Look here for brief descriptions of new services, Websites and
publications designed to help and inform caregivers.
Guidance On Trials - More and more research centers are looking for
people to participate in clinical trials to test medications in development.
The American Association of Health Plans and ECRI, formerly the Emergency
Care Research Institute, has produced, "Should I Enter a Clinical Trial? A
Patient Reference Guide for Adults With a Serious or Life-threatening
Illness.'' It covers the risks and benefits of participating in drug trials.
To get a copy, go to the "ECRI News'' section of www.ecri.org
Hiring Help - Among the most difficult decisions caregivers often face is
whether and how to hire a professional in-home aide. The research arm of
AARP, the Andrus Foundation, offers advice in a new guide, ""Steps to
Success: Decisions about Help at Home for Alzheimer's Caregivers.'' For a
copy, go to www.andrus.org/caregiving or call 1-800-424-3410 and ask for
publication D17623.
Best Information - The Social Security Administration has launched a
Website explainings who qualifies for government benefits and how to apply.
The Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) is at www.ssa.gov/best
Combining Knowledge - CHID is the Combines Health Information Database,
and it brings together health information from several federal agencies,
including reports on Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, diabetes and weight
control. Go to http://chid.aerie.com/welcome/welcome.html
(Note: No www here.)
Setting The Pace - There's an group called the National PACE Association,
which was created to promote the idea of caring for people in their homes as
long as possible. PACE stands for Programs of All-inclusive Care for the
Elderly. Now there's a PACE website, which explains the programs, one of
which is in South Florida. The site also explains what people can to do
promote the PACE idea to elected officials and policy makers. And it
contains links to other Websites with information for caregivers. Go to
www.npaonline.org
Alzheimer's Care - The National Institute on Aging, part of the National
Institutes on Health, has created a guide to caring for people with
Alzheimer's disease. It covers more than a dozen topics, from bathing to
wandering. It's at www.alzheimers.org/pubs/careguide.htm.
New Coverage - As of Jan. 1, Medicare covers an annual eye examination
for all people with Medicare at high risk for glaucoma. This includes people
with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma. For more information about
Medicare, go to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227.
Cancer Care - The National Cancer Institute has launched an easy-to-navigate
website, www.cancer.com, designed to be a one-stop resource for cancer
information. In includes the latest information on types of cancer, clinical
trials, research programs, funding opportunities, cancer statistics, and the
Institute itself.
