Aging launches new Senior Disaster Registry system...a Council on Aging Advocacy Initiative. Learn more about the free, voluntary, secure and confidential database designed to collect information from older adults and those with disabilities who may need assistance during an emergency or disaster.
• Disability Rights & Resources
  www.disability-rights.org
  This organization's mission is to guard the civil rights of people with disabilities by empowering ourselves and others to live as we choose.
• Find a Flu Shot
  www.findaflushot.com
  An online flu immunization resource center.
• Flu Season
  charmeckcoa.org/docs/Flu_2008.pdf
  Learn the facts about the flu and how you can protect yourself.
• Institute for Preventive Foot Health
  www.ipfh.org
  The Institute for Preventive Foot Health (IPFH) exists to promote awareness of, and the need for, preventive foot health as a key to long-term quality of human life, and also to promote research and education dedicated to preventive foot health practices, products and procedures that contribute to the general well being of the human foot.
• International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
  www.inpea.net
  This network's mission is to increase society's ability, through international collaboration, to recognize and respond to the mistreatment of older people in whatever setting it occurs, so that the latter years of life will be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
• Medicare
  www.medicare.gov/
  The official government site for Medicare.
• Medication Safety, from Safety for the Older Adult Newsletter
  charmeckcoa.org/docs/MedCheckList.pdf
  This excerpt from the Safety for the Older Adult Newsletter is brought to you by Lifeline Systems, the leading medical alert service that provides prompt, caring help and is available at the press of a button, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Medline Plus
  www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
  An authoritative and extensive source for information on medications and health related news and issues.
• N.C. Institute of Medicine
  www.nchealthcarehelp.org/
  This website will help you find free and reduced cost healthcare services in your area.
• NC Department of Insurance SHIIP
  www.ncdoi.com/Consumer/Shiip/Shiip.asp
  The Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) answers questions and counsels Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, Medicare prescription drug plans, long-term care insurance and other health insurance concerns.
• NC Dept. of Health and Human Services Div. of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing
  dsdhh.dhhs.state.nc.us/division/rrc/charlotte/charlotte.html
  This department ensures that people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or deaf with other disabilities have access to needed and available communication and health services.
• NC Institute of Medicine
  nchealthcarehelp.org/
  This site connects North Carolinians with free or reduced cost health care services. Over 300 providers across North Carolina have provided information about their services. You can search by county, hours of operation, patient insurance accepted (such as Uninsured,Medicaid or Medicare) and services (such as dental or primary care).
• National Institutes of Health - Senior Health
  www.NIHSeniorHealth.gov
  A website on aging-related health information for older adults, family members and friends.
• Resource Alert: Emergency Preparedness
  web1.ctaa.org/webmodules/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=721
  The following resources may be useful in assisting human service and transportation professionals as they develop plans to address the needs of their customers in the event of an emergency:
• Senior Medicare Patrols
  www.aoa.gov/smp
  The Administration on Aging (AoA) is dedicated to promoting consumer awareness, preventing elder victimization and working to implement community partnerships to prevent Medicare and Medicaid fraud, error and abuse.

Housing/Physical Environment

• 2008 Neighborhood Quality of Life Study
  charmeck.org/Departments/Neighborhood+Dev/Sustain+Neighborhoods/Quality+of+Life/Home.htm
  The Neighborhood Quality of Life Study evaluates social, crime, physical and economic conditions in Charlotte's neighborhoods.
• A Place for Mom Family
  elder-care-community.aplaceformom.com/
  Online community for families caring for elderly loved ones. A supportive community to ask questions, exchange experiences and share perspectives about caring for aging loved ones.
• ABLEDATA
  www.abledata.com/
  ABLEDATA provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources. Although ABLEDATA does not sell any products, we can help you locate the companies that do.
• ASSIST Visability Slide Show
  www.assistutah.org/access-visitablity/visitability.htm
  ASSIST Inc is a nonprofit Community Design Center founded in 1969. ASSIST provides architectural design, community planning and development assistance to nonprofit and community groups, and housing and accessibility design assistance to low income households or persons with disabilities.
• Charlotte Housing Authority
  www.cha-nc.org
  A non-profit real estate holding company which provides decent, safe and affordable housing to low and moderate income families while supporting efforts to achieve self-sufficiency.
• City of Charlotte
  www.charmeck.org
  The official website for the city of Charlotte.
• Cohousing
  www.cohousing.org
  Cohousing residents are consciously committed to living as a community. The physical design encourages both social contact and individual space.
• Complete Streets
  www.completestreets.org
  In communities across the country, a movement is growing to complete the streets. States, cities and towns are asking their planners, engineers and designers to build road networks that welcome all citizens.
• Concrete Change
  www.concretechange.org/
  An international effort to make all new homes Visitable!
• Federal Housing Administration - Reverse Mortgage Information
  www.hud.gov/buying/rvrsmort.cfm
  Senior homeowners age 62 and older can use Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured reverse mortgages to convert the equity in their homes into monthly streams of income and/or a line of credit to be repaid when they no longer occupy the homes.
• Federal Housing Administration
  portal.hud.gov/portal/page?_pageid=33,717234&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
  The official government site for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Federal Housing Administration, generally known as "FHA", provides mortgage insurance on loans made by FHA-approved lenders throughout the United States and its territories.
• Housing Options for Older Adults
  www.n4a.org/pdf/HousingOptions_Booklet.pdf
  This booklet provides an overview of the many housing options now available.
• National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA)
  www.reversemortgage.org/
  This site is for consumers interested in learning more about reverse mortgages.
• National Weather Service (N.O.A.A.)
  www.srh.noaa.gov/data/forecasts/NCZ071.php?warncounty=NCC119&city=Charlotte
  The official National Weather Service website with detailed and up-to-date information on weather conditions in Mecklenburg County.
• Nursing Home Compare
  www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/Include/DataSection/Questions/SearchCriteria.asp
  The primary purpose of this tool is to provide detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country.
• Offical US Time Clock
  www.time.gov/timezone.cgi?Eastern/d/-5/java
  A public service website to provide the official time throughout the United States.
• Reverse Mortgage Counseling Services for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Area
  charmeckcoa.org/docs/Resources_RevMortgage.pdf
  List of reverse mortgage counseling service in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.
• Snap for Seniors
  www.snapforseniors.com
  Simplify your search for senior housing.

Issues, Advocacy and Elections

• AARP Issues and Elections
  www.aarp.org/issues/
  Find up-to-date information about issues that could impact the older adults and the aging population.
• Mecklenburg County Board of Elections
  www.meckboe.org
  An information-based website on Mecklenburg's' Board of Elections, municipalities and other relating links.

Legal

• Caring Info
  www.caringinfo.org/UserFiles/File/NorthCarolina(2).pdf
  This site provides information on North Carolina's specific Advance Directive policies, procedures and documents.
• Elder Law Clinic
  law.wfu.edu/clinics/elder/
  The Elder Law Clinic provides free legal assistance to moderate income seniors, and serves as a resource center for lawyers and other professionals.
• Legal Services for Southern Piedmont
  www.lssp.org
  Legal Services of the Southern Piedmont (LSSP) provides legal assistance in civil matters to low-income persons in the Charlotte area and in west-central North Carolina. LSSP assures a full measure of justice for those in need.
• Put it in Writing
  www.putitinwriting.org/putitinwriting/content/piiwbrochure.pdf
  This site provides answers to frequently asked questions relevant to Advance Directives, a glossary of terms and instructions for writing Advance Directives.

Personal Finance

• AARP Money and Work
  www.aarp.org/money/
  Your source for a healthy financial life.
• Alliance Credit Counseling
  www.knowdebt.org
  This organization offers credit advice and also provides information on debt, mortgages and refinancing your home.
• Economic Stimulus Payment
  www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=177937,00.html
  Information regarding the schedule, scams, and how to recieve the stimulus payment.
• National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA)
  www.reversemortgage.org/
  This site is for consumers interested in learning more about reverse mortgages.
• Property Fraud Alert
  www.propertyfraudalert.com/mecklenburgnc
  Property Fraud Alert is a notification service that alerts subscribers (via email or phone contact) each time a document is recorded with their name on it in the participating County Land Records office. The subscriber must select one method of notification, either an email address or a phone number.
• Reverse Mortgage Counseling Services for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Area
  charmeckcoa.org/docs/Resources_RevMortgage.pdf
  List of reverse mortgage counseling service in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.
• Social Security Administration
  www.socialsecurity.gov
  The Social Security Administrations' mission is to advance the economic security of the nation's people through compassionate and vigilant leadership in shaping and managing America's Social Security programs.
• Social Security Stimulus Payment
  www.IRS.gov
  Did you receive social security benefits last year? Even if you are not required to file a tax return, you may still be entitled to an economic stimulus payment from the federal government.
• Social Security Stimulus Payment
  www.aarp.org/stimulushelp
  Did you receive social security benefits last year? Even if you are not required to file a tax return, you may still be entitled to an economic stimulus payment from the federal government.

Senior-Friendly Community

• AARP Independent Living
  www.aarp.org/research/housing-mobility/indliving/beyond_50_communities.html
  A Report to the Nation on Liveable Communities: Creating Environments for Successful Aging.
• ASSIST Visability Slide Show
  www.assistutah.org/access-visitablity/visitability.htm
  ASSIST Inc is a nonprofit Community Design Center founded in 1969. ASSIST provides architectural design, community planning and development assistance to nonprofit and community groups, and housing and accessibility design assistance to low income households or persons with disabilities.
• Aging in Place Initiative
  www.aginginplaceinitiative.org/
  An organization developed to help America's communities prepare for the aging of their population and to become places that are good to grow up, live in and grow old.
• Complete Streets
  www.completestreets.org
  In communities across the country, a movement is growing to complete the streets. States, cities and towns are asking their planners, engineers and designers to build road networks that welcome all citizens.
• Council on Aging's Senior Disaster Registry
  charmeckcoa.org/docs/SrReg.pdf
  Council on Aging launches new Senior Disaster Registry system...a Council on Aging Advocacy Initiative. Learn more about the free, voluntary, secure and confidential database designed to collect information from older adults and those with disabilities who may need assistance during an emergency or disaster.
• National Aging in Place Council
  www.naipc.org
  This organization fosters an ongoing forum between individual professionals (from the private, public and non-profit sectors) and corporations to work together to promote aging in place. Additionally, the National Aging in Place Council encourages senior citizens, recent retirees, and Baby Boomers to be proactive in planning for their future housing and care needs, and provide ideas and information to help them do so.
• Site makes strides to score walkable cities
  www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-07-20-walk-score_N.htm
  Article outlining a new websitecreated by Front Seat, a Seattle-based software company, that rates the walkability of neighborhoods based on how easy it is to walk to amenities and services.
• Status of Seniors Initiative
  statusofseniors.charmeck.org
  The Status of Seniors Initiative was a committee formed to study the current situation of aging in Mecklenburg County and to provide recommendations to foster a senior-friendly community that values dignity and independence for all older adults.
• World Health Organization's Global Age-Friendly Cities: A Guide
  www.who.int/ageing/publications/Global_age_friendly_cities_Guide_English.pdf
  A checklist developed by the 33 cities in WHO's regions across the world to engage cities to become more age-friendly.

Transportation

• CATS Special Transportation Services (STS)
  www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS/Riding+CATS/STS.htm
  Special Transportation Services provides door-to-door transit services within Charlotte's city limits, including Matthews & Pineville for individuals with disabilities certified as eligible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• CATS Special Transportation Services II (STSII)
  www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS/Riding+CATS/STSII.htm
  CATS' goal with Special Transportation Services (STSII) is to provide transportation to people with all disabilities to, from, and within the towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Mint Hill and the unincorporated areas of Mecklenburg County.
• Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)
  www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS/Home.htm
  Get information on Charlotte area transit services, bus schedules, routes, and more.
• NC Department of Motor Vehicles
  www.ncdot.org/
  A public transportation information office that promotes safe transportation networks, the efficient movement of people and goods and the creation of transit infrastructure.
• Seniors in Motion
  www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS/Transit+Programs/Seniors+In+Motion.htm
  Through Seniors in Motion, CATS can visit your residential facility, church group or senior center and introduce their services to you! CATS staff can take you on a demonstration ride, assist you with reading public timetables and even make your Transit ID on the spot.
• Site makes strides to score walkable cities
  www.walkscore.com
  Find a walkable place to live.