 The Fidelis Care Team understands the responsibilities, important decisions and concerns you face as the primary caregiver for your loved one. That’s why Fidelis SecureCare was developed — to ensure that your loved one is receiving the attentive and coordinated hands-on care that their condition requires, and that he or she is safe and treated with the dignity they deserve. Fidelis will be your eyes and ears — and your loved one's medical team of uncompromising excellence.
Keeping the lines of communication open among all the parties dedicated to caring for our Members is paramount to successful outcomes. You can count on your Fidelis Care Team to provide the information and support you need to have peace of mind about the care of your loved one.
Please feel free to call your Fidelis Care Manager at any time for any question or concern about your loved one's well-being. We're here for you, too.
Resources
For your convenience, we offer the following links to additional resources, selected especially for caregivers like you. Whether you need help understanding Medicare and Medicaid, guidance on choosing a facility, definitions of medical terms, information about specific chronic conditions, or want to connect with caregiver organizations in your area, you'll find it all, and more, right here.
Caregivers
Caregiver.com
http://www.caregiver.com
800-829-2734
Producers of Today's Caregiver magazine, the first national magazine dedicated to caregivers, the "Sharing Wisdom Caregivers Conferences", and caregiver.com. Caregiver.com web site includes topic- specific newsletters, online discussion lists, back issue articles of Today's Caregiver magazine, chat rooms and an online store.
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Children of Aging Parents (CAPS)
www.caps4caregivers.org
800-227-7294
CAPS was begun in Levittown, Pennsylvania, in 1977 when a small group of neighbors who were caring for their elderly parents began to share informally their problems and their feelings. Today, as a nonprofit organization, CAPS provides educational outreach, support groups and caregiver research. The organization publishes a quarterly newsletter, arranges conferences and workshops on issues vital to caregivers and professionals, shares new product information, and increases the public's understanding of caregiving and issues of aging.
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Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA)
www.caregiver.org
800-445-8106
Founded in 1977, Family Caregiver Alliance was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state and local levels to support and sustain caregivers.
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National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA)
www.nfcacares.org
800-896-3650
The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) educates, supports, empowers and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the frailties of old age. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of diagnoses, relationships and life stages to address the common needs and concerns of all family caregivers.
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National Family Caregivers Support Program
http://www.aoa.gov/prof/aoaprog/caregiver/caregiver.aspx
202-619-0724
The program works in partnership with local area agencies on aging offering information, assistance in gaining access to supportive services, individual counseling, organization of support groups, and training to assist caregivers in making decisions and solving problems relating to their roles. It also works with caregivers to provide respite care to enable caregivers to be temporarily relieved from their responsibilities and supplemental services, on a limited basis, to complement the care provided by caregivers.
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Medicare/Medicaid
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
www.cms.hhs.gov
www.medicare.gov
Government sites with up-to-date healthcare coverage information for beneficiaries. Available information includes Medicare/Medicaid plan info, drug coverage, provider information, Medicare glossary and other pertinent topics for people with Medicare/Medicaid.
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Long Term Care
American Association of Homes and Services for the the Aging
www.aahsa.org
202-783-2242
The members of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (www.aahsa.org) help millions of individuals and their families every day through mission-driven, not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing the services that people need, when they need them, in the place they call home. Our 5,700 member organizations, many of which have served their communities for generations, offer the continuum of aging services: adult day services, home health, community services, senior housing, assisted living residences, continuing care retirement communities and nursing homes. AAHSA's commitment is to create the future of aging services through quality people can trust.
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Assisted Living Federation of America
www.alfa.org
703-691-8100
The Assisted Living Federation of America is the largest national association exclusively dedicated to professionally-operated assisted living communities for seniors. ALFA's member-driven programs promote business and operational excellence through national conferences, research, publications and executive networks. ALFA works to influence public policy by advocating for informed choice, quality care and accessibility for all Americans seeking assistance with long-term care.
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Long Term Care Living
www.LongTermCareLiving.com
202-842-4444
Sponsored by the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, LongTermCareLiving.com provides consumers with needed information, nursing homes, assisted living/residential care, and other types of long term care.
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General Aging
National
AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA)
www.healthinaging.org
212-308-1414
Launched in 1999, the AGS Foundation for Health In Aging (FHA) advocates on behalf of older adults and their special needs: wellness and preventive care, self-responsibility and independence, and connections to the family and community through its programs, public education materials and comprehensive resources on common diseases and disorders of older adults.
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AARP
www.aarp.org
888-687-2277
With over 35 million members, AARP is the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over in the United States. The group is known for providing a host of services to this ever-growing segment of the population by informing members and the public on important issues, advocating on legislative, consumer and legal issues, promoting community service and offering a wide range of special products and services to members.
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American Geriatrics Society (AGS)
www.americangeriatrics.org
212-755-6810
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a not-for-profit organization of over 6,700 health professionals devoted to improving the health, independence and quality of life of all older people. The Society provides leadership to healthcare professionals, policy makers and the public by implementing and advocating for programs in patient care, research, professional and public education, and public policy.
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American Medical Directors Association
www.amda.com
800-876-2632
The American Medical Directors Association is the professional association of medical directors and physicians practicing in the long term care continuum dedicated to excellence in patient care by providing education, advocacy, information, and professional development.
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American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
www.ascp.com
800-355-2727
The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) is the international professional association that provides leadership, education, advocacy, and resources to advance the practice of consultant and senior care pharmacy.
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CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN)
www.cdcnpin.org
800-458-5231
The CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN) is the U.S. reference, referral, and distribution service for information on HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and tuberculosis (TB). NPIN produces, collects, catalogs, processes, stocks, and disseminates materials and information on HIV/AIDS, STDs, and TB to organizations and people working in those disease fields in international, national, state, and local settings.
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Meals On Wheels Association of America
www.mowaa.org
703-548-5558
The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the oldest and largest organization in the United States representing those who provide meal services to people in need. MOWAA works toward the social, physical, nutritional, and economic betterment of vulnerable Americans.
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National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA)
www.nadsa.org
800-558-5301
The National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) is a 20-year-old organization committed to providing its members with effective, timely and valuable benefits and is the leading voice of the rapidly growing adult day service (ADS) industry and the national focal point for adult day services providers.
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National Council on Aging (NCOA)
www.ncoa.org
202-479-1200
The NCOA's mission is to improve the lives of older Americans. Founded in 1950, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a charitable organization with a national network of more than 14,000 organizations and leaders. Programs help older people remain healthy and independent, find jobs, increase access to benefits programs, and discover meaningful ways to continue contributing to society.
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National Institute on Aging (NIA)
www.nia.nih.gov
301-496-1752
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.
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Veteran's Information Health Benefits
www.va.gov
800-827-1000
The Veterans' Administration is dedicated and committed to helping veterans get the services they have earned. They strive to provide excellence in patient care, veterans' benefits and customer satisfaction with high quality, prompt and seamless service to veterans.
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Michigan
Michigan Office of Services to the Aging
Michigan Ombudsman
www.michigan.gov/miseniors
Michigan Ombudsman
Michigan Office of Services to the Aging is the state resource for information on aging in Michigan. Pages also link to the Long Term Care Ombudsman program. The Program was created to help address the quality of care and quality of life experienced by residents who reside in licensed long term care facilities such as nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care facilities. Residents and families may receive information, learn how to resolve problems or begin the complaint process for concerns in licensed nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes.
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North Carolina
North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services
www.ncdhhs.gov/aging/aglinks.htm
919-733-3983
The Division of Aging and Adult Services supports older and disabled adults and their families through a community-based system of opportunities, services, benefits, and protections. A partial list of services includes: adult day care, home care, placement and protective services; care management; nutrition; caregiver support, health screening, home delivered meals; and transportation.
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North Carolina Ombudsman
http://www.ncdhhs.gov/aging/ombud.htm
North Carolina's Long Term Care Ombudsman Program consists of state and regional ombudsmen who help residents of long term care facilities to exercise their rights. In addition to being an advocate for residents, they educate the public and facility staff about rights and help resolve grievances between residents/families and facilities.
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Specific Health Problems
Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's Association
www.alz.org
800-272-3900
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer research, care and support. The Association's goal is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
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National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's Disease Education & Referral Center
http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
800-438-4380
The Alzheimer's Disease Education & Referral (ADEAR) Center is operated as a service of the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The ADEAR Center's Specialists assist with answers to specific AD questions, provide free publications, make referrals to local supportive services and AD Centers and offer training materials, guidelines, and a newsletter for healthcare and caregiving professionals.
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Arthritis
Arthritis Foundation
www.arthritis.org
800-283-7800
The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions with advocacy, programs, services and research. Arthritis Foundation efforts center on the three-fold mission of the organization: research, prevention and quality of life.
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National Institute of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Diseases
www.niams.nih.gov
(877) 22-NIAMS
The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases, the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research, and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.
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Cancer
American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org
800-ACS-2345
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. With chartered divisions throughout the country and over 3,400 local offices, the ACS is committed to fighting cancer through balanced programs of research, education, patient service, advocacy, and rehabilitation.
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Continence
National Association for Continence (NAFC)
www.nafc.org
800-BLADDER
The National Association For Continence (NAFC) is the world's largest and most prolific consumer advocacy organization dedicated to public education and awareness about the causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatments, and management alternatives for incontinence. NAFC offers publications and services, such as: Blueprint for Continence Care in an Assisted Living Setting, a database of healthcare professionals specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of incontinence, a quarterly newsletter, a product and services resource guide and brochures, audio/visuals, posters and books for the general public and healthcare professionals.
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Diabetes
American Diabetes Association
www.diabetes.org
800-DIABETES
The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading 501(C)3 nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association conducts programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reaching hundreds of communities. The Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
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National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC)
www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/ndic.htm
800-860-8747
A service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)/NIH, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) provides information about available patient and professional education materials and statistical data, diabetes publications, referrals to health professionals through the National Library of Medicine's MEDLINEplus, and a database of health education materials through the NIDDK Reference Collection.
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Digestive
National Digestive Disease Clearinghouse
www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/nddic.htm
800-891-5389
Working closely with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse and the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) provide information about available patient and professional education materials and statistical data, diabetes publications, referrals to health professionals through the National Library of Medicine's MEDLINEplus, and a database of health education materials through the NIDDK Reference Collection.
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Eye
American Academy of Ophthalmology
www.aao.org
415-561-8500
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the largest national membership association of Eye M.D.s. More than 90 percent of practicing U.S. Eye M.D.s are Academy members, and the Academy has more than 7,000 international members. Their mission is to advance the lifelong learning and professional interests of ophthalmologists to ensure that the public can obtain the best possible eye care.
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National Eye Institute
www.nei.nih.gov
301-496-5248
The National Eye Institute (NEI) was established by Congress in 1968 to protect and prolong the vision of the American people. As one of the federal government's National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NEI conducts and supports research that helps prevent and treat eye diseases and other disorders of vision.
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American Foundation for the Blind
www.afb.org
800-AFB-LINE
The American Foundation for the Blind is committed to improving accessibility in all aspects of life-from cell phones to ATMs, on web sites and in workplaces.
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Hearing
Better Hearing Institute
www.betterhearing.org
800-EARWELL
The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) is a not-for-profit corporation that educates the public about the neglected problem of hearing loss and what can be done about it. Founded in 1973, they work to erase the stigma and end the embarrassment that prevents millions of people from seeking help for hearing loss, show the negative consequences of untreated hearing loss for millions of Americans and promote treatment and demonstrate that this is a national problem that can be solved.
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National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
www.nidcd.nih.gov
800-241-1044
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), established in 1988, is one of the Institutes that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIDCD is mandated to conduct and support biomedical and behavioral research and research training in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language.
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Heart
American Heart Association
www.americanheart.org
800-AHA-USA1
The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
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National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute
www.nhlbi.nih.gov
301-592-8573
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides leadership for a national program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood; blood resources; and sleep disorders. Since October 1997, the NHLBI has also had administrative responsibility for the NIH Woman's Health Initiative. The Institute plans, conducts, fosters, and supports an integrated and coordinated program of basic research, clinical investigations and trials, observational studies, and demonstration and education projects.
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Lung
American Lung Association
www.lungusa.org
800-LUNG-USA
The mission of the American Lung Association® is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. The American Lung Association®, founded in 1904, is the oldest voluntary health organization in the United States, with a National Office and constituent and affiliate associations around the country.
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National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute
www.nhlbi.nih.gov
301-592-8573
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides leadership for a national program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood; blood resources; and sleep disorders. Since October 1997, the NHLBI has also had administrative responsibility for the NIH Woman's Health Initiative. The Institute plans, conducts, fosters, and supports an integrated and coordinated program of basic research, clinical investigations and trials, observational studies, and demonstration and education projects.
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Neurological
National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke
www.ninds.nih.gov
800-352-9424
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke (NINDS) conducts, fosters, coordinates, and guides research, provides grants-in-aid to public and private institutions and individuals, operates a program of contracts for the funding of research and research support efforts, provides individual and institutional fellowships, conducts a diversified program of intramural and collaborative research in its own laboratories, branches, and clinics and collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders.
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Obstetricians & Gynecologists
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists
www.acog.com
800-673-8444
Founded in 1951, ACOG became the specialty's first enduring, nationwide, democratic, professional organization. More than 90 percent of American board-certified ob-gyns are affiliated with ACOG. ACOG pursues its mission through education, research, practice and advocacy. In addition to their professional endeavors, the College also produces numerous patient education materials on a wide range of women's health issues, including contraception, STDs, gynecologic cancers, infertility, pregnancy, menopause and health screenings.
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Osteoporosis
National Osteoporosis Foundation
www.nof.org
202-223-2226
Established in 1984, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is the nation's leading voluntary health organization solely dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health. The Foundation's goal is to prevent osteoporosis, to promote lifelong bone health, to help improve the lives of those affected by osteoporosis and related fractures, and to find a cure.
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Parkinson's
American Parkinson Disease Association
www.apdaparkinson.org
800-223-2732
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is the country's largest grassroots organization serving the 1.5 million Americans with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers in three vital areas: research, patient and caregiver support and education.
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National Parkinson Foundation
www.parkinson.org
800-327-4545
The National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) is the largest and oldest national Parkinson foundation in the United States. NPF supports Parkinson-related research, patient care, education, training, and outreach. Their mission is to find the cause of and the cure for Parkinson disease through research, to improve the quality of life for persons with Parkinson and their caregivers and to educate persons with Parkinson, their caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the general public about Parkinson disease and its treatment.
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Psoriasis
National Psoriasis Foundation
www.psoriasis.org
800-723-9166
The National Psoriasis Foundation is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, serving and empowering people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. For more than 35 years, the Psoriasis Foundation has made a significant difference in the way psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are treated and perceived.
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Psychiatry/Mental Health
American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry
www.aagponline.org
301-654-7850
The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry is a national association representing and serving its members and the field of geriatric psychiatry. It is dedicated to promoting the mental health and well being of older people and improving the care of those with late-life mental disorders. AAGP's mission is to enhance the knowledge base and standard of practice in geriatric psychiatry through education and research and to advocate for meeting the mental health needs of older Americans.
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National Institute of Mental Health
www.nimh.nih.gov
800-421-4211
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is one of 27 components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Federal government's principal biomedical and behavioral research agency. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Their mission is to reduce the burden of mental illness and behavioral disorders through research on mind, brain, and behavior.
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Urological
American Urological Association
www.auanet.org
866-RING AUA
The American Urological Association (AUA), founded in 1902, is the premier professional association for the advancement of urologic patient care, and works to ensure that its more than 15,000 members are current on the latest research and practices in urology.
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The Simon Foundation for Continence
www.simonfoundation.org
800-23-SIMON
The Simon Foundation for Continence was founded in 1983 in the United States, followed in 1985 by Simon Canada (now called the Canadian Continence Foundation). The mission of the Foundation is to bring the topic of incontinence out of the closet, remove the stigma surrounding it, and provide help and hope to people with incontinence, their families and the health professionals who provide their care.
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End-of-Life
National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization For Hospice Referral
www.nhpco.org
800-658-8898
The National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) advocates for the terminally ill and their families. Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care at the end of life, hospice care involves a team-oriented approach of expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's wishes. Emotional and spiritual support also is extended to the family and loved ones. Generally, this care is provided in the patient's home or in a home-like setting operated by a hospice program. Medicare, private health insurance, and Medicaid in most states cover hospice care for patients who meet certain criteria.
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Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
http://www.rwjf.org
888-631-9989
As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and healthcare of all Americans, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has worked with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change for more than 30 years.
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