National Senior Health & Fitness Day

By AmeriCare, May 17, 2012

As a home care provider, providing senior care services for elderly clients, we know the immense benefits of regular exercise on mobility and emotional wellbeing, especially as we get older. As such, we are big advocates for National Senior Health & Fitness Day, set to take place on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, and encourage all who qualify to attend.

Here are the details:

An estimated 100,000 older adults will participate in local fitness activities throughout the country as part of the 19th annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day®, the nation’s largest health promotion event for older adults.

Organized as a public/private good health partnership by the Mature Market Resource Center, Senior Health & Fitness Day will offer fitness activities for older adults at more than 1,000 locations including hospitals, park and recreation departments, senior centers, health clubs, retirement communities, houses of worship, health departments and other community locations. The event is always held on the last Wednesday in May as part of Older Americans Month activities.

Programs will range from small group exercise demonstrations in community senior centers to walking tours and health fairs. Most programs include an exercise or physical activity component, as well as information about senior subjects.

“Older adults at all levels of physical fitness are encouraged to participate in National Senior Health & Fitness Day,” says Patricia Henze, NSHFD program manager. “Our goals for Senior Day are to make exercise fun, to increase awareness of the benefits of a regular exercise program for older adults, and to encourage all older adults to take advantage of the many health and fitness programs offered in their communities.”

For more information, visit http://www.fitnessday.com/senior/index.htm.

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The Benefits Of Sensible Sun Exposure

By AmeriCare, April 26, 2012

It seems that the sun has received a bad rap lately. That’s too bad, really, because the fact is that sensible sun exposure actually delivers several health benefits, including increased energy, a more positive mood, better sleep, and, according to a recent study, a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes among mature adults.

Sun exposure helps the skin make vitamin D – a vitamin older people lack due to their lifestyles and ageing processes.

A team at Warwick University has shown a deficiency in vitamin D increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, which is linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

In a study published in the journal Diabetes Care, the researchers found that a full 94 percent of test subjects, between the ages of 50 and 70, had insufficient blood levels of the vitamin.

According to lead researcher Dr Oscar Franco, “Vitamin D deficiency is becoming a condition that is causing a large burden of disease across the globe with particular deleterious impact among the elderly.”

Forty-two percent of participants tested also had metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

“We found that low vitamin D levels were associated with an increased risk of having metabolic syndrome, and was also significantly associated with increased insulin resistance.”

Dr Franco said there were several factors which could explain why older people had less vitamin D in their blood, including changes in lifestyle factors such as clothing and outdoor activity.

“As we get older our skin is less efficient at forming vitamin D and our diet may also become less varied, with a lower natural vitamin D content.

“When we are older we may need to spend more time outdoors to stimulate the same levels of vitamin D we had when we were younger.”

Lorna Layward from Age Concern and Help The Aged said: “We have always advocated that older people get out into the sunshine for a bit each day if they can. A bit of sun is good for you.

“We hear a lot about sun exposure and the risk of cancer, but older people tend to be at the other end of the spectrum. They do not get enough sun and tend to cover up and wear more clothing.”

Ed Yong of Cancer Research UK said: “The amount of sunlight it takes to make enough vitamin D is always less than the amounts that cause reddening or burning, so it should be possible to get the benefits of this vitamin without increasing the risk of skin cancer.

“Elderly people can also boost their vitamin D levels by eating foods like oily fish, or by using vitamin D supplements on the advice of their GP.”

At AmeriCare, we are committed to the health of our home care clients, and work to help ensure our seniors get the right amount of natural, and supplemental vitamins, as part of our senior care. So, remember, nothing can brighten your day more than a little sunshine.

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Alzheimer’s Prevention Overshadows Detection

By AmeriCare, April 18, 2012

It’s natural to get excited when we learn about a new breakthrough in our understanding of Alzheimer’s, as with the FDA’s recent approval of a new medical procedure that allows for early detection of the disease.

But how helpful is it to learn that your future will be afflicted with this debilitating disease if there isn’t currently a cure? Given the heightened attention around Alzheimer’s detection, we thought it would be an appropriate time to focus on methods of prevention.

Following are 10 proven tips, as offered by renowned Alzheimer’s author, Jean Carper, that can help maintain cognitive integrity and keep Alzheimer’s at bay.

1. Take a hike: Nothing beats walking for boosting memory and flooding your brain with chemicals that create bigger neurons. Take a brisk 30-minute walk, or three 10-minute sessions on a treadmill. A “nature” walk through a park also improves memory.

2. Eat an apple or two: Apples stimulate production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is what the Alzheimer’s drug Aricept also does, say University of Massachusetts researchers. You get the same benefits from two eight-ounce glasses of apple juice.

3. Drink a few cups of coffee: “I try to drink five cups of coffee a day,” says Gary Arendash at the Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. He says the caffeine blocks build up of Alzheimer’s brain toxins. In one study, drinking three to five cups of coffee a day cut Alzheimer’s risk by 65 percent.

4. Treat yourself to a little dark chocolate: It can boost blood circulation in your brain, lower blood pressure and inhibit stroke damage, all important in preventing Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Be sure cocoa content is at least 70 percent. Even a half-ounce of rich dark chocolate a day may be enough.

5. Surf the internet for an hour: Yes, a good Google search can stimulate an older brain and possibly improve thinking and memory. So can playing video games, and doing certain online brain games.

6. Do something new: Your brain cells are stimulated when you think of or do anything new. People who do novel mental activities reduce their risk of cognitive decline. Important: you must make a mental effort; breezing through crossword puzzles doesn’t count.

7. Eat a cup of berries: If you want to make forgetful old lab animals “younger and smarter,” just feed them blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries or cranberries, say Tufts University researchers. How much? At least a cup a day.

8. Take a multivitamin: It can slow brain aging, especially if it includes high antioxidants, such as C, E and alpha lipoic acid. Be sure to get 500 mcg B12, 800 mcg folic acid, 20 mg B6 a day–doses found to reduce brain shrinkage up to 50 percent in people with mild memory problems.

9. Have a Curry Meal: A constituent of curry spices known as curcumin blocks Alzheimer’s-like brain damage and boosts memory in animal and lab tests. India, where curry is a staple, has a very low rate of Alzheimer’s.

10. Get together with friends and family: Make it a point to yak it up today, the larger your circle of friends and family, the better. Extroverts with high “social engagement” have less cognitive failure as they age. Being married or having a significant other dramatically cuts your odds of developing Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease we know all too well. If someone in your family is suffering with Alzheimer’s, or other forms of dementia, feel free to contact us to discuss our premier home care services. Our goal is to help your loved one live as independently as possible, from the comfort of their own home.

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The Importance Of Exercise For Seniors

By AmeriCare, April 11, 2012

The benefits of regular exercise are boundless. It is the closest thing we have to the fountain of youth. Exercise not only helps improve our physical health, it helps improve our mood, mind, and memory as well. It can also prevent future injuries from falling, and help us maintain our independence at older ages.

Being a senior citizen, you may have limitations, but that should not preclude you from pursuing an exercise program. Just be sure to scale the effort based on your abilities. Here are a few tips to get your started.

Consult your doctor

Always check with your doctor to make sure it is safe to start an exercise program. Any kind of pre-existing conditions may require alterations to your routine. A doctor’s visit can also provide a good benchmark for progress. Over time you may see significant improvements in key health measures, such as cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Take It Slow

You don’t have to start working towards a marathon right away.  Begin by walking around 15 minutes a day to get the body accustomed to physical activity. Working in your backyard, washing clothes, or performing other housework can qualify as exercise as well. It’s all about staying active.

Get Pumped

Weight training improves muscle mass as well as strengthens your bones. People of all ages can lift weights if carried out with proper technique. Be sure to consult a physical therapist or someone experienced in weight training before loading up the barbell.

Cardiovascular Exercise

Cardio exercise helps improve performance of the heart and lungs. There are plenty of ways to get the heart pumping and the lungs working. Dancing, walking, swimming, and sports activities, like tennis, are just a few. There are even some great online workouts, such as through the Stronger Seniors YouTube video page.

Don’t Be Discouraged By Disabilities

Just because your disabled doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. There are plenty of chair aerobic exercises for chair-bound seniors. Swimming and water aerobics also allow people with disabilities to get excellent workouts. As always, be sure to exercise with a partner, especially when in a pool.

As a home care provider we know how important maintaining one’s independence can be for many seniors. Engaging in regular exercise is the best way to stay healthy and independent for as long as possible.

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Tips To Improve Memory Retention

By AmeriCare, April 4, 2012

As we age, our memory begins to fade. Once familiar words become elusive, we walk into rooms and forget what for, grandchildren’s names become interchangeable. We like to think these memory lapses occur because of all the wonderful knowledge we’ve accumulated over our many years. There’s only so much wisdom our minds can manage!

Regardless the cause, here are some simple activities that can help boost brainpower and keep our memory sharp.

Stay Active

Exercise benefits your brain as well as the rest of your body. Increasing blood flow to the brain reduces brain shrinkage and lowers the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Take the stairs, park at the far end of the lot, and go for an evening stroll around your block. Every step adds up.

Take Naps

Memory storage happens while you sleep, which is why it’s so important to get the proper amount of sleep. Even a six-minute nap can aid short-term recall, while longer naps can accelerate the process that helps the brain retain long-term memories.

Play Brain Training Games

Brain games such as word puzzles or Sudoku help strengthen cognitive function, which aids memory development and retention.

Drink Coffee Or Tea

Tea has a positive effect on memory by activating enzymes in the brain while the caffeine triggers concentration. People who drink moderate amounts of coffee have lower odds of developing dementia later in life.

Eat Vegetables

Deficiencies in folate and vitamin B12 increase one’s risk of developing dementia. Great vegetable sources for folate include romaine lettuce, spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, mustard greens, parsley, collards, broccoli, cauliflower and beets.

Stay Organized

Your memory requires some familiarity to keep your life functioning smoothly. Place certain essentials, such as your keys and glasses, in the same place every time. Write yourself reminders, if needed. The act of writing yourself reminders will keep your mind active.

Volunteer

Retirement reduces many of our daily decision-making opportunities, exercises, and problem-solving requirements. Volunteering can supplant many of these mind-stimulating activities.

Keeping the mind engaged is an essential way to maintain cognitive acuity. So, remember to stimulate both the mind and body in order to stave off dementia and keep your precious memories intact.

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Convincing A Parent To Accept Home Care

By AmeriCare, April 3, 2012

From the day we are born, we are driven to pursue a sense of independence. It is one of our most inalienable rights, which is what makes it so hard to give up. Unfortunately, as we age, it becomes increasingly difficult, and, often, altogether impossible, for us to care safely for ourselves. At this point, the family of an aging loved one is faced with a difficult decision:

• Allow the parent to continue living alone and risk injury, or worse;
• Move the parent into a assisted living facility;
• Arrange for temporary, or full-time home care services.

Oh, but this can be such a dreadful conversation. We’ve seen it so many times before. And we understand why: it is a perceived affront to one’s sense of independence, something many seem willing to die before they willingly resign.

Most families will face the dilemma of trying to convince an unreceptive parent of the need for care assistance at some point. In fact, we will likely find ourselves on the receiving end of this unpleasant conversation later on in life. So, we’d like to provide some tips that can ease the conversation and help the parent accept the type of care that will allow him or her to live as independently as possible, preferably in the comfort of their own home.

Start The Dialogue Early

There are certain essential conversations that we all look to postpone. Planning a will is one of them. But the earlier we begin having these conversations, when the need still seems ages away, the better. It removes the gravity from the situation. So, find time to casually ask your parents how they’d like to be treated in their elder years, should they require assistance to augment their independence. This way, you will already have a general plan in place when the time arrives.

Respect Their Dignity

It is not uncommon for a child-parent role reversal to occur at some point in a relationship. When this happens, the child often feels a heightened sense of responsibility for the parent. One may even begin treating one’s parent as they would a child of their own. Try and take a moment and put yourself in your parent’s position. Remember that resistance comes from a perceived assault to a senior’s sense of dignity and role as an independent parent. Be sensitive towards this response and treat your parent with the respect of a dignified adult, not as you would an obstinate adolescent.

Focus On Help With Remedial Tasks

Many seniors see care assistance as an invasion of privacy and the surrender of independence. They don’t stop and think about how liberating it can be to have help with basic, remedial household chores. Many people use a housekeeper, which doesn’t entail the same perceived stigma that may come with a personal caregiver. Present the scenario as assistance with basic chores, laundry, and meals rather than personal care. Then, the unfolding relationship between the parent and their caregiver will naturally allow for a greater degree of home care services, should the need arise.

Enlist The Help Of A Professional

Often times an elderly parent will be more receptive to the counsel of a professional, such as a trusted physician or clergyman, than that of a family member. Just be mindful not to make this meeting seem like an intervention, which may elicit a strong defensive response. If possible, work to have the meeting occur as a part of a planned appointment or during the parent’s natural routine.

Look For Signs Of Dementia

Trying to convince a parent suffering from dementia to accept home care is a more complicated scenario because their judgment may be impaired. If your parent displays behavior symptomatic of dementia, such as retelling the same story, forgetting appointments, becoming lost in previously familiar surroundings, or losing the ability to perform routine tasks, arrange a medical evaluation to determine if the condition exists.  Find out from the physician the extent of cognitive impairment and the level of assistance your parent may need. Educate yourself on the issue by contacting the Alzheimer’s Association or the NIH’s Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center.

Above all else, remember, you are ultimately doing what you know is best for your parents because you love them. Conduct these conversations through a place of love and work to find the perfect home care solution for your family’s unique needs. We’re happy to help if you need us.

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Loneliness Is Harmful To Your Health

By AmeriCare, March 30, 2012

One of the largest health risks associated with aging may surprise you. It is loneliness.

In fact, a recent study conducted at BYU in Utah revealed that social isolation can be as harmful to one’s health as smoking and alcoholism. It is unhealthier than abstaining from exercise and exceeds the health risks brought on by obesity. According to their study, having the support of family, friends and neighbors can increase one’s chances of living to a healthy old age by as much as 50 percent.

Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, who led the study, said friends and family influenced health for the better by offering a “calming touch,” or by helping people find meaning in their lives.

“When someone is connected to a group and feels responsibility for other people, that sense of purpose and meaning translates to taking better care of themselves and taking fewer risks,” she said.

At AmeriCare, we are well aware of the inherent healing power of companionship. It is the cornerstone of our home care services. This is why it is so essential that we match each client with the most compatible caregiver for his or her unique care situation and personality type. We know that by making each client feel comfortable in their own home, we are alleviating stress that can exacerbate the symptoms of other health issues.

We are social beings. Often times kindness, compassion, and companionship are truly the best medicines regardless the ailment. So, always remember to make time to call, or visit, a loved one who may be feeling isolated. You never know, it just may save his or her life.

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Health Tips For Seniors This Allergy Season

By AmeriCare, March 22, 2012

Spring is in the air! And so are all of the airborne allergens that come with it. For allergy sufferers, spring can be a constant struggle with symptoms ranging from sniffling and sneezing to itchy eyes and overall malaise. To make matters worse, current medications used to treat allergy symptoms usually contain antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness and dizziness – side effects that can be especially dangerous for seniors.

Following are a few tips offered by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology on how to minimize symptoms this season:

1. Avoid allergens and molds as much as possible. Instead of walking outside in the park or on hiking trails, try walking in the local shopping mall. Most malls have walking clubs with mall businesses offering discounts. Plus you can enjoy the comfort of the air conditioning.
2. When you have to go outside try to avoid grassy areas (especially those areas with fresh mown grass) or areas with lots of foliage.
3. Keep windows closed at night to prevent pollens or molds from drifting into your home.
4. Use an air conditioner and dehumidifier to keep air clean, cool and dry.
5. Keep car windows closed while traveling.
6. Be aware of local pollen counts and avoid outdoor activity on days when it is high.
7. If you live in an area that has high smog levels, be aware of those levels and take appropriate measures such as staying indoors or limiting activity.
8. Plan your vacation at the beach rather than the mountains, pollen counts are much lower at the beach near the ocean.
9. If you must mow or rake – activities that stir up a lot of pollen and mold – wear a paper respiratory mask to lower your exposure.
10. Even though “line-dried” clothing and linens have a wonderful “fresh” scent, use the dryer, as pollens and mold can collect on items drying on the clothesline.
11. Take medications as prescribed in the recommended dosage. Even if your symptoms are severe, stick with the recommended amounts of medication.
12. Shower after being outdoors to remove any pollen and mold that may be left clinging to your skin and hair.

We hope these tips will help keep you symptom-free this allergy season and able enjoy the beautiful bloom of spring.

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Home Care Sleep Tips For Seniors

By AmeriCare, March 8, 2012

As we prepare to spring forward to daylight savings time (March, 11^th, don’t forget!), many of us dread the effects of losing a single hour of sleep. But for seniors, sleep-deprived nights are too often the norm, a chronic problem that can be further aggravated by the pending time change.

While it’s true that healthy seniors may require less sleep, 7.5 hours, on average, instead of the usual 8-to-9 hours of a healthy adult, sleep disruption and insomnia are not normal functions of aging and can lead to periods of depression, attention and memory problems, and a depressed immune system. Seniors who sleep poorly are also more susceptible to nighttime falls, have increased sensitivity to pain, and are more likely to rely on prescription medication and sleep aids.

These conditions not only lower the individual’s quality of life, they can threaten one’s independence and reliance on a family caregiver or home care service.

So let’s take a look at how we can make the most of our night’s sleep. First, here are some common causes for insomnia among seniors:

• Poor sleep habits and sleep environment. These include an irregular sleep schedule, consumption of alcohol before bedtime, and falling asleep while watching TV.

• Medications. Seniors tend to take more medications than younger adults. The side effects of certain drugs can make it difficult to fall, or stay asleep.
• Lack of exercise. Regular aerobic exercise, no later than three hours before sleep, promotes healthier sleep patterns.
• Anxiety and stress. At night, the anxious mind has a tendency to turn to unresolved worries, keeping you awake, which can, in turn, cause more anxiety and stress.

Following are some tips to help you fall and stay asleep, assuming you’ve already tried counting sheep:

• Exercise regularly. In addition to making you more tired at night, exercise releases endorphins that can boost mood and reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.
• Expose yourself to sunlight. Bright sunlight helps regulate your sleep cycles. Try to get at least two hours of sunlight a day. Keep curtains and shades open during the day, move your favorite chair to a sunny spot, or consider using a light therapy box to simulate daylight.
• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Each of these substances counteract quality sleep.
• Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and comfortable. Artificial lights at night can suppress your body’s production of the hormone that makes you sleepy. Use low-wattage bulbs, and limit use of the TV and computer at least one hour before bed.

Sleep is essential to leading a happy and productive life at any age. We hope these tips lead to better sleep and sweeter dreams.

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Understanding Our Aging Loved Ones’ Medications: Important Information for Every Family!

By , January 31, 2010

As people age, the likelihood of taking medicines increases; studies show that the more medicines people take, the more likely they are to be taking a medicine they may not need. It is, therefore, important to take an active role in understanding what is being prescribed for you. In order to better manage chronic conditions, reduce the chance of harmful drug interactions and get the best value for your money, keep in mind that you are part of a team—along with your doctors and other health care professionals—working to make good health care decisions.

Medicine Record

To start with, it is important that you keep good track of all the medicines you are taking; this will also help to reduce your risk of harmful drug interactions. Make your own list of medicines by keeping a medicine record. Update your medicine record whenever you start on a new medicine or when you are no longer taking a medicine.

Include the following in your medicine record:

• Name of medicine

• What it is for

• Name of doctor who prescribed it

• How and when to take

• How much to take (dosage)

• Color/shape of medicine

• Any side effects or warnings

You can also take advantage of medication tracker software on your personal computer.

See http://www.consumerreports.org/health/medication-tracker/index.htm for help organizing and tracking your medicines, as well as other information to share with your doctor.

Talking to Your Doctor

It is important to get into the habit of asking your doctor questions about your medicines each time you receive a new prescription. If you receive prescriptions from more than one doctor, always take your medicine record with you and let your doctor know which medicines you are currently taking.

Questions to Ask About Your Medicines:

• Why do I take this prescription? Is it for long- or short-term use?

• How do I take this medicine (how often, with/without food, etc.)?

• What are its side effects? What should I do if they occur?

• Can I substitute a non-drug alternative or a generic?

• Does it duplicate any of the other prescriptions I am taking?

• What should I do if I miss a dose?

• If I cut a pill in half, will it be ineffective?

• Does this drug interact with any of the other prescriptions I take?

• How important is this prescription given my finances and overall health?

• Does my health or age make this drug unsafe for me?

Don’t Forget to Mention. . .

• Any over-the-counter (OTC) medicines you are currently taking such as pain relievers, antacids and laxatives; be sure to include any herbal, vitamin or dietary supplements as well.

• Any research you have done.

Go to http://www.CRBestBuyDrugs.org to download simple reports featuring comparisons of drugs by medical condition or drug class.

Keeping Up with Your Medicines

• Keep medicines in plain sight in a cool, dry place like a kitchen counter or desktop.

• Do not keep your medicines in the refrigerator, unless told to do so by your doctor, pharmacist or the instructions on your medicine bottle.

• Do not keep your medicines in a bathroom where they can become damaged and less effective from shower steam or moisture.

• Set timers and reminders to take your medicines, if needed. Program clocks for when you are at home, and cell phones and watches when you are traveling.

• When flying, carry your medicines with you; do not pack them in your checked luggage. Check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for the most current information about traveling with medicines at http://www.tsa.gov or 1.866.289.9673.

• Avoid having to make last minute refills. Mark your calendar in advance or look into a mail-order pharmacy, which can be less expensive.

The best way to keep up with your medicines is to keep your medicine record and bottles within easy reach.

Overcoming Some Medicine Hurdles

Sometimes people avoid taking prescribed medicines. If you are one of these people, ask yourself if any of the following apply to you:

I have trouble affording it — If a medicine is expensive, you may decide not to get the prescription filled. Talk to your doctor about the cost of a drug to see if there are less expensive generic medicines.

I don’t feel any different when taking the drug, or, my symptoms have gone away — Sometimes it is hard to tell when a medicine is working; many medicines work as a “preventative” by preventing your symptoms or conditions from getting worse. Understanding which medicines work to prevent your symptoms from getting worse will help in following your drug routine.

My symptoms are worsening, or, I’m having side effects — Due to changes in your body as you age, prescriptions you have taken for years may begin to affect you differently; signs of memory loss, irritability or loss of coordination can be due to drug interactions rather than medical conditions. It is important to record any change in symptoms or side effects, and share this information in detail with your doctor immediately. This may result in taking a lower dose, changing when you take the prescription, or taking a different medicine altogether.

My medicines are complicated to take — Especially when managing several medicines, it becomes more difficult to observe all of the rules required for each medicine. Getting organized with your medicine record is the easiest way to get into the habit of taking your medicines successfully.

The most important aspect of your drug routine is that it is manageable.

Getting the Best Value for Your Medicines

Review your needs every year

Evaluate your prescription drug plan and compare it with your needs every year. There can be major changes in the pharmaceutical and insurance industries each year that will affect what benefits are being offered and what drugs are covered (and at what prices).

Look into your medicine choices

Doctors do not know what prescriptions are covered by your insurance company. Ask your insurance company for a copy of your drug plan “formulary” (which is a list of all medicines covered by your insurance company) and bring it to your doctors’ appointments. Together, you can evaluate the choice of medicines that will be most effective.

Consider a generic

“Generics” are copies of brand-name medicines whose patents have expired (expirations occur after the drug has been on the market many years). Because a drug has been on the market for so long, it is proven. Generics are less expensive because the research has already been done and the drug has already been tested by the original manufacturer. Makers of generic drugs are not allowed to copy the exact look of the original brand-name drug so a generic drug may look different than the original brand-name medicine, but all generic drugs must maintain the same chemical make-up as the original.

Shop around

Consider all of your drug plan’s preferred pharmacies and compare prices. Ask about pharmacy discount cards and senior citizen discounts; ask your insurance company about online or mail-order pharmacies.

Help Paying for Your Medicines

After reviewing ways to save money on your medicines, you may find that you are still having trouble paying for them. Here are some websites that can provide additional assistance:

• Medicare Extra Help Program provides information about the Social Security assistance program and application process for the Medicare Part D Subsidy: www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp.

• State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) provides information about any available state-funded assistance programs for prescription drug costs: www.medicare.gov/spap.asp.

• Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (PAP) provides information about pharmaceutical companies that offer assistance programs for the drugs they manufacture: www.medicare.gov/pap.

Finding Answers

There are community experts who can help you evaluate your needs for the best prescription drug plan for you. To find a AAA or SHIP near you, call the Eldercare Locator at 1.800.677.1116 or visit the website at www.eldercare.gov.

AmeriCare home care services provide medication reminders and assistance with transportation to doctor’s visits. Keeping our seniors safe and healthy is our priority. Find an AmeriCare office near you by visiting http://americareinfo.com, or call 1-800-610-2029.

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