Web Resources

MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN INFORMATION

For the first time ever, everyone with Medicare, regardless of income, health status, or prescription drug usage, will have access to prescription drug coverage. This new coverage began on January 1, 2006. Keep up to date with all of the newest information from Medicare. You can also find drug plans for your area and review medication formularies.

HOUSING AND CARE RESOURCES

Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Homes for the Aging (PANPHA) www.panpha.org

PANPHA represents over 370 nonprofit providers of long-term care and housing services for 70,000 elderly residents across Pennsylvania. The Association is committed to helping its members provide quality care efficiently and effectively for the individuals and families they serve.

American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) - www.aahsa.org

AAHSA is committed to advancing the vision of healthy, affordable, ethical long-term care for America. The Association represents mission-driven, not-for-profit nursing homes, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living and senior housing facilities, and community service organizations.

The Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) - www.chhsm.org

An association of health and human service organizations and programs recognized as an expression of the ministry and mission of the United Church of Christ.

Quality Insights of Pennsylvania - www.qipa.org

Quality Insights of Pennsylvania protects Medicare patient rights and works collaboratively with hospitals and other health care providers in Pennsylvania to assist them in their efforts to improve the quality of the care they deliver. To learn more about this non-profit organization, visit their website at www.qipa.org, or call 1.800.MEDICARE and ask for information about Quality Insights of Pennsylvania.

Senior Sites - www.seniorsites.com

The most comprehensive web source of non-profit housing and services for seniors. It also includes links to websites with senior housing resources, information to guide you in selecting a non-profit housing facility, and a directory of national and state senior housing associations.

Senior Living Alternatives - www.senioralternatives.com

A publisher of semi-annual guidebooks that are provided free to seniors, caregivers and healthcare professionals looking for senior housing and services. The site provides helpful checklists to use when evaluating senior living communities.

PASTORAL CARE

Association for Clinical Pastoral Education Centers (ACPE) - www.acpe.edu

ACPE is a multicultural, multi-faith organization devoted to providing education and improving the quality of ministry and pastoral care offered by spiritual caregivers of all faiths through clinical educational methods.

Association of Professional Chaplains - www.professionalchaplains.org

An interfaith professional pastoral care association of providers of pastoral care endorsed by faith groups to serve persons in physical, spiritual or mental need in diverse settings throughout the world.

Pennsylvania Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ - www.psec.org

This site is a link to the life and work of more than 200 congregations and 350 ministries in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Penn Northeast Conference of the United Church of Christ - www.pnec.org

Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ - www.pccucc.org

Penn Central Conference is made up of 214 churches in the central part of Pennsylvania from the New York border to the Maryland border.

SUPPORT

Family Caregiver Alliance - www.caregiver.org

FCA addresses the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. The Alliance is a public voice for caregivers, illuminating the daily challenges they face, offering the assistance they need and deserve and championing their cause through education, services, research and advocacy.

This page of the Alzheimer's Association's website provides family and friends with information on care strategies for Alzheimer's symptoms. Other information includes day-to-day care, care-giving challenges, coping and planning ahead.

Alzheimer's Association, Southeastern PA Chapter - www.alz-delawarevalley.org

The Delaware Valley Chapter is an alliance of family members and professionals dedicated to helping people with Alzheimer's disease and their families through education, advocacy, and support. This site will help you find a local caregiver support group.

INFORMATION ON AGING

Senior.Com - www.senior.com

Senior.com provides the latest information regarding your health, special promotions to save you money, senior living options, travel resources and news.

Elder Net - www.eldernet.com

A seniors' guide to health, housing, legal, financial, retirement, lifestyles, news and entertainment on the World Wide Web.

Eldercare Web - www.elderweb.com

An award-winning eldercare sourcebook with information on finance, law, housing, care, organizations, news and events.

Berks County Area Agency on Aging - www.berksaging.org

The BCOA is responsible for planning, developing and coordinating services to the 70,000-plus Berks County residents age 60 and older. The website lists area programs and services, senior centers and local organizations for seniors.

Lehigh County Area Agency on Aging - www.lehighcounty.org

This office advocates for Lehigh County residents and provides a wide range of services and information to help keep adults well informed. A lengthy list of programs and services provided by the Agency is on this site.

Northampton County Area Agency on Aging - www.northamptoncounty.org

They provide local services, act as advocates, and generally assist older citizens to remain active in their communities. The site lists all of the services provided by the Agency.

The Administration on Aging provides links to major web resources on selected topics and issues in Aging from Alzheimer's disease to Workforce and Aging. Online statistical data on the aging is also included.

Elder Page - www.aoa.gov

The Administration on Aging's ElderPage contains information for older persons and families including how to contact local agencies for help and electronic booklets on retirement living, home modification, transportation, and care-giving.

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) - www.aarp.org

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over. They provide information and resources; advocate on legislative, consumer and legal issues; and assist members to serve their communities.

AARP Guide to Internet Resources Related to Aging - www.aarp.org

This AARP web page provides information about what's on the Internet about aging. It describes Internet sites of interest to older people and those concerned with aging-related issues.

The Resource Directory for Older People - www.aoa.gov

Sponsored by The National Institute on Aging, the Directory contains contact information for organizations that provide resources on matters relating to the needs of older persons.

ACTIVE LIVING

Lehigh County Senior Citizens Center - www.lehighseniors.org

he Lehigh County Senior Center provides classes, seminars, educational programs, recreational activities and social events for residents of Lehigh County, PA age 55 and older.

National Senior Service Corps - www.nationalservice.gov

Senior Corps is a network of programs that tap the experience, skills, and talents of older citizens to meet community challenges. Over half a million Americans age 55 and older volunteer through Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and RSVP (the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program).

Elderhostel Adventures in Lifelong Learning - www.elderhostel.org

Elderhostel is the worldwide leader among education and travel organizations for adults age 55 and older, providing lifelong learning opportunities at an excellent value. This not-for-profit organization offers over 10,000 programs on a vast array of subjects, in more than 100 countries throughout the world.

OTHER LINKS

Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation - www.lehighvalley.org

Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation is a not-for-profit one-stop, full-service business and economic development agency. Membership-based, LVEDC assists businesses by providing them with regional, economic and demographic information, finance and business incentives, site and facility availability, business networking, and workforce services.