Government Programs
There are many government agencies and programs that are in place for people living with disabilities or aging, regardless of income status to be aware of. Below is a list of each agency, their link to their website and a descriptive summary for each.
Administration for Community Living
https://acl.gov/
The Administration for Community Living was created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities. Consider this National Organization for programs and grants when it comes to community living.
Alabama Department of Public Health
https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/index.html
The Alabama Department of Public Health works to promote, protect and improve your health. You can use this site to locate registered resources as well as seek guidance for navigating health insurance and community programs for financial hardships.
Alabama Area Agencies for Aging
https://alabamaageline.gov/
Alabama Age Line represents the State level coordination of Alabama Area Agencies for aging. Their programs are administered for senior citizens, people with disabilities and care partners.
Alabama Department of Human Resource
https://dhr.alabama.gov/
This state agency provides for the protection, well-being, and self-sufficiency for children and adults. It will help families receive the least disruptive services they need, when they need them, and for only as long as they need them in order to maintain a stable home.
Alabama Department of Senior Services
https://alabamaageline.gov/
The Alabama Department of Seniors Services is the state level affiliate for all Regional Alabama Aging Agencies. It is important to check with each regional agency to see if additional programs are available to you locally.
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP)
https://adap.ua.edu/
The Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program is part of the nation's federally funded protection and advocacy (P&A) system. They help with disability rights issues, specifically, like community access, special education, Medicaid, voting rights, assistive technology, Medicaid waivers, alternatives to guardianship, and investigating complaints that disabled people are being abused or neglected.
Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network
https://alabamarespite.org/
The Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network provides increased access and availability of high-quality respite resources for care partners in Alabama. Apply for respite grants, attend events, and even tap into additional caregiver resources on this site.
Eldercare Locator
https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting you to services for older adults and their families. You can find the help in your community by entering your zip code or city and state for more information.
Medicaid
https://medicaid.alabama.gov/
This is the official site to apply for Medicaid, manage care, and consult with your questions about Medicaid.
Medicare
https://www.medicare.gov/
This is the official site to apply for Medicare, manage care, and consult with your questions about Medicare.
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
https://www.usaging.org/
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is a 501(c)(3) membership association representing America's national network of 622 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and providing a voice in the nation's capital for the 256 Title VI Native American aging programs. Offers health insurance, assistance, brochures, publications, resources, and initiatives.
National Institute of Health (NIH) Clinical Trials
https://clinicaltrials.gov/
Search for clinical trials related to PD and whether they are recruiting participants.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/parkinsons-disease
General information about PD, including treatment, prognosis, organizations, publications, etc.
National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center
https://theconsumervoice.org/
The National Consumer Voice is a registration for quality long term care facilities. It provides information about legislation, so you know your rights when it comes to choosing community care. An additional extension is a website dedicated to Ombudsman and this site is your resource center. If you ever have issues that need mitigation prior to legal action, consult an Ombudsman first when it comes to any suspicions of neglect within a registered facility.
Social Security
https://www.ssa.gov
When you are ready to retire, apply for social security, disability, or Medicare - you should consult this site for information on how to get the process started.
Veterans Benefits
https://va.alabama.gov/
For Alabamians, this is the first stop for all resources for Veterans. It includes resources, benefits and services, as well as news and employment opportunities to help you navigate your care needs.