NOVEMBER 2014page 2 CAREGIVER’S RESOURCE GUIDE

Free Services for Seniors or their Caregivers

Benefit CounselingHow many times have you,

either as a senior or as a caregiver, wrestled with trying to figure out what type of help was available to you? There is free counseling available through your local Office for the Aging that can provide this type of assistance and point you in the right direction to receiving the help

you need.You can get answers regarding

health insurance, food stamps and other services through these counselors.

Adult Day CareAdult day care centers can be

run by a government entity, or through a local charity or house of worship. The purpose of these

senior centers is to provide a safe place to socialize and have a hot meal in a protected setting. These adult day care centers are ideal for seniors who cannot remain alone, but are not in need of the care that a nursing home provides.

As for the fees associated with these facilities, if the facility does in fact charge a fee they are normally quite nominal and are just there to help the center cover its own costs for meals and operating costs like utilities.

When initially contacting the Office for the Aging or the local charity, give them as much information upfront regarding both the fees (if you are only looking for a free facility) and the physical condition of the applicant. This way they can act as a filter to point you in the right direction.

Low Cost Prescription Drugs Despite the advent of Medicare

Part D, and certain state run assistance programs, there are still many seniors that cannot afford their medications.

A cost saving strategy is to make the switch to generic drugs. As the Food and Drug Administration says: “Generic drugs are important options that allow greater access to health care for all Americans. They are copies of brand-name drugs and are the same as those brand name drugs in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.”

Generic drugs cost about 50%-80% less than their brand name equivalents, so it makes all the sense in the world to speak with your doctor about making the switch.

Family Caregiver Support Programs

These programs are often offered through the government, or volunteer organizations. Either way, as a caregiver, you can be provided with respite care by volunteers, as well as counseling and support groups to ensure your physical and emotional wellbeing. These services are designed to supplement, not replace, the efforts of the family in caring for a loved one.

Free Cell Phones orDiscounted Phone Service

LifeLine is a federal government program for qualifying low-income consumers designed “to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services.”

LifeLine assistance provides one free or discounted phone (either landline or wireless cell phone) per household. To qualify, seniors will likely have to be on some form of government assistance, such as:

• Medicaid• Food Stamps• Supplemental Social Security• Temporary Assistance for

Needy Families• Low Income Home Energy

Assistance Program

Free Medical Alert System Free Medical Alert System

We have all seen the television commercial with the elderly woman in the bathroom saying, “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” That’s what a medic alert system is for. It is a waterproof pendant that is worn around the neck or wrist, that works in

conjunction with a wireless phone attachment. In an emergency, the wearer presses the button to be connected with the monitoring service and speaks into the pendant.

The actual system is totally free, even the shipping. The monitoring service does have to be paid for, but that is normally around $30 a month.

One thing I would advise you to consider when choosing a medic alert company. Make sure that the company you choose does NOT outsource its central station monitoring service. When your loved one hits that button, you want a trained, competent professional who can calmly contact emergency services and stay on the line with your parent until help arrives.

There are many medical alert products out there, such as, LifeStation and Rescue Alert, that offer this type of service.

Free Phone for Hearing Impaired

A new service that is (at least temporarily) being funded by the FCC, called CaptionCall, provides free phones to those with medically recognized hearing loss.

The way that this phone works is simple. A screen on the phone instantly takes the words being spoken and puts them onto a screen on the phone so that hearing impaired individuals can read what is being said.

Tony Rovere became involved with seniors and caregiving after his mother’s heart attack forced him to navigate the government bureaucracy that comes with caregiving. His website, StuffSeniorsNeed.com, is a resource for seniors and caregivers who can benefit from his personal experience as a caregiver.

by Tony Rovere

Most seniors these days are living on limited incomes from sources that may include Social Security, a small

pension or maybe some other form of government assistance. With few resources at their disposal, finding services for free or discounted prices is vital.

page 3NOVEMBER 2014 CAREGIVER’S RESOURCE GUIDE

by Tony Rovere

FACT - Granny NANNIES does NOT require any deposits

FACT - Granny NANNIES does NOT require any set-up fees

FACT - Granny Nannies does NOT require pre-payment

FACT - Granny NANNIES does NOT charge extra forweekends or night shifts

FACT - Granny NANNIES does NOT charge DOUBLE RATEfor holidays (time and half rate applies)

FACT - Supervisors are on call after hours, week-ends and holidays - we are prepared to meet schedulechanges at a moments notice.

Caring for you...like family.Quality healthcare in thecomfort of your own home.

Homecare doesn’thave to be expensive.Fact Vs. Fiction

352-327-3877 | www.grannynannies.comNR30211487

Selecting an agency toprovide personalized carefor a family member,whether at home or in analternate care facility, is amajor decision. No matterhow skilled or high-tech thecare may be, personal touchand compassionate care isirreplaceable.Granny Nannies is both alicensed nursing agencyand a private-duty agency,recruiting only trained CNAs(Certified Nursing Aides) andHHAs (Home Health Aides).Each Granny Nanny caregiveris thoroughly screened,and must pass a stringentcheck on their credentials,criminal background check,references and physicalcondition. All GrannyNanniespersonnel are bonded and

insured, and regularly attendin-service training to keeptheir skills current.

The caregiver can care foryour loved one from onehour to twenty four hours.Services include personalcare, bathing, dressing,ROM exercises, lighthousekeeping, changingbed linens, meal preparationand feeding, transportationservices and more. GrannyNannies also accepts manydifferent types of long-term care and worker’scompensation insurance,and is a Med- Waiver (low-income) provider.

EachGrannyNanny officewillconduct a free no-obligationassessment of the familymember’s situation so they

can provide the services thepatient needs, while makinga decision for the right fit in acaregiver. The client can alsointerview the caregiver priorto service commencing. Thefamily has the ability to startand stop, as well as changescheduled services at theirconvenience based on theirloved ones’ changing needs.As a result of superiorservice and affordable rates,the company continues toexpand. Whether the needis individualized attention ina facility or a gentle hand toaid that person in their ownfamiliar surroundings, manyfamilies find the advocacyand peace of mind thatGranny Nannies providesto be both comforting, andpriceless!

Granny Nannies4623 Northwest 53rd Avenue #4, Gainesville, FL 32653Phone: (352) 327-3877 • www.grannynannies.com

GRANNY NANNIES: TREATING YOU LIKEFAMILY FOR OVER TWO DECADES

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At the Senior HealthcareCenters of North FloridaRegional Healthcare, ourcaring staff provides acomprehensive approachto geriatric care includingassessment, treatment andeducation about complexhealth issues. Our physiciansspecialize in geriatric careand are uniquely qualified toaddress the needs of patientswho are 65 and older. Theirknowledge of the medical,functional and psychosocialaspects of geriatric careenables them to partnerwith patients, families andcaregivers to improve qualityof life.

Our certified geriatricpharmacists work with thephysicians to help patients

reach their treatment goalsand reduce the risk ofmedication-related problems.They review medications fordrug interactions, side effects,unnecessary medications andpotential cost savings. Thepharmacists educate patientsabout medications they take,as well as certain conditionssuch as osteoporosis.Pharmacist consultations areavailable at each center byappointment.

Patients can depend onunderstanding, reassuranceand compassionate supportfrom case managers at theSenior Healthcare Centers.The case managers are trainedhealthcare professionals whoserve as patient advocates.They help patients maintain

their maximum level ofindependence by workingwith the healthcare teamto formulate a plan basedon a patient’s needs. Casemanagers also provideeducation and information onmany age-related issues.

The Senior Healthcare Centersoffer many other convenienton-site services includinglabs, infusion, immunizations,EKGs, bladder scans, simpleskin procedures, jointinjections and ear lavages.We have four convenientlocations to serve the needs ofour senior population – threeare located in Gainesville, andone is in Melrose.

SENIOR HEALTHCARE CENTERS OFNORTH FLORIDA REGIONAL HEALTHCAREProviding Comprehensive Primary Care to Meet the Needs of Seniors

NFRMC Senior Healthcare Centerswww.seniorprimarycare.com

NOVEMBER 2014page 4 CAREGIVER’S RESOURCE GUIDE

During the worst years of my stepfather’s dementia, his wildly

paranoid rants terrified and stung my mother.

In a typical scene, she called me in a panic one afternoon while I was at work because he was screaming at her. When I arrived at their apartment, he was sitting on the living room couch, stabbing at the air in her direction with an accusatory finger and bellowing incoherently that she’d somehow ruined his life.

I quickly turned on the TV and put on the Golf Channel. As the bucolic sight of rolling fairways and putting greens drew his attention, he gradually relaxed. I had momentarily defused the situation but couldn’t stop it from happening again

and again over the next few months. Nor could I ever convince my mother to not take his misplaced fury personally.

It has long been a truism in caregiver research that it is behavioral problems and personality changes — even more than physical disabilities — that are most troubling to family caregivers. For example, it may be difficult for family members to physically lift a loved one whose body has been half-paralyzed by a stroke. But if that loved one is, at the same time, trying to push away caregivers’ helping hands or blaming them for tormenting him, it makes caregiving infinitely harder.

All caregivers need a modicum of acknowledgement and appreciation to

best sustain their efforts. But loved ones with cognitive and behavioral issues often don’t have the capacity to say thanks, let alone cease lashing out at the very people who are taking care of them.

These and other challenges are documented in a new report, “Family Caregivers Providing Complex Chronic Care to People With Cognitive and Behavioral Health Conditions,” by Susan C. Reinhard of AARP and Sarah Samis and Carol Levine of the United Hospital Fund. Based on data from the Home Alone survey of nearly 1,700 caregivers, the authors found that family caregivers of people with challenging behaviors often have little training and support to help them with their difficult loved ones. They

also have much higher rates of stress and depression than do caregivers of patients without challenging behaviors. Caregivers under this kind of ongoing duress, in my clinical experience, are often the ones most likely to burn out.

Here are some ideas for better managing these difficult behavioral challenges.

Learn your loved ones’ triggers and bring out their best

People with cognitive and behavioral problems are often highly sensitive to changes in their environment, including noise and light levels, the temperature and the amount of social stimulation.

When Angry Loved Ones Resist CaregiversOlder adults with dementia may lash out, compounding the challenges of caregiving and frustrating the caregiver by Barry J. Jacobs, PsyD., AARP, September 18, 2014

End of life issues are verypersonal decisions. Ifcremation is your choice,we can help you. In fact,cremation is all we do. ADirect Cremations is not afuneral home. No need toworry over costly casketselections and additionalservices.

One of the greatest giftsyou can give your familyis to prearrange yourcremation. Prearrangingdoes not necessarily meana financial commitment toany cremation service orfuneral home. In its mostbasic form, it is just writteninstructions of your final

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• A signed cremationauthorization

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page 5NOVEMBER 2014 CAREGIVER’S RESOURCE GUIDE

They may also function better and be more cooperative at certain times of the day than at others. By noticing the specific conditions that affect your loved ones most, you could avoid stressing them more than necessary and thereby

decrease the chances they’ll become agitated and resistant. In other words, take the path of least resistance and make demands upon them only under optimal circumstances.

Use calmness and clarity strategically

People with cognitive and behavioral problems are even more sensitive to caregivers’ anger. Even if you have reached your limit with frustration, it is still crucial to approach care recipients with serene aplomb. Your ability to stay calm will have a calming effect on them. Keep your requests clear and simple. When meeting resistance, cajole lightly. If that still doesn’t produce the desired cooperation, then back off for the time being before reapproaching your loved ones later when they may be more cooperative.

Work closely with your loved ones’ physicians

People with dementia often experience greatly exacerbated cognitive deficits when they are suffering from some medical condition, such as an infection or metabolic change. People with depression often have bodily symptoms, such as increased pain, when suffering a worsening mood. Bring your loved one for medical evaluations regularly to treat all possible medical causes of behavioral changes.

When physicians offer medications such as antidepressants or atypical antipsychotics to help control a care recipient’s behavior, consider those treatments prudently. While those medications have potentially serious side effects, they are also a proven means of decreasing agitation and fostering family peace.

Don’t always manthe front line

Because caring for loved ones with challenging behaviors is so stressful, it is even more imperative for you to find others who can step into your role at times so that you have regular respite. You may balk at this idea, arguing that no one else can do the job as well as you’re doing. But no one can face a loved one’s irrational anger day after day without either becoming angry herself or feeling numb. Neither is ideal for maintaining what should be the loving spirit of caring for a still-cherished, if addled, family member.

Barry J. Jacobs, a clinical psychologist and family therapist, is a member of the AARP Caregiving Advisory Panel.

Become aSavvy Caregiver!Savvy Caregiver is a free six session trainingprogram designed for caregivers who servefamily members and friends with any form ofprogressive dementia (i.e. Alzheimer’s).The goal of Savvy Caregiver Training is toincrease knowledge and skills so as tolessen caregiver stress and improveoutcomes for the care recipient.Call Tom Rinkoski at (352) 692-5226 formore information.

Savvy Caregiver TrainingCaregivers learn about the dementia and medications, and develop strategiesthey can use in their particular caregiving situations. Join us on these or any ofour other open dates. Call for more information! Tuesdays, 2—4 pm, beginning 2/3/2015, in Ocala @ Top of the World Thursdays, 1—3 pm, beginning 2/5/2015, in Gainesville @ Health Department Tuesdays, 1-3 pm, beginning 2/24/2015, in Lake City @ Senior Center Tuesdays, 1—3 pm, beginning 4/7/2015 in Alachua @ Library

“This was a wonderful training that affirmed concerns I have as a caregiver, and providedme with new techniques to use. Thanks so much!” from a Savvy Graduate

www.agingresources.org(352) 692-5226

Come and meet Savvy Graduates and other caregivers on November 6, at aFREE Caregiver Gathering @ The Village in Gainesville (9:00 am—1:00 pm).

Presentation, lunch and door prizes are all part of the celebration!

NOVEMBER 2014page 6 CAREGIVER’S RESOURCE GUIDE

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NOVEMBER 2014page 8 CAREGIVER’S RESOURCE GUIDE

Ruby is one of 42 million family caregivers across the country who provide an invaluable resource in caring for an

older loved one. Many are on call 24 hours a day – just like a superhero. They serve as accountant, cook, assistant, nurse, housekeeper and companion, among many other roles, to help their aging parents, spouses, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and friends live independently at home. Every day, these caregivers do remarkable things — but their labor of love is not without challenge. Family caregivers often put aside their own needs:

• skipping doctors’ appointments • not getting enough sleep • eating poorly

In fact, 1 in 6 family caregivers report that their own health worsened during the time they were caring for a loved one. While they do it willingly, caregiving is a big job, and once in a while, caregivers need a break.

Ruby isn’t the only family caregiver I’ve heard from about the stress and challenges they face. Jackie says, “Need to find help, need to have a break.” Mary shares, “Time for yourself — yeah, right.”

Having cared for my Mom and Pop for more than 15 years, I understand firsthand what Ruby, Jackie, Mary and so many family caregivers go through. While in the moment, it’s extremely difficult to think about putting ourselves first — and carving out “me time” can seem impossible. But as caregivers, if we don’t take care of ourselves, we won’t be able to take care of our loved ones.

As Linda says, “Don’t try to be superwoman.” After all, even superheroes take a break. Just think about those moments after Bruce Wayne returned from the Batcave!

That’s why respite care — like adult day services or periodic visits in the home — is so important. These programs allow family caregivers to take a hard-earned and well-deserved break. For example, when my “Super” Pop was caring for Mom, his break was to take a trip to the grocery store. Others:

• get a cup of coffee with a friend• catch up on work• go to the doctor• get some sleep

The fact is: Respite care allows family caregivers to take a

much-needed break to recharge, so they have the strength and energy to carry on.

Respite care programs are available, in some way, across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, but they vary in type and availability. They might be:

• offered in the home or at a center• an informal network of neighbors

caring for neighbors• a formal program of the

state• peer-based or

multigenerational assistance

How to find these services also varies, depending on where you live. Your local Aging and Disability Resource Center is a good place to start.

Family Caregivers, Like Superheroes, Need a Break“I’m so tired, even my health has gone down due to stress. I love my mom … but with my health issues, all I do is cry alone. Sometimes I feel like I’m drowning, can’t breathe … nothing seems OK.” — Ruby

10 Tipsfor Caregiversfrom Caregivers

As I cared for my parents, helping them to live independently at home as they aged, I learned to listen to the learnings of other family caregivers. Recently, I shared 5 Tips for Caregivers and asked others for their views. While I wish I could share them all, here are 10 tips from caregivers to caregivers:

1. Be patient.Nan: “Patience followed by more patience.” Rae: “Patience! Lots and lots of patience.”

2. Get organized.Joan: “Make a MEDICAL BINDER in event of an emergency. Include family phone numbers, name, address, Social Security number, all medications and time of day taken. Include any allergies or note that there are none. List any previous medical issues, such as stroke, etc., and date of such. Include the health insurance and Medicare or Medicaid cards and other identifying information.”

3. Make time for yourself.Peggy: “Don’t forget you in the process.” Brianna: “If you get burned out and can’t even meet your own needs, you won’t be of any use to yourself or others.”

page 9NOVEMBER 2014 CAREGIVER’S RESOURCE GUIDE

Did you know?More than 65 million people, 29% of the U.S. population, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for their loved one.

20 hours per week is the average number of hours family caregivers spend caring for their loved ones while 13% of family caregivers are providing 40 hours of care a week or more.

23% of family caregivers caring for loved ones for 5 years or more report their health is fair or poor.

73% of family caregivers who care for someone over the age of 18 either work or have worked while providing care; 66% have had to make some adjustments to their work life, from reporting late to work to giving up work entirely; and 1 in 5 family caregivers have had to take a leave of absence.

36% of family caregivers care for a parent and 7 out of 10 caregivers are caring for loved ones over 50 years old.

Caregiving in the United States;National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP

4. Try to stay positive.Irene: “Stay positive!” I know sometimes this one can be hard, but a positive outlook makes the day-to-day a little easier.

5. Join a support group.Cathy: “The knowledge that you are not the only one going through this is valuable, and people learn from each other.” Karen: “You aren’t doing either of you any favors by struggling alone.”

6. Listen.Michael: “#1 Be a good listener.” Connie: “Listen to their stories. They are amazing.”

7. Trust your instincts.Sharon: “If something doesn’t feel right … check it out.” Trust your instincts and if something feels off, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

8. Keep the humor.Linda: “Humor goes a long way.” I know firsthand: Laughter does wonders to reduce stress and lighten the mood!

9. Show your love.Peggy: “Don’t forget to hug them and tell them you love them.” It’s easy to get caught up with all the things that need to be done, but make sure to remember why you took on this labor of love in the first place.

10. Most important – care with dignity and respect.Susan: “If you are taking care of someone elderly, don’t treat them like they are ‘overgrown’ children. They should be treated with dignity and respect.”

Caregivers Tips, (Continued)

NOVEMBER 2014page 10 CAREGIVER’S RESOURCE GUIDE

Alzheimer’s Associationwww.alz.org800-272-3900Information and support for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Operates a 24/7 helpline and care navigator tools.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance for Education & Supportwww.adaesinc.org352-671-9600ADAES, Inc. is a non-profit corporation providing comprehensive education for caregivers and professionals on a variety of relevant subjects; communication, behaviors, activities, wandering, safety and others.

Alzheimers.govwww.alzheimers.govThe government’s free information resource about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

ARCH Respite Networkwww.archrespite.orgFind programs and services that allow caregivers to get a break from caring for a loved one.

Eldercare Locatorwww.eldercare.gov800-677-1116Connects caregivers to local services and resources for older adults and adults with disabilities across the United States.

Family Caregiver Alliancewww.caregiver.org 800-445-8106Information, education and services for family caregivers, including the Family Care Navigator, a state-by-state list of services and assistance.

Florida Department of Elder Affairswww.elderaffairs.org 800-96-ELDERThe Department offers caregiver assistance services through various programs. You may call the Elder

Helpline to find out if you or your loved ones are eligible to receive benefits and services from one or more of our programs.

Medicarewww.medicare.gov/caregivers800-MedicareProvides information about the parts of Medicare, what’s new and how to find Medicare plans, facilities or providers.

National Alliance for Caregivingwww.caregivingnetwork.orgA coalition of national organizations focused on family caregiving issues.

National Family Caregivers Associationwww.caregiveraction.orgInformation and education for family caregivers; includes the Caregiver Community Action Network, a volunteer support network in over 40 states.

The National Clearinghouse for Long-term Care Informationwww.longtermcare.govInformation and tools to plan for future long-term care needs.

Social Security Administrationwww.socialsecurity.gov800-772-1213Information on retirement and disability benefits, including how to sign up.

State Health Insurance Assistance Programwww.shiptalk.orgA program that offers one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.

Veterans Administrationwww.caregiver.va.gov855-260-3274Support and services for families caring for veterans. Maintains a VA caregiver support line.

Resources Every Caregiver Should Know AARP

Tax Tips for Family Caregivers

If you’re paying all or part of the cost of caring for a parent or another relative, you may qualify for some federal tax breaks. And who couldn’t use the extra money? As the tax season approaches, here are six ways family caregivers can save money on their taxes.

1. How does a relative qualify to become a dependent on your tax return?

Relatives are eligible to become a dependent on a caregiver’s tax return if they earned less than $3,900 a year in 2013, excluding nontaxable Social Security and disability payments, and if the caregiver provided more than 50 percent of the relative’s support. If that criteria is met, caregivers can take a $3,800 tax exemption for each dependent. By the way, your relative doesn’t have to live in your home to be considered your dependent.

2. When can a caregiver claim a tax benefit for a dependent’s medical costs?

If you claim a relative (a parent, spouse, step-parent, grandparent, sister, cousin, aunt or in-law, for example) as your dependent, you can claim medical deductions if you’re providing more than 50 percent of their support and if these costs represented more than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income in 2012. You must meet the threshold on both counts. That 7.5 percent threshold rises to 10 percent in 2013 for caregivers under the age of 65. It will remain at 7.5 percent this year for those over 65.

3. Are caregiver tax deductions limited to just relatives?

No. Non-relatives could also qualify but only if they are part of the caregiver’s household for the entire tax year.

4. What other kinds of dependent expenses are deductible?

The cost for food, housing, medical care, clothing, transportation and even bathroom modifications all qualify for

tax deductions. The IRS allows caregivers to deduct the costs not covered by a health care plan for a relative’s hospitalization or for out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, dental care, copays, deductibles, ambulances, bandages, eyeglasses and certain long-term care services. Keep all your records to prove these expenses in the event of a tax audit.

5. What happens when more than one sibling wants to take the parent as a dependent on their tax form?

You can file a multiple support agreement on form 2120 with your tax return if more than one sibling is sharing the cost of the parent’s upkeep. As an alternative, experts say, you may want to consider creating a written agreement with your sibling that would allow each of you to take the dependent deduction every other year.

6. Can caregivers use their flexible spending accounts to pay for a relative’s eligible medical expenses?

Yes, a caregiver’s tax-free flex account may be used to cover expenses for both dependent and independent relatives — as long as you’re responsible for at least 50 percent of their support. The FSA is a tax-advantaged account that allows an employee to set aside a portion of earnings to pay for qualified medical expenses. A $2,500 federal cap was put into place for 2013.

As more boomers take on caregiving responsibilities for their aging relatives, it’s important to understand the tax ramifications — and benefits — of their financial support.

by Judi Hasson, AARP

page 11NOVEMBER 2014 CAREGIVER’S RESOURCE GUIDE

Haven Hospice800-HOSPICE (467-7423) • www.havenhospice.org

Until we have a personal experiencewith hospice care, many of us areunfamiliar with the programs andservices that can be provided whena loved one has a life-limiting illness.There are also many commonmisconceptions about hospice. Let’sexplore some of these misconceptionsabout hospice and the facts aboutHaven Hospice services.

Hospice is about deathand giving up hope.

At Haven, we believe that hospiceis about living -- a better quality oflife at the end of life. Haven Hospiceprograms and services are offered topatients and their familieswhich addressthe physical, medical, emotional andspiritual challenges associated withlife-limiting illness. Haven Hospiceprofessionals provide expert pain andsymptom management to promote andmaximize the quality of life at the end oflife. Some patients are able to engage infavorite activities, visit family and spendtime with friends.

Admission to hospice shouldonly happen when the patientis within days of dying.

Patients and their families often tellHaven Hospice staff that they wishedthey had enrolled in hospice careearlier. Medicare defines a hospicepatient as someone with a prognosisof six months or less and the stateof Florida’s definition is 12 monthsor less. Haven Hospice patientsand their families benefit from thesupport of an expert inter-disciplinaryteam of physicians, nurses, nursingaides, social workers, volunteers andchaplains. Timely access to the rightcare plan is important – to maximizethe quality of life before the situation

becomes critical.

Hospice patients have to give uptheir family physician and their right tomake health care decisions to enroll inhospice services.

Haven Hospice professionalscoordinate the patient’s care andmedications with the patient’sphysician and other healthcareproviders. Haven Hospice works withpatients and families to create a planof care that will manage the distressingpain and symptoms of a patient’s illnessand will coordinate that care with thepatient’s existing healthcare team.

All hospice patientsgo to a care center.

Haven Hospice patients are cared

for in their home or wherever theycall home in North Florida: at theirresidence, in a skilled nursing facilityor in a hospital. Haven Hospiceprovides routine home care, continuouscare, inpatient care and respite care. Ifthere is a need for short-term inpatientcare, Haven Hospice does offerscare centers in Gainesville, Palatka,Chiefland, Lake City and Orange Park.In these welcoming and home-likesettings, family members are welcome24-hours a day and encouraged tostay. Haven also welcomes visits fromchildren and family pets. The carecenters also offer overnight, short-term respite care to provide a breakto primary caregivers. Respite care isa welcome change of routine that isso essential in maintaining caregiverquality of life.

There is only onehospice organization.

There are multiple organizations thatprovide hospice services in the stateof Florida. Some organizations arefor-profit and others are non-profit.Some are accredited and others arenot. Haven Hospice is a not-for-profit,community hospice organizationwhich is accredited by ACHC(Accreditation Commission for HealthCare). At Haven, no one is turned awayregardless of their ability to pay.

Choosing hospice services and ahospice care provider are both veryimportant decisions. Spending timeresearching and understandingthe differences between hospiceorganizations is important so that whenthis critical time does arrive, we are ableto make informed decisions.

Did you know that…

• If you have Medicare or Medicaid,your hospice benefit is covered 100percent.

• Haven Hospice treats people with alltypes of life-limiting illness.

• There is no age limit for obtaininghospice care. Haven Hospice patientsrange from newborns to over 100 yearsof age.

• Haven Hospice can care for patientsand their families throughout 18counties in North Florida.

• A family member or friend can initiateHaven Hospice services for a loved one.

Ask for Haven Hospice today and let usknow how we can help you and yourfamily. The referral is as simple as aphone call 1.800.HOSPICE or you canvisit www.havenhospice.org and clickon the Ask for Haven Hospice button.

HAVEN HOSPICE:CARING FOR A LOVED ONE AND CARING FOR YOURSELF

NOVEMBER 2014page 12 CAREGIVER’S RESOURCE GUIDE