Did you know it's National Family and Caregiver month?

Below are some tips to help you manage long-distance caregiving. Visit WhatIsSolutionsForCaregivers.com for more information. Or check out the Caregiver Videos atMedicaremadeclear.com. Get Informed. Learn what you can about the condition of the person you're helping, including medical, physical, financial, social, emotional and safety needs. This information can help you anticipate potential issues and prevent a crisis. Contacts and Resources. Create a notebook or folder with vital information about health care, social services, contact numbers, financial accounts and other important information. Ask about written permission to receive medical and financial information. Find Trusted "Eyes and Ears." Seek help from people in the immediate community: a next door neighbor, a doctor or perhaps a case manager. Ask them to check in on the person you're caring for and to be your eyes and ears. Encourage them to call if they see anything that concerns them. Make a Medication List. Include all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements. Get doses and schedules. Update the list regularly and keep a copy with you. Review Health Care Coverage. If you're helping a loved one on Medicare, now's the time to review their health coverage and find the Medicare plan that best meets their needs. The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) to enroll or change Medicare plans is from October 15th through December 7th. Get in Touch and Stay in Touch. Schedule regular calls with doctors and other caregivers to get up-to-date information about the condition of the person you're caring for. Consider conference calls, so other relatives can participate in a single conversation. Consider Contacting a Program That Can Help. The Solutions for Caregivers program provided by UnitedHealthcare can help when you are separated from the person for whom you are caring. Their nurses provide an objective assessment of the situation, develop a care plan and discuss recommendations with the whole family. Solutions for Caregivers has nurses assess a family's caregiving situation and needs, develop a care plan and discuss recommendations with the whole family. Solutions for Caregivers is available through some employee assistance programs and is also available directly to consumers. You can learn more at www.WhatIsSolutionsForCaregivers.com or by calling (877) 765-4473. Click here to view webpage.