Turn to Ask Medicare for caregiving resources

(ARA) - Are you caring for an aging, disabled or seriously ill friend or family member? If so, you're one of more than 44 million people who serve in the important - and often unrecognized -- role of a caregiver.

For many caregivers, a typical day can involve everything from answering questions about Medicare claims and prescription drugs, to preparing meals and running errands, to searching for the best long-term care or in-home services. Whether you've been providing care for a long period of time, or anticipate that you'll be acting as a caregiver in the near future, it's important that you find resources that provide the support and answers you need.

Created by the Center for Medicare %26 Medicaid Services (CMS), the Ask Medicare initiative offers numerous resources to make your life easier. Accessed online at www.medicare.gov/caregivers, Ask Medicare provides tips and helpful resources on enrolling in Medicare, coping with a chronic illness, comparing drug plans and long-term care options and more. You can find answers to commonly asked billing questions and utilize an interactive tool that will help you determine which services Medicare covers. In addition, the site offers access to a free e-newsletter with the latest updates from Medicare and a video series providing useful tips on managing transitions in care, such as being discharged from the hospital or moving into a long-term care facility.

The Ask Medicare Web site also links to select state and local organizations that can assist with meals, available transportation, in-home services and can offer caregiving training and support.

You can also learn about caregiver resources and services in your community by accessing the Administration on Aging's Eldercare Locator (www.eldercare.gov).

To learn more about Ask Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov/caregivers.

Courtesy of ARAcontent