There are a variety of tools available on the Internet designed to help older people and family caregivers assess their needs and determine the best strategies for care. The following links highlight some of these resources.

Benefits Check-up
www.benefitscheckup.org

The BenefitsCheckUp is an online service designed to screen for federal, state and some local private and public benefits for older adults (ages 55 and over). Also available on the site is BenefitsCheckUpRx, a service that identifies public and private programs that can help pay for prescription drugs.CarePlanner

CarePlanner
www.careplanner.org

CarePlanner is a decision support tool for older adults and their caregivers. It is a project of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. When a user enters his/her personal information into the CarePlanner, the program produces an individualized Advice Report that provides Advice, information and tips that can help the user make successful living and care decisions.

Handbook for Long Distance Caregivers
www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=1034

The Family Caregiver Alliance has made this booklet available to offer a roadmap for those new to the challenges of caring from afar for ill or elderly loved ones. Included: how to assess your care situation; develop a care team; hold a family meeting; access community organizations and private agencies; and balance work and caregiving

Caregiver Self Help Tools
http://caregiverpa.psu.edu/careinfo/selfhelp/selfhelp.htm

This site was developed by the Penn State Gerontology Center for Pennsylvania seniors and their caregivers, but the self help tools are generic enough to be used by anyone. The self help tools are designed for those caregivers who prefer to work independently before they seek professional care management assistance.

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Last Updated: 07/06/2005