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You may be looking for just one or two services, such as transportation and meal assistance options, or you may be looking at more complicated issues such as assisting a family member who has Alzheimer's or dementia. In any event, it is also important to discuss options and make plans along with other family members, health care professionals, and social service individuals.

In addition, this is a time to gather information such as:

• Medical care providers' names and contact information
• Prescription medication information, insurance and Medicare identification information
• Location of important papers and documents including a copy of the power of attorney and durable medical power of attorney

The websites below begin locally with resources at the University and expand out to encompass resources in Reno, Washoe County, the state of Â鶹ӳ»­, and finally, national websites.

Local elder care resources

The Sanford Center for Aging website offers many resources for seniors and their families or caregivers. In addition, The Sanford Center for Aging Community Outreach receives "grant support which allows the center to offer free lectures and training programs throughout the year in the areas of wellness and caregiving. The center helps sponsor volunteer programs that assist older adults in Â鶹ӳ»­ with legal, medical, mobility and other issues."

On the Sanford Center for Aging website, seniors and their families can find the following:

• Medication Therapy Management program offers free medication reviews to seniors most in need.
• Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) recruits and encourages people 55 years and older to share their unique skills, talents, and experience with community not-for-profit and public agencies.
• The Â鶹ӳ»­ Caregiver Support Center (NCSC) of the Â鶹ӳ»­ promotes excellence in dementia care by emphasizing the quality of life of persons with dementia and their caregivers.
• Caregiver resources include a webpage with various presentations (PowerPoint) and related materials for caregivers designed by the Sanford Center for Aging with the help of state funds provided to the Â鶹ӳ»­ Care Connection Program.

Sponsored by Extended Studies at the Â鶹ӳ»­, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is a member-directed organization offering a distinctive array of courses and activities for adults age 50 and over interested in learning for the joy of learning.

New to Reno website has a page specifically for seniors living in the Truckee Meadows. This site provides a list of senior services and programs and includes links and information about:

• Volunteering with City of Reno Senior Services
• A link to the Senior Connection Newsletter - a free monthly newsletter with information about community events, programs, classes of interest to community members age 55 and better.
• Washoe Senior Ride (WSR) - a program of discount vouchers ("Taxi Bucks") that can be used to pay part of taxi fares and tips. WSR is a service of the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC).
• Information on the Senior Center Library
• Links and contact information for the State of Â鶹ӳ»­ Division for Aging Services and the Social Security Administration

The City of Reno offers opportunities for older adults in aquatics, arts, dance, fitness and social outings. The City of Reno Senior Programs website has a link to the Senior Connection Newsletter which is the best way to stay current on the activities being offered. A typical issue includes descriptions of upcoming classes and events and activity calendars.

Washoe County Senior Services Mission is to assist older adults in the community to maintain independence, dignity, and quality in their lives and that of their caregivers, through the provision of an array of direct and indirect social and health services and opportunities they may utilize to achieve their goals. Their webpage holds a wealth of information and useful links including:

• Washoe County Senior Services Monthly Newsletter which lists senior center sites and events
• Monthly Menus for the Washoe County Senior Nutrition Program
• Links to forms for Washoe County Senior Services Social Services Referral
• Links for attorneys and estate planning
• Affordable housing information
• Link to Washoe County Senior Services Benefits Check List
• State and Federal Senior Resources through the Senior Services Nationwide Link
• State Health Insurance Advisory Program (SHIP). The SHIP Volunteers offer free one-on-one assistance and counseling with respect to many problems seniors encounter regarding Medicare and supplemental health insurance.

Â鶹ӳ»­ elder care resources

Â鶹ӳ»­ Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) provide information and access to programs and services that benefit Â鶹ӳ»­'s seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers.

National elder care resources

Written by a group of medical professionals, Â鶹ӳ»­AssistedLiving.org is meant to serve as a resource for anyone looking for information on placing themselves or a loved one into an assisted living or elder care facility.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a national organization for people age 50 and older. AARP offers support for seniors by providing valuable benefits, information and assistance.
"AARP believes strongly in the principles of collective purpose, collective voice and the collective power of the 50 and over population to change the market based on their needs. These principles guide our efforts."

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) believes "all Americans-including people with disabilities and older adults-should be able to live at home with the supports they need, participating in communities that value their contributions. To help meet these needs, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) created a new organization, the Administration for Community Living (ACL)." The ACL website has information covering resources for: Alzheimer's and related dementias, locating elder care, looking into consumer benefits programs, and long term care planning information.

The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) is a national voice for older Americans and the community organizations that serve them. They bring together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults.