Elder Care ...

where can you find the best information online?

If we find an elder care Web site (or part of one) we think is exceptional, we put a "Preferred Site" gold medal next to its name. But, regardless of our opinion, it is only that — our opinion — and nothing more. We don't make any representations, warranties or guarantees regarding the expertise of these Web sites, the accuracy, suitability or completeness of their information, the use to which that information is put, or the results of its use.

We want to provide you with the best possible information. However, the Internet is constantly changing. As a result, you may find a link that no longer works. If that happens, or if we have left out your favorite Web site, let us know. Send our editor an email.

Whether you care for aging parents in your own home, or manage elder care plans from a distance, most of us don't know where to go for reliable answers — or even what questions to ask. We've included an article titled Elder Care 101 — First Steps that's written especially for new caregivers. It includes several very helpful Elder Care Checklists.

To help you find the right local eldercare services for your loved one, you could use the ElderCarelink service which has established a nationwide network of carefully screened eldercare providers and facilities. ElderCarelink provides this referral service free of charge.

Within minutes of completing their brief Needs Survey, you will receive a detailed email report listing care providers in your area who match your specific requirements. Last year, over 100,000 families utilized this service in their search for high-quality senior care. Click here to use the ElderCarelink service.

The specialized language of elder care includes terms and phrases that are not familiar to many people — perhaps even confusing — especially for new caregivers. To help you understand the terminology, here's a comprehensive Glossary of Terms that also includes easy-to-understand explanations of related financial, insurance and legal terms.

We've sorted our recommended Web sites into the 16 categories below. Click on a category to see all of the sites in it. Then, to visit a particular Web site, simply click on the green "Go" button next to its name; it will appear in a new window. After you're done, close its window — you'll automatically return to the category page.