The Caregiver’s Guide To The Internet

The Internet is a terrific information resource for older adults and their caregivers.

With the click of a mouse you can access thousands of websites offering a wealth of information on a variety of useful subjects. If you don't own a home computer most libraries have free computers available for public use. Libraries and senior centers sponsor free or low-cost introductory computer classes and Internet search techniques. Or ask a computer savvy family member for assistance. This article will help caregivers who are new to the internet locate useful websites and evaluate the information they find on them.

SIX TIPS FOR CHOOSING RELIABLE WEBSITES

Not all information found on the Internet is reliable or accurate. These questions will help you evaluate the sites you visit.

1. Who sponsors the website? Check the last three letters at the end of the website address:

   • . gov – the site is sponsored by a government agency.

   • .edu – site is sponsored by an educational organization.

   • .org – the site is sponsored by a professional organization.

   • .com – the site is sponsored by a business or for-profit organization.

2. Does the site have links to other websites on similar subjects?

3. Is it easy to find information on the site?

4. Is the site easy to read? Some websites allow users in increase the size of the text.

5. Is information on the site up-to-date?

6. Does the site provide a site map? Site maps are indexes to the website. They display all the topics available on the site making it easy for site visitors to find information quickly.

SEVEN POPULAR CAREGIVING WEBSITES

These websites provide useful information to caregivers and will acquaint you with the wealth of caregiving resources available on the Internet. Most sites provide links to similar sites where you can find additional resources.

• Eldercare locator http://www.eldercare.gov Available by phone at 800-677-1116 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET) Helps caregivers find nutrition programs, adult day care, home care, transportation, and other services for older adults in their area.
• Alzheimers Association http://www.alz.org Find the facts about Alzheimer's and related memory disorders along with information for caregivers and families on behavior problems, safety issues, caring for the caregiver, managing job and family responsibilities, legal and financial concerns and other topics.
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services www.cms.hhs.gov Click on "People with Medicare & Medicaid Center" on the home page for information on all aspects of Medicare and Medicaid: eligibility, provider types, prescription drug plans, enrolling online for benefits, and other essential information.
• AARP www.aarp.org Check out the comprehensive "Navigating the World of Caregiving" module offering information and ideas on a variety of senior issues: housing options, caregiving at home, planning for the future, legal and insurance, and end-of life care.
• Social Security Administration www.socialsecurity.gov Answers all your questions about Social Security: applying for a social security card and benefits online, disability benefits, statement of lifetime earnings, cost-of-living adjustment, benefits planner and more. Click on "Questions" on the home page for a list of commonly asked questions about benefits and more.
• Benefits checkup www.benefitscheckup.org Find out what federal, state, and local benefit programs your older relative may be eligible for: health care, meals, prescription drug assistance, utility bills, senior housing and health care by filling out an easy-to-read an online form.
• National Family Caregiving Association www.nfcacares.org This non-profit support and advocacy group offers information and support for caregivers of elderly or chronically ill inpiduals. The site includes a newsletter, tips, guides and educational pamphlets on a variety of subjects (communicating with physicians, coping with stress, choosing a nursing home, hospitalization) available online or in print format. Also offered are advocacy information, statistics, and public policy updates.

Thanks to computers and the Internet it's easy for caregivers of older adults find the accurate and reliable information they need to provide the best care possible to aging family members.