your care is as important as your loved one’s … · your care is as important as your loved...
TRANSCRIPT
This November is National Family Caregivers Month. Over 65 million Americans fill the role of caregivers with an estimated $450 billion worth of unpaid care to those they care for. Caregivers provide emotional, financial, and nursing support for those they care after. Caregiving presents a challenge for those that are providing the care as they often times have other responsibilities that they must manage; such as their own health, financial obligations, and daily personal tasks. In fact, one-third of caregivers say their personal health is fair to poor.
Here at MedicAlert, we recognize the hard work and dedication of caregivers; that is why we offer the MedicAlert Caregiver membership. This membership is designed to ensure caregivers are able to protect both themselves and those they look after. If a caregiver were to experience a medical emergency, first responders will identify the person through a specially designed medical ID that signals the person as a caregiver. As soon as first responders contact MedicAlert, we will notify the caregiver’s designated contacts to ensure loved ones continue to receive care
while the caregiver recovers. Along with our signature 24/7 Emergency Response and Family Notification services, MedicAlert’s Caregiver membership also includes our full suite of services.
We hope that you will join us throughout November to help recognize Caregivers and the enormous support they provide for loved ones. As a charity, we are committed to the health and well-being of all our members, including their caregivers. This November, let us all celebrate the work that family caregivers do for millions of Americans and take the time to help make their lives a little easier.
YOUR CARE IS AS IMPORTANT AS YOUR LOVED ONE’S
Family Caregiver Month
The most dependable emergency support networkTM
Fall 2013 new
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MEET SOPHIA AND LEARN WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
MAINTAINING INDEPENDENT LIVING
YEAR-ENDREMINDERS
Learn more about our Caregiver membership: www.medicalert.org/caregiver
Receive additional caregiving tips and tools from the Alzheimer’s Association®: www.alz.org/care
the president’sCorner
As the weather cools and the fun festivities of the holidays come knocking on our doors, it brings our lives into perspective and reminds us of what truly matters; our family, friends, and good health. Since 1956, MedicAlert Foundation has experienced many holiday seasons, and throughout that time, our staff has been protecting and saving lives by providing first responders and health professionals with vital information to help safeguard you and your loved ones. This will always be our primary mission. Now, with a new holiday season approaching, we’re taking steps to further broaden the impact of our services and looking at new ways to share information with our members.
That’s why it’s exciting for me to announce MedicAlert’s new “network” of emergency medical identification providers. The marketplace for medical IDs is constantly changing and there are no formal standards to protect consumers on the safety of IDs, protection of personal health information, the correct use of medical terminology or even basic business practices. It is really a “buyer beware” situation that can place unsuspecting consumer’s health and personal privacy at risk.
This exclusive “network” will include organizations that strictly adhere to MedicAlert’s Code of Conduct and ensure that consumers are benefiting from quality service and consumer protections. The new “network” is designed to elevate standards among medical ID providers and further expand our efforts to protect lives by ensuring medical IDs bought from participating network organizations are backed by MedicAlert’s emergency response services and readily identifiable by emergency personnel.
We are pleased to announce that Hope Paige Medical ID Marketplace is the first participant in our integrated “network” of elite emergency medical identification providers. The partnership with Hope Paige has resulted in the offering of MedicAlert’s emergency response services with selected Hope Paige medical IDs, through the Hope Paige website. Additionally, we will be adding a “Hope Paige Collection” to our medical ID catalog – look for these new products as they will be released soon.
We are also excited to also announce the beginning of our all new online MedicAlert Blog, aptly titled “Behind the Bracelet”. Our blog will provide you with ‘behind the scene’ information about the products and services we offer, and will introduce you to various members of the MedicAlert team and our featured partners. You’ll find articles and tips about a wide range of topics such as autism-related wandering, diabetes meal options, traveling with allergies, caregiver tools, and much more.
With the holidays just around the corner, we want to wish you a safe and happy holiday season and thank you for your continued support of our nonprofit, charitable mission. May your homes be filled with happiness and joy throughout this special time of year.
From our family to yours,
Andrew B. WigglesworthPresident & CEO ([email protected])
Year-End Reminders2013 Tax-Deductible GivingEvery year we are thankful for our members and your charitable giving. Charitable gifts to MedicAlert can helps save lives, and provides you with special tax benefits. Please make your tax-deductible gift by December 31st - and know that you’re helping to make a difference.
Flex Spending Dollars for MedicAlertMedicAlert memberships and products are qualified reimbursable expenses under Flexible Spending Accounts
(FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Don’t lose your account balance at the end of the year - invest it in your health and protection.
For specific information on medical FSAs, talk to your human resources department or tax specialist.
Black Friday-Cyber Monday Be sure to visit www.medicalert.org during the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend for special Black Friday-Cyber Monday
deals. Special offers will be available for both new and current members.
Holiday Gift Certificates Holiday gift shopping just got easier! MedicAlert members can now purchase gift certificates online at www.medicalert.org/certificate. Gift
certificates are available in amounts of $50 or $100.
“Behind the Bracelet”www.medicalert.org/blog
FSA
Every mother’s worst nightmare is the possibility of seeing her child at the brink of death. For Terri Schreiber, mother of eight-year-old Sophia, her nightmare became a reality when Sophia was three and ingested a single cashew and went into anaphylactic shock.
Since Sophia was weeks old, she began exhibiting symptoms, which later were diagnosed as food and environment allergies. In her first three years, Sophia was allergic to simple foods such as milk and eggs. She also developed environmental allergies to grass, trees, weeds, and furry animals. Life for a severely allergic person requires attention, medication, and ongoing training of care providers.
When Sophia turned three, it was determined they could reintroduce previous allergens to her diet such as tree nuts. After Sophia ate one cashew, Terri watched in utter horror as her daughter’s face and torso turned bright red, her lovely blue eyes rolled back into her head, and her toddler began vomiting violently while experiencing an anaphylactic shock reaction to the cashew. Terri called 911, and was instructed to immediately push an EpiPen® into her daughter’s leg. Terri’s quick action and the EpiPen® saved Sophia’s life that night, but the experience would not be forgotten.
Every time little Sophia would go to school, family’s houses, a play date, or a field trip, Terri lived with the fear that an accidental ingestion of a food Sophia was severely allergic to could recur. Obviously, Terri could not follow Sophia around each and every day. Instead, Terri learned about the MedicAlert Foundation. For the last five years, Terri has protected Sophia by requiring Sophia to wear a MedicAlert Medical ID bracelet.
“To know that with a phone call a medical professional can convey as much information as I would about my daughter’s medical needs reduces my stress. MedicAlert has given me more freedom. Knowing Sophia wears the emblem and the MedicAlert team has all the necessary information to help in an emergency helps me breathe and sleep easier.”
At eight-years-old, Sophia enjoys reading, writing, gymnastics, horseback riding and riding her bike. She is exceptionally bright and exhibits maturity well beyond her eight years.
Without the help of our members and donors, children like Sophia would not receive the same freedom, peace of mind or safety net of services you rely on each and every day. Please save a life today by making your tax deductible gift.
Meet Sophia Just One Reason Why Your Support Matters
“I wear it so people can know what I’m allergic to and who to call. It helps keep me safe.”
- Sophia, age 8
Phone: 1.888.525.5174 Mail: Use the enclosed envelope Web: www.medicalert.org/donateTAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFT OPTIONS
Contact Us: 1.888.904.7630 or www.medicalert.orgMedicAlert Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ©2013 All rights reserved. MedicAlert® is a U.S. registered trademark and service mark.
Living independently is an important lifestyle choice. Do you understand if you or your loved one is capable of managing independently and where you may need some support? Do you know the next steps to think through and the actions to take to meet the challenges of changing physical and mental abilities?
Developing a plan for the future can be difficult, but not having a plan can create more problems, be more costly, and cause more heartache. That’s why Philips Lifeline sponsored the Independent Living Assessment for older adults and their caregivers as a way to help plan for the future while continuing independent living at home.
Maintaining Independent Living MeansPlanning for the Future
For information about a medical alert service providing the ability to continue to live independently by getting you access to help at the push of a button 24/7, please visit Philips Lifeline’s website at www.lifelinesys.com or call 1-800-981-7494.
Assess your situation
After reading your results, ask yourself:
•What do I want to do? •What is possible for me to do? •What help do I need in order to live independently? •Has something changed in the past few weeks or months that affects my health and well-being? You don’t need to feel alone. There are many support organizations available to you and your loved ones. Take advantage of senior services and other available resources to help maintain independent living.
Repeating the assessment periodically will help identify where change has occurred and indicate where support may be needed. The results can be used to start a dialogue among you, your family and your healthcare provider.
Start by seeking information in areas of concern:
•Medicalandhealthissues: Primary Care Physician Talk to your healthcare provider about health
factors that can be modified to reduce the risk of falling and support continued independent living.
The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a federal government agency that provides many resources, including tip sheets on health issues and injury prevention.
(800) 311-3435 www.cdc.gov
•Movingaboutfreely: American Physical Therapy Association Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare
professionals who assess and treat individuals with medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs promote the ability to move, to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.
(800) 999-2782 www.apta.org
Thinking through the next steps •Managinglifeskills: National Association of Professional GeriatricCareManagers
This searchable directory will help you find care managers in your area.
(520) 881-8008 www.caremanager.org
Eldercare Locator This free service made available by the United
States Administration on Aging makes it easy to find services and in-home help, like transportation, personal care, housekeeping and meal programs.
(800) 677-1116 www.eldercare.gov
•Performingdailytasks: American Occupational Therapy
Association Occupational therapists (OTs) can evaluate
your skills and home environment to determine what supports or limits are needed to carry out necessary daily activities.
(301) 652-2682 www.aota.org
•Concernaboutfallrisk: PhilipsLifeline’sMedicalAlertService Philips Lifeline’s medical alert service can reduce
unnecessary suffering by getting help fast in the event of an emergency or fall.
(800) 543-3546 www.lifelinesys.com
LearnNotToFall.com This informative website will guide you through
identifying and managing four risk factors for falls. You can view a videotaped demonstration on how to get up safely after a fall.
www.LearnNotToFall.com
The assessment is available at: www.Lifeline-ILA.com
Receive your report
The Independent Living Assessment requires that you answer a series of 7-12 questions. Your responses are automatically evaluated and an individualized report is sent to you immediately via email. The report gives you a score for each of the three functional areas and describes the implications of the score for independent living. Here is an example of the report for “performing daily tasks”:
On Your Own
Your score suggests that you are not having any dif culty completing the daily tasks of bathing, dressing, grooming and eating independently. You may require some assistance with housekeeping, but otherwise you are able to complete these tasks without much dif culty.
Beginning to Struggle
Your score suggests some dif culty in your ability to perform daily tasks. You are beginning to struggle with things such as bathing and dressing. Housekeeping tasks may be too dif cult for you to perform. You may experience some dif culties with your ne motor skills such as buttoning clothes, using utensils and combing your hair.
Daily Tasks are a Struggle
Your score suggests that you experience signi cant struggles with performing most daily tasks. You may have signi cant dif culties in getting dressed and bathing. Tasks that require ne motor skills such as buttoning a shirt or tying your shoes maybe getting too dif cult to complete.
No Independent Tasks
Your score suggests daily tasks that require ne motor skills cause considerable dif culty to the extent that you may be unable to complete them. Bathing and dressing yourself has become so dif cult that you might be unable to complete these tasks without assistance You may still be able to feed and groom yourself but with dif culty. You may be unable to tie your shoes or button your shirt.
Performing Daily Tasks De� nitionYour score in this area suggests how well you are able to perform common daily tasks such as feeding, grooming, dressing, bathing yourself and basic housekeeping.
Score Range
54-62
63-100
42-53
0-41
On Your Own
Your score suggests that you are not having any dif culty completing the daily tasks of bathing, dressing, grooming and eating independently. You may require some assistance with housekeeping, but otherwise you are able to complete these tasks without much dif culty.
Your Score
65
On Your Own
Your score suggests that you are not having any dif culty completing the daily tasks of bathing, dressing, grooming and eating independently. You may require some assistance with housekeeping, but otherwise you are able to complete these tasks without much dif culty.
Beginning to Struggle
Your score suggests some dif culty in your ability to perform daily tasks. You are beginning to struggle with things such as bathing and dressing. Housekeeping tasks may be too dif cult for you to perform. You may experience some dif culties with your ne motor skills such as buttoning clothes, using utensils and combing your hair.
Daily Tasks are a Struggle
Your score suggests that you experience signi cant struggles with performing most daily tasks. You may have signi cant dif culties in getting dressed and bathing. Tasks that require ne motor skills such as buttoning a shirt or tying your shoes maybe getting too dif cult to complete.
No Independent Tasks
Your score suggests daily tasks that require ne motor skills cause considerable dif culty to the extent that you may be unable to complete them. Bathing and dressing yourself has become so dif cult that you might be unable to complete these tasks without assistance You may still be able to feed and groom yourself but with dif culty. You may be unable to tie your shoes or button your shirt.
Performing Daily Tasks De� nitionYour score in this area suggests how well you are able to perform common daily tasks such as feeding, grooming, dressing, bathing yourself and basic housekeeping.
Score Range
54-62
63-100
42-53
0-41
On Your Own
Your score suggests that you are not having any dif culty completing the daily tasks of bathing, dressing, grooming and eating independently. You may require some assistance with housekeeping, but otherwise you are able to complete these tasks without much dif culty.
Your Score
65On Your Own
Your score suggests that you are not having any difficulty completing the daily tasks of bathing, dressing, grooming and eating independently. You may require some assistance with housekeeping, but otherwise, you are able to complete these tasks without much difficulty.
MKT1672FL PlanIndyLiving BROCH.indd 5-8 3/30/11 11:07 AM
Assess your situation
After reading your results, ask yourself:
•What do I want to do? •What is possible for me to do? •What help do I need in order to live independently? •Has something changed in the past few weeks or months that affects my health and well-being? You don’t need to feel alone. There are many support organizations available to you and your loved ones. Take advantage of senior services and other available resources to help maintain independent living.
Repeating the assessment periodically will help identify where change has occurred and indicate where support may be needed. The results can be used to start a dialogue among you, your family and your healthcare provider.
Start by seeking information in areas of concern:
•Medicalandhealthissues: Primary Care Physician Talk to your healthcare provider about health
factors that can be modified to reduce the risk of falling and support continued independent living.
The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a federal government agency that provides many resources, including tip sheets on health issues and injury prevention.
(800) 311-3435 www.cdc.gov
•Movingaboutfreely: American Physical Therapy Association Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare
professionals who assess and treat individuals with medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs promote the ability to move, to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.
(800) 999-2782 www.apta.org
Thinking through the next steps •Managinglifeskills: National Association of Professional GeriatricCareManagers
This searchable directory will help you find care managers in your area.
(520) 881-8008 www.caremanager.org
Eldercare Locator This free service made available by the United
States Administration on Aging makes it easy to find services and in-home help, like transportation, personal care, housekeeping and meal programs.
(800) 677-1116 www.eldercare.gov
•Performingdailytasks: American Occupational Therapy
Association Occupational therapists (OTs) can evaluate
your skills and home environment to determine what supports or limits are needed to carry out necessary daily activities.
(301) 652-2682 www.aota.org
•Concernaboutfallrisk: PhilipsLifeline’sMedicalAlertService Philips Lifeline’s medical alert service can reduce
unnecessary suffering by getting help fast in the event of an emergency or fall.
(800) 543-3546 www.lifelinesys.com
LearnNotToFall.com This informative website will guide you through
identifying and managing four risk factors for falls. You can view a videotaped demonstration on how to get up safely after a fall.
www.LearnNotToFall.com
The assessment is available at: www.Lifeline-ILA.com
Receive your report
The Independent Living Assessment requires that you answer a series of 7-12 questions. Your responses are automatically evaluated and an individualized report is sent to you immediately via email. The report gives you a score for each of the three functional areas and describes the implications of the score for independent living. Here is an example of the report for “performing daily tasks”:
On Your Own
Your score suggests that you are not having any dif culty completing the daily tasks of bathing, dressing, grooming and eating independently. You may require some assistance with housekeeping, but otherwise you are able to complete these tasks without much dif culty.
Beginning to Struggle
Your score suggests some dif culty in your ability to perform daily tasks. You are beginning to struggle with things such as bathing and dressing. Housekeeping tasks may be too dif cult for you to perform. You may experience some dif culties with your ne motor skills such as buttoning clothes, using utensils and combing your hair.
Daily Tasks are a Struggle
Your score suggests that you experience signi cant struggles with performing most daily tasks. You may have signi cant dif culties in getting dressed and bathing. Tasks that require ne motor skills such as buttoning a shirt or tying your shoes maybe getting too dif cult to complete.
No Independent Tasks
Your score suggests daily tasks that require ne motor skills cause considerable dif culty to the extent that you may be unable to complete them. Bathing and dressing yourself has become so dif cult that you might be unable to complete these tasks without assistance You may still be able to feed and groom yourself but with dif culty. You may be unable to tie your shoes or button your shirt.
Performing Daily Tasks De� nitionYour score in this area suggests how well you are able to perform common daily tasks such as feeding, grooming, dressing, bathing yourself and basic housekeeping.
Score Range
54-62
63-100
42-53
0-41
On Your Own
Your score suggests that you are not having any dif culty completing the daily tasks of bathing, dressing, grooming and eating independently. You may require some assistance with housekeeping, but otherwise you are able to complete these tasks without much dif culty.
Your Score
65
On Your Own
Your score suggests that you are not having any dif culty completing the daily tasks of bathing, dressing, grooming and eating independently. You may require some assistance with housekeeping, but otherwise you are able to complete these tasks without much dif culty.
Beginning to Struggle
Your score suggests some dif culty in your ability to perform daily tasks. You are beginning to struggle with things such as bathing and dressing. Housekeeping tasks may be too dif cult for you to perform. You may experience some dif culties with your ne motor skills such as buttoning clothes, using utensils and combing your hair.
Daily Tasks are a Struggle
Your score suggests that you experience signi cant struggles with performing most daily tasks. You may have signi cant dif culties in getting dressed and bathing. Tasks that require ne motor skills such as buttoning a shirt or tying your shoes maybe getting too dif cult to complete.
No Independent Tasks
Your score suggests daily tasks that require ne motor skills cause considerable dif culty to the extent that you may be unable to complete them. Bathing and dressing yourself has become so dif cult that you might be unable to complete these tasks without assistance You may still be able to feed and groom yourself but with dif culty. You may be unable to tie your shoes or button your shirt.
Performing Daily Tasks De� nitionYour score in this area suggests how well you are able to perform common daily tasks such as feeding, grooming, dressing, bathing yourself and basic housekeeping.
Score Range
54-62
63-100
42-53
0-41
On Your Own
Your score suggests that you are not having any dif culty completing the daily tasks of bathing, dressing, grooming and eating independently. You may require some assistance with housekeeping, but otherwise you are able to complete these tasks without much dif culty.
Your Score
65On Your Own
Your score suggests that you are not having any difficulty completing the daily tasks of bathing, dressing, grooming and eating independently. You may require some assistance with housekeeping, but otherwise, you are able to complete these tasks without much difficulty.
MKT1672FL PlanIndyLiving BROCH.indd 5-8 3/30/11 11:07 AM
The Independent Living Assessment can be accessed easily by visiting www.lifeline-ILA.com
The Independent Living AssessmentThe Independent Living Assessment, powered by Boston University Activity Measure for Post Acute Care, is a free, computerized evaluation taken online which assesses your ability to live independently. This clinically validated assessment covers three areas of function:
1. Moving about freely, 2. Managing life skills, and 3. Performing daily tasks.
Taking the assessment is fast and easy.
You will be asked to answer a series of 7 – 12 questions regarding your abilities.
Your responses are automatically evaluated and an individualized report is sent to you immediately via email. The report gives a score for each of the three functional areas and describes the implications of the score for independent living. The results can be used to start a dialogue among seniors and caregivers.
Repeating the assessment periodically will also help identify where change has occurred and indicate where additional support may be needed.