The National Council on Aging (NCOA) provides “the nation’s most comprehensive online service to screen for federal, state and some local private and public benefits for older adults.” The Web site, www.benefitscheckup.org, discloses what government assistance is available. It lists more than 1,450 different programs in 50 states, with contacts and tips on applying. According to NCOA, millions of older adults are eligible for health and supplemental income benefits they don’t receive.

The privately funded Medicare Rights Center (MRC) calls itself “the largest independent source of health care information and assistance in the United States for people with Medicare.” For those requiring nursing home admission or receiving other Medicare benefits, the MRC provides online and telephone hotline service for questions about coverage, and resources on benefits and rights.

Strength for Caring is Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.’s Web site for family caregivers. It provides a Caregiver Manual to help caregivers “deal with stress, diet, managing work, spouses or partners, and siblings,” and shows caregivers how to “relax and take time off.” It also provides contact with other caregivers and information on health ailments common among the elderly. There are comparisons of elderly housing, insurance, budgeting and eldercare law.

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging is an organization of 655 agencies on aging. The group provides services for older individuals to remain in their home to preserve independence and dignity. The nationwide agencies coordinate and support home- and community-based information and referral services, home-delivered meals, transportation, employment services, senior centers, adult day care and a long-term care ombudsman program.

The Commission on Law and Aging is a network of more than 350 elder law attorneys and other advocates, providing a 250-page American Bar Association “Legal Guide for Older Americans, Consumer’s Tool Kit for Health Care Advance Planning.”

The American Institute of Financial Gerontology (AIFG) confers the designation “Registered Financial Gerontologist” on professionals who advise older consumers and their families on financial matters. The designation indicates an expertise in health financing and matters pertaining to the elderly.

Geriatric care managers are gerontologists, nurses, social workers or psychologists who specialize in eldercare. They meet with families to assist understanding older persons’ needs, and to learn what resources and options are available. The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers provides a Web site for finding professionals in your area.