Below is a list of helpful websites that provide a wealth of information and advocacy resources.

American Geriatrics Society

http://www.americangeriatrics.org/

Provides information about the mission, programs, and activities of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS), a professional organization of health care providers dedicated to improving the health and well-being of older adults. Describes the history, goals, and organizational structure of the society; membership benefits and rates; national and regional public policy efforts; and consumer and professional education efforts.

American Society on Aging

http://www.asaging.org/

The American Society on Aging (ASA) is a professional association of researchers, practitioners, educators, business people, and policymakers concerned with the physical, emotional, social, economic and spiritual aspects of aging.

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging

http://www.n4a.org/

Provides information on the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A), which is the umbrella organization for the 650 area agencies on aging (AAAs) and more than 240 Title VI Native American aging programs in the United States. N4A works on behalf of the local aging agencies to ensure that needed resources and support services are funded.

Alliance for Aging Research

http://www.agingresearch.org/

The Alliance for Aging Research is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the pace of medical discoveries to improve the universal human experience of aging and health. Their web site presents an overview of current medical and genetic research, offers press kits and position papers, and presents articles, research reports, and fact sheets on more than 40 health topics.

Aging with Dignity

http://www.agingwithdignity.org/

Provides information about and access to the 5 Wishes document, which helps individuals express how they want to be treated if they become seriously ill and unable to speak for themselves. According to the site, the document is accepted in most states and was created by a man who worked with Mother Teresa and lived in a hospice run by her. It guides individuals through the process of identifying who they want to make health care decisions for them, the types of health care they want and do not want, comfort measures (such as pain medication and personal care) they would like to receive, how they want to be treated, and what they want their loved ones to know. Five wishes is available in 21 languages: Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese traditional, Chinese simplified, Croatian, English, French, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Hmong, Ilocano, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.

Alzheimer's Association

http://www.alz.org/index.asp

The Alzheimer's Association is the leading, global voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care and support, and the largest private, nonprofit funder of Alzheimer research. Provides information about Alzheimer's disease, resources, research advances, publications, and events

Alzheimer's Disease Education & Referral Center

http://www.alzheimers.org/

The Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center Web site will help you find current, comprehensive Alzheimer's disease (AD) information and resources from the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Caring

http://www.caring.com/

Founded in 2007, Caring.com is the leading online destination for those seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. Our mission: to help the helpers. We equip family caregivers to make better decisions, save time and money, and feel less alone -- and less stressed -- as they face the many challenges of caregiving.

VETERANS' AID

http://www.veteranaid.org/

The Veterans Administration offers Aid and Attendance as part of an "Improved Pension" Benefit that is largely unknown. This Improved Pension allows for Veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing, undressing, medication dosing, or taking care of the needs of nature to receive additional monetary benefits. It also includes individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity. Assisted care in an Assisted Living facility also qualifies.

Alameda County Social Services

http://www.alamedasocialservices.org

The Alameda County Social Services Agency is comprised of 2,400 men and women working collectively and in partnership with community-based organizations to serve the needs of the community. The Agency assists approximately 11.3 percent of Alameda County's residents.

Exceptional Senior Placement Services

http://www.eastbaysmartsenior.com

For the past several months, I have been writing about resources for seniors and their families in the East Bay. Most of the articles have focused on programs that help seniors age in place. Almost all seniors want to remain in their own homes, but some are not able to for a variety of reasons.