Resources at the Library

• Senior Share Programs: Enjoy a 30-40 minute program twice monthly on a topic of interest to seniors, with time for questions and socializing. Held at Library! at Hillcrest. More
   
• Fit and Fall Proof Classes: Come participate in a 45 minute fitness class twice weekly at the Library! at Collister. These exercises will help you increase strength, improve balance, and avoid falls. All ability levels welcome. More
   
• Resources for the Visually Impaired: Don't let failing eyesight stop you from reading. Find a variety of resources available at Boise Public Library, including large print books, recorded books, movies, and music. More
   
• Homebound Services:  Unable to make it into the Library? Read more about our services for homebound patrons. More
   
• Talking Book Service @ Idaho Commission for Libraries - you may be eligible for this free service.  Read more about resources and eligibility requirements. Or call (208) 334-2117 or 1-800-233-4931. More
   
• Newsline: new resource for the print impaired - If you or someone you know can't read the newspaper, consider listening to it over the telephone.  Call the Idaho Commission for the Blind at 1-800-542-8688.

Websites for Seniors

Idaho Organizations

• Better Business Bureau of SW Idaho and Eastern Oregon
  The Better Business Bureau of SW Idaho & Eastern Oregon is a private, nonprofit organization promoting high ethical standards in business through self-regulation and  education.  Find information about a specific business, file a complaint, or learn about current frauds and scams.  The BBB also has a program specifically oriented towards senior issues.
  http://www.boise.bbb.org/#

• Boise Senior Activity Center
  Located at 690 Robbins Road, the center provides activities, programs, and services for senior citizens.
  http://www.seniorsolutions.bz/boise-sr-center.htm
   

• Idaho CareLine 2-1-1
  A community information and referral service provided by Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare. Dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of low cost or free health and human services to the people of Idaho. Search the online directory or dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588 for assistance.
  http://www.idahocareline.org/
   

• Idaho Commission on Aging
  The Idaho Commission on Aging plans and coordinates, funds, and monitors a statewide program of services to meet present and future needs of older Idahoans.  Its second responsibility is to advocate for legislation that secures rights, benefits, services and new programs for Idaho's elderly.
  http://www.idahoaging.com/abouticoa/index.htm
   

• Idaho Senior Living Council
  "Helping Seniors Make the Transition to Senior Living in Idaho Easier ~ The Idaho Senior Living Council is designed to be a free source for helping Senior Citizens find the right fit to their current and long-term needs in the Treasure Valley of Idaho. We help in distinguishing ones needs and then recommending the choices available to them."  Provides a Resource Guide with links to local area organizations arranged by topic.  
  http://www.idslc.org/
   

• Idaho Votes
  Accessible voting information for the visually impaired, disabled and seniors.
  http://www.idahovotes.gov/Access/access.htm
   

• Senior Legal Hotline
  Provided by Idaho Legal Aid Services, 310 N. 5th St., Boise, ID, mailing address P.O. Box 1683, Boise, ID 83701, Assistance is available to anyone age 60 or over. Local area seniors may call 345-0106, choose option 3.  Or outside the local area call toll free 1-866-345-0106.  Spanish speakers may call 1-866-954-2591. 
  http://idaholegalaid.org/Home/PublicWeb/AdviceLine

• Senior Living Strategies: 2007 Resource Guide of the Boise/Treaure Valley Area
  This guide is a way for families to discover topics about which they can create meaningful dialogue. Getting older is a process in which every living person is engaged – it is a family and community matter – between spouses, partners, siblings, and the generations. Discover resource for housing, health, assistance, classes to enhance your quality of life and more.
  http://boiseid.seniorlivingstrategies.com/
   

• Senior Solutions
  Senior Solutions is a non-profit agency that provides services for senior citizens in the City of Boise and Ada County to help them remain living independently in their homes.  Get information about other senior centers in the area and senior resources, including programs, caregiver respite, transportation, and health-related topics.
  http://seniorsolutions.bz/

Quality of Life Resources

• AARP
  Nation's leading organization serving the needs and interests of people 50 and older through information, education, advocacy and community services which are provided by a network of local chapters and experienced volunteers.
  http://www.aarp.org/
   

• Administration on Aging - How to Find Help
  A huge federal site with a wealth of information.  Look at these 3 links:

  • Eldercare Locator (Off Site)

  • State and Area Agencies on Aging

  • Resource Directory

   

• Benefits Checkup
  This site offers a free, easy-to-use service that identifies federal and state assistance programs for older Americans. You take 10 or 15 minutes to enter information about your financial situation into an online questionnaire. Then, BenefitsCheckUp explains what benefit programs you may be eligible for and how to apply for them.
  http://www.BenefitsCheckUp.org/
   

• Eldercare Locator
  Contains records of organizations that provide services to the elderly. Each record has contact information, location, and types of services. Retrieve information by state and zip code. There are also links to additional resources on cargiving and aging. From the United States Administration on Aging.
  http://www.eldercare.gov/
   

• ElderWeb
  One of the first sites devoted to elders. There are 6,000 reviewed links to long-term and eldercare. Easy to use!
  http://www.elderweb.com/
   

• USA.gov - Senior Topics
  A portal site from the U.S. Government offering a wealth of information and links for all aspects of the senior population including: benefits, health and nutrition, consumer protection, employment and volunteer activities, taxes, travel and leisure, education and training, and more.
  http://www.seniors.gov/
   

• Guide to Long Term Care Planning
  A comprehensive 670 page guide by the National Care Planning Council. The NCPC is a nationwide alliance of care providers, experts and advisors who promote and support long term care.  Written by 9 experts and encompasses 34 chapters with 96 graphs and charts.
  http://www.longtermcarelink.net/ncpc.htm
   

• NIH SeniorHealth
  This easy-to-use website features health and wellness information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health. Use the buttons at the top of each page to make the text bigger, change text color, or hear the text read aloud.
  http://nihseniorhealth.gov/
   

• Nursing Home Compare
  This tool provides detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing home in the country. Also includes a Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home and a Nursing Home Checklist to help you with your nursing home choice.
  http://www.medicare.gov/nhcompare/home.asp
   

• Senior Corps and RSVP
  Senior Corps connects persons older than 55 interested in volunteering in the community with the people and organizations that need them most.  There is a Foster Grandparent program, a Senior Companion program and RSVP, which helps match volunteers with service opportunities in their community.
  http://www.seniorcorps.org/about/sc/index.asp
   

• Social Security Online
  Official web site of the Social Security Administration
  http://www.ssa.gov/SSA_Home.html

Last Updated:01/02/2009 Author:  grr/jh/cr/jdd