All National Resources

A Comfort Case is a small duffel bag or backpack with a purpose to provide comfort for youth as they enter the foster care system. Our case provides the essentials for the first few days in a new place as well as comfort items to help ease a scary transition. You can make a difference in the life of a child in need by donating any of the items listed below.

A gambling disorder is characterized by an increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop gambling, and/or continued gambling despite serious negative consequences. If you are struggling with a gambling problem, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Problem gambling affects many people. Experienced professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help you through your situation. No matter who you are, if you have a gambling problem, there’s hope – and help. GET HELP NOW There is help available now for people suffering from a gambling disorder. Treatment works. A free, confidential help hotline is available 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-333-HOPE or texting HOPE to 61222. Or, click to chat with a support agent. Whether it’s sports-betting, casino games, lottery tickets or online poker, gambling continues to grow in popularity and has become more easily accessible than ever before. For many, gambling is a harmless form of entertainment, but for some, it becomes a crippling disorder that can destroy lives and families. Call now: 1-800-333-HOPE Text: HOPE to 61222

Welcome to the Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting you to services for older adults and their families. You can also reach us at 1-800-677-1116.

We know that advocates and others who work with and for consumers of long-term care, services and supports frequently need information quickly to support and enhance their advocacy work. Information-sharing is core to our mission, and the Clearinghouse provides a way to coordinate and compile information. The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care has developed the first-ever clearinghouse for long-term care information geared toward promoting effective advocacy and consumer-directed care. The Clearinghouse’s objectives are twofold: 1) Reduce the time advocates and others spend searching for credible information on a wide range of long-term care topics; and 2) establish a one-stop-shop of information on a range of long-term care issues, particularly for those who wish to advocate for consumers. ant to know more about how the Clearinghouse works? Watch a video tutorial.

About the Consumer Voice For up-to-date information on Consumer Voice’s most recent activities, read the weekly e-newsletter, The Voice. The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care was formed as NCCNHR (National Citizens’ Coalition for Nursing Home Reform) in 1975 because of public concern about substandard care in nursing homes. The Consumer Voice is the outgrowth of work first achieved by advocates working for Ralph Nader and later for the National Gray Panthers. Elma Holder, NCCNHR founder, was working with The Long-Term Care Action Project of the Gray Panthers when she organized a group meeting of advocates from across the country to attend a nursing home industry conference in Washington, DC. At that meeting, representatives of 12 citizen action groups spoke collectively to the industry about the need for serious reform in nursing home conditions. The consumer attendees were inspired to develop a platform of common concerns and motivated to form a new organization to represent the consumer voice at the national level. Most of the original members had witnessed and endured personal experiences with substandard nursing home conditions. Our Vision & Mission The Consumer Voice is the leading national voice representing consumers in issues related to long-term care, helping to ensure that consumers are empowered to advocate for themselves. We are a primary source of information and tools for consumers, families, caregivers, advocates and ombudsmen to help ensure quality care for the individual. To carry out our mission, we: Advocate for public policies that support quality care and quality of life responsive to consumers’ needs in all long-term care settings Empower and educate consumers and families with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for themselves Train and support individuals and groups that empower and advocate for consumers of long-term care Promote the critical role of direct-care workers and best practices in quality-care delivery The Consumer Voice envisions a world in which all consumers of long-term care, services and supports are treated with respect and dignity and have a wide range of affordable, quality options across all settings. These options will make it possible for individuals to receive care and services in the location and manner of their choice and to attain a high quality of life.

OMBUDSMAN LOCATOR The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center provides a listing for every state’s ombudsment. Long-term care ombudsmen are advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes and assisted living facilities. How to Find a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Search for Respite Providers and Programs Family Caregiver and Consumer Information State Respite Registries State Respite Coalitions State Lifespan Respite Programs National Family Caregiver Support Program Respite for Veterans Adult Day Care Centers Summer Camp Resources How to Use the “Search” Service: Use the “Search for Respite” feature to find the programs in your state and city that provide the services you are requesting. For more information about the services offered by each agency, call the agency. The “Search for Respite Funding” feature also provides information on additional state resources, including information on possible sources to help you pay for respite, including specific funding sources in your state that might be available through Medicaid Waivers or other state agency funding sources. Eligibility criteria, if available, and links to state pages to help you apply for this funding, are also provided. This information may change frequently, so be sure to contact the appropriate state agency for more information. From each state fact sheet, you can also link to other caregiver or care recipient services and supports.