More than 44 million Americans, more than one in five adults, provide care to a loved one, friend or neighbor, valued in economic terms at $350 billion annually, according to a recent report by AARP.  For so many caregivers, where to find helpful information is often confusing and frustrating.

First, do you even know if you are a caregiver?  How is this role defined? 

Family caregivers provide help that includes:

·     buying groceries;

·     picking up prescriptions;

·     taking someone to the doctor;

·     helping an elderly parent navigate benefits and plan for the future;

·     looking after someone with a disease or disability; or

      caring for a parent in their home.  

If that sounds like you, you may be interested in the new resource launced by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Ask Medicare. www.medicare.gov/caregivers

The new webpage, specifically designed for caregivers, offers solid information and tips on such topics as how to navigate the Medicare  system; care options like facility comparisons, nursing home alternatives; links and message boards with other organizations for more information.

“Caregivers are often overwhelmed and as part of this new education effort called Ask Medicare will be a single, go-to place for help and information,” said Kerry Weems, CMS acting administrator. “There is a genuine need for credible and easy to use information that provides answers to a wide range of questions toward helping beneficiaries make better use of Medicare. The Ask Medicare Web site was designed with family caregivers in mind.” 

For more information about Medicare’s new caregiver initiative, click here: www.medicare.gov/caregivers.