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Useful Sites
Medicare Rx Benefits
About this site: This government Web site is billed as the official site for people with Medicare, and it’s an extremely helpful resource for everything from billing questions to provider information. More recent features can help you find and research Medicare-approved drug discount cards. Overall, the site’s content is well-organized, making the vast amounts of information very accessible. Publications are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. (http://www.medicare.gov)  Pluses: The site is very user-friendly: There is a “printable version” link on every page, and the extensive (and searchable) Help section troubleshoots almost every conceivable glitch you could encounter.  Minuses: Boring design and graphics can make research tedious.  Best feature: With the site’s many search tools, you can determine your Medicare eligibility and coverage, find a participating physician, compare nursing homes in your area, even find Medicare-approved drug discount cards and compare the prices of your prescriptions. |
FCA: Family Caregiver Alliance
About this site: Family Caregiver Alliance was founded in 1977 to help people who are providing long-term care at home. This helpful and comprehensive Web site is a great resource for everything from getting your own important papers organized or hiring in-home help. You can also read others’ personal stories and join a Caregiver Discussion Group, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (http://www.caregiver.org/) Pluses: The hot topics section tackles tough issues like sexuality and dementia. Minuses: The navigation bars that drop down when you mouse over the section tabs can be a little dizzying. Best feature: Long-distance caregivers can download a handbook to help them cope with the challenges of caring for a loved one who lives far away. |
CarePlanner
About this site: Whether you’re a senior or a caregiver for a loved one, making the difficult decision about living arrangements can seem daunting and overwhelming. Fortunately, creating a CarePlan can make things a little easier. When you complete a comprehensive questionnaire about your (or your loved one’s) background, health, and finances, you’ll receive Advice Reports to help you evaluate different living arrangements in your area. This free service is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is completely confidential. (http://www.careplanner.org/) Pluses: The comprehensive Resources page provides many worksheets, checklists, tips, and sample questions to ask. Minuses: The questionnaire is mainly designed to be completed by someone other than the person receiving care, so the language is very impersonal and clinical. Also, it’s not clear how to save your work if you need to finish to it later. Best feature: CarePlanner Espanol offers makes this valuable service available to Spanish speakers. |
Be MedWise
About this site: This site is designed to give consumers information that will help them use over-the-counter (OTC) medications safely and effectively. Though the information is not abundant, it is concise and useful. (http://www.bemedwise.ca/english/index.html) Pluses: The site includes a handy guide to reading medicine labels and offers convenient printouts patients can take along when they see a doctor or pharmacist. Minuses: The site doesn't offer much specific information on OTCs' interactions with prescription drugs. Best feature: Printable brochures and guidelines you can take to your doctor or pharmacist to help you ask the right questions. |
Administration on Aging
About this site: For facts and figures on the nation's senior population, the Administration on Aging (AoA) is the place to go. This federal agency acts as an information clearinghouse and advocacy organization. It alerts the public to the needs of vulnerable older citizens and educates people about the valuable contributions of older Americans. By providing referrals, the AoA also aims to help older people and their caregivers learn about the benefits and services available to them. (http://www.aoa.gov/) Pluses: There's information for seniors, their families, caregivers and other professionals. Minuses: It's easy to get lost in legislative information. Best feature: The AoA resource rooms on the right-side navigation bar contains names, addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers of organizations that cover issues important or helpful to seniors. |
AARP
About this site: The AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) is the nation's leading organization for people 50 and older, providing information, advocacy, and services. The well-organized, large-print Web site has plenty of helpful information for an active and healthy lifestyle. Get tips for long-distance grandparenting, learn how to get your finances in order, and find out what to do if your HMO drops out of Medicare. (http://www.aarp.org/) Pluses: The current issue of the organization's magazine, Modern Maturity, is available online. Minuses: The site map is buried on the search page. Best feature: Read these helpful tutorials, and you'll never be intimidated by your computer again! |
Access America for Seniors
About this site: Access America for Seniors, maintained by the Social Security Administration, is intended to provide seniors with a link to all government services and information online. You can download forms from the Department of Veteran's Administration, find out if the government owes you pension benefits, and get an estimate of your income from social security. ( http://www.seniors.gov/) Pluses: The link to each agency has a brief, easily understood description of that office's responsibilities. Minuses: It can be difficult to sort through the sheer volume of information presented. Best feature: There are quick links to many other federal agencies, as well as each state's department of aging. |
Alzheimer's Association
About this site: In addition to the basic facts and figures on this devastating disease, the Alzheimer's Association Web site has resources for people living with Alzheimer's, their caregivers, and professionals who want to keep up with the latest medical advances. You can also find out how to ensure a proper diagnosis and learn more about current and future treatment options. (http://www.alz.org/) Pluses: The section on treatment options includes information on drugs under development and in clinical trials. There's also a helpful list of things to consider before enrolling in a drug trial. Minuses: News is confusingly organized on three separate archive pages, and some information is extremely old. Best feature: Locate your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, which can be an additional source of information and assistance. |
Prostate Health
About this site: Get the latest information on prostate cancer symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment options from the American Foundation for Urological Disease (AFUD). The site also offers links to other resources and a worldwide registry where you can discuss treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). (http://www.prostatehealth.com/) Pluses: Can e-mail questions about treatments and concerns to doctors on AFUD's editorial board. Minuses: No information on what makes a patient a good candidate for different treatments. Best feature: An article outlining the pros and cons of taking a PSA(prostate specific antigen) test to diagnose prostate cancer. |
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