End-of-Life Resources

Local Resources (SWVA)

Local Office on Aging—Roanoke, (540) 345-0451
https://loaa.org/

Virginia Association for Area Agencies on Aging (V4A), (804) 644-2804
The V4A was established in 1976 with the purpose of supporting Virginia’s twenty-five Area Agencies on Aging through advocacy, communication, education and training services. The V4A administers the State Ombudsman Program.

National Resources

Aging With Dignity
Provides you with practical information, advice and tools you need to ensure that your wishes and those of your loved ones will be respected. Includes information for Five Wishes, a tool to create a living will which helps you express how you want to be treated if you are seriously ill and unable to speak for yourself.
www.agingwithdignity.org

American Cancer Society, (888) 227-5445
www.cancer.org

ALS Association
Offers resources on diagnosis, treatment and research regarding ALS – amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
www.alsa.org

The Alzheimer’s Association
This association, a world leader in Alzheimer research and support, is dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer’s. The website offers an online tool to find care in your community, and an online community to gain support and information.
www.alz.org

Benefits Checkup
Finds programs for people ages 55 and over that may pay for some of the costs of prescription drugs, health care, utilities and other services.
www.benefitscheckup.org

HealthWell Foundation
An independent, charitable organization that assists financially needy individuals in obtaining prescription medications. The Foundation provides financial assistance to eligible individuals to pay insurance premiums or copayments.
www.healthwellfoundation.org

Medicare Rights
Independent resource of health care information and assistance for people with Medicare.
www.medicarerights.org

Medicare
Provides information on public and private programs that offer discounted or free medication.
www.medicare.gov

Medicaid
A resource guide to Medicaid with links to information about Medicaid services in all 50 states.
https://www.healthlawyers.org/pages/home.aspx

National Alliance for Caregiving
Each entry in the Family Care Resource Connection has been reviewed and rated for its quality, usefulness to family members, timeliness and accessibility. The resources are rated on a scale from four stars (the best) to one star. Reviews are prepared by experts in family caregiving and highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each item. Items include books, videos, websites, magazines, fact sheets and other resources addressing the range of issues and questions faced by family caregivers.
www.caregiving.org

National Family Caregivers Association
Contains information and resources to educate, support and empower people who are caregivers for loved ones with chronic illness, disabilities or the frailties of old age. Connect with other caregivers through message boards, blogs and an event calendar.
www.nfcacares.org

National Health Council
Access to the most current news releases on a national level regarding health, with a focus to improve the health of all people, especially those with a chronic disease or disability. Information offered on conferences and other initiatives about such issues as family caregiving or how to find integrated, patient-centered care.
https://nationalhealthcouncil.org/

NeedyMeds
Provides information on the programs many drug companies have that give away free prescription medications to people who have no insurance and qualify for their programs. Allows you to access the information on the medication by searching by drug or by manufacturer.
https://www.needymeds.org/

Nursing Home Medicare and Medicaid Certification
Provides detailed information on the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country.
www.medicarerights.org

Patient Advocate Foundation
The Patient Advocate Foundation serves as a liaison between patients and their insurer, employer and/or creditor to resolve insurance, job retention and/or debt crisis matters relating to a patient’s condition.
www.patientadvocate.org

Patient Services Incorporated
Assists patients with out-of-pocket expenses for patients as well as health insurance premiums.
https://www.patientservicesinc.org/

Caregiver Resources

Caregiver.com
Offers some simple advice for family caregivers coping with the stress of day-to-day struggles in caring for a loved one.
www.caregiver.com

Caregivers USA
A nationwide, non-commercial directory of community-based caregiver support services. Intended to help individuals who are providing care for a family member or friend. All services are free and completely confidential.
http://caregivingforyou.com

CaringBridge
To help families stay in touch during difficult times, caregivers can start a personalized website using CaringBridge. Family and friends can offer support through guestbook messages. Caring Bridge websites feature a patient care journal to update loved ones, guestbook and photo gallery.
www.caringbridge.org

Caring Connections
Provides free resources and information to help people make decisions about end-of-life care and services; helps people connect with the resources they need, when they need them; and brings together community, state and national partners working to improve end-of-life care. This website is an initiative of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
www.caringinfo.org

NPHI Dementia Care Patient & Caregiver Guide
This guide represents the best standards of care for mid, to advanced, to end-stage dementia with the collective input of 100+ not-for-profit hospice, palliative, and advanced illness care organizations. The guide includes valuable information to address patients’ and caregivers’ questions and concerns and ensures high-quality dementia care from the safety and comfort of home.
https://www.hospiceandcommunitycare.org/wp-content/uploads/NPHI_Dementia_Care_Patient_and_Caregiver_Guide_Final_8.3.23-LR.pdf