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Overview

Support resources and national organizations you should be aware of in case you need help or advice for legal, financial, healthcare and downsizing issues that arise as one ages. Visit Caring for Elderly Parent section to find caregivers. Visit Aging in Place section to find in-home services. Last update: 4.10.20
Elder Care Mediator

Sometimes disputes taking care of an elderly parent are bitter enough to break families apart. In such cases it can be a tremendous help to have an objective professional in the room — someone to lower the temperature, ask appropriate questions and find common ground.

​Such people are called eldercare mediators, family mediators or adult family mediators. When successful, the mediator’s work can help avoid a costly legal battle and keep the family united — or at least on speaking terms. Learn more.

Elder Law Attorney

A relatively new specialty devoted to the legal issues facing senior adults and their families. An Elder Law Attorney can help with the following:
  • Estate Planning and Probate; Estate and Gift Tax Planning
  • Guardianship/Conservatorship; Medicaid, Medicare
  • Entitlement Programs; Retirement Benefits
  • Age Discrimination; Elder Abuse/Neglect
  • Housing; Long Term Care Financing
  • Medical Decision Making; Disability Planning, Insurance
  • Preparing essential legal documents including a Living Will and durable Power of Attorney
 
Financial Planner/Registered Financial Gerontologist

A handful of financial advisors across the country have made elder-care planning a primary focus of their practices. More recently, a new category of advisor has emerged called a Registered Financial Gerontologist (RFG). These planners are specifically trained to help clients map out their financial future, and protect their assets.

Unbiased Financial Planning Website

Squared Away was created by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College and funded by a grant from the U.S. Social Security Administration, to provide clear and engaging financial guidance, without any spin or slant, based on the best academic research.

National Organizations and Related Legislation
  • AARP, a paid-membership organization focused on enhancing the quality of life of people age 50+.
  • Administration on Aging, a website operated by the US Department of Health and Human Services that connects older Americans and their caregivers with information on senior services, nationwide. 
  • Caregiver Action Network (CAN), a non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers.
  • Compassion and Choices, a non-profit organization focused on improving care and expanding end-of-life choices.
  • Global Coalition on Aging, an organization consisting of businesses throughout the world committed to leading the discussion on aging.
  • Independence at Home Demonstration Project, a federal program established in 2012 to test whether home-based care can reduce the need for hospitalization, improve patient and caregiver satisfaction, and lead to better health and lower costs to Medicare. 
  • ​National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), an advocacy organization established in 1982.
  • ​National Council on Aging, helps people age 60+ meet the challenges of aging through partnerships with non-profit organizations, government, and business. Focus on providing innovative community programs and services, online help, and advocacy.
  • National Institute on Aging, a government funded program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is dedicated to understanding the nature of aging, supporting the health and well-being of older adults, and extending the healthy, active years of life for more people.
  • Older Americans Act, originally enacted in 1965 by Congress, it supports a range of home and community-based services, such as meals-on-wheels and other nutrition programs, in-home services, transportation, legal services, elder abuse prevention and caregivers support. Learn more: NCPSSM, NCOA, Administration for Community Living
  • Age UK, the UK's largest charity organization focused on helping the over-60 crowd to make the most of later life.
Geriatrician and Geropsychiatrist

A Geriatrician is a primary care physician who is specially trained to meet the unique healthcare needs of older adults. Generally, geriatricians are board-certified in either family medicine or internal medicine, and have completed the additional training necessary to become board certified in geriatric medicine. 

Geriatricians often work as part of a team with other healthcare providers including a geropsychiatrist--a psychiatrist trained to meet older adults' mental health needs, and address specific syndromes seen in the elderly. 

Patients of a geriatrician are typically over the age of 75 and have a number of diseases and disabilities, including cognitive (mental) problems. Geriatricians also help family members and friends who provide care. 
Geriatric Care Manager/Aging Life Care Professional

A Geriatric Care Manager is a health and human services specialist with a background in nursing, gerontology, social work and/or psychology, who acts as a guide and advocate for families who are caring for older relatives or disabled adults. Aging Life Care Association

Services that are provided include:
  • Assessment and monitoring
  • Planning and problem-solving
  • Education and advocacy
  • Family caregiver coaching
  • Developing a comprehensive care management plan
  • Assisting in helping families evaluate and select appropriate level of housing or residential options
  • Determining types of services that are right for a client and assisting the family to engage and monitor those services
  • Attending doctor appointments
  • Facilitating communication between doctor, client, and family, and if appropriate, monitoring a client’s adherence to medical orders and instructions
  • Keeping family members and professionals informed as to the well-being and changing needs of the client
  • Providing opportunities for a client to engage in social, recreational, or cultural activities that enrich the quality of life
  • Referring to or consulting with an elder law attorney; provide expert opinion for courts in determining level of care
  • Reviewing or overseeing bill paying or consulting with an accountant or Power of Attorney
  • Providing information on Federal and state entitlements; connect families to local programs
  • Monitoring the client at home
  • Recommending technologies to add to security or safety
  • Observing changes and potential risks of exploitation or abuse
  • Identifying and engaging local, cost-effective resources

Senior Move Manager

A Senior Move Manager is a professional who assists older adults and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation or aging in place. Although specific services vary, most Senior Move professionals can help with some or all of the following:
  • Developing an overall move or age-in-place plan
  • Assisting with the selection of a real estate agent and helping prepare a home for sale
  • Customizing floor plans to improve livability
  • Arranging for the disposal of unwanted items
  • Selecting, scheduling, and overseeing movers
  • Supervising packing and unpacking

MISCELLANEOUS
Grandfolk, objective guidance on senior products and services.
DealAid, a website to find senior discounts.
AllConnect, Internet basics for seniors.
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