NAMI specializes in the area of mental health conditions, and we would suggest you consult those organizations specializing in the care of aging populations:
- Alzheimer's Association is the leading health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Contact their 24-Hour HelpLine (800) 272-3900 for information on local and national resources, help and support or visit the Alzheimer's Care Training Resources page that provides educational courses, including information on how to recognize the early signs and symptoms of the disease.
- Dementia Care Central offers a comprehensive information on the diseases and a list of online and in-person support groups for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
General Assistance
- ElderCare Locator HelpLine (800) 677-1116 is maintained by the Administration on Community Living (ACL) and helps to locate housing, public benefits assistance, at-home care, etc. for aging citizens.
- National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) Under Title VI of the Older Americans Act, the AAAs develops, coordinates and delivers services to the aging in every community across the U.S. The website maintains a nationwide search feature on its home page to find your local AAA.
- Community Resource Finder, a service maintained by the Alzheimer’s Association and AARP, provides a listing of resources for the aging including homecare, community services, housing options, medical assistance, and more.
- National Institute on Aging Provides comprehensive section on its website that discusses Caregiving for those who take care of a friend or family member with a serious health condition, including information on long-term care, advance care planning, long-distance caregiving, and Alzheimer's Caregiving as well as articles responding to FAQs. NIA’s End-of-Life Care section of website that addresses myriad concerns, including Making Difficult End-of-Life Decisions, Advance Directives, Support for Caregiver, including information on Respite Care.
Transportation
- GoGo Grandparent is a service that allows a call from a landline or flip phone to function like a smartphone to request licensed and authorized Transportation Network Companies (such as Uber or Lyft) on a senior’s behalf. The service maintains heightened security and monitoring features designed for the needs of seniors.
- State Medicaid – Aging adults covered by Medicaid are entitled to free transportation to and from medical appointments (including non-emergency medical care). Individuals should contact their Medicaid managed care company or their state Medicaid agency for more information. The information below will provide additional information on benefits and contact information for each state: