Caregiver Information
NAMI
TheNational Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI has more than 1,100 state and local affiliates dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by mental illness, including helping them get the most out of Medicare prescription drug coverage. Get information and support from NAMI by visiting their website at www.nami.org.
'Ask Medicare' seeks to cut red tape for caregivers
Moving Delphine into her house wasn't so easy: She needed medical equipment including a wheelchair, medication and round-the-clock care. Medicare personnel helped her get some of the medical supplies she needed and also recommend a new Web site called Ask Medicare.
HBO The Alzheimer’s Project.
In May 2009, HBO premiered The Alzheimer’s Project, a groundbreaking four part documentary series about Alzheimer’s disease, presented in association with the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association. The series takes a close look at the pioneering discoveries made by the country’s leading scientists, as well as the effects of this debilitating and fatal disease both on those with Alzheimer’s and on their families.
Get Help With Caregiving Costs
If your loved one is eligible for Medicaid, you may be able to get help paying for caregiving services they need to keep living at home. Examples include homemaker services, personal care, and respite care.
Contact your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office and ask about Home and Community-based Services Programs in your state. Visit www.medicare.govto get the phone number, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and say "Medicaid". TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
New Rules Make Extra Help Easier
New income and asset rules took effect in 2010, making it easier than ever to qualify for Extra Help paying for Medicare drug coverage. Now you don't have to count help you get from other people to pay for food and shelter as income, and you don't have to count life insurance policies as assets.
Applying for Extra Help is easy and free. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov to apply, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778.
Download Medicare's Planning for Your Discharge: A comprehensive guide for patients and caregivers preparing to leave a hospital, nursing home, or other health care setting.
Kimberly Mickens: A Caregiver's Story
Since May 2007 I have been caring for mother who is 80 years old and has Alzheimer's disease. I have seven siblings, but I am really the only one involved in my mother's care. I also took care of my father before he died.
My mother was living in a nursing home for some time, but the level of care there was not satisfactory. She got pneumonia after three months in the nursing home and that has continued to cause problems since she has come to live with me. I now have to bathe her and help her with other basic life skills on a daily basis.
Caregiver Video Archives
The video shows one family's story, and highlights programs and resources that benefit and enhance a caregiver's well-being. In addition, the video and resource guide provide links to services available for caregivers and care recipients.
Caregiver's Broadcast - November 2009
Caregiver's Resource Guide [PDF, 1.03mb]
LIS Telenovela Video
Sandra Day O'Connor
Associate Supreme Court Justice (Ret.)
"Most people never expect that one day they will have to assume the role of a caregiver. Whether it is taking care of a spouse, parent, child, or neighbor, the role of a family caregiver can be very demanding, both physically and emotionally. I applaud the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for highlighting the issue of caregiving and providing a resource that may help with the tough challenges family caregivers face."
Have your loved one get a free flu shot today! Encourage your loved one to get these free shots once a year during flu season. For more information, view Your Guide to Medicare's Preventive Services
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