This Active Life: Ask the Expert

Each issue of This Active Life tackles one area of retiree concern. In this issue: the types of services and resources available to seniors.

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) is a great place to start. The Academy has a Web site (www.naela.com) that offers a great deal of advice and information. The Academy has also produced a very helpful brochure, "Questions and Answers When Looking for an Elder Law Attorney." The brochure, also available on the Web, is a good first step in seeking legal counsel. The NAELA brochure also includes questions that can help you determine if its truly a lawyer you need for your case. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can write to NAELA at 1604 North Country Club Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716 or call 520/881-4005.

Yes. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Administration on Aging (AoA), recently updated the Resource Directory for Older People, a guide to services, ombudsman programs, and state agencies. A single, hard copy is available free of charge by calling 800/222-2225. If you’d like multiple copies, the charge is $5 per copy for 2-50 copies and $3 per copy for requests of more than 50 copies. You can also download the file at the NIA and AoA Web sites. Go to www.aoa.gov/directory or www.nih.gov/nia.

Go to Benefits CheckUp, a terrific new site by the National Council on Aging. It’s a free service that identifies federal and state assistance programs for Older Americans. You’ll be surprised to learn what benefits are available to you. Go to www.benefitscheckup.org.

You should check with your local agency on aging. They should have an ombudsman ready to address your concerns. In Florida, the Attorney General’s office even has a "Senior Sleuths" office, charged with handling fraud complaints from seniors. And don’t forget your local or state NEA affiliate. It’s a great source of support.