Free online resource for older adults and caregivers

The Health First Aging Institute announced the launch of a new website -www.eldercare.health-first.org - designed as a free online resource for older adults and their caregivers. The website offers information about medical and healthcare services, community resources and senior housing options, and resources for caregivers. Personalized Care Coordination assistance is also available.

"Working with older patients as I do, I see firsthand that patients and their caregivers often need two things," said Rosemary Laird, M.D. and Director of the Health First Aging Institute. "First they need more resources to educate themselves about the wide range of healthcare programs and other services available to help seniors live healthier, safer, and more independent lives.

"Second, they need help navigating through the healthcare system. The ElderCARE website provides both information about available resources and personalized care coordination assistance if folks need help deciding on the care they might benefit from or accessing care."

According to Dr. Laird, the site can be useful to seniors facing the challenges of aging, but also for thriving seniors and those who care for seniors. "I wanted to make sure the site was useful to all, no matter their health or financial status; the site contains valuable information about subsidized programs available to help low-income seniors."

The Health First Aging Institute is dedicated to improving the health and well being of older adults in Brevard County by increasing the availability of high quality geriatric care services across the care continuum. Created in 2002 through the generous donations of the Cape Canaveral Hospital Foundation, the program is under the leadership of Rosemary Laird, M.D., MHSA. Ongoing support comes from the Health First Foundation.

The Health First Aging Institute, located at 3661 S. Babcock Street in Melbourne, sponsors programs in four main areas: Doctors offices, Education and Training, Community Programs and Outreach, and Health Services Research.

For more information about the ElderCARE website or to find out about adding your resource, call Patti Thibault at 321-868-5816. ElderCARE... Connecting you to CARE.