Resource Center
Something about how there is a lot of free information here that anyone is welcome to use. And if they have any questions, you will give them 5 complementary minutes of your time. (You could always remove that offer if you find yourself becoming a legal hotline.)
Helpful Links
This is a government service that provides individuals with the initial information required to find resources for older adults. Its goal is to help older individuals continue to live independently in their communities. This service is useful for both people seeking assistance and caregivers of older individuals.
This is the "starting place" for information about social security retirement benefits, and social security disability benefits payments. While some of the information seems buried pretty deep inside this huge website, you can still learn a fair amount by examining the topics and the lists of documentation you'd need to collect to initially file your claim.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)In the past few years, as more folks make their way past the age of 50, the American Association of Retired Persons is becoming a household name. In addition to advocating for the rights of folks over the age of 50, this organization acts as a super clearing house for the latest news on politics, health care, entertainment and bargains for individuals who are 50 plus. Interestingly, only about half of the subscribers to their reasonably priced membership ($12.00 per year for an individual, and only $12.00 for an individual and spouse combined!) are already retired. A big trend in the many individuals "second half of life" is to continue to work past the age of 50. We find that people are expanding the definition of what it means to be working, either full-time or half-time for an employer, or self-employed. AARP is on the cutting edge of these decision-making processes for its readers.
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NEALA)
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA) strives to provide excellent up-to-date legal resources and training for its attorney membership. It also provides useful articles and opinions that benefit non-lawyers who want more legal data bout the ins and outs of aging in the United States.
Family Caregiving Alliance (FCA)This clearinghouse focuses on the needs of caregivers located in the state of California. However, they also provide top-notch coverage of issues that are also critical to caregivers in other parts of the USA. This well researched website is a treasure trove of information and support to any caregiver helping a family member or friend, anywhere.
Michigan Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman
Sarah Slocum, State Long Term Care Ombudsman
7109 West Saginaw Highway
P.O. Box 36076
Lansing, MI 48909-8176
Phone: (517) 335-1560
Southeastern Michigan Area:
Citizens for Better Care
4750 Woodward Ave, Suite 410
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 832-6387
(800) 833-9548
Fax (313) 832-7407
Counties Served: Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne
Region 1B Area Agency on Aging
400 Franklin Center
29100 Northwestern Hwy.
Southfield, MI 48034
(810) 9481640; Fax: (810) 9489691
(800) 8527795
Serves Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and St. Clair Counties.
Housing Bureau for Seniors
300 N. Ingalls, Ste. 3D220403
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(313) 7630970
Purpose. Assist, enable, and empower older adults to live in affordable and appropriate housing.
Services. Advocate to expand housing opportunities; housing information and counseling; HomeShare program; Alternative Housing Task Groups; property tax information, education, and advocacy; and information on nursing homes and adult foster care.
Publications. Brochures on issues regarding nursing homes, tax assistance, and HomeShare; listings on housing in Washtenaw County
Forms:
DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTH CARE
DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR FINANCES
Many thanks to the State Bar of Michigan and in particular, Bradley Geller, JD for the two sample forms that appear above.
