Support Groups
Mended Hearts, Inc.
Mended Hearts Inc. is an organization of nearly 260 local chapters comprising people with heart disease, their families, medical professionals and other interested persons. They are particularly interested in helping people deal with the emotional recovery from heart disease. Other cardiac patient support groups may exist in your area. For information on these, contact your hospital social service department or your state or local department of social services.
American Stroke Association
The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, supports stroke families in their recovery by offering information and opportunities to connect with others who've experienced stroke. Survivors and caregivers can call our toll-free number to speak with a stroke survivor or family caregiver. Stroke Connection magazine brings information and inspiration right to your mailbox. From in-depth information on conditions such as aphasia, central pain, high blood pressure and depression, to tips for daily living from healthcare professionals and other stroke survivors, Stroke Connection keeps you abreast of how to cope, how to reduce your risk of stroke and how to make the most of each day. Find a stroke support group in your area through our National Stroke Group Registry of more than 1700 groups across the country.
Organizations Offering Information or Assistance
American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
American Association of Retired Persons
The site has a Caregiving section in the Family tab covering a wide array of caregiving topics. The AARP services are geared toward anyone age 50 or older; information may be of use to all.
American Cancer Society
Smoking cessation information and programs.
American Dietetic Association
Nutrition information, consumer hotline and dietitian referral service.
American Lung Association
Smoking cessation intervention and programs.
American Occupational Therapy Association
Has information on how occupational therapy can help people increase independent function, enhance performance and promote health.
CareFinder
Interactive tool gives you recommended options for finding care and questions to ask the doctor. Also includes help with planning ahead, coordinating care and other resources. Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association, but can be used by anyone.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
This branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers extensive information about Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs.
Eldercare Locator
A nationwide database from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that gives caregivers access to local area resources that provide care to the elderly.
Family Caregiver Alliance
This organization provides caregiver support and educational opportunities through research, advocacy, legal consultation and training workshops.
Family Caregiving 101
If you're caring for a loved one who is ill or disabled, this site was created for you by the National Family Caregivers Association and the National Alliance for Caregiving. It's a great place to find assistance, answers, new ideas and helpful advice — for you and your loved one.
Foundation for Health Coverage Education
The Foundation for Health Coverage Education offers simplified public and private health insurance eligibility information through its website and 24/7 multi-language help line. Uninsured patients can learn their health coverage options through multiple channels.
Medicare
Medicare is health insurance coverage for Americans age 65 and older. Offers everything you need and want to know about Medicare and how it works. Provides information on how to enroll, what is covered, how to get additional insurance and connections to your state system.
National Aphasia Association
Has resources, materials and support group listings to help people with aphasia and their families.
National Association of Social Workers
Primarily for social worker professionals, this organization provides helpful information on how to find a social worker in your area.
National Alliance for Caregiving
The National Alliance for Caregiving is dedicated to providing support to family caregivers and the professionals who help them and to increasing public awareness of issues facing family caregivers.
National Council on Aging
This organization provides lists of community resources that help improve the quality of life for the elderly.
National Family Caregivers Association
Provides resource referrals and information for caregivers and strives to be a voice for caregivers to the public and Capitol Hill. A newsletter and caregiving greeting cards are available to members. Provides free membership to caregivers.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Extensive print and online resources about high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity and heart attack.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Provides information about safety issues related to adapting vehicles for use by people with disabilities.
National Institute of Mental Health
Information about depression awareness, recognition and treatment.
National Organization for Empowering Caregivers
Provides assistance, education, support and referrals for informal family caregivers, as well as promoting public awareness about the realities of caregiving.
Nicotine Anonymous (Support Group)
Check your local telephone book for groups in your area.
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
This division of the U.S. Department of Education supports a comprehensive array of programs and projects that support individuals with disabilities.
Rosalynn Carter Institute for Human Development
Through research, education and training, the RCI promotes the mental health and well being of individuals, families and professional caregivers; promulgates effective caregiving practices; builds public awareness of caregiving needs; and advances public and social policies that enhance caring communities.
Social Security Office
Social Security Online
Get answers to questions about Social Security, disability benefits and Medicare.
Together Rx Access
800-250-2839
Free prescription savings program sponsored by many of the nation’s leading pharmaceutical companies, helps eligible uninsured Americans save on the medicines they need to stay healthy and to manage chronic conditions. Cardholders bring their Together Rx Access® Card to their neighborhood pharmacist along with their prescription, and the savings are calculated right at the pharmacy counter.
Visiting Nurse Associations of America
Find a VNA chapter in your area. They can point you to home healthcare services.
The Well Spouse Association
A nonprofit group formed to provide support and advocacy for the spouses and children of the chronically ill.
WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease
WomenHeart is a patient-led national non-profit organization that educates and advocates for the 8 million American women living with heart disease. With 16,000 members and 50 local support groups, WomenHeart gives women heart patients and physicians a platform to spread the common message of early detection, accurate diagnosis and proper treatment so all women can lead healthier lives.
