Housing
Cancer survivors may experience physical, emotional or financial changes that affect their housing arrangements. In many cases, making simple changes or modifications to a home can provide what is needed for physical comfort and safety. In other situations, it may become necessary to make major changes or to find a new place to live. If you have concerns about the financial or physical aspects of your current or future living situation, take some basic steps now to think about and plan for your housing needs.
Housing: Detailed Information
This information is meant to be a general introduction to this topic. The purpose is to provide a starting point for you to become more informed about important matters that may be affecting your life as a survivor and to provide ideas about steps you can take to learn more. This information is not intended nor should it be interpreted as providing professional medical, legal and financial advice. You should consult a trained professional for more information. Please read the Suggestions and Additional Resources documents for questions to ask and for more resources.
Note: As with all LIVESTRONG documents, individuals living with cancer will be referred to as "survivors." Also in keeping with LIVESTRONG style, this document will talk directly to you, the survivor, even though the topic may not relate to your current needs or condition. The terms "family" and "loved ones" are used to mean all of the people that you care about and turn to for support, including relatives, spouses, partners and friends. The term "caregiver" is used to mean whoever is providing most of your day-to-day care, whether that person is a spouse, partner, child, sibling, relative, friend or privately hired person.
Cancer survivors sometimes experience physical, emotional or financial changes that can affect their housing arrangements. In many cases, making simple changes or modifications to a home can provide what is needed for physical comfort and safety. However, the long-term aftereffects of cancer treatment may make it necessary to make major changes or to find a new place to live.
Chronic pain, early retirement due to disability or life-threatening illness may be good reasons to consider a change in housing arrangements. If you have concerns about the financial or physical aspects of your current or future living arrangements, take some basic steps now to think about and plan for your housing needs.
This document provides an overview of housing issues that may be important to survivors. Specific housing topics include:
- Assessing the financial and physical factors of your housing choice
- Finding financial assistance related to housing
- Making your home safer and more comfortable
- Identifying modifications that are needed in your home
- Understanding legal protections related to housing rights
- Knowing how reasonable accommodations may apply to renting
- Dealing with discrimination in housing
Understanding Your Housing Options
How can a survivor do an assessment of housing needs?
Assessing your housing needs does not need to be difficult. The process allows you to look at specific areas related to your housing situation to identify what your needs are. You can do an assessment by yourself or ask for the help of trusted family members or friends, a social worker, an attorney or members of your medical team.
Think about both current and possible future medical needs when doing an assessment. Start by identifying the positive and negative factors of your present housing situation. Think about your day-to-day practical needs and how you can continue to meet those needs on a long-term basis.
Consider the following questions about your medical condition:
- How long do you expect your medical condition to last?
- Do you expect your medical condition to improve, stay the same or worsen?
- How serious are any potential housing problems you identify?
- What changes or services can minimize the impact of these housing problems?
- Are there any activities you cannot do for yourself?
- Who can help you and provide support if assistance is needed?
- Are there people who depend on you, and how will this impact your housing choices?
Ask yourself the following important housing assessment questions:
1. Does your housing situation enable you to be as healthy and safe as possible?
2. Are you able to continue to financially afford and maintain your home?
3. Are you able to safely perform activities of daily living on your own, such as walking up stairs, cooking in the kitchen and bathing independently?
4. Is it possible to make physical changes or modifications to your home to meet any changing needs?
5. Does your living arrangement allow you to remain involved with people and support services that are important to you?
Realistically reviewing your finances will help you determine whether you can afford to stay in your current home. Be sure to include all cash flow, income sources and benefits in your review.
Include the following financial factors in your decision-making process:
- Current and future income sources and other financial benefits
- Cost benefits to staying in your present home, such as low rent or mortgage payments or a mortgage that is almost paid off
- Ways that rent or mortgage payments can be reduced
- Cost of changes or repairs that need to be made to your current home
- Any possibility that the rent or mortgage payments in a new home could increase
If you decide to stay where you are currently living, consider the possibility of making physical changes to your home that will make things easier for you. Even if there is no need to make modifications or accommodations now, early planning will help you if there is a need to make any changes to your home later. For example, contractors will usually meet with you and look at your living space at no charge. They may give you cost estimates and even ideas about physical changes that could be made to meet your specific needs.
If you are thinking about making a change in your living arrangements, write down a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Discuss your thoughts, feelings and any concerns you may have with trusted family, friends or health care team members.
Addressing Financial Concerns
What assistance may be available for survivors with financial needs?
During times of financial stress, there may be a need for some type of financial assistance with your housing situation. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funding to support several rental assistance programs. In addition, HUD provides information and services that may apply to people who are buying a home, doing home improvements for accessibility or who are in danger of losing their homes. In addition to the federal HUD programs, check to see if there are programs sponsored by your state or local government or other organizations.
Renters
If you are a renter and are interested in applying for assistance with housing, you will need to contact the public housing agency in your area. If you live in an urban area, there may be public housing or Housing Choice vouchers that are accepted by some property owners. Keep in mind that many of these programs have long waiting lists, so you may want to apply at more than one public housing authority. In rural areas, the Department of Agriculture provides assistance programs, home improvement and repair loans and grants to help low income individuals and families.
The Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) program and a number of subprograms offer some form of rent subsidy (financial assistance) to help eligible low-income families. These programs require that subsidized housing units be maintained by the owner in decent, safe and sanitary condition. In addition, rental prices must be within the range considered to be fair market rent for the area and type of housing. If not, the property owner may lose his or her eligibility to receive the subsidy payment.
If you have a physical disability, you may want to contact one of the HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in your area for information on housing assistance through subsidized apartments and independent living centers.
Homeowners
Homeowners should do all that is possible to avoid missing mortgage payments. The financial lender can use missed payments to repossess your home (foreclosure). If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage, call and write your lender's "Loan Mitigation Department" to explain your situation as soon as possible. Ask the lender if there are ways that this situation can be resolved, such as through lower payments or setting up a payment plan.
The lender will ask you to provide them with specific details about your current monthly income and expenses, so you will need to have that information available. Be certain to keep records of all of the correspondence and telephone calls you have with your lender. Keep in mind that you may lose eligibility for assistance if you abandon your home or wait too long to ask for assistance.
Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency (1-800-877-4287) to locate housing counseling agencies in your area. These agencies provide information on services and programs offered by government agencies as well as private and community organizations that may be able to help you. Many of these services are free of charge.
A HUD-approved counseling agency can also help identify if you have any alternatives to foreclosure. The agency will assist with interactions with your lender, who will decide whether you qualify for any of these alternatives.
The following are some alternatives to foreclosure that may be possible:
- Special forbearance - This is an arranged repayment plan based on your financial situation. This arrangement may even provide a reduction or suspension of your payment for a period of time.
- Mortgage modification - This is a way to refinance and/or extend the term of your mortgage loan.
- Partial claim - If you have an FHA-loan, the lender may be able to work with you to obtain a one-time payment from the FHA-Insurance fund to bring your mortgage payments up to date.
- Pre-foreclosure sale - This allows you to avoid foreclosure by selling your property for less than the amount necessary to pay off your mortgage loan.
- Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure - As a last resort, you may be able to "give back" your property to the lender voluntarily. This is not as damaging to your credit rating as a foreclosure.
If you decide to sell your home, consider getting professional guidance, such as from a licensed realtor or attorney. This will help to avoid scams and people who try to take advantage of those who are having financial difficulty. The following are precautions that can be taken to prevent problems:
1. Understand all documents that you sign.
2. Get all agreements and contracts in writing.
3. Keep in mind that signing the deed to your home over to someone else does not always relieve you of your obligation on your mortgage loan.
4. Always check with a lawyer or your mortgage company before entering into a financial deal involving your home.
5. Check to see if there are any complaints against the prospective buyer of your home if you are selling a house yourself to avoid foreclosure. Contact the state's Attorney General, the State Real Estate Commission or the District Attorney's Consumer Fraud Unit for information.
Act now if you are having financial problems that could affect your housing payments. If you do nothing, it may negatively affect your credit rating. Even worse, missed rent or mortgage payments can result in eviction from your home, even if you have a disability. Keep in mind that a HUD-approved housing counseling agency can help you find services and programs offered by a variety of organizations that may be able to help you, often at no charge.
Making Your Home Safer
What types of accommodations can help a survivor remain in his or her current home?
Whether you rent or own, you may need to make physical changes to your home to enable you to be safer and feel more comfortable and independent. Simple accommodations, such as installing safety bars in the bathroom and hallways, may not require a professional contractor. Family members, friends or a volunteer group may be able to provide this help.
More complicated modifications, such as having a ramp built to enter your home, may require the services of a contractor for proper design and construction. If you do not want to make any changes to your home now, you can still think through the possibilities.
If you are renting your home or apartment, you should first review your lease, as it may allow you to make some modifications to your home or apartment. Also, regardless of what your lease allows, there are state and federal fair housing laws that provide protections for people with disabilities. You will need to talk to the property owner or the property management company about reasonable accommodations that are necessary to make your home safer or more accessible due to your disability.
How does a survivor identify needed home modifications or equipment?
A nonprofit assistive technology program, such as an Independent Living Center, will help you research and decide on home modifications or equipment that may be needed. These programs provide information about technology or products and rehabilitation equipment that are available to assist people with disabilities. They do not sell the products, but they will help you understand the products and their uses and will help you locate the companies that do sell them. The people who work for these programs may also be aware of programs that provide help purchasing or borrowing the needed equipment and products.
Whether buying an existing home, building a new home or modifying property, there is often assistance available through Medicaid programs or through deferred, interest-free loans for home modifications for people with disabilities. There may also be medical assistance funding for both assistive technology equipment and services. Keep in mind when applying for this type of funding, these programs require a request for authorization before you purchase or rent equipment. Your request for funding must document that the equipment or service is being submitted at a reasonable time, is medically necessary, comes at a reasonable cost and will be furnished by an approved provider. Certain modifications may also be eligible for certain income tax deductions.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
What legal protection applies to the housing needs of survivors?
The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects against discrimination or being treated unfairly because of a disability when people are renting, are in the process of seeking housing, or are looking to rent or buy housing. This law applies to all people with disabilities. The federal government typically considers cancer a disability if it or its effects substantially limit one or more major life activities, such as walking, seeing, hearing or caring for yourself.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for enforcing the FHA and other federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities. It is also illegal for anyone to threaten, intimidate or interfere with anyone who is exercising a fair housing right. Your state may also have its own laws that provide similar protections.
The following are some of the protections provided by the FHA:
1. Ensuring that housing is available and accessible to people with disabilities.
2. Providing the right of a renter who is disabled to have "reasonable accommodations" made to his or her housing if necessary, including public and common-use spaces. The FHA defines a reasonable accommodation as a change, exception, or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice, or service that is necessary for a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the dwelling.
3. Protecting housing transactions from discrimination, such as during the rental or purchase of housing or when applying for a mortgage loan.
4. Prohibiting "steering." Steering is when a rental applicant who has a disability is guided toward living where someone else thinks he or she should live, such as a building mainly occupied by other people with disabilities.
How do reasonable accommodations affect survivors who rent?
In most cases, a survivor with a disability can request physical or policy changes that are necessary to allow him or her to more safely and easily use all the features of a rented apartment or house. Keep in mind that it must be clear that the need for the modification is truly related to the disability.
If you are disabled and request an accommodation because of your disability, the property owner cannot legally refuse to let you make the modification to your unit or common use areas, if the accommodation is reasonable and you pay for the changes. Housing providers are also prevented from requiring people with disabilities to pay extra fees or deposits to receive a reasonable accommodation. However, if it is reasonable, the property owner can require that you restore the property to its original condition at your expense when you move out.
If you have a disability, you can request reasonable physical changes to the property and/or reasonable changes in the rules, policies, practices or services of a housing property. For example, in some cases you may be able to request that a ramp be installed if you must use a wheelchair where there are stairs or ask for a parking space closer to your apartment if you have difficulty walking. Expenses for making accommodations may be paid for by you or by the property owner, depending on the situation.
Typical examples of reasonable accommodations include:
- Adding grab bars in the bathroom and hallway
- Allowing a live-in aide
- Allowing a renter to move to a lower floor if a disability restricts mobility
- Lowering countertops or widening doorways if a wheelchair is needed
- Permitting a renter to live with a service or companion animal
- Providing an accessible reserved parking space
- Providing rules and documents in large print
A property owner can refuse to make an accommodation if the request is not reasonable. A request may be considered unreasonable if it would create an undue (excessive) financial hardship or administrative burden on the owner. The request cannot be refused simply because it would take time or cost money.
The reasonable accommodation requirements of the Fair Housing Act do not apply to buildings that have four or fewer rental units.
How can a survivor request a reasonable accommodation?
A survivor can start the request for a reasonable accommodation by discussing specific needs and concerns with the property owner. Keep in mind that you are not entitled to receive reasonable accommodations unless they have been formally requested by you or someone who is acting on your behalf, such as a family member or friend.
Do the following when making your accommodation request:
1. Explain what is needed to the property owner and suggest the accommodation(s) you think would be helpful.
2. Discuss the matter further to see if there could be an alternative that would work for both of you if the property owner initially objects to your request.
3. Make the accommodation within a reasonable amount of time if the property owner agrees to your request.
4. Confirm your discussions with the property owner in writing and keep notes of all conversations, expenses, activities and the dates when they occurred so that you can refer to this record later if necessary.
You may also find it helpful to have someone with you to be a witness during meetings about the request for accommodation.
What can survivors do if they believe they have experienced housing discrimination?
Knowing your rights and responsibilities can help you deal effectively with unfair or discriminatory treatment. If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, HUD recommends that you begin by making a direct effort to resolve the matter with whoever has violated your housing rights. If the matter cannot be resolved, you need to contact HUD or your state fair housing agency to file a complaint.
HUD will investigate your complaint at no cost to you, and will usually first try to help you and the property owner reach an agreement. If no agreement can be reached, and the investigation shows that there was likely discrimination, you may be assigned an attorney who will represent you free of charge.
If you prefer, you can hire an attorney at your own expense to either represent you in the HUD complaint or to start court proceedings. Be prepared to provide the following information when contacting HUD or a lawyer:
- Name and address of each person involved
- The address or other identifying information about your home
- A short description of the event or matter that caused you to believe your rights were violated
- The date(s) of the complaint occurrence(s)
You and your medical team can work together to identify and address permanent or temporary housing needs. If you have a disability, fair housing laws support your rights through programs that support independence, productivity and the ability to be an active part of the community.
This document was produced in collaboration with:
David S. Landay, Esq., author of Be Prepared: The Complete Financial, Legal and Practical Guide for Living with Cancer, HIV and Other Life-Challenging Conditions.
Works cited:
"About ABLEDATA." ABLEDATA.com. A source for assistive technology information. 19 April 2006. www.abledata.com
"Common Violations of the Fair Housing Act Design and Construction Requirements." Fairhousingfirst.org. Fair Housing Accessibility First. Supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 21 July 2006. www.fairhousingfirst.org
"Fair Housing." Bazelon.org. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. Washington, D.C. 24 October 2006. www.bazelon.org
"How to Avoid Foreclosure." HUD.gov. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Homes & Communities: Foreclosure. Washington, D.C. 7 September 2006. www.hud.gov
Landay, David S. Be Prepared: The Complete Financial, Legal and Practical Guide to Living with Cancer, HIV and Other Life-Challenging Conditions. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1998.
Research and Training Center on Community Living, Institute on Community Integration (UAP), University of Minnesota and Arc Minnesota (joint publication). A Guidebook on Consumer Housing for Minnesotans with Developmental Disabilities: Assessing Need & Getting Help for Home Modification or Equipment. Minneapolis, MN, 2000.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity and U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. Joint Statement of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Justice: Reasonable Accommodations Under the Fair Housing Act. Washington, D.C. May 2004.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. Fair Housing: Equal Opportunity for All. Washington, D.C. January 2002.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Questions and Answers about Cancer in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Washington, D.C. August 2005.
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Housing: Suggestions
The suggestions that follow are based on the information presented in the Detailed Information document. They are meant to help you take what you learn and apply the information to your own needs. This information is not intended nor should it be interpreted as providing professional medical, legal and financial advice. You should consult a trained professional for more information. Please read the Additional Resources document for links to more resources.
When reviewing your current housing situation, ask yourself:
- Is it difficult to move around and go from room to room in the home?
- Is it challenging to do household cleaning or cooking tasks?
- Is your health negatively affected by your housing situation?
- Are there expected changes in your physical condition that could make things more difficult in the future?
- Are there physical changes that could be made to your current home to make the home safer and more accessible?
If you are considering a move to a new housing situation, ask yourself:
- Would moving to a new home be a good option in terms of expenses, access to quality medical care and meeting your physical needs?
- Are there other options to moving available, such as taking a roommate?
- What will be the costs of a move, such as movers and storage expenses?
- What will the costs of the new home be? Your estimate should include deposits, rent or mortgage payments, utility expenses and other costs for upkeep.
- Will a change in housing be a good thing for you?
- Is the thought of leaving your familiar home environment overwhelming?
Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each housing option you can identify. Discuss your concerns with trusted family, friends or a health care team member if you would like help in assessing your housing needs.
Talk with your doctor if you notice physical limitations or changes that are making it difficult to live in your home. Ask your doctor if your condition could change in the future.
Consider future housing needs, even if you do not need to make changes in your home now. Early planning could help you if there is a need to make changes later. For example, contractors will usually meet with you and look at your living space at no charge. They can give you cost estimates and even ideas for changes that could be made to meet your specific needs.
Think about the types of accommodations that could make it possible for you to live more safely and comfortably in your current home.
Reasonable accommodations that can be made in and around your home include:
Outdoor accommodations
- A mailbox that is accessible (one that you can easily reach and use)
- Automatic garage door opener
- Door lever handles instead of doorknobs
- Door thresholds that are low enough to be easily crossed
- Doorways that are wide enough (at least 32") for a wheelchair
- Handicap parking space
- Parking that is accessible and has enough lighting
- Railings on both sides of steps
- Ramps built at an appropriate angle to avoid steps
- Room for a van and lift equipment if a wheelchair is used
- Well-lit, clear, wide walkways for walkers or wheelchairs
Indoor accommodations
- Accessible clothing rods in closets
- Accessible cordless phone or speaker phone
- Accessible electrical switches, outlets and thermostats (within 44" of floor)
- Accessible fire extinguisher and smoke detectors
- Accessible kitchen appliances and sinks
- Appropriate bed height for transfers
- Carpeting or floor surface that is good for walker or wheelchair
- Cart to decrease the need to carry
- Door lever handles
- Doorways wide enough for a wheelchair
- Faucets that are easy to grab and turn
- Floor and table lamps that can be activated by touch or sound
- Grab bars around toilet, shower and tub
- Intercom system
- Personal security/alarm devices
- Remote controls for fans, televisions, VCR/DVD player, radio
- Shower chair or sturdy seat
- Sturdy stair rail with good grip
Find out about programs that may be able to offer assistance with services that can make it possible to modify or remain in your home. Check with family and friends, area housing programs, cancer organizations, your county social service agency, community service groups and your medical team. For example, there may be volunteers who are willing to do home chores and deliver meals to your home on a regular basis. If there are no programs available in your area, a small group of friends or family may be willing to organize to provide assistance.
If you will need to make modifications to your home in order to live on your own, do research on solutions and the costs. Ask which changes can be made most easily and what the costs will be. If only simple changes are needed, such as installing a safety bar, a friend or family member may be able to make these adjustments for you at no charge.
Submit written requests for reasonable accommodations to the property owner or the property management company. Providing a written request to a property owner can help prevent misunderstandings and will also document the request process.
Be aware of fair housing laws that provide protections in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings as well as other housing-related matters for people with disabilities. There are federal and state laws that support reasonable accommodations, equal opportunity to rental housing, and the opportunity to buy a home. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides extensive information about the Fair Housing Act and other housing-related laws both online and in printed form.
If you will not have the income needed for your basic needs (including housing, food and utilities), you may want to look into options such as public housing and other assistance programs. These programs are considered to be a "safety net" when help is needed. Contact your local Human Services office to find out what resources may be available. Waiting lists for assistance programs are usually very long so you should apply for services as early as possible. While you are going through the application process, ask if your health condition will be given priority. If it is considered a priority factor, the waiting period to begin receiving benefits may be shortened.
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Housing: Additional Resources
The resources listed below provide more detailed information and support services to help you with housing. Please read the Detailed Information and Suggestions document for more information and questions to ask.
Click a resource for more information:
ABLEDATA
www.abledata.com
| Email: |
abledata@orcmacro.com |
| Phone: |
1-800-227-0216 |
| |
TTY for deaf and hard of hearing callers: (301) 608-8912 |
| |
Calls are answered Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (EST). |
Sponsored by the United States Department of Education, ABLEDATA is a Web site that provides information about assistive technology products that can help people with physical limitations move about their homes and complete daily activities. Products include kitchen and bathroom fixtures, computer and workplace devices, mobility aids (such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes), housekeeping and cooking tools, and more. This site does not sell products but does state where the products can be purchased, and contact information is provided for manufacturers and sellers. Also included are fact sheets on assistive technology, accessible housing, determining what assistive technology products are right for you, and contact information for state agencies and organizations that provide assistance.
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Disabilityinfo.gov
www.disabilityinfo.gov
This Web site, sponsored by the federal government, provides information about accessibility and disability issues. Housing issues that are covered include fair housing laws, design suggestions for people with disabilities, assistive technology and public housing. Other topics include education, employment, transportation, technology, health care, insurance, government programs and civil rights. Links to other federal, state and local agency Web sites are provided.
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Eldercare Locator: Connecting You to Community Services
www.eldercare.gov
| Email: |
eldercarelocator@spherix.com |
| Phone: |
1-800-677-1116 |
| |
Calls are answered by Information Specialists from Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST. Voicemail is available after hours. Translators are available for 150 languages. |
The Eldercare Locator is a free national service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It provides a connection to resources that enable older persons to live independently in their communities. The Web site lists phone numbers for state and local Area Agencies on Aging that serve older adults and their caregivers. People of all ages can use this resource to find in-home care.
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Legal Services Corporation
www.lsc.gov
| Email: |
Send email through the Web site. |
| Phone: |
(202) 295-1500 |
The Legal Services Corporation is a nonprofit organization that helps low-income individuals and families find free or affordable legal services. From the Web site, you can find contact information and eligibility rules for legal aid services in your county or state. Some of the state Web sites also include information about a variety of legal topics, including wills and estates, employment or housing discrimination, family law, public benefits, elder law, health care and disability rights.
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LIVESTRONG Navigation Services
LIVESTRONG.org/Get-Help
Online: Complete an intake form through the LIVESTRONG website.
Phone: 1.855.220.7777 (English and Spanish)
Navigators are available for calls Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time). Voicemail is available after hours.
LIVESTRONG offers assistance to anyone affected by cancer, including the person diagnosed, loved ones, caregivers and friends. The program provides information about fertility risks and preservation options, treatment choices, health literacy and matching to clinical trials. Emotional support services, peer-to-peer matching and assistance with financial, employment and insurance issues are also available. To provide these services, LIVESTRONG has partnered with several organizations including Imerman Angels, Navigate Cancer Foundation, Patient Advocate Foundation and EmergingMed.
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National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, Inc.
www.caremanager.org
| Phone: |
(520) 881-8008 |
| |
Calls are answered Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (MST). |
The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers is an organization of nurses, social workers, gerontologists, psychologists and other professionals who specialize in the field of elder care. Through this Web site, you can find a private geriatric care manager in your area, learn more about the services a geriatric care manager can provide, and find additional care management resources, such as government agencies, national organizations and community services. You can also order brochures and books related to caregiving issues.
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U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
www.hud.gov
| Email: |
Send email through the Web site. |
| Phone: |
1-800-669-9777 (Fair Housing information only) |
| |
TTY for deaf and hard of hearing callers: 1-800-927-9725 |
| |
Calls are answered Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (EST). |
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is the federal agency that enforces fair housing laws. The Web site provides information on these laws, as well as fair lending practices, housing assistance programs and the housing rights of seniors and people with disabilities. Contact information for state offices is provided. You can also learn about filing a complaint if you have experienced problems with buying or renting a home. Some information on the site is available in Spanish.
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