RESOURCES

When planning for long-term care, it is always advisable to have the following documents prepared.

Medical Power of Attorney
States your wishes about medical treatment and related issues

Durable Power of Attorney
Designates someone to handle your affairs, financial and otherwise

Remember: these documents only apply if you are unable to make your wishes known. You may obtain blank forms from your lawyer or doctor, or on Web sites such as the Internet Legal Resource Guide (http://www.ilrg.com).

A will should always be on file with your lawyer and executor. Blank forms can be obtained from your lawyer, or even from an office supplies store, although it is advisable to work with a lawyer. Not only does a written will reflect your desires about the disposition of your property, it also allows more of your estate to reach your heirs rather than be taxed.

Many Web sites provide information on long-term care; some offer free publications. An especially good resource book, entitled “Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home,” is available at http://www.Medicare.gov. Other valuable Web sites include:

National

Administration on Aging
http://www.aoa.gov

Department of Health & Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov

American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
http://www.aahsa.org

National Institute on Aging
http://www.nia.nih.gov

Elder Caregiving
http://www.caregivers-usa.org

State

Pennsylvania Catholic Conference
http://www.pacatholic.org/pcha/index.htm

Pennsylvania Health Care Association
http://www.phca.org

Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Homes for the Aging
http://www.panpha.org

Pennsylvania Department of Aging
http://www.aging.state.pa.us/aging

Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare
http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/omap/dpwomap.asp

Pennsylvania Department of Health
http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us

Alzheimers Association
http://www.alzpa.org

Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs
http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/cwp

Local

Catholic Charities — Diocese of Pittsburgh
http://www.ccpgh.org/Website/elderly.htm

United Way of Pittsburgh
http://www.unitedwaypittsburgh.org/uwac/repositories/Download/caregivers.pdf

Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging
http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/dhs/AAA/aaa.asp

Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh
http://www.diopitt.org/

Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
http://www.archeparchy.org

Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg
http://www.catholicgbg.org