SENIOR FRAUD

If you have lost money from an online scam it is almost impossible to reclaim those funds. As such prevention is the key and not to fall into a trap to begin with is the answer to avoiding online scams. The two most basic rules when dealing with online sites are to never pay cash and to sense check the offer. If it seems too good to be true then more than likely it is.

General Interest

• AARP
  Includes feature articles from AARP Magazine, up-to-date information on legislative issues of concern to seniors, listings of local AARP offices and services, Social Security, and the AARP Driver Safety Program, the nation’s first and largest classroom driver improvement course specially designed for motorists age 50 and older.

• OASIS
  OASIS provides educational and volunteer opportunities to enrich the lives of mature adults.
• SeniorNet
  The nonprofit SeniorNet provides adults 50+ access to and education about computer technology and the Internet to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom. This site offers online book discussion groups, online courses in topics such as Memoir Writing and Web Searching, craft and hobby “how-to” information and more.

Gerontology and Geriatrics

• ElderWeb
  This research site for professionals and family members offers articles about eldercare and long term care, including legal, financial, medical, and policy issues, as well as ElderStats, a searchable collection of statistics on aging, eldercare, and retirement. Also included are links to region-specific information and organizations.
• Family Caregiver Alliance
  A nonprofit organization that helps families who care for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease, ALS, head injury and other adult-onset brain disorders.
• Growth House
  Gateway to resources for life-threatening illness and end of life care. Includes sections on death, dying, grief, bereavement, end-of-life resources and related links.
• National Council on the Aging
  Advocacy for the aging, public policy issues, related links.
• New LifeStyles Online
  Lists state licensed senior housing and care providers nationwide.
• WidowNet
  Information and self-help resources for, and by, widows and widowers. Topics covered include grief, bereavement, recovery, and other information.

Government Sites

• Administration on Aging
  Information designed for Older Americans and their families as well as those concerned about providing the opportunities and services to enrich the lives of older persons and support their independence. AoA’s network of State and Area Agencies plan, develop and support comprehensive in-home and community services that create opportunities for active older persons and meet the needs of older persons at risk of losing their independence.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
  Formerly the Health Care Financing Administration, CMS is the federal agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
• FirstGov for Seniors
  A government sponsored web site covering topic areas on consumer protection, health, education and training, tax assistance, travel and leisure and retirement planning.
• Medicare.gov
  Medicare.gov is a consumer beneficiary website that provides access to information about Medicare, Medicare health plans, contact information and publications, as well as information about health care fraud and abuse and nursing homes.
• National Institute on Aging
  NIA provides leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people. The NIA is the primary federal agency on Alzheimer’s disease research. Includes NIA publications, the Resource Directory for Older People, and links to other government programs and services to the elderly.
• New York State Senior Citizen Resource Guide
  Published by the New York State Office for the Aging, the Senior Citizen Resource Guide is a consumer's guide to information, programs and services for older New Yorkers.
• Senior Corps
  The Senior Corps is the national service program that puts the experience and talents of seniors across the country to work getting things done in their communities. The three national programs under its umbrella: the Foster Grandparent Program, which links senior volunteers to children who need their help; the Senior Companion Program, which places its volunteers with adults needing extra assistance to live in the community, such as frail older persons; and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) a “one stop shopping” for senior volunteers. Includes links to SERVEnet, a one-stop portal for information and resources on service and volunteering and IdeaList, a useful resource for volunteers.
• Social Security Online
  This government site offers answers to frequently asked questions like: how to request a Social Security Statement (formerly Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement)—a statement of your lifetime earnings and an estimate of your benefits; cost of living information (benefit, tax and wage-indexed changes for 2000); computing your own benefit estimate; how to apply for Social Security retirement benefits; a searchable Frequently Asked Questions database; and how to contact a local office.
• Department of Veterans Affairs
  Information about veterans benefits and services, special events, link to the Office of Congressional Affairs

Law

• National Center on Elder Abuse
  Definitions, NCEA publications, statistics and how to report elder abuse.
• National Senior Citizens Law Center
  The National Senior Citizens Law Center advocates nationwide to promote the independence and well-being of low-income elderly individuals, as well as persons with disabilities, with particular emphasis on women and racial and ethnic minorities.
• Senior Law Home Page
  A Web site where senior citizens, their families, attorneys, social workers, and financial planners, can access information about elder law, Medicare, Medicaid, estate planning, trusts and the rights of the elderly and disabled. Lots of good links.

Long-Term Care

• American Association of Homes & Services for the Aging
  AAHSA represents not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing high quality health care, housing and services to the elderly. Articles, consumer tips, online catalog for ordering publications and links to member web sites and state associations.
• HomeCare Online
  Home care and hospice agency locator, facts and statistics. A service of the National Association for Home Care
• New York State Long Term Care
  Information on assisted living, home health care, and nursing homes in New York State.
• Nursing Home Compare
  Compare nursing homes by looking at nursing home characteristics, state inspections results, and nursing staff information. Part of the Medicare.gov web site.
• Planning for Elder Care
  Resources compiled by the National Care Planning Council. Includes lists of government services and organizations, nursing homes, assisted living sites, and information for care givers.
• Senior Sites
  Offers a comprehensive web source of non-profit housing and services for seniors, including 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.