Top 10 Websites for 2009, Part 2

This is a continuation of the top 10 websites I think you will find most helpful for 2009!

4. Nolo

Another great site for age-related legal advice is Nolo.  Accalimed as the "best legal self-help site on the web" (Yahoo!), Nolo defines legal terms in simple common language, not legal gobbledygook.  This is where I take advantage of handy checklists and related articles in all aspects of law--and it's free!

5. CNN's Money

CNN's Money has long been one of my web darlings.  Money 101 explains money in a way that even a 10 year old could understand and the spacing makes the text extremely readable.  For more difficult concepts, refer to the videos.

I head straight for the "Ultimate Guide to Retirement" for practical advice relating to investing, IRAs, work, health care, pensions, insurance, estate planning and Social Security.  Find out where and from whom you can get help.  Education yourself, make plans and put your worries aside.

6. Caring Connections

When I was assembling my Boomer Search Engine, I repeatedly came across Caring Connections.  I found that the National Hospice and Palliative Care Ogranization (NHPCO) created its dynamic website to expeditiously drive caregivers and patients to the information they want so that they can make the best decisions given their circumstances.

The information is comprehensive and straightforward.  Find glossaries, checklists and organization tools.  Take advantage of downloadable brochures and fill out your free state's advance directive without delay.  

Top 10 Websites for 2009, Part 1

The volume of information on the Internet can be overwhelming.  I've reviewed thousands of web sites to find user-friendly and relevant resources for inclusion in my boomer search engine.

To compile my Top 10 list of trustworthy, informative and enjoyable sites for 2009, I've selected that sites that I've revisited many times.  I'm sure you, too, will find them invaluable this year.

1. Grandparents.com

Where it's "great to be grand"!  Grandparents.com is "the place for today's new generation of active, involved grandparents."

Find assorted age-appropriate and weather-appropriate "things to do" (even in dozens of cities), including suggestions that won't cost thrifty grandparents a dime.  Mix in travel, gift ideas (find the perfect toy), video, and food suggestions (you might be inspired to cook with your little darlings).  Take advantage of expert advice on family, education law, finance and health and get a peek into the psyche of celebrity grandparents.  You'll get a treasure trove of information.

2. Dynamic Living

Where else can you find photographed independent living aids displayed boldly and accurately? Protected by the Better Business Bureau of Connecticut, Dynamic Living consumers shop with confidence--either by use (moving around, sitting/standing, vision, communication, caregiving, memory) or by location (car, kitchen, bathroom).

I like this site for its clarity, simplicity, readability, references and responsiveness.

Two warnings:  See what other customers recommend but select well to avoid restocking charges.  Also, customer service operates Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. only.  

3. ElderLawAnswers

Get your age-driven legal questions answered here.

Elderlaw covers Medicaid, Medicare, nursing home rights, and estate planning.  Elderlaw 101 dumbs down additional topics, including veterans benefits, so you don't need to have a law degree to understand.  Find state-specific information and an attorney or listen to Elderlaw radio such as "Finding the Money to Age Well."

10 Great Senior Sites

I really like Smart Money. The articles are timely and relevant. The print can be enlarged for these sometimes-weary eyes. Back in February, 2004, it published 10 online resources for seniors. 4 years later I wouldn't debate the continued wealth of information provided by each of these resources, mostly government and nonprofit organizations and trusted companies.

For instance,

1. Go to Eldercare Locator to find help where you live.

2. Use a national database to find out what benefits you qualify for (veterans' assistance, rent assistance, prescription assistance, etc.).

3. Medicare.gov explains this program simply and in detail. Here you can determine the level of care needed. You can even compare nursing homes.

4. Get help from a reliable nonprofit consumer-advocacy group about how to judge assisted-living facilities.

5. Sign up for Social Security online. Use the benefit calculator to find out how much money you can expect each month. Consider depositing your checks directly into your bank account.

6. Look for articles and references to other websites from ElderWeb.

7. Get your documents (wills, trusts, power of attorney, estate planning, etc.) in order with advice from National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

8. Find easy-to-understand articles on AARP's website.

9. Caregivers lives are made easier with the help of geriactic care managers.

10. Get help locally while finding out all about caregiving from the Family Caregiver Alliance.

For 2009, add 50somethinginfo.com. It will give you all the above information in one location!

When You Need a Lawyer

Erin reached for the bitterly-contested subject of the custody battle and put her into the car.

She cautiously eyed the aloof occupant as she drove the freeway. In turn, Ashley leered at Erin. No words were exchanged. Erin was convinced that Ashley needed some serious attitude adjustment.

They drove in silence. The ten miles seemed endless. When Erin shifted her car into park, Ashley's reserve did a 180 when she recognized her daddy and settled into his outstretched arms.

The Erin returned to her law office.

Boomers and Seniors beware: You never know when you'll need an attorney. But if you do, here are some pointers to finding the right one for you:

1. How to find and hire the right attorney

2. AARP's suggestions for reasonable fees for services

3. Finding a local lawyer

4. The difference between arbitration, mediation, and litigation

5. Help for low and moderate income people to find free legal aid programs in their state

Last week Erin passed a local park. She saw Ashley and her client dutifully following the instructions of their obedience class teacher.