VA and Community Resources by Category
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The following is a list of all of the resources from the RESCUE fact sheets. Resources are arranged by category. If preferred, view these resources listed in alphabetical order.
Assistive Devices, Adaptive Equipment & Technology
Finding Reliable Healthcare Information
Healthy Living & Healthy Aging
Home Modification
Living Will, Trusts, Power of Attorney & Advanced Directives
Long-Distance Caregiving
Mobility, Spasticity and Movement Disorders
Speech, Hearing & Communication Problems
Thinking & Memory Problems
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Assistive Devices, Adaptive Equipment & Technology
(See also Benefits & Insurance section for information on Reimbursements/ Financial aspects of using assistive devices)
(See also Rehabilitation section)
Department of Veterans Affairs- Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services
Web: https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/index.asp
VA's Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services is responsible for the national policies and programs for medical rehabilitation, prosthetic and sensory aids services that promote the health, independence and quality of life for Veterans with disabilities. Examples of available assistive technology and/or programs include:
- Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program
- Veteran Affairs Assistive Technology
- Vehicle Modification s (Non Service Connected Veterans) - Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services (va.gov)
- Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) - Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services (va.gov)
Med Supply Guide
Web: www.themedsupplyguide.com
The Med Supply Guide has more information about wheelchairs.
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Assisted Living
(See Long-Term Care section)
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Benefits & Insurance
Department of Veterans Affairs
Web: www.va.gov
The VA has some funding for home modification projects through its Home Loans program.
The VA Health Benefits Service Center provides information on VA health benefits and the types of care available to Veterans. If you are new to the VA, the Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors booklet will help you get started. Also available in Spanish.
Some states have special programs for Veterans. Your local VA Medical Center may offer and pay for adult day healthcare programs and long-term housing. Talk to a social worker for more information about these benefits.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Web: www.dol.gov/whd/fmla
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires some employers to allow up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. Some states have laws that expand leave.
Medicaid
Web: www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp
Medicaid is a program that provides health coverage for lower income and disabled people. Benefits will vary by state. Benefits may include assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters. Certain medical criteria must be met.
Medicare
Web: www.medicare.gov
Medicare is a program that provides health coverage for people age 65 or older.
National Council on Aging, BenefitsCheckUp
Web: www.benefitscheckup.org
The National Council on Aging, BenefitsCheckUp has an online questionnaire to check programs your loved one is eligible for.
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Bladder & Bowel Function
American Stroke Association
Web: www.strokeassociation.org
The American Stroke Association provides information on many aspects of stroke. Scroll through the topics on the navigation panel to learn more about stroke. Learn about Recovery After Stroke: Bladder & Bowel Function
American Urological Association Foundation
Web: www.urologyhealth.org
The American Urological Association Foundation has informative guides available for download reviewing urological conditions, such as overactive bladder and incontinence.
Mayo Clinic
Web: mayoclinic.com
The Mayo Clinic has information for women on how to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to improve urinary incontinence. The exercises to strengthen these muscles are called Kegel exercises.
Caregiving
(See also Finding Reliable Healthcare Information and Community Resources sections)
Caregiving Role, Responsibilities & Resources
AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)
Web: http://www.aarp.org/
AARP has helpful information on How to balance work and caregiving responsibilities.
American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging
Web: www.healthinaging.org
The American Geriatrics Society has information on “Home Care”, as well as a comprehensive Caregiver Guide that reviews common caregiver concerns.
American Medical Association
Web: www.ama-assn.org
The American Medical Association has a Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire. This tool allows caregivers to look at their own behavior and health risks. Also available in Spanish and other languages.
American Psychological Association
Web: http://www.apa.org/index.aspx
The American Psychological Association includes a "Caregiver Briefcase": publications on caregiver information.
Care.com
Web: www.care.com
Care.com is an on-line resource to help families find care or caregivers find jobs. They also have helpful articles and resources for caregivers.
Caregiver Action Network
Web: https://caregiveraction.org/
Caregiver Action Network offers 10 Tips for Family Caregivers
Caregiver Library
Web: www.caregiverslibrary.org
National Caregivers Library for caregivers, consisting of articles, checklists, and links to external resources.
Eldercare Locator, Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Web: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
The Eldercare Locator helps you find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Your local AAA can help you find community-based services like transportation, respite care, legal help and caregiver support services. Scroll to the bottom of the page for additional resources and education for caregivers, ie: transportation, support services, elder rights, housing and insurance/benefits information.
Eldercare Online Network
Web: www.ec-online.net
The Eldercare Online Network is committed to providing senior resources, home health care advice and on online community where supportive peers and professionals help you improve quality of life for yourself and your elder.
Family Caregiver Alliance
Web: www.caregiver.org
The Family Caregiver Alliance offers a wide range of caregiver resources, including caregiving tips, information and encouragement about taking care of yourself as a caregiver, connections to community organizations and agencies, and overviews of health conditions. Some information also available in Spanish.
National Caregivers Library
Web: www.caregiverslibrary.org
The National Caregivers Library has helpful information for caregivers. Read about various caregiving topics.
National Council on Aging: Center for Healthy Aging
Web: https://www.ncoa.org/center-for-healthy-aging/
The National Council on Aging has information for caregivers on social isolation/ loneliness, COVID 19, finance concerns, healthy eating and preventing falls.
VA Caregiver Support Program
Web: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
This site provides more trusted information on caregiving as well as information on available VA programs to support caregivers of Veterans.
Each VA Medical Center has a Caregiver Support Coordinator available to assist you with enrolling in these programs. For help, contact your local Caregiver Support Coordinator using the Caregiver Support Coordinator search tool on the site, or call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 (toll free 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET).
Long-Distance Caregiving
AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)
Web: http://www.aarp.org/
AARP has helpful information on:
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Web: www.nia.nih.gov
The National Institute on Aging has a publication for caregivers called “So Far Away: Twenty Questions for Long-Distance Caregivers.” It offers answers to 20 commonly asked questions long-distance caregivers have.
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Community Resources & Support
Administration of Community Living
Web: acl.gov
The Administration on Community Living connects you to federal, national and local programs. These programs may help pay for some expenses.
Aging Life Care Association
Web: http://www.aginglifecare.org
Aging Life Care Association can help you find a care manager near you. To find one near you, click on “Find an Aging Life Care Expert.”
Blue Pages
Web: www.officialusa.com/state/state.information/bluepages
The Blue Pages has a directory of various state and local services, including links to local hospitals and medical facilities.
Caregiver Library
Web: www.caregiverslibrary.org
National Caregivers Library for caregivers, consisting of articles, checklists, and links to external resources.
Eldercare Locator, Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Web: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
The Eldercare Locator helps you find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Your local AAA can help you find community-based services like transportation, respite care, legal help and caregiver support services. Scroll to the bottom of the page for additional resources and education for caregivers, ie: transportation, support services, elder rights, housing and insurance/benefits information.
Meals-on-Wheels Association of America
Web: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
See if your area has a Meals-on-Wheels service that delivers food to the home. Enter the city and state you live in. The Web site will show if local agencies offer meal programs in your area.
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Web: www.n4a.org
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging is a national site that helps you find local services and ways to pay for care.
National Resource Directory
Web: https://nrd.gov/
The National Resource Directory provides information on and access to resources for Veterans and their families. The directory includes a full range of medical and nonmedical services and resources.
NeighborWorks Network
Web: www.nw.org
The NeighborWorks Network and other non-profit and volunteer groups may pay for some home changes. Find a NeighborWorks organization near you.
Rebuilding Together
Web: www.rebuildingtogether.org
Rebuilding Together and other non-profit and volunteer groups may pay for some home changes. Find your local group.
United Way
Web: https://www.unitedway.org/
The United Way links you to a variety of community resources. Find your local agency.
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Depression
My HealtheVet
Web: http://www.myhealth.va.gov
My HealtheVet (MHV) provides trusted information on stroke and other health conditions. It also provides tools to track your loved one’s health and communicate with your loved one’s healthcare providers. My HealtheVet has a screening test you can take for symptoms of depression.
NYU Langone Medical Center/NYU School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
Web: http://psych.med.nyu.edu
NYU Langone Medical Center/NYU School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry has information on depression and an on-line depression screening test.
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Disabilities
(See also Legal & Rights)
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Driving & Transportation
American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging (AGS)
Web: www.healthinaging.org
The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging has a list of warning signs of unsafe driving.
Disabled American Veterans
Web: www.dav.org
Local service clubs, like the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), sometimes have transportation programs. They may also have volunteer drivers. Get more information on their transportation program.
Eldercare Locator, Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Web: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
The Eldercare Locator helps you find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Your local AAA can help you find community-based services like transportation, respite care, legal help and caregiver support services. Scroll to the bottom of the page for additional resources and education for caregivers, ie: transportation, support services, elder rights, housing and insurance/benefits information.
National Aging and Disability Transportation Center
Web: https://www.nadtc.org/
The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center’s goal is to promote the availability and accessibility of transportation options for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. Select the green “Looking for a Ride?” tab to search for transportation options in your area.
Department of Veterans Affairs- Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services
Web: https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/index.asp
VA's Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services is responsible for the national policies and programs for medical rehabilitation, prosthetic and sensory aids services that promote the health, independence and quality of life for Veterans with disabilities. Examples of available assistive technology and/or programs include:
- Automobile Adaptive Equipment Program
- Veteran Affairs Assistive Technology
- Vehicle Modification s (Non Service Connected Veterans) - Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services (va.gov)
Emergency Preparedness
U.S. Government
Web: http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
Download the US Government preparedness kit checklist of what supplies you should have on-hand in case of an emergency.
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Emotional & Behavior Changes
American Stroke Association
Web: www.strokeassociation.org
The American Stroke Association provides information on many aspects of stroke. Learn about Recovery After Stroke: Coping With Emotions
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End-of-Life Care
Caring Connections
Web: www.caringinfo.org
Catholic Charities agencies serve people of all faiths. They provide a wide range of services such as housing, emergency services and health care.
Hospice Foundation of America
Web: www.hospicefoundation.org
Hospice Foundation of America has information on how to get hospice care. It describes available resources for end-of-life care needs.
National Caregivers Library
Web: www.caregiverslibrary.org
The National Caregivers Library has helpful information for caregivers. Read about End of life care
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
Web: www.nhpco.org
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization has information to help with end of life issues.
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Falls & Gait Impairment
Fall Prevention Center of Excellence
Web: Resources - homemods.org / NRCSHHM
The Fall Prevention Center of Excellence has tips on ways to prevent falls both at home and in the community. Get more information on fall prevention.
National Council on Aging: Center for Healthy Aging
Web: https://www.ncoa.org/center-for-healthy-aging/
The National Council on Aging has information for caregivers and preventing falls.
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Fatigue, Feeling Tired
American Stroke Association
Web: www.strokeassociation.org
The American Stroke Association provides information on many aspects of stroke. Scroll through the topics on the navigation panel to learn more about stroke. Learn about Recovery After Stroke: Managing Fatigue
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Financial Assistance
Administration of Community Living
Web: www.aoa.gov
The Administration on Community Living connects you to federal, national and local programs. These programs may help pay for some expenses.
American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM)
Web: www.aadmm.com
The American Association of Daily Money Managers is a membership organization that provides daily money management services to their clients. Find a DMM in your area.
Live Strong
Web: www.livestrong.org
Live Strong is an online service of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The foundation is devoted to cancer patients and survivors. It offers good finance organizing forms anyone can use.
Mymoney.gov
Web: www.mymoney.gov
Mymoney.gov is the US government’s financial education site. It provides important information on various financial topics.
Social Security Administration
Web: www.ssa.gov
The Social Security Administration may help with funding. Find a Social Security Office near you.
The Social Security Administration has information on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is income in addition to Social Security for low-
income persons.
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Finding Reliable Healthcare Information
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Web: www.ahrq.gov
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality offers the latest evidence-based information for improving your health.
ClinicalTrials.gov
Web: www.clinicaltrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry and results database of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world. ClinicalTrials.gov gives you information about a trial's purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details. This information should be used in conjunction with advice from health care professionals.
Health.gov
Web: www.health.gov
Health.gov is a portal to other government health sites. It also has a list of the most recent toll-free numbers for various health organizations.
MedlinePlus
Web: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
MedlinePlus provides trusted health information on many topics. It will direct you to information on many health topics including erectile dysfunction, mobility aids and catheters. MedlinePlus has guides on finding reliable health information on the internet. Information also available in Spanish.
- Evaluating Internet Health Information: A Tutorial from The National Library of Medicine
- MedlinePlus Guide to Healthy Web Surfing
My HealtheVet
Web: http://www.myhealth.va.gov
My HealtheVet (MHV) provides trusted information on stroke and other health conditions. It also provides tools to track your loved one’s health and communicate with your loved one’s healthcare providers.
My HealtheVet has information on aging and sleep. You can find a test to measure your insomnia severity index. There is a sample diary to track your daily sleep patterns.
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Web: www.nia.nih.gov
The National Institute on Aging has guides on obtaining good healthcare and information. Information also available in Spanish.
Talking with Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People
Stroke QUERI
Web: www.queri.research.va.gov/str
Stroke QUERI is a Department of Veterans Affairs site that provides Veterans and their families with information on stroke.
Veterans Health Library
Web: https://www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/
Search various topics in the Veterans Health Library to stay well and informed.
Gun Safety
(See also Suicide Prevention)
National Shooting Sports Foundation
Web: https://www.nssf.org/
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the firearm industry’s trade association. Learn more about gun safety and protecting your loved ones.
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Healthcare Supplies
(See also Assistive Devices & Technology section)
Sammons Preston
Web: www.pattersonmedical.com
Sammons Preston is an on-line healthcare products store.
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Healthy Living & Healthy Aging
American Heart Association
Web: www.heart.org
The American Heart Association provides information and helpful tips on how to stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk of another stroke, so quitting is important.
Healthfinder
Web: www.healthfinder.gov
Healthfinder has helpful tools such as a health encyclopedia and quick guides to healthy living. Information also available in Spanish.
MOVE! Weight Management Program
Web: www.move.va.gov
The Move! Weight Management Program is a VA diet and exercise program to help Veterans improve their health. To make the program more tailored to your needs, take the MOVE! 11 questionnaire.
There are also handouts on nutrition, exercise and emotional health. Information is also available in Spanish.
MyPlate.gov
Web: www.choosemyplate.gov
MyPlate.gov provides information on the food groups and provides dietary recommendations. You can also find healthy eating tips and use the interactive tools to create a personalized plan or find low-cost foods.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Web: www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is a diet used by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to help prevent or reduce high blood pressure.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Web: www.health.nih.gov
The National Institutes of Health has a caregiver guide to dental care.
National Sleep Foundation
Web: www.sleepfoundation.org
The National Sleep Foundation has tools to assess satisfaction with sleep. You can find a tool to measure the amount of caffeine in food and drinks. You can find a diary to keep track of sleepiness. There is a tool to determine your loved one’s snore score. You can also find information about sleep myths.
Senior Planning Services
Web: www.seniorplanningservices.com
The Senior Planning Services has more information about exercise, including a fact sheet on exercises to do at home.
VA's Nutrition and Food Services
Web: https://www.nutrition.va.gov/index.asp
Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) develops and provides comprehensive evidenced based nutritional services for our Veterans and their families across VHA’s health care facilities. Find nutrition education and recipes by selecting an option in the left hand navigation panel.
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Home Modification
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Web: www.hud.gov
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development may help with funding for home modification projects. Find your local Housing and Urban Development office.
National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification
Web: www.homemods.org
The National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification has a large list of companies with products to make daily living easier.
VA's Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA)
Web: https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/HISA2.asp
This benefit provides medically necessary improvements and structural alterations to eligible Veterans/ Service members' primary residence.
Legal & Rights
(See also Driving & Transportation section)
Disabilities & Rights
ADAPT
Web: www.adapt.org/
ADAPT is a national organization that has been fighting for disability rights for over 30 years. Adapt is a political group that works to end discrimination and win rights for people with disabilities.
American Civil Liberties Union
Web: https://www.aclu.org/issues/disability-rights
Phone: 212-549-2500
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) protects government employees from unfair treatment.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Web: www.ada.gov/
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a law that established many civil rights for people with disabilities. The law made it illegal to discriminate based on disability.
Disability Lawyers.com
Web: www.disabilitylawyers.com
Disability Lawyers.com is an on-line nationwide disability lawyer directory.
Eldercare Locator, Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Web: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
The Eldercare Locator helps you find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Your local AAA can help you find community-based services like transportation, respite care, legal help and caregiver support services. Scroll to the bottom of the page for additional resources and education for caregivers, ie: transportation, support services, elder rights, housing and insurance/benefits information.
Hire Disability Solutions
Web: http://www.hireds.com/
Hire Disability Solutions is a resource for employees with disability. They can find a job for their specific needs. It is also for employers trying to create a more accessible workplace.
US Department of Labor
Web: https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/disability/ada
The US Department of Labor has additional information on the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Web: https://www.eeoc.gov/
Phone: 1-800-669-4000
1-800-669-6820 (TTY for Deaf/Hard of Hearing callers only)
1-844-234-5122 (ASL Video Phone for Deaf/Hard of Hearing callers only)
Persons with disabilities can learn more about their rights in the workplace.
Fraud
Federal Trade Commission
Web: https://www.ftc.gov/
Report false or misleading health information to the Federal Trade Commission. Information also available in Spanish.
Living Will, Trusts, Power of Attorney, & Advanced Directives
American Bar Association
Web: https://www.americanbar.org/
Your state’s Bar Association may have basic living wills, trusts and power of attorney forms you can download. The American Bar Association – Commission on Law and Aging, has legal tools for making sure your wishes are carried out.
Caring.com
Web: www.caring.com
Caring.com has information on advance health care directives. It includes a step-by-step guide on how to set up an advance directive. They also have expert advice on estate planning and living wills. It explains what a will is and how to set up and update one.
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Web: www.naela.org/public
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys provides education and support on financial issues. They have brochures on Medicare and planning for health care decision making. See a list of their brochures.
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Living Will, Trusts, Power of Attorney & Advanced Directives
(See Legal & Rights section)
Long-Distance Caregiving
(See Caregiving Section)
Long-Term Care & Assisted Living
Caregiver Action Network
Web: https://caregiveraction.org/
Caregiver Action Network provides a fact sheet on Navigating Long-Term Care with Professional Staff
Centers for Independent Living
Web: www.ilru.org/
Centers for Independent Living are private, nonprofit services to help individuals with disabilities live independently in the community.
Medicare
Web: www.medicare.gov
Medicare is a program that provides health coverage for people age 65 or older. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services gives comparisons of nursing homes in your area. On that same page, you can also download a tip sheet on what to look for when visiting a nursing home. View their Nursing Home Checklist. There is also a comparison of home health agencies in your area.
National Caregivers Library
Web: www.caregiverslibrary.org
The National Caregivers Library has helpful information for caregivers. Read about Long-term care choices
National Center for Assisted Living
Web: www.ahcancal.org/ncal
The National Center for Assisted Living has information on assisted living facilities in your area.
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Medication Safety
AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)
Web: http://www.aarp.org/
AARP has helpful health tools such as a pill identifier, a drug interaction checker and more.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Web: www.ahrq.gov
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality offers 20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors.
Healthfinder
Web: www.healthfinder.gov
E-mail: healthfinder@nhic.org
Healthfinder has information on finding prescription drug assistance through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Mood
(See Emotional & Behavior Changes)
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Movement Disorders
Care.com
Web: www.care.com
Care.com is an on-line resource to help families. Read about Caring for Seniors with Mobility Problems: Advice for Families and Caregivers.
Release Your Potential
Web: www.releaseyourpotential.com
Release Your Potential is an on-line community for people affected by spasticity. It provides information on spasticity along with various treatments and resources.
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Pain
American Stroke Association
Web: www.strokeassociation.org
The American Stroke Association provides information on many aspects of stroke. Scroll through the topics on the navigation panel to learn more about stroke. Learn about Recovery After Stroke: Dealing with Pain
US Pain Foundation
Web: https://uspainfoundation.org
The American Pain Foundation has a helpful list of Resources to provide you with information, support and resources to manage your pain.
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Rehabilitation
(See also Assistive Devices & Technology section)
American Stroke Association
Web: www.strokeassociation.org
Learn about stroke recovery and what to expect at: Recovery Resources for Patients | American Stroke Association.
The American Stroke Association has a list of each Vocational Rehab Agency in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Vocational rehabilitation services help people with strokes get back into the workforce.
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
Web: carf.org
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredits or gives a “seal of approval” to rehab facilities. Look for the CARF certificate of accreditation at the facilities you visit. Find an accredited facility near you.
National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability
Web: www.ncpad.org/
The National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability has a list of resources for people with disabilities who want to be active. They show how people with disabilities can do sports, exercise classes, or outdoor recreation.
Respite
ARCH National Respite Network
Web: https://archrespite.org/
Phone: 1-919-490-5577
ARCH National Respite Network has a database on respite care services available in your area.
Eldercare Locator, Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Web: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
The Eldercare Locator helps you find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Your local AAA can help you find community-based services like transportation, respite care, legal help and caregiver support services. Scroll to the bottom of the page for additional resources and education for caregivers, ie: transportation, support services, elder rights, housing and insurance/benefits information.
National Adult Day Services Association
Web: www.nadsa.org
The National Adult Day Services Association can help you find services in your area. They have an informative guide on respite services.
VA Respite
Web: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/Respite.asp
Talk with the social worker or Caregiver Support Coordinator at your local VA medical center. Each VA has different types of respite care.
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Sexuality
About.com
Web: stroke.about.com
About.com has helpful information on how stroke can affect your sexuality.
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Social Support
American Heart Association
Web: www.heart.org
The American Heart Association has free Family Discussion Boards. You can share ideas and questions.
American Stroke Association
Web: www.strokeassociation.org
The American Stroke Association has a lot of information about stroke support groups, including how to start your own stroke support group.
Caregiver Action Network
Web: https://caregiveraction.org/
Caregiver Action Network provides resources and support for caregivers.
Eldercare Locator, Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Web: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
The Eldercare Locator helps you find your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Your local AAA can help you find community-based services like transportation, respite care, legal help and caregiver support services. Scroll to the bottom of the page for additional resources and education for caregivers, ie: transportation, support services, elder rights, housing and insurance/benefits information.
Faith in Action
Web: https://faithinaction.org/
Faith in Action brings together people of many faiths to help their neighbors in need. Volunteers shop, cook or just check in.
Stroke Network
Web: www.strokenetwork.net
The Stroke Network has links to support groups, chat rooms and bulletin boards.
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Spasticity
(See Mobility, Spasticity and Movement Disorders Section)
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Speech, Hearing & Communication Problems
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Web: www.asha.org
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has information on communication problems after stroke. You can also search for licensed speech-language pathologists (including bilingual therapists) in your area.
Aphasia Now
Web: www.aphasianow.org
Aphasia Now is a social initiative by people living with Aphasia. Aphasia Now provides long-term help and support for people with Aphasia in the Southwest and nationally via website and social media.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Web: www.nidcd.nih.gov
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) has information on various health conditions and treatments. It also has tips for caring for survivors with different communication problems.
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Stress
Familydoctor.org
Web: familydoctor.org
Familydoctor.org has information on ways to deal with stress. Some information also available in Spanish.
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Stroke
About.com
Web: stroke.about.com
This website has helpful information on signs and symptoms of stroke, and how to prevent stroke in the future.
American Stroke Association
Web: www.strokeassociation.org
The American Stroke Association provides information on many aspects of stroke. Scroll through the topics on the navigation panel to learn more about stroke and identifying stroke using the FAST acronym. The “Life After Stroke” section specifically has information for family caregivers on life after stroke. It includes information on resources and products.
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Suicide Prevention
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Web: https://afsp.org/an-introduction-to-firearms-and-suicide-prevention
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has helpful information on firearm safety, and suicide prevention.
MIRECC
Web: https://www.mirecc.va.gov/lethalmeanssafety/index.asp
MIRECC offers helpful information on lethal means safety and suicide prevention. Within this link, there is a download option for the “VA Firearm Safety Lock Brochure.”
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Swallowing Problems
American Stroke Association
Web: www.strokeassociation.org
The American Stroke Association provides information on many aspects of stroke. Scroll through the topics on the navigation panel to learn more about stroke. Learn about Trouble Swallowing After Stroke.
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Therapies
(See Rehabilitation)
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Thinking & Memory Problems
Alzheimer's Association
Web: www.alz.org
The Alzheimer's Association has practical tips to help with memory problems. For example, they suggest labeling drawers or cabinets with words or pictures that describe their contents.
American Stroke Association
Web: www.strokeassociation.org
The American Stroke Association provides information on many aspects of stroke. Scroll through the topics on the navigation panel to learn more about stroke. Learn about Recovery After Stroke: Memory Loss
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These materials were created for the project:
Web-Based Informational Materials for Caregivers of Veterans Post-Stroke
Project Number SDP 06-327 funded by VA HSR&D Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI)
