Questions! Where can I find answers?

Questions! Learning how to provide care to a family member means you have questions! Sometimes, answers are only a click away.  The following websites are a good place to investigate. First, gather as much information as possible about your elder loved one's health, disability, income, wealth (include property owned), Veteran status and education level. Then start clicking.
 
www.Govbenefits.gov –Go to this site and answer every question that you can. Once submitted, the site will respond with a list, details and access information for many, even scores, of beneficial government programs, supplements and/or services. Below are some of those resources. 

Medicare It’s not just Part A Hospital and Part B medical insurance.  If your parent is considered low income, receiving only social security, Medicare may subsidize all but about $10/mo in premiums.  Ask and you may find a great cost saving for your parent.  www.medicare.gov

Social Security  SSI (supplemental security income) may be available to your parent if their social security income was earned on lower paying jobs and is their only source of income. www.ssa.gov/ssi/

Administration on Aging (AOA) - Administers many national programs and services for elders including health insurance counseling, legal assistance, protection from elder abuse and long term care.  Check out their website at www.aoa.gov

Department of Veteran Affairs There are several types and levels of compensation programs available for veterans with service related disabilities.  Contact the VA for more information www.va.gov

HIPAA  Health Insurance Portability and Accountability act of 1996 protects the privacy of everyone’s medical records.  Unless your parent has signed a form designating you as approved to discuss their medical issues with their physician, their physician CANNOT discuss your parent’s medical condition even if you are a family member.  If your loved one has agreed to share her medical info with you, designation forms are available at www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/

U.S. Department of Justice If your parent has a disability, especially limiting mobility, learn about the Americans with Disability Act administered by the US Department of Justice.  The ADA website provides access to a lot of useful information.  Go to www.ada.gov.

North Carolina Division on Aging in Raleigh, NC http://www.ncdhhs.gov/aging/ Professionals well versed in elder programs and services available in our area, including funding sources, staff the agency.  919-733-3983

 Food and Drug Administration If your parents are taking multiple medications, they may experience multiple side effects.  In order to avoid poly pharmacy (dangerous drug interactions) go to the Food and Drug Administration www.fda.gov/ website to access their database with important information on every drug approved by the agency. WebMed also provides good information on drug contradictions.