Listed below are some resources that might help you in caring for your elder loved one. Let me know if you have others you wish to share and I’ll update the post.

Arkansas Department of Human Services
Division of Aging and Adult Services
PO Box 1437, Slot S-530
Little Rock, AR 72203
501-382-2441
Director: Herb Sanderson
http://www.arkansas.gov/dhs/aging

Arkansas Geriatric Education Center
4301 W Markham Street, #798
Little Rock, AR 72205
501-257-5543
http://www.agec.org

AARP Arkansas State Office
1701 Centerview Drive, Suite 205
Little Rock, AR 72211
866-554-8379
http://www.aarp.org/states/ar/ar-about/a2004-01-26-ar-stateoffice.html

Arkansas Area Agencies on Aging:
AAA of Southeast Arkansas                                              www.asea.org
Age with Dignity – AAA of Southwest Arkansas      www.agewithdignity.com
AAA of Northwest Arkansas                                            www.aaanwar.org
CareLink – AAA of Central Arkansas                            www.care-link.org
East Arkansas AAA                                                               www.e4aonline.com
West Central Arkansas AAA                                             www.seniorspecialists.org
Western Arkansas AAA                                                     www.agingwest.org
White River AAA                                                                 www.wraaa.com

I was recently approached about a case involving a fall in an assisted living facility.  Someone suggested that these facilities are not regulated.  This is false.  An information sheet provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services can be found here.  You will see that these facilities are indeed regulated.

Assisted living facilities are less costly than nursing homes, but are still quite expensive.  The national average is $1,800 per month.  When considering this housing option for you or your loved one, be sure to inquire about what is and is not included in the monthly fee.

For more specific information about assisted living, be sure to check out the resources below.

Assisted Living Federation of America
1650 King Street, Suite 602
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-894-1805
http://www.alfa.org/ or email info@alfa.org

Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living
2342 Oak St., Falls Church, VA  22046
(703) 533-8121
http://www.ccal.org/

National Center for Assisted Living
201 L St., NW Washington, DC 20005
(202) 842-4444
www.ncal.org/consumer/index.cfm

American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging 2519 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008-1520 (202) 783-2242  http://www.aahsa.org

The American Seniors Housing Association 5100 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 307 Washington, DC 20016 (202) 237-0900  http://www.seniorhousing.org

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As a Nurse Life Care Planner, I often have to research various agencies to determine what resources exist when developing life plans for a catastrophically ill or injured patient.  For the past few years I have been collecting resource links.  For the last six months or so I have been sharing these resources with others in hopes of helping others locate this information in a convenient (and search-able) fashion.  In this edition I have posted some great links that are specific to Arkansas.  Check here for agencies and information regarding a variety of illnesses and conditions.

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Arkansas Specific Resources~check back soon for the national level resources

Arkansas Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): AAAs offer aging services, including:
• Information and assistance
• Care management
• Nutrition services (i.e., Meals on Wheels)
• Legal assistance
• Services for family caregivers through the Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP)
Anyone age 60 or older (866) 801-3435
http://www.arkansas.gov/dhs/aging/aaamap.html

Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs: Provides aged or disabled veterans with rehabilitative, residential and medical care and services. The VA also helps veterans and their families to present claims for veterans’ benefits to the federal government and offers veterans low-cost loans to acquire farms and homes. (501) 370-3820
http://www.veterans.arkansas.gov

Arkansas Legal Services Partnership:Non-profit organization advocates for the legal rights of low income residents of Arkansas. offers the following services:
•Legal representation
•Legal hotlines by county
•Education (elder, family, consumer law)
Low income residents of Arkansas
http://www.arlegalservices.org

Medicaid: Medicaid is a health insurance for people with limited income and resources. It pays for a variety of medical services, including in-home care or nursing home care, depending on eligibility. Must be low-income – based on specific government criteria (800) 482-8988
https://www.medicaid.state.ar.us

Senior Health Insurance and Information Program (SHIIP): Assists individuals and families with eligibility questions and problems related to Medicare, including prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D, managed care, long-term care planning, health insurance and other health care issues. (800) 224-6330
http://insurance.arkansas.gov/seniors/homepage.htm

As promised, here are the national resources for those who live and receive care in the home.

ABLEDATA: Provides information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment, including how to find and purchase it.  Also offers an online forum for consumers, caregivers and others to submit and read reviews of products and classified ads of equipment for sale. (800) 227-0216

http:/ / www.abledata.com

Able Project.org: A nonprofit organization with an online directory that allows people to research, compare, locate and obtain mobility and assistive products, such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, bars and rails. (408) 263-8000

http:/ / www.ableproject.org

Alzheimer’s Association: Provides reliable information, care consultation and supportive services for dementia caregivers through state and local chapters. The website also includes an interactive tool, CareFinder, which helps families to:
• Recognize dementia care
• Plan and pay for care
• Communicate with care providers
• Find local support and resources

(800) 272-3900
http:/ / www.alz.org

AssistiveTech.net: Government-sponsored website with a directory of assistive devices and other products, which includes information about cost and vendors. (800) 726-9119

http:/ / www.assistivetech.net

Association of Jewish Family & Children’s Services (AJFCS): An online directory of AJFCS  member agencies throughout the country. Services include:
• Care management
• Chore services
• Adult day services
• Kosher meals on wheels
• Respite care

(800) 634-7346

http:/ / www.ajfca.org

CancerCare: Provides support services for anyone affected by cancer including limited financial assistance grants for:
• Transportation
• Child care
• Home care

Patient must currently be receiving treatment for cancer (800) 813-4673

http:/ / www.cancercare.org

Catholic Charities: Provides social services to individuals in need, including family support, respite care and home care services.

Eligibility varies by program (see website)

http:/ / www.catholiccharitiesinfo.org

Easter Seals: Assists children and adults with disabilities and their families by providing adult day services, including medical and social services. Children and adults with disabilities. (800) 221-6827

http:/ / www.easterseals.com

Faith in Action: Network of interfaith volunteer caregiving programs across the country. Volunteers shop, cook, drive or just check in on those with long-term health needs.

Eligibility varies by program (see website) (866) 839-8865

http:/ / www.fianationalnetwork.org/

Hospice Foundation of America: Provides information about end-of-life care. Its website includes a “Locate a Hospice” search which allows the user to search for hospice and palliative care programs, and a “Caregiver‘s Corner” that offers publications and tips on caregiving for persons near the end-of-life. See website for local contact information.

http:/ / www.hospicefoundation.org

Lutheran Services: Provides services ranging from health care to disaster response, as well as services for children and families and care for older adults. Eligibility varies by program (see website)

http:/ / www.lutheranservices.org

Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA): Offers online directory of local meal programs across the country for adults who are elderly, homebound, disabled, frail, or at risk.

http:/ / www.mowaa.org

National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA): Online directory of NADSA member agencies throughout the country (including adult day services and adult day health programs).

(800) 558-5301

http:/ / www.nadsa.org

National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC): Online “Agency Locator”  helps consumers to find and choose a home care provider in their state and local area to match their specific needs. Database consists of NAHC members, more than 20,000 home care and hospice agencies.

http:/ / www.nahc.org

National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers: Online directory of its members, who provide services throughout the country at varying fees. These professionals (nurses, social workers, etc.)  specialize in aging and elder care and can help families assess needs and plan suitable care.

http:/ / www.caremanager.org

National Center on Senior Transportation: Provides online directory of transit agencies and community transportation providers for older adults. A toll-free line is available to answer questions regarding transportation services for older adults. (866) 528-6278
http:/ / www.seniortransportation.net

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization: Provides information about end-of-life care. Its online “Find a Provider” search allows the user to search for member hospice and palliative care programs for individuals who have advanced illness or have been considered terminally ill by a physician. (800) 658-8898
http:/ / www.nhpco.org

National Private Duty Association (NPDA): Online directory of home care agencies, both medical and non-medical, in 44 states.  Database consists of NPDA members.

http:/ / www.privatedutyhomecare.org

National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification: Sponsored by the University of Southern California, the website features a section entitled “Home Modification for Caregivers” and an online national directory of home modification resources geared to help older persons remain independent.

http:/ / www.homemods.org

Senior Corps- Senior Companion Program: Provides assistance to frail older persons and adults with disabilities so they can live independently in their own homes or communities. Volunteers offer:
• Respite for caregivers
• Companionship to care recipients
• Help with various tasks and chores

Frail older adults and adults with disabilities

http:/ / www.seniorcorps.org

Shepard’s Centers of America: Some centers hold monthly meetings of education and support for those who care for older adults. Centers also provide:
• Respite care
• In-home visitors
• Home health aides
• Support groups
• Adult day care
• Information and referral

(800) 547-7073

http:/ / www.shepherdcenters.org/ memberCenters.aspx

United Way: Over 1,350 programs operating throughout the country to promote increased access to health care for disease prevention and treatment, and medical rehabilitations for people with disabilities. Services focus on under- and uninsured populations.

http:/ / national.unitedway.org

Visiting Nurse Associations of America (VNAA): Online resource helps consumers locate a VNA in their area. VNAs offer comprehensive home health care or personal care to individuals in their respective communities for a fee. The website includes tips on choosing a home health agency and information about insurance coverage. Services vary by agency but may include:
• Skilled nursing
• Home health aide services
• Rehabilitation therapies: physical, occupational and speech-language
• Medical social services
• Hospice and palliative care services

• Anyone requiring care – medical orders from a physician are usually required for care
* Individuals must pay privately. Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance may pay for the service if the care is medically necessary, depending on each payer’s eligibility requirements http:/ / www.vnaa.org

AARP (Online Resources): A consumer organization for people 50 years and older. Provides online information about issues related to aging, including:
• Long-term care and retirement
• Financial and legal information
• Resources on family caregiving
• Internet resources on aging

(888) 687-2277
http:/ / www.aarp.org

Access to Health Insurance / Resources for Care: Online resource that provides information on low-cost and affordable health insurance, health care, and hospice.  It is a free service from the Actors’ Fund of America’s Health Insurance Resource Center. (800) 798-8447

http:/ / www.ahirc.org/

AgingPro: Online directory of aging and caregiver support services. Offers access to professionals in aging, resources, educational articles, virtual classroom, ask the expert, and support groups.

http:/ / www.agingpro.com

AGIS: Provides information and planning tips about long-term care and caregiving. Its website includes a “Find Facilities and Services” search tool to help consumers find long-term care housing, caregiver support,  hospice and palliative care programs and other aging services. Offers a “Caregiver Kit” to help caregivers.

http:/ / www.agis.com/

Alzheimer’s Association: Provides reliable information, care consultation and supportive services for dementia caregivers through state and local chapters. The website also includes an interactive tool, CareFinder, which helps families to:
• Recognize dementia care
• Plan and pay for care
• Communicate with care providers
• Find local support and resources

(800) 272-3900
http:/ / www.alz.org

American Red Cross – Family Caregiver Training Program: Local Red Cross chapters offer in-person educational sessions, for a nominal fee, on topics such as:
• Home safety
• Healthy eating
• Bathing
• Legal and financial issues
• Self-care for the caregiver

http:/ / www.redcross.org

ARCH National Respite Network: Online “Respite Locator” is a service to help families and professionals locate respite services in their community from a database of nearly 3,000 members.

http:/ / www.respitelocator.org

Brain Talk Communities: An online forum for caregivers and neurology patients to provide support for each other and to learn about community resources and services.

Anyone caring for someone who meets care recipient eligibility. Anyone with a neurological disorder.

http:/ / brain.hastypastry.net/ forums

CancerCare: Provides support services for anyone affected by cancer including limited financial assistance grants for:
• Transportation
• Child care
• Home care

Patient must currently be receiving treatment for cancer. (800) 813-4673

http:/ / www.cancercare.org

Caregiver.com: Provides online information and support to family caregivers, including a resource that helps to identify and locate caregiver support groups and other caregiver resources in specific counties, including non-profit organizations, rural caregiver resources and products and services. (800) 829-2734

http:/ / www.caregiver.com

Caregivers Marketplace: A program that offers cash back on goods and products that are not typically covered by insurance or Medicare. Products eligible for cash back include nutrition, incontinence supplies, bathing and skin care, and aids for daily living. (800) 888-0889

http:/ / caregiversmarketplace.com

CAREgivinghelp.org: Provides information about a variety of caregiving topics. Also provides access to geriatric care specialists. (773) 576-1602

http:/ / www.caregivinghelp.org

Caring Connections: A program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization that offers free resources and information (online and over the phone) about end-of-life care and services. Includes information about:
• Advance care planning
• Financial assistance
• Hospice care and grief

(800) 658-8898 HelpLine in Spanish: (877) 658-8896

http:/ / www.caringinfo.org

Children of Aging Parents: An online support group for adults caring for their parents or other relatives. Also provides a list of in-person support groups in different states. Anyone caring for a family member or friend. (800) 227-7294

http:/ / www.caps4caregivers.org

Daily Strength: Offers over 500 online support communities and information exchange on a variety of health and wellness issues, including caregiving.

http:/ / www.dailystrength.org

Easter Seals: Assists children and adults with disabilities and their families by providing adult day services, including medical and social services. Children and adults with disabilities. (800) 221-6827

http:/ / www.easterseals.com

Faith in Action: Network of interfaith volunteer caregiving programs across the country. Volunteers shop, cook, drive or just check in on those with long-term health needs. Eligibility varies by program. (866) 839-8865

http:/ / www.fianationalnetwork.org/

Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA): FCA is a nonprofit caregiver support organization that offers online resources, fact sheets and electronic newsletters which serve as a central source of information and assistance to family caregivers in every state. FCA’s National Center on Caregiving offers a national telephone hotline.  The website also hosts three online support groups open to the public for caregivers and their loved ones:
• Caregiver Online Group
•  Huntington’s Disease & Movement Disorders Online Group
•  LGBT Caring Community Online Support Group

Caregiver Online Group: Family and friends caring for adults with cognitive disorders and other chronic health conditions. Huntington’s Disease & Movement Disorders Online Group: Families, friends and professionals affected by HD, Parkinson’s or other movement disorder.
LGBT Caring Community Online Support Group: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender caregivers of adults with chronic health problems. Care recipients looking for information may find it on FCA’s website or by calling the hotline.  The online groups are not designed for care recipients. (800) 445-8106

http:/ / www.caregiver.org

Family Caregiving 101: A joint project of the National Family Caregivers Association and the National Alliance for Caregiving that provides online information, resources and advice on topics related to family caregiving, including personal stories from family caregivers and encouragement for caregivers to protect their own physical and mental health.

http:/ / www.familycaregiving101.org

Lotsa Helping Hands: An online volunteer coordination service for friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to assist older adults in need. Offers a private group calendar to organize meals delivery, rides, and other caregiving tasks for a loved one.

http:/ / nfca.lotsahelpinghands.com

National Center on Caregiving (NCC) at Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA): Offers a national telephone hotline, online resources and printed publications which serve as a central source of information and assistance to family caregivers in every state. (800) 445-8106
http:/ / www.caregiver.org

Share the Care: Offers a handbook for family caregivers, friends and neighbors that contains guidelines for developing a support network and coordinating care for older or disabled individuals. (646) 467-8097

http:/ / www.sharethecare.org

Strength for Caring: Sponsored by The Caregiver Initiative, Johnson & Johnson, this online resource and community for family caregivers offers articles and advice, including an extensive caregiver manual. Other sections of the site focus on community, health conditions, daily care, housing and money, and insurance.

http:/ / www.strengthforcaring.com

Well Spouse Association: A national, non-profit membership organization  that provides support to wives, husbands, and partners of the chronically ill and/or disabled through established support groups in communities all over the country. Any spouse or partner caring for someone who is chronically ill or disabled. (800) 838-0879

http:/ / www.wellspouse.org

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I am on a bit of a resources kick lately.  I find myself researching resources on a regular basis and thought why wouldn’t I share my treasures with others.  Besides it will be nice to review my own website to retrieve the information in the future rather than do the research all over again.

These resources are specific to Arkansas and are targeted to those still living and receiving care in the home.  National resources will follow.

Alternatives Program: Government programs assists low income adults with any type of physical disability maintain independence in the community by helping to pay for personal attendant care and home modifications.
Multiple requirements:
• Adults age 21- 64 with any type of physical disability
• Require nursing level of care
• Low income (Medicaid eligible) (800) 981-4457 or (888) 682-0044

http:/ / www.daas.ar.gov/ alternative.html

Independent Choices is an option of this program which allows care receivers to choose and hire their own service provider including a relative or friend who is neither their spouse nor their legal guardian to provide the care they need.
http:/ / www.independentchoices.com

Arkansas Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): AAAs offer aging services, including:
• Information and assistance
• Care management
• Nutrition services (i.e., Meals on Wheels)
• Legal assistance
• Services for family caregivers through the Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP)

Anyone age 60 or older. (866) 801-3435
http:/ / www.arkansas.gov/ dhs/ aging/ aaamap.html

Arkansas Hospice: Non-profit organization provides hospice and palliative care services in Arkansas.   (501) 748-3333 (877) 257-3400

http:/ / www.arkansashospice.org

Arkansas Independent Living Council: A network of non-profit, non-residential, community-based centers, run and controlled by persons with disabilities that offer:
• Information and referral
• Peer counseling
• Care management
• Independent living skills training
• Individual and systems change advocacy
• Benefits counseling
• Employment readiness training
• Housing referrals
• Assistive technology services
• Legal aid

(800) 772-0607

http:/ / www.ar-ilc.org

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS): Assists residents of Arkansas with disabilities to obtain and retain employment. It provides information and referral services for independent living.

(800) 330-0632

http:/ / www.arsinfo.org

ElderChoices Program: Government program assists low income older adults who require nursing level of care to delay placement into a nursing facility by providing help to pay for in-home care services including:
•Care management
•In-home care
•Adult day care
•Chore services
•Home-delivered meals
•Respite care
•Personal emergency response system
•Supplemental services

Multiple requirements:
• Adults age 65 or older
• Require nursing level of care
• Low income (Medicaid eligible)

(800) 235-0002 OR (501) 682-2441
Independent Choices
(888) 682-0044

http:/ / www.arkansas.gov/ dhs/ aging/ elch07.html

Independent Choices is an option of this program which allows care receivers to choose and hire their own service provider including a relative or friend who is neither their spouse nor their legal guardian to provide the care they need.
http:/ / www.independentchoices.com

HomeCare Association of Arkansas: Association of in-home care providers. Its website offers a search tool that allows users to locate in-home care providers in their communities.

(501) 376-2273

http:/ / www.homecareassociationarkansas.org

Increasing Capabilities Access Network (ICAN): Program assists people with disabilities obtain assistive devices and remain independent in their community by providing services including:
•Information & referral
•Assistive technology demonstrations
•Option to borrow assistive devices and telecommunication equipment for a limited period of time
•Alternative financing options for the purchase of assistive technology devices

(800) 828-2799
http:/ / www.arkansas-ican.org

With the largest generation of Americans entering the latter stages of life coupled with our longer life expectancy, it is crucial that patient care is readily available. The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation has just announced that it has received grants totalling $33.4 million for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging. The grants will be used to build four floors (55,000 square feet) at the facility as well as $3 million toward care giver training program that will be instituted at the regional centers in Texarkana, Pine Bluff, Jonesboro, and West Memphis.

UAMS provides several senior health services. The Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging has a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of Arkansas seniors. The Longevity Clinic is one of the south’s largest primary care clinics specifically for seniors. U.S. News & World Report named the UAMS Department of Geriatrics to their top ten list for graduate programs for the past seven years. Other senior services include the Eye Institute, the Cancer Institute and the Myeloma Institute.

Home Sweet Home

People spend years building and spending their hard earned money and time on their homes.  But how many think about making an environment that is senior friendly?

As we age we are not able to perform the same tasks with the ease of our earlier years, creating many dangerous situations.  The current home may not be adequately prepared to provide the safety and convenience of the aging residents.

The rate of our aging seniors is beginning to influence the development of new appliances; stairs, homes, and electronics. Currently seniors, age 55 and above, make up 76 million people and spend $25 billion annually in the American consumer market.  As they age, seniors are going to be looking for ways in which to make their lives safer and more convenient.

A new senior friendly oven comes with an automatic door and features that shuts off the heat when not in use.  Other features include a glass cook top with a thermometer that will prevent boil over if a person forgets and easy to touch or program levers for cooking.  The oven also has a handle bar that will support a 350lb person.  All of these new features are being developed and marketed specifically for the geriatric age group by companies such as General Electric, Siemens, and Moen.

New washers and dryers geared toward seniors are also being developed.   Many of the new washer and dryers are being designed to reduce stooping when removing laundry.  They provide large knobs that make unique and louder than normal noises or melodies for each setting, and have automatic or easy to open doors.

Becoming senior friendly is not only restricted to the home but also needs to include the automobile.  In order to ensure new cars are senior friendly, Nissan Motor Co. has employees wear an “aging suit” that simulates stiff joints, poor balance and impaired vision while they test concept cars.  Ford Motor Co. has developed software to simulate the motions of an older person using a vehicle.

Companies are beginning to realize that one model does not fit all.  The geriatric market will force more research and development for alternatives for the aging individual. When you prepare your home as you age, consider some of these items when replacing old or outdated appliances and equipment.