So the “Aha” moment arrives. Circumstances make you realize two things. 1) I’m not as young as I used to be, and 2.) “Old age ain’t for sissies” as the great Bette Davis once said.

Gradually, or sometimes suddenly, it happens… we can’t keep up with household chores, we can’t see the street signs to drive safely, we give up cooking or we can’t walk without holding on to the furniture. And it begins, a nagging fear that we’re losing our independence. In fact, loss of independence is the biggest fear among seniors. So what is the typical senior response? Pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and keep on going, of course! Call in the kids to help out! They’re supposed to take care of us in our old age, aren’t they? Unfortunately, the kids have spouses and children of their own. And they have full time jobs, not to mention they live out of town. It’s time for a new strategy.

Many seniors are finding the solution to remaining independent at home lies outside the family circle with paid caregivers. Rosemarie Tamunday-Casanova, RN  of RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Health Care explains, “Most seniors find caregivers in two ways.

The old way is to run a classified ad or hire through a temporary service. The senior bears all the “employer” responsibility for this kind of caregiver.”

Tamunday-Casanova  recommends seniors ask the following questions of independent caregivers:

1. What client references can you provide?
2. What is your experience/background?
3. Do you have any certificates or training? Is it current?
4. Have you worked with ( Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson, Cancer, etc)?
5. What would you do if I had medical emergency?
6. How much notice would I have if you could not come in for a day? Can you arrange your own substitutes?
7. How do I contact you?
8. Are you bonded? Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
9. Do you have liability insurance?

“These folks are usually less expensive but there’s a lot of risk involved in hiring them”, Tamunday-Casnova says. He continues, “The downside is:

• It‘s difficult to find the right person.  You are responsible for performing a criminal background check.
• You are responsible for finding a replacement if the caregiver is absent

• You bear the burden for withholding payroll taxes, and providing state mandated worker’s compensation coverage.

• You bear the burden for liability problems like theft from or damage to your property. “

The new way is to contract with a State licensed  Home Health Care – Companion Care Agency. These private agencies provide “in-home, non-medical care”. The number of agencies are growing quickly to meet the demands of a fast-growing senior population. They provide a wide range of services including light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, transportation, shopping & errands, and in many states including Florida,  including assistance with personal care. These one on one services can continue should the senior move into assisted living or even a nursing facility or hospital.”

Home Health Care and  Companion Care is usually available anywhere from a few hours up to 24 hours a day. Payment is private pay and may be covered by long term care insurance policies or Veterans Aid and Attendant benefits.

Some questions Tamunday-Casanova suggests you ask a Home Care – Companion Care agency:

1. Do they have references from other clients?
2. What services will they be providing?
3. What training/experience do the caregivers have?
4. How do they supervise their caregivers?
5. Are the caregivers bonded and covered by workers compensation insurance?
6. What is the schedule for service?
7. How do I change the schedule?
8. What if I have a problem with a caregiver?
9. Does the agency have an emergency or after-hours phone number?
10. What are the financial arrangements?
11. Who owns the agency? Is it part of a larger organization?
12. Are the caregivers employees held accountable by the agency or independent contractors accountable to no one?
13. Does the agency carry Professional Liability Insurance?

The Pros:

• Service is easily customized for each client’s needs

• Extensive hours available

• Staff is screened and supervised

• Agency is responsible for all employer tasks like payroll, taxes, liability insurance, workers compensation, bonding

• Agency is responsible for providing a replacement should the assigned caregiver fail to arrive or need a day off.

Tamunday-Casanova says, “This service is more expensive than independent caregivers but the right agency will provide the most customizable, reliable, worry free, in- home service available.”

For FREE in-home care consultation or assessment, call 941.366.0801 or Toll Free 1.877.685.3889

Private Duty-Home Care services provided in Sarasota, Venice, Longboat Key, Casey Key, Nokomis, Siesta Key, Lakewood Ranch and surrounding areas.

Our seniors and their caregivers enjoy different activities in the area. Sarasota SpringFest is scheduled on March 19, 2011. A FREE day of Family Fun and local business expo from 9am-4pm. Fun, Food, Music, PAL’s Sailor Circus and Egg Hunts! For more information, visit www.SarasotaSpringfest.com or call 941.922.3866

For further information contact:

Rosemarie Tamunday-Casanova, Administrator

(941) 366-0801

Email: rose@rightaccordhealth.com

www.RightAccordHealth.com

November 23, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Good Deed to Benefit Local Alzheimer’s Organization

Sarasota, November 23, 2010 RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Health Care

Joined the Gulf Coast Alzheimer’s Association Annual Memory Walk  held on October 23, 2010. RIGHT ACCORD and its team of walkers donated over $1,000 and the association raised over $148,000 this year.

Memory Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research — and it calls on people of all ages to take action in the fight. Year-round, the participants are leaders in the effort to defeat this devastating disease.

Participating in Memory Walk was fun with a group. We asked co-workers, family and friends to walk with us as a team. “I was amazed at how many people wanted to help.” Said Tamunday-Casanova.

Every Memory Walk participant was asked to raise money for the fight against Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association staff was there and ready to support us every step of the way with tips, tools and advice.

“Memory Walk was truly a unique experience. We saw the difference we can make as we walked to change the course of Alzheimer’s together. “said Rosemarie Tamunday-Casanova

For more information on Gulf Coast Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org/flgulfcoast

The Company can be reached at (941)366-0801.

November 15, 2010

Right Accord-Private Duty Home Health Care

Earns the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval

Right Accord Private Duty- Home Health Care demonstrated the highest level of quality and safety after passing through a full accreditation by the Joint Commission on Thursday, September 23^rd, 2010.  Right Accord is proud to be one of the first private duty home care companies to earn this gold seal of approval.

The Joint commission, founded in 1951, is an independent not-for-profit organization that seeks to continuously improve health care for the public.  The Joint Commission facilitates this goal by rigorously evaluating health care organizations and motivating them to exceed in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. To earn and preserve The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™, an organization must endure an on-site survey by a Joint Commission surveyor at least every three years.

The Joint Commission’s standards vary depending on the type of services the healthcare organization provides.  As for Home Care, the standards include maintaining a high quality environment of care, upholding infection prevention and control practices, demonstrating life safety and trained medication management, as well as recording and revising care, treatment and services.   Home care organizations must also manage emergency situations safely and effectively, facilitate training and staff development, and exude professional leadership. Right Accord passed the rigorous evaluation with flying colors!

RIGHT ACCORD provides services in Sarasota and Manatee Counties and its neighboring towns. Longboat Key, Venice, Siesta Key, Casey Key and Osprey.
For information please contact:

Rosemarie Tamunday-Casanova, RN,BSN,CCRN,MHA

Administrator/Owner

(941)366-0801

www.RightAccordHealth.com

rose@rigthaccordhealth.com

The Brown family reunion has always been an event everyone looks forward to. Family visits, games, stories and everyone’s favorite foods are always on the agenda. On the top of the menu is Grandmas Lemon Coconut Cake. Grandma always makes the traditional cake from her old family recipe. This year, however, the cake tasted a little on the salty side, perhaps a half cup full of salty.

Though the family was disappointed over the cake, of more concern was Grandma’s confusion with the recipe and her similar confusion about the loved ones around her. Could something be wrong with grandma’s mental state?

One might say that for an elder person a little forgetfulness or confusion is normal, but when do you know if there is a serious problem, such as dementia?

An online article from FamilyDoctor.org outlines some common symptoms in recognizing dementia.

“Dementia causes many problems for the person who has it and for the person’s family. Many of the problems are caused by memory loss. Some common symptoms of dementia are listed below. Not everyone who has dementia will experience all of these symptoms.

• Recent memory loss. All of us forget things for a while and then remember them later. People who have dementia often forget things, but they never remember them. They might ask you the same question over and over, each time forgetting that you’ve already given them the answer. They won’t even remember that they already asked the question.
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks. People who have dementia might cook a meal but forget to serve it. They might even forget that they cooked it.
  Problems with language. People who have dementia may forget simple words or use the wrong words. This makes it hard to understand what they want.
• Time and place disorientation. People who have dementia may get lost on their own street. They may forget how they got to a certain place and how to get back home.
  Poor judgment. Even a person who doesn’t have dementia might get distracted. But people who have dementia can forget simple things, like forgetting to put on a coat before going out in cold weather.
• Problems with abstract thinking. Anybody might have trouble balancing a checkbook, but people who have dementia may forget what the numbers are and what has to be done with them.
• Misplacing things. People who have dementia may put things in the wrong places. They might put an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl. Then they can’t find these things later.
• Changes in mood. Everyone is moody at times, but people who have dementia may have fast mood swings, going from calm to tears to anger in a few minutes.
  Personality changes. People who have dementia may have drastic changes in personality. They might become irritable, suspicious or fearful.
• Loss of initiative. People who have dementia may become passive. They might not want to go places or see other people.”

Dementia is caused by change or destruction of brain cells. Often this change is a result of small strokes or blockage of blood cells, severe hypothyroidism or Alzheimer’s disease. There is a continuous decline in ability to perform normal daily activities. Personal care including dressing, bathing, preparing meals and even eating a meal eventually becomes impossible.

What can family members do if they suspect dementia? An appointment with the doctor or geriatric clinic is the first step to take. Depending on the cause and severity of the problem there are some medications that may help slow the process. Your doctor may recommend a care facility that specializes in dementia and Alzheimer’s. These facilities offer a variety of care options from day care with stimulating activities to part or full-time live-in options. Sometimes if patients tend to wander off, a locked facility is needed.

In the beginning family members find part time caregivers for their loved one. At first, loved ones need only a little help with remembering to do daily activities or prepare meals. As dementia progresses, caregiving demands often progress to 24 hour care. Night and day become confused and normal routines of sleeping, eating and functioning become more difficult for the patient. The demented person feels frustrated and may lash out in anger or fear. It is not uncommon for a child or spouse giving the care to quickly become overwhelmed and discouraged.

Family gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to discuss caregiving plans and whole family support. It is most helpful if everyone in the family is united in supporting a family caregiver in some meaningful way.

“The first step to holding a family meeting, and perhaps the most difficult one, is to get all interested persons together in one place at one time. If it’s a family gathering, perhaps a birthday, an anniversary or another special event could be used as a way to get all to meet. Or maybe even a special dinner might be an incentive.

The end of the meeting should consist of asking everyone present to make his or her commitment to support the plan. This might just simply be moral support and agreement to abide by the provisions or it is hoped that those attending will volunteer to do something constructive. This might mean commitments to providing care, transportation, financial support, making legal arrangements or some other tangible support.” The Four Steps of Long Term Care Planning

Professional home care services are an option to help families in the home. These providers are trained and skilled to help with dementia patients. Don’t forget care facilities as well. It may be the best loving care a family member can give is to place their loved one in a facility where that person is safely monitored and cared for.

RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Health Care is based in Sarasota, Florida offering in-home care assistance to clients and family by sending certified caregivers to assist seniors in the home from bathing, dressing, cooking, medication reminders, errands and transportation from few hours to 24 hours.  All caregivers are certified,  criminal background checked, employed by the agency.insured and bonded. Services are available in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Venice, Nokomis, Osprey, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat key and its neighboring towns.

Staff and caregivers of RIGHT ACCORD has specialized training and newly hired staff completed mandatory Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Training last July 23, 2010 conducted by Pam Polowski, Director Alzheimer’s Association Gulf Coast Florida Chapter.  Next training is scheduled for October, 2010.

Memory Screening is also available through the Sarasota Memorial Memory Disorder Clinic. Call 941.917.7197 or visit their website at: http://www.sarasotageriatrics.com

RIGHT ACCORD Client Relations and Human Resources Manager,  Kathryn Larkin, MBA is involved in the fund raising committee. The company and it’s staff are working together to raise auction items  solicit donors for the event.

In response to the increasing need for guardianship services throughout Florida, the Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) Guardianship Program has continually expanded since it was originally founded in 1982. Currently, the program serves incapacitated individuals in Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough, Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton, Okaloosa, Charlotte and De Soto Counties.

The goal of the Sarasota Guardianship Program is to protect some of the communtity’s most vulnerable citizens from abuse, neglect and exploitation while ensuring their quality of life with the dignity they deserve. LSF accomplishes this by being appointed guardian for individuals identified at risk enabling LSF to assess and monitor their ongoing physical, psychological, sociological and financial needs.

For more information or to reach the Lutheran Services Florida in Sarasota,  please call 941.358.6330 or visit their website at: www.lsfnet.org

If you wish to donate auction items or purchase a ticket for the event, please call RIGHT ACCORD at 941.366.0801

At 83 years old, Martha still lived in her own home, and enjoyed working in her garden and canning peaches. It was becoming harder to motivate herself, to get up in the mornings and accomplish the day’s tasks. She confided to her daughter that she felt anxious and tired. Her daughter, who was taking medication for her anxiety, took Martha to her own doctor, not Martha’s and got her a prescription for Valium. In doing so, the daughter’s doctor, who had never seen Martha and who did not have her medical history, was only aware of a few medications they told him she was taking.

Martha, in fact, was taking 9 different medications as well as herbal supplements.

The addition of Valium to her existing list of prescribed drugs sent her to the emergency room with respiratory distress. If she had gone to her own doctor, he would have found that a dosage adjustment of her current medications would have solved her anxiety.

Medication errors are common in the elderly. Many seniors take on average 6- 8 different prescriptions as well as over the counter drugs. Many times the elderly will not go back to their doctor to have their dosage evaluated and changed if necessary. Family members should be aware, that elderly parents may tend to take the family’s advice over going to their own doctor. Even though children want to help increase the health and stamina of their parents, they may in fact be causing damage by misdirecting their loved ones.

Where a younger person can benefit from herbal supplements like Ginkgo Biloba, Saw Palmetto and others, in older people, these herbals may cause adverse reactions with their prescription medications.

In 2003, a panel of experts put together a list of potential medications that would not be appropriate to give to seniors. This is called the “ Beers List ” after one of the research professionals.

Dr. Donna M Fick, R.N. one of the panel members for updating the “Beers List,” states in her article on Seniorjournal.com:

“Just as our bodies physically slow down as we age, changes occur in the way that older bodies handle pharmaceuticals, and this has motivated experts to develop a list of drugs that may be harmful to elderly patients.

“With age, drugs tend to build up in the body, and the distribution and elimination of drugs from the body changes as well,” says Dr. Donna M. Fick, R.N., associate professor of nursing at Penn State. “Many drugs, like diazepam (Valium) and other anti-anxiety drugs build up fast.”

An on-line article on HealthSquare.com , Titled “Drugs and the Elderly,” talks about physical symptoms and medications.

“ Among the first signs that a drug may not be working properly in an older person is a change in mood, energy, attitude, or memory. Too often, these alterations are overlooked, ignored, or chalked off to “old age” or senility. Older people may themselves feel that their blue mood is caused by something external such as the death of a friend or simply by boredom. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Virtually every heart medication, blood pressure drug, sleeping pill, and tranquilizer has been known to trigger depressive symptoms.

When a psychological symptom appears in an older person, examine his or her medication or drug use first. Consider, too, factors like alcohol intake, poor nutrition, and hormone imbalance. And never dismiss the possibility that a real psychological problem has developed and may itself require medication.”

There are many things family members can do to help monitor medications for their elderly parents.

• Make a list of medicines prescribed and all supplements being taken.
• Give this list to the doctor and pharmacist and have one on hand for emergencies.
• Use the same Pharmacy to fill all prescriptions. Pharmacies keep a record of your prescribed drugs and will verify your doctor’s instructions. They will also tell you if foods or over the counter supplements will interact with a prescription.
• Dispense pills in a daily pill organizer box.
• Have a family member be responsible to call or physically monitor the taking of medication

Family members who live long distances from their elders have available to them

new technology in medication monitoring.

• Alarms for pill boxes, watch alarms, medical alarm bands and necklaces that ring a reminder.
• Computerized pill box dispensers that ring a designated number if the pills have not been taken.
• Home Telehealth -

“Technology has developed computer and computer cameras to help the elderly in their homes stay safe and healthy. Home telehealth-set up by medical professionals in the home–enables providers to monitor such things as medications and blood pressure and actually see the patient. Patient questions are answered and advice is given, while the monitoring nurse views through the video phone how his or her patient looks physically.” The 4 Steps of Long Term Care Planning, Pg 92

• Home Care Agencies – Home care companies offer a variety of service options in helping families care for and properly dispense medication to their elder parents.

Overmedication or taking medication incorrectly may lead to early mental confusion and decline in health in seniors. “If medication problems were ranked as a disease in cause of death it would be the 5 th leading cause in the United States”. (from article on LongTermLiving)

Rosemarie Tamunday-Casanova, RN owner and Administrator of RIGHT ACCORD Private Duty-Home Health Care is giving presentations on Medication Safety and Management in Active Retirement Communities. Her last presentation at the De Soto Beach Club in Sarasota, Florida  on August 25, 2010 created a great awareness of the importance of medication management and the key to keeping residents independent as long as they possibly can. http://www.holidaytouch.com/Our-Communities/desoto-beach-club.aspx

RIGHT ACCORD offers medication assistance to seniors who have trouble with medication management. Please call 941.366.0801.

Memory Walk is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research — and it calls on people of all ages to take action in the fight. Year-round, our participants are leaders in the effort to defeat this devastating disease.

Currently more than 5 million elderly Americans have Alzheimer’s, and 78 million baby boomers who will soon become seniors  are at risk – unless we find a way to change the course of this disease.

We are determined to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. By participating in the 2010 Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®,  We are committed to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, care and support.

RIGHT ACCORD is participating on this important event this fall. We are taking steps to raise money for the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease. Rosemarie Tamunday-Casanova, owner and Administrator of Right Accord Private Duty-Home Health Care  recently celebrated her birthday party and entertained friends with a cause. She was able to raise over $600 on one night.

RIGHT ACCORD is having other fun creative things to help meet the team’s fund raising goal this year. If you or your loved one had been affected by this disease or simply you want to donate for our cause, please click on this link:

http://memorywalk2010.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=338382&lis=0&kntae338382=E6365668011F42BFA1476321C3D53E0D&supId=289187517

The Florida Gulf Coast Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk is scheduled on October 23, 2010 at 8:00am at the Lido Beach Pavilion. For additional information or questions, please contact 1.800.272.3900 or visit: www.alz.org/FLGulfCoast

Studies have shown that the more medications people take, the more they take medications they don’t need. It is important to be aware of the medications being prescribed to you by your doctors and to be proactive in maintaining and managing your medications.

As elderly have more chronic conditions, the more medications will be prescribed by their physicians. It is therefore important to know each drug, its’ effect and side effects, drug interactions aside from its benefits.

At Right Accord, we developed a Health Care Passport for our seniors to assist with medication management at home. The friendly packet notebook is designed to encourage our seniors in Sarasota to become proactive with medication management.

The Right Accord Healthcare Passport contains information relating to medication management. In the medication record, it includes:

1. Name of Medication
2. Dosage and preparation
3. What is intended for
4. Name of doctor who prescribed the medication and when
5. How and when to take the medication
6. Color and shape
7. Possible side effects and warnings

We recommend that all medications including over the counter pills, herbal preparations, vitamins, etc. are listed on the passport.

The Right Accord Healthcare Passport is a great tool to take to your doctor’s appointment to show your physician the medications you are currently taking. Review with your physician the list and ask questions regarding the medications you have on the list.

Questions we encourage to ask your doctor on your next visit:

• Why do I take this medication? Is it for short term or long term use?
• How do I take the medications, how often, with or without food, etc?
• What are the side effects and what should I do if it occurs?
• Can I substitute for an alternative or generic?
• Does it duplicate with any of the medications I am taking?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• If I cut the pill in half, can it be as effective?
• Does it interact with other prescriptions that I have?
• How important are these prescription given my finances and overall health?
• Does my health or age make this drug unsafe for me?

Keeping and storage of your medication:

• Keeping your medicine in plain sight, in a cool, dry place like a kitchen countertop or desktop
• Do not place your medications in the refrigerator unless instructed by your pharmacist or indicated in the bottle
• Do not store your medicine in the bathroom where it can get damaged due to steam from shower or moisture.
• Set timers, reminders or alarms. You may set cell phones for alarm when traveling.
• When traveling or flying, take your medicines with you. Do not packed them with your checked in luggage.
• Avoid making last minute re-fills.

If you or your loved one is having difficulty managing medications at home or place of residence, Right Accord Private Duty-Home Health Care provides assistance with medications by certified caregivers trained by assisting elderly who prefers to stay at home instead with medication management. Free in-home care consultation for seniors in Sarasota and Manatee Counties who are looking for medication assistance or help at home with medication.

When we talk about caregivers, we talk about the people we see around us everyday. We see them in stores, churches, banks, shopping malls, our neighborhood or among our own circle of friends. We see them as a person caring for an aging or frail parent or spouse.

It is estimated that there are approximately 22 million American caregivers. They typically are  caring for an aging parent or elderly wife of an elderly husband and vice versa.

Caring for  a disabled loved one or aging parent is  overwhelming and a life changing experience for many.  An example  is when a parent or loved one falls, family members are usually in panic or in crisis.

Here’s a few step by step process to take you through some challenges of caregiving:

1. Identify the needs of your family member who needs the care
2. Getting everyone involved in the decision making
3. Develop an action plan and calling to action your family members and your loved one to get through difficult times
4. Gather information necessary to effectively meet the needs of your loved one
5. Recognize that there are community resources available to meet the needs of your loved ones such as in-home care assistance like Right Accord who can provide help at home.

Marilyn Tait, RN  is the author of ‘The Happy Caregiver”, a new book written for caregivers. She is  an educator and facilitator of the Parkinson Wellness Club and Caregiver Connection given by Sarasota Memorial Hospital conducted every month at the Institute for Advanced Medicine located at 5880 Rand Blvd. Sarasota, FL.  Community Calendar available at www.smh.com

The book  is dedicated to her parents but based on her personal experience as caregiver to her husband and her father. It is simple, fun, easy to read and jam packed with basic caregivers skills that you may implement instantly. This is a great gift for anyone who is doing caregiving for a loved one. This little book is huge and overflowing with fun, fast and easy ways to be a happy caregiver.

Marilyn Tait is having a book signing event on March 9, 2010 Tuesday at 2pm at Savannah Grand of Sarasota Assisted Living located at 7130 Beneva Road, Sarasota, Florida.

To order her book,  you can reach her directly at (941) 321-8700 or email her at marilyntait@comcast.net

One of the things is providing information and  resources to educate our seniors particularly in the maze of navigating the health care system.

Medicare Part D is your Medicare Prescription Coverage.  It is a prescription drug option run by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and contracted by Medicare to help cover the cost of prescription drugs. It may help the elderly lower the drug costs and help protect seniors from higher costs in the future.

Seniors are eligible to enroll for  Medicare when they turn 65 years old. You can  enroll  Medicare Part D within the 7 month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn age 65, includes the month you turn age 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn age 65.

November 15 to December 31 of each year is the enrollment period and the time when you can switch your Medicare prescription drug coverage and coverage begins  on the 1st of January the following year.

Seniors may also enroll between January 1 to march 31 of each year if they already have a Medicare prescription drug coverage. You must stay enrolled for that calendar year starting the date your coverage begins.

There are certain situations where you may be able to switch or drop Medicare plans such as if you move out of the service area, lose other creditable prescription drug coverage or live in an institution.

What you pay is a monthly premium in addition to your Part B, yearly deductible (some plans don’t have deductible) copayments or coninsurance or your share after the deductible.

The actual drug plan costs varies depending on your prescriptions, the plan you choose, whether the pharmacy you use is in the network and whether the prescription drugs are in your plan’s formulary list.

A coverage gap is available with most Medicare drug plans to pay after your plan spent certain amount and you have pay out-of-pocket limit for the year.

Catastrophic coverage is available once you reach your plan’s out-of pocket limit during coverage gap. This can assure you that once you have exhausted your covered drugs and out-of-pocket limit, you only pay a small copayment for the rest of the year.

You may want to check with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program to compare different plans and costs or visit www.medicare.gov for more information on your Medicare benefits.

For in-home care assistance and seniors who prefers to stay at home instead, please contact us at (941) 366-0801 for free consultation and care assessment in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Bird Key, Casey Key, Venice, Osprey, Nokomis and Lakewood Ranch.