Web Sites of Interest
AARP www.aarp.org
The National site for AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons), a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people, age 50 years and over.
AARP PA www.aarp.org/states/pa
The Pennsylvania AARP page.
Administration on Aging www.aoa.gov/
Contains information on the complete array of services and programs of interest for older adults.
Alzheimer’s Association www.alzpa.org
Programs and services for individuals and families coping with Alzheimer’s Disease and other memory disorders.
Benefits Checkup www.benefitscheckup.org
An online questionnaire to help search for a list of all state and federal benefits.
Center for Healthy Aging www.healthyaging.pitt.edu
Promotes healthy lifestyles and disease prevention in the older adult population as part of the University of Pittsburgh’s federally funded Center for Disease Control.
Community Life www.commlife.org
Coordinates all services “under one roof,” providing client-focused services for frail older adults to enable them to remain in their home and community.
COMPASS (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Application for Social Services) www.compass.state.pa.us
Enables Pennsylvania citizens to apply for social services programs online.
CONTACT Pittsburgh www.contactpgh.org
Offers immediate, emotional support, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, by telephone volunteers trained to help people of all ages who may be suicidal, in emotional distress, or in need of reassurance.
Elderhostel, Inc www.elderhostel.org
Offers educational adventures for adults who are 55 years of age and over.
Family Services of Western PA www.fswp.org
Provides a wide variety of programs, services and activities for children, adults and families living in the western Pennsylvania region.
Gov Benefits www.GovBenefits.gov
The official benefits web site of the U.S. Government that connects people in need to government assistance programs.
Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank www.pittsburghfoodbank.org
A nonprofit organization committed to eliminating hunger and encouraging self-reliance. Click on the Members/Affiliates section of the home page for a listing of food pantries in your area.
US Department of Health and Human Services www.hhs.gov
The U.S. government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
Health Resources and Service Administration Information Center www.ask.hrsa.gov
Publications, resources, and referrals on health care services for low-income, uninsured individuals and those with special health care needs.
healthfinder® www.healthfinder.gov
A ree guide to reliable consumer health and human services information, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of Southwestern Pennsylvania www.ivcswpa.org
A network of over 35 diverse religious congregations throughout Allegheny County whose volunteers assist the vulnerable and frail elderly in their neighborhoods with many of the tasks of daily living, enabling them to remain independent in their own homes for as long as they choose.
LIFE Pittsburgh www.lifepittsburgh.org
A "nursing home without walls," that enables frail, elderly persons to continue living in their home and community while receiving needed medical, social and transportation services.
Medicare www.medicare.gov
The official U.S. Government internet site for Medicare consumer information.
National Family Caregiver Association www.nfcacares.org
A grass roots organization created to educate, support, empower and advoate for the millions of Americans who care for chronically ill, aged or disabled loved ones.
National Family Caregiver Support Programs www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/HCLTC/Caregiver/index.aspx
Offers caregivers information and support from the National Family Caregivers Association.
OASIS www.oasisnet.org
A national nonprofit educational organization designed to enhance the quality of life for mature adults. Go to "Cities," then "Pittsburgh" for local information.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (University of Pittsburgh) www.cgspitt.org/osher-lifelong-learning-institute.cfm
A program designed for learners, 55 years of age and older in mind, that allows participants enroll in noncredit courses, audit undergraduate courses, and participate in special programs.
PA Department of Aging www.aging.state.pa.us/
Gives detailed information on state aging programs.
PA Department of Health, Division of Vital Records www.health.state.pa.us/vitalrecords
Provides information on obtaining birth and death certificates, to download application forms or to apply on-line.
Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center www.pahunger.org
A non-profit organization working to end hunger and ensuring food security for all Pennsylvanians. The link for Pennsylvania Food Programs provides information on the various nutrition resources in our state.
PA Long Term Care www.longtermcare.state.pa.us
Provides long-term care information on available service options, including home care, public and private financing of those options, and other issues.
PA Personal Care Home Directory www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/
PhysicalDisabilities/003670205.aspx
Lists, in directory format, licensed care homes in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP) www.phlp.org
Provides free legal advice and representation to elderly persons and individuals with disabilities who have problems with health care access and the quality of their health care services.
Pittsburgh Housing Finance Agency www.phfa.org
Provides capital for decent, safe, and affordable homes and apartments for older adults, persons of modest means and those persons with special housing needs. For a listing of high rises, "click and go" on Inventory of Assisted Rental Housing.
PhRMA www.phrma.org/searchcures/dpdpap/
Lists, in directory format, company programs that provide drugs to physicians whose patients could not otherwise afford them.
Social Security Administration www.socialsecurity.gov
Explains the various Social Security benefits that are available.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) www.benefitscheckup.org/snap.cfm
To assist people who need help paying for food, the National Council on Aging has enhanced BenefitsCheckUp with a new Web-based service that provides easy access to information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, the new name for the federal Food Stamp Program), in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.
United Way of Allegheny County www.unitedwaypittsburgh.org
Seeks to measurably improve the quality of life for those in need in the community through its not-for-profit work.
Department of Veteran Affairs www.va.gov
Provides information on the range of benefits and programs available for veterans.
Working Hearts www.workinghearts.org
A coalition of women and organizations promoting Strong Women / Strong Hearts.