Caregiver_2013 by Press and Journal

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2013/2014 GUIDE

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a publication of

Press And Journal inc

2013-2014

Arden Courts is 100% dedicated to Memory Care Call today to ask about: • 30 Day Trial Offer • Respite Care • Take Time for Tuesday Arden Courts of Susquehanna

717.540.7018 arden-courts.com

We are proud of our results : • We have over 13 years of experience in focused dementia care • 96% of our families would choose us again • 96% of our families are satisfied with our services

24 Are you prepared

for long-term care?

Contents

WE ARE THE NAME TO REMEMBER! We specialize in cremations only, Statewide, no transportation fees.

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For FREE Brochures and Pricing call . . . or mail us . . .

Please send me FREE brochures and pricing on Cremation Services! Name __________________________________ Address ________________________________ _______________________________________ Phone ( ____ ) ___________________________ Code: CAREGIVERS

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

4100 Jonestown Rd. Harrisburg, PA 17109 Shawn E. Carper Supervisor

••• Offer good for 60 days •••

CREMATION SERVICES,

IF YOU WANT A FUNERAL with an expensive casket and embalming, go to a local funeral home! If you are interested in affordable

100 Caregiver discounton any pre-arrangements

*2013 facility scores

CREMATION: the simple alternative

GUIDE

Departments

4Alzheimer’s

Caregiver’s Tips Good To Know Who Cares

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

Caregiving & Alzheimer’s

FREE

2013/2014 GUIDE

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central

2012

the LGBT Directory for Central Pennsylvania

2013_LGBT Pages_COVER_2.indd 1

Depression ..............

24/7 ..............

Health ..............

Percentage of caregivers rating their emotional stress as “high” or “very high”

Percentage of caregivers reporting depression vs. 17% of non-caregivers

Percentage of Alzheimer’s caregivers who felt that they were “on duty” 24 hours a day

Percentage reporting the physical impact of Alzheimer’s caregiving was high to very high

Respite Care

Specialized Assisted Living Community

Benefits of Having Professional Caregiving Help Caregivers specifically trained in dementia care

Reduced levels of depression and stress for primary caregivers

Assistance in creating and implementing health care plans

Delayed nursing home admission for dementia patients

Source: Alzheimer’s Association. 2013 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association: Vol 9 Issue 2

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

Pink Pages

43%

Caregiving Options At Home with Paid Care

Distributed to targeted outlets in Central PA, this pocket-sized special guide is published yearly. Published: November Contact: Dave Brown davebrown@pressandjournal.com

LGBT Pages

Sales Manager Dave Brown davebrown@pressandjournal.com Advertising RepresentativeS Tina M. Rinehart tinarinehart@pressandjournal.com

Central PA’s only LGBT guidebook is a free publication distributed in five counties. Published: January Contact: Steve Kozokas stevek@pressandjournal.com

Gloria Brown gloriabrown@pressandjournal.com

Little Pink Pages

Publication Of: Press And Journal Publications 20 S. Union Street Middletown, PA 17057 Tel: (717) 944-4628 Fax: (717) 944-2083 Web site: www.pandjinc.com E-mail: info@pressandjournal.com

SALES ASSISTANT Sara Egan saraegan@pressandjournal.com

FREE!

FALL 2013 WINTER 2014

Stress ..............

At Home with Unpaid Care

11/27/12 2:05:25 PM

Caregivers Guide

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little

59%

Press And JournAl inc

LGBT PAGES 2013

How Alzheimer’s Caregiving Impacts Non-Professional Caregivers

Editor/Publisher Louise Sukle louisesukle@pressandjournal.com

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a publication of

In 2012, Americans provided 17.5 billion hours of unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This number represent an average of 21.9 hours of care per caregiver per week, or 1139 hours of care per caregiver per year.

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Press And Journal Directory Booklets target Central PA’s educated and interesting people where they live, work and play.

The directory for Central PA women-centered businesses, professional services and much more!

DIRECTORY

A simple word of encouragement, when unexpected, can have a big effect. A handwritten note only takes a little time, but has a far-reaching impact. Add a small treat, such as a photo or a gift card, and you will surely brighten the caregiver’s day. Caregivers dedicate themselves to helping others without expecting recognition or thanks, but that makes them all the more deserving of both.

Source: BPT

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

 Local resources Cremation Services

Home Care Services

Auer Cremation Services of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Central Penn Nursing Care, Inc.

We provide professional and dignified cremation services throughout the entire state of Pennsylvania. An affordable alternative to expensive funeral homes. Shawn E. Carper - Supervisor 4100 Jonestown Rd Harrisburg PA 17109 (800) 720-8221

Home Care Services Americare Home Care Services Offers non medical in home care service plans at locked in and deeply discounted rates. Beth Lawson, Independent Agent 603 West Main Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815 (717) 329-6730 www.americarehomecare.com

Bayada Home Health Care

A trusted provider of clinical and assistive care services at home for adults of all ages. Our services for adults are organized into three specialty practices: Home Health, Adult Nursing, and Assistive Care. Cathy Benfer, Director: Adult Nursing 4807 Jonestown Road Harrisburg, PA 17109 (717) 652-1130 (phone) (717) 652-1132 (fax) www.bayada.com

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

Personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, respite care, Alzheimer’s/ Dimentia care, transportation, transferring, specialized nursing care services, on call 24/7, free nursing assessment. Lancaster (717) 569-0451 Harrisburg (717) 695-4472 Toll Free 877-254-4763 www.cpnc.com

Home Instead Senior Care

To you, it’s finding a trusted solution. To us, it’s personal. From a few hours a week, to 24/7 care, providing companionship, meal preparation, incidental transporation, med reminders, personal care, and much more. Serving the Cumberland and Perry County areas. CAREGivers bonded, insured and licensed. 5002 Lenker Street, Suite 101 Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 Phone: (717) 731-9984 Fax: (717) 731-9985 www.homeinstead.com/242

Visiting Nurses Association of Harrisburg Providing a comprehensive range of health care services that encompass Hospice care, Skilled Nursing home care, Private Duty caregiver support and Adult Day Care. 3315 Derry Street Harrisburg, PA 17111 800.995.8207 www.VNACentralPA.com

Insurance

Memory Care Facility

Capital Area Insurance Group

Arden Courts Memory Care Community

Medicare Supplement Advantage Part D, Health, Life, Annuities, Cancer, Accident. 2337 North Third Street Harrisburg, PA 17110 222 Peach Alley South, Suite A Elizabethtown, PA 17022 (717) 695-3523 agents@caig-pa.com www.caig-pa.com

Specialized in the care of Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Memory care is all we do” 2625 Ailanthus Lane Harrisburg, PA 17110 Phone: (717) 540-7018 Fax: (717) 540-7019 susquehanna@arden-courts.com

Legal Issues

Opthomalogist

Jan L. Brown & Associates, An Estate Planning & Elder Law Firm

Kilmore Eye Associates

We have 37 years of experience. Our firm provides legal advice to seniors and their families on Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorneys, probate, trust administration, guardianships, Medicare, Medicaid and sheltering assets if nursing home care of assisted living care is needed. Evening, weekend, and home visit appointments are available. 845 Sir Thomas Court, Suite 12 Harrisburg, PA 17109 (717)541-5550 jlbassoc@verizon.net www.janbrownlaw.com

Medical Devices Keystone Mobility

A history of Compassionate Service. A Mission to Make Life More Accessible. Since 1999, we’ve been helping people regain their independence, spend more quality time with friends and family, and get more out of life. Call or go online for your FREE GUIDE. 8118 Adams Drive Hummelstown, PA 17036 (717) 482-8140 www.keystonemobility.com

The combination of professionals enables Kilmore Eye Associates to provide the best quality and continuity of your vision care needs from basic eye care through eye surgery. 890 Century Dr. Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Phone: (717) 697-1414 Optical: (717) 697-2437 lindsay@kilmoreeye.com www.kilmoreeye.com

Senior Care Asbury Bethany Village

Bethany Village offers a stress-free lifestyle with a secure plan for the future in a community of active seniors who know how to have fun. 325 Wesley Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 766-0279 www.bethanyvillage.org “Senior Care” continued on following pages >

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

Senior Care

HELP LINES

Columbia Cottage

Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging

Licensed assisted living residence offering seven levels of care, with just the right amount of care when needed. Promoting independence, choice, and dignity. 103 North Larkspur Drive Palmyra, PA 17078 (717) 832-2900 info@columbiacottage.com www.columbiacottage.com

Cumberland Crossings

Diakon Senior Living Continuing Care Retirement Communities offering access to a worry-free lifestyle of activity, excitement, and healthcare. We offer: Independent Living, Personal Care, Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation, Memory Care. 1 Longsdorf Way Carlisle, PA 17015 (717) 245-9941

Frey Village

Middletown Home

The Middletown Home, a non-profit, CCRC serves in the spirit of Friendship, Love, and Truth. We offer comprehensive rehabilitation services for those recovering from hospitalization, plus independent living, personal care and skilled nursing services. 999 West Harrisburg Pike Middletown PA 17057 (717) 944-3351 www.middletownhome.org

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

2 S. 2nd Street, Third Floor, Harrisburg www.dauphinc.org rburns@dauphinc.org (717) 780-6130

Pennsylvania Dept of Aging

555 Walnut Street, 5th Floor, Harrisburg www.aging.state.pa.us/ aging@state.pa.us (717) 783-1550

Elder Abuse Hotline

Any person who believes that an older adult is being abused, neglected, exploited or abandoned may file a report 24 hours a day with any Area Agency on Aging or call this hotline number. (800) 490-8505

APPRISE

The APPRISE program offers counseling and assistance on a variety of topics including: Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Supplemental Insurance; long term care financing options and other health insurance options. www.state.pa.us (800) 783-7067 There is also a long-term care hotline to be reached at 1-866-286-3636

Pennsylvania Senior Law Helpline

The SeniorLAW Helpline is a free, confidential telephone legal service, staffed by attorneys, that is available to give Pennsylvania residents, 60 and older, legal information and advice. 100 S. Broad St., Ste. 1810, Philadelphia www.seniorlawcenter.org (215) 988-1244 Toll free (877) 727-7529

 National Support & Services Alzheimer’s Association

Information and support for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Operates a 24/7 helpline and care navigator tools. www.alz.org 800-272-3900

Alzheimers.gov

The government’s free information resource about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. www.alzheimers.gov

ARCH Respite Network

Find programs and services that allow caregivers to get a break from caring for a loved one. www.archrespite.org

National Alliance for Caregiving A coalition of national organizations focused on family caregiving issues. www.caregiving.org

National Family Caregivers Association

Information and education for family caregivers; includes the Caregiver Community Action Network, a volunteer support network in over 40 states. www.caregiveraction.org

The National Clearinghouse for Long-term Care Information

Information and tools to plan for future long-term care needs. www.longtermcare.gov

Eldercare Locator

Social Security Administration

Family Caregiver Alliance

State Health Insurance Assistance Program

Connects caregivers to local services and resources for older adults and adults with disabilities across the United States. www.eldercare.gov 800-677-1116 Information, education and services for family caregivers, including the Family Care Navigator, a state-by-state list of services and assistance. www.caregiver.org 800-445-8106

Medicare

Provides information about the parts of Medicare, what’s new and how to find Medicare plans, facilities or providers. www.medicare.gov/caregivers 800-Medicare

Information on retirement and disability benefits, including how to sign up. www.socialsecurity.gov 800-772-1213

A program that offers one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. www.shiptalk.org

Veterans Administration

Support and services for families caring for veterans. Maintains a VA caregiver support line. www.caregiver.va.gov 855-260-3274

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

The Law Office for Older Persons Their Families

Determining eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare

Long-Term Care

There are important realities every American must know about long-term care. A number of public programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, may help pay for some long-term care services under certain circumstances. However, each program has specific rules about what services are covered, how long you can receive benefits, whether or not you qualify for benefits, and how much you have to pay in out-of-pocket costs. To accurately plan for your long-term care needs, it is very important to know the facts about what may or may not be covered.

✖ Medicare:

Medicare covers medically necessary care and focuses on medical acute care, such as doctor visits, drugs and hospital stays. If very specific conditions are met, Medicare will help pay for all or a portion of a short stay in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care or home health care. Medicare does not cover custodial long-term care services. These services and supports help people perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) that are non-medical, such as getting in and out of bed, walking, bathing, dressing, eating, and bowel and bladder management.

income and assets that do not exceed the levels used by your state. The Medicaid eligibility process considers the value of your home to make sure it is under the state set limit, your assets and your income. Documentation from your financial institutional “looking back” five years will be required. Once your state determines you are financially eligible for Medicaid, the state will conduct a functional assessment to determine whether you are disabled enough to qualify for long-term care services. Your state Medicaid Assistance office is the best source for information about how to qualify for Medicaid in your state and if you qualify for long-term care services. If you receive Medicaid coverage for long-term care services, federal law requires states to recover the amount Medicaid spent on your behalf from your estate after you die. Most states recover the cost of long-term care services. See pages 18-19 to calculate long-term care costs. For more information about additional methods of paying for long-term care, including reverse mortgages, annuities and trusts, visit www.longtermcare.gov.

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

Attorney Jan L. Brown

Jan L. Brown & Associates, Attorneys-at-Law

Members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Practice Limited To: • Estate Planning & Probate, Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Tax Planning, Special Needs Trusts Attorney Jacqueline Kelly • Elder Law: Protecting Assets From Nursing Home Costs, Qualifying for Benefits, Incapacity Planning 845 Sir Thomas Court, Harrisburg 17109 Attorney Christa Aplin

(717) 541-5550 www.janbrownlaw.com

Confused By Medicare? Confused By the New Insurance Exchanges? At Capital Area Insurance Group we Specialize in

✖ Medicaid:

Medicaid is a joint federal and state government program that helps people with low income and assets pay for some or all of their health care bills. It covers medical care, longterm care services in nursing homes and longterm care services provided at home. Rules about who is eligible for Medicaid benefits and what services are covered are based on federal requirements, but states have considerable leeway in how they operate their programs. To be eligible for Medicaid, you must meet certain requirements, including having

Medicare & Individual Health Insurance as well as Life and Annuity Products

Source: Family Features

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

With BAYADA Home Health Care…

“I don’t have to worry about Mom anymore.” – Lisa B., Client’s daughter

Client Mary W. with her daughter Lisa B.

With a broad range of services and a team of professionals who are committed to keeping people of all ages safe at home, BAYADA provides: • Nursing and assistive care • Thoroughly screened health care professionals • Clinical support 24 hours, 7 days • A variety of payment options

Are you prepared ? Just beginning to think about long-term care? Almost 70% of people turning age 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives. Just as there are many kinds of care services and supports, so is there a wide range of costs for them. And while some people may qualify for a public program to help pay for these expenses, most people use a variety of options. This section provides basic information so you can begin to think about how you will handle the need for these care services.

15-year estimate of costs for care in the Harrisburg-Carlisle region:

At CPNC, “We’ll Be There” means you can rely on us to show up when we say we will, and be there when you need us for:

Assisted Living Facility per day

Provides “hands off” care such as helping with cooking and running errands. Often referred to as “Personal Care Assistants” or “Companions.” This is the rate charged by nonMedicare certified, licensed agency. 2012 2027 Homemaker Services $112.83 $124.95 Home health aide $119.10 $155.04

Residential living arrangement that provides individualized personal care, assistance with Activities of Daily Living, help with medications, and services such as laundry and housekeeping. Facilities may also provide health and medical care, but care is not as intensive as care offered at a nursing home. Types and sized of facilities vary, ranging from small homes to large apartment-style complexes. Levels of care and services also vary. Assisted living facilities allow people to remain relatively independent. 2012 2027 Private one bedroom $133.68 $1,019.68

Adult Day Health Care per day

Nursing Home per day

Home Care per day

Provides social and other related support services in a community-based, protective setting during any part of the day but less than 24-hour care. 2012 2027 Adult Day Health Care $53.00 $48.14 Call 717-652-1130 www.bayada.com 18

We’ll Be There.

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services http://longtermcare.gov/cost-of-care-results/?state=US-PA# Data Source: Genworth Cost of Care Study 2013

(also called Long-Term Care Facility or Convalescent Care Facility) Licensed facility that provides general nursing care to those who are chronically ill or unable to take care of daily living needs. 2012 2027 Semi-private room $260.20 $648.54 Private room $290.62 $825.59

✔ All levels of home care ✔ Meal planning and preparation ✔ Companionship ✔ Alzheimer’s/dementia care ✔ Medication supervision ✔ Household management ✔ ...and so much more!

Free NurSe ASSeSSmeNt

30 years

Serving Central PA!

Caring You Can Count On

Harrisburg (717) 695-4472 Lancaster (717) 569-0451 www.cpnc.com employment opportunities available

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

Life after stroke:

What is a stroke?

795,000

Strokes that will occur this year, (every 40 seconds) and taking a life approximately every four minutes.

4th

leading cause of deaths in the USA

Advice for physical and emotional recovery

If you or a loved one has survived a stroke, recovery depends largely on the severity of the brain damage. With love, support and patience, the journey toward a new normal can begin. A stroke is life changing for the patient as well as his or her support network. Some difficult parts of stroke rehabilitation may include:

A stroke or “brain attack” occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel (a tube through wich the blood moves through the body) breaks, inerrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When either of these things hapen, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. Those abilities include speech, movement and memory. How a stroke patient is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged.

Signs someone is having a stroke Learning the signs and acting FAST could save lives

fast

Use the FAST test to remember warning signs

fACE ARMS SPEECH TIME

Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face drop?

Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Ask the person to repead a simple sentence. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?

If you observe any of these signs (independently or together) call 911 immeciately.

Stroke is an emergency  Act fast and call 911 20

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

• Communication challenges

Difficulties communicating can be some of the most frustrating effects of stroke. Make it a goal to practice communicating at least once a day. Relax, take your time and use communication aids as necessary, like cue cards. Using fewer words paired with gestures or tone of voice can help streamline communication. Many people benefit from speech and language therapy.

• Physical movement

Americare Home Care Services We know how important it is for you to remain at home. • Guaranteed and locked in Deeply Discounted Rates • Receive care in the familiar and comfortable setting of your own home. • Retain your independence and privacy. • Americare is fully licensed, Bonded and insured.

Getting out of the house and being able to move independently provides a sense of freedom during recovery. Many stroke survivors regain the ability to walk, but may suffer from side effects that make it more difficult. Foot drop is a common side effect, which means difficulty lifting the front of the foot when walking, so much so that it may drag, which can be a tripping hazard. Foot drop may be a temporary or permanent condition caused by stroke. The good news is there are options to help. Vibration therapy can help increase mobility and retrain muscles and nerves in the leg and foot to respond as they should while walking.

• One-on-one individual care at home so you remain part of the community.

• Emotional adjustment

Locally screened, trained, and insured caregivers provide services that allow seniors to retain their normal home environment.

When adjusting to life after a stroke, survivors often experience a flood of emotions. Grieving for loss of physical and mental abilities is normal, but when normal sadness continues for extended periods, it can turn into depression and needs to be treated immediately. Stroke survivors also often feel anxiety. Extreme worry or fear can cause restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, poor concentration and irritability. The good news is they can be treated, and there are many coping mechanisms, so be sure to ask your doctor. Whether adjusting to physical impairments or the emotions of suffering from a major health scare, it’s important to remain positive. It might take years to adjust to a new normal after a stroke, both for the victim and the families, but patience and love can help ensure a speedier recovery for everyone.

Home Care Services are provided to you without prior hospitalization or medical need. Americare’s Home Service Contract is not insurance, so it is easy to use and there are no claim forms to fill out.

Contact your local Americare Independent Agent Today!

Beth Lawson

Independent Agent

603 West Main Street Bloomsburg PA 17815 (717) 329-6730 www.americarehomecare.com

Source: BPT

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

painkillers

What you need to know about

Why not seek treatment for OD?

890 Century Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Ample Parking • Convenient Location

717-697-1414

www.kilmoreeye.com

OpIoid Dependence Opioid dependence (OD) is a medical diagnosis characterized by an individual’s inability to stop using opiates (morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, etc.) even when it is in his or her best interest to do so

Kilmore Eye Associates

67%

MEDICAL

Basic Eye Care through Eye Surgery

SURGICAL

Offering a variety of medical exams and procedures ranging from routine to diagnostic ... evaluation of eye disease to emergency care and treatment

ADULTS

35% DOCTORS

say they don’t know much about OD

77%

mention shame or embarrassment, fear that others will find out and/or having to put life on hold by going away as reasons those suffering from addiction would refrain from seeking treatment

FACT:

OD affects approximately two million Americans and can happen unexpectedly as the unintended consequence of prescription drug use

OPTICAL

Surgical doctors are well trained and highly qualified. Each doctor has a diverse background of experience and knowledge in all areas of surgical procedures Optical department for personalized services: • Staff opticians • Contact Lenses • Brand names • Follow-up adjustments

Discover the wonderful difference we can make in your life. • Apartment-Style Living • Personal Care & Nursing Services

✔

• Comprehensive 24/7 Short-Term Rehab • Continuing Care Retirement Community

FACT:

OD is a chronic medical disease that affects the brain and fools it into thinking the opioid is necessary for survival

59%

The Middletown Home of adults are aware that addiction is a disease

Friendship Love Truth

999 West Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 717-944-3351 www.middletownhome.org

For more information visit www.drugfree.org

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

INFLUENZA It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after the vaccination, and protection lasts several months to a year.

The 2012/13 influenza season resulted in 560 outbreaks of influenza in PA’s long term care facilities, involving more than 3000 illnesses and 100 deaths among the elderly (65+ years of age)

Flu Prevention Tip:

Flu vaccine is still the best protection we have from flu and its complications. Flu vaccine also helps prevent spreading flu from person to person.

FLU SYMPTOMS:

Flu is caused by the influenza virus, and can be spread by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Symptoms come on suddenly and may last several days.

fatigue headache

runny or stuffy nose sore throat

cough

How can I learn more

fever/chills •

 Ask your doctor.  Contact PA Dept of Health: 1-877-724-3250 or visit www.portal.state.pa.us

 Contact Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): 1-800-232-4636 or visit www.cdc.gov/flu

• muscle

Flu can make some people much sicker than others. These people include young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions—such as heart, lung or kidney disease, or a weakened immune system.

CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014

Assistive technology is any service or tool which can help an older person or a person with a disability perform activities that might otherwise be difficult or not be possible. Such technology may be something as simple as a walker to make moving around easier or an amplification device to make sounds easier to hear (for talking on the telephone or watching television, for instance). It could also include a magnifying glass that helps someone who has poor vision read the newspaper or a scooter that makes it possible to travel over distances that are too far to walk. In short, anything that helps the elderly continue to participate in daily activities is considered assistive technology. For many seniors, assistive technology makes the difference between being able to live independently and having to get longterm nursing or home-health care. For others,

assistive technology is critical to the ability to perform simple activities of daily living, such as bathing Right now, no single private insurance plan or public program will pay for all types of assistive technology under any circumstances. However, Medicare Part B will cover up to 80% of the cost of assistive technology if the items being purchased meet the definition of “durable medical equipment.” To find out if Medicare will cover the cost of a particular piece of assistive technology, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY/TDD: 1-877-4862048). You can also find answers to your questions by visiting www.Medicare.gov.

home

of your

65+ A “high-dose” flu vaccine is available for people 65 years of age and older.

Assistive Technology

Providing Providing quality quality care careProviding quality in in the the comfort comfort care in the of of your your home home comfort

aches

Sources: US Dept of Health & Human Resources, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: 2013-14 Vaccine Information Statement (Interim), PA Dept of Health

good to know

Since Since1899 1899

ofofthe theVNA VNA

Since Since1995 1995

SERVING CUMBERLAND, DAUPHIN AND PERRY COUNTIES

www.vnacentralpa.org Serving Dauphin ServingCumberland, Cumberland, Dauphinand andPerry PerryCounties Counties 3315 Derry Street • Harrisburg

Toll-Free 800-995-8207 • 717-233-1035

www.vnacentralpa.org www.vnacentralpa.org CAREGIVERS GUIDE 2013 | 2014 3315 ••Harrisburg 3315Derry DerryStreet Street Harrisburg Toll-Free Toll-Free800-995-8207 800-995-8207••717-233-1035 717-233-1035

2 Engaging Local Communities 5 Senior Lifestyle Options

Infinite Possibilities Cumberland Crossings and Frey Village are continuing care retirement communities offering local seniors access to a worryfree, independent lifestyle full of activity and excitement with the security of knowing healthcare is available right on campus if it’s ever needed.

Independent Living | Personal Care | Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation | Memory Care* *Available at Frey Village

Cumberland Crossings | 717-819-1609 1 Longsdorf Way, Carlisle, PA 17015 Frey Village | 717-388-0215 1020 North Union Street, Middletown, PA 17057 Call to Schedule a Personal Visit and See Why Our Residents Say,

www.Diakon.org

“This is the Way to Live!”

Diakon offers services and housing without regard to race, color, religion, disability, marital status, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation or gender.