Preparing for the H1N1 (Swine) Flu

You’ve certainly seen and heard news media reports about the H1N1 flu in recent weeks. UPMC Health Plan has received calls from members wanting to know about the flu, and when a vaccine will be available.

H1N1 flu, also called “swine flu,” is a new virus that began circulating earlier this year. Because it is a new flu virus, many people could be at risk for getting infection from this strain of the flu, and already a number of cases of H1N1 flu have been confirmed in our region.

To date, most of the people who have been infected with the H1N1 virus have had mild illness and have recovered without requiring treatment. People who have chronic health conditions are at higher risk for more serious complications of H1N1 flu and should take symptoms seriously.

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are the same as those caused by seasonal flu. They include cough, runny or stuffy nose, fever, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and respiratory symptoms. Prescription antiviral drugs are available that may be appropriate for some flu patients. You may want to discuss this with your doctor.

Vaccines for H1N1 flu are now becoming available at a number of locations in our region. As of October 9, approximately 90,000 doses have been made available in this area, and that number will increase over the next several weeks. The vaccine will be available at a variety of locations in our local communities over the next several weeks, including doctors’ offices, hospitals and pharmacies.

These locations will be listed on the PA Department of Health (DOH) website — www.health.state.pa.us — and at our website, www.upmchealthplan.com as they become available. If you do not have access to the Internet, we suggest you contact your primary care physician or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).

UPMC for Life fully covers these vaccines for all members, whether you receive them at your doctor’s office or another location. If you show your UPMC for Life ID card, in most cases you won’t be charged for the vaccine. If you are charged, simply complete a reimbursement form found on the UPMC for Life website and return it with a copy of your receipt and UPMC for Life will reimburse you for the cost of the vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that these groups of people receive the H1N1 flu vaccine:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel
• People between the age of 6 months and 24 years
• People age 25 through 64 who are at higher risk for the H1N1 virus because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

There are several types of H1N1 vaccines. To find out if you should get an H1N1 flu vaccine and what type you should get, discuss with your doctor, or check with the site where you plan to receive your vaccine.

To protect yourself from getting the H1N1 flu, first and most important, wash your hands often. Wash with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizer.

In addition, get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods. Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Avoid close contact with people who have flu symptoms; people who have H1N1 flu may be contagious for 1 day before symptoms begin and up to 7 days after.

More information about the H1N1 virus and the H1N1 vaccine is becoming available daily. UPMC Health Plan will update our website – www.upmchealthplan.com – with this new information. You can also check the following websites for the latest information:

• PA Department of Health — www.health.state.pa.us.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — www.cdc.gov.

Talking about end-of-life treatment decisions
by Carolyn M. Clancy, MD

Dr. Clancy is a general internist and researcher as well as an expert in engaging consumers in their health care. She is Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

It’s natural to avoid thinking — never mind talking — about dying. As a result, most people, including those who are nearing the end of life, do not make their wishes clear to loved ones or health care providers.

One way to communicate your wishes about future health care decisions is through “advance directives,” which are legal documents that allow you to convey your decisions about your health care, especially end-of-life care. But fewer than half of severely or terminally ill patients have advance directives in their medical records, according to research sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), an agency funded by the federal government. AHRQ’s mission is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans.

Even before you become old or ill, you need to think and talk about the kind of care you would want should a stroke, terminal illness, or life-threatening event occur. Ideally, these discussions should take place long before you need care. If such conversations don’t take place, your family and physician must make decisions based on what they think you would want. As a physician, I know making decisions on behalf of a loved one is particularly difficult during an already stressful time. End-of-life planning involves some thought and effort, such as completing advance directives.

In addition to talking about your wishes with family members, you should also talk with your doctor. Most doctors welcome the chance to discuss such issues but may be hesitant to raise the topic.

We need more doctor-patient discussion in this area. As many as three-quarters of physicians whose patients had advance directives were unaware that those documents existed, according to the research. And only 12% of patients with advance directives had received input from their doctor.

Discussing these matters increases the likelihood of getting your wishes met. Patients who are dying and family members who survive them say that lack of communication with doctors causes confusion about medical treatments, conditions, and choices that need to be made.

Depending on your age and medical condition, your doctor may be helpful in starting your decision making. Once you’ve considered your options and had discussions, you need to put your desires in writing in the proper documents, called “advance directives.” Be sure to give copies to family members and your doctor.

There are some differences in advance directives based on where you reside. Be sure to check with your doctor or a person familiar with these issues as they apply to your state.

Types of advance directives worth considering include:

• A living will, which is a formal legal document, authorized by state laws, that describes the kinds of medical treatments you want or do not want if you become incapacitated. It can be as specific or general as you wish.
• A durable power of attorney, also known as a health care proxy, which is a document that lets you designate a person to make treatment decisions for you if you cannot make those decisions. You’ll want to alert your proxy that you have given him or her this responsibility, and you should talk about your wishes.
• A do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, which is a document that directs what measures should or should not be taken on your behalf in events such as cardiac or respiratory arrest. Typically, a DNR order is directed to emergency medical services or other first responders.

AHRQ Director Carolyn Clancy, MD, has prepared brief, easy-to-understand advice columns for consumers to help them navigate the health care system. Her articles address important issues such as how to recognize high-quality health care, how to be an informed health care consumer, and how to choose a hospital, doctor, and health plan. To read more of Dr. Clancy’s columns, go to www.ahrq.gov and search for “Dr. Clancy.” You can even sign up for e-mail updates.

AHRQ-funded studies show that conversations with doctors about advance care planning led to increased satisfaction among patients age 65 and older. Patients who talked with their families or physicians about their preferences for end-of-life care:

• Had less fear and anxiety.
• Felt they had more ability to influence and direct their medical care.
• Believed that their physicians had a better understanding of their wishes.
• Indicated a greater understanding and comfort level than they had before the discussion.

There will be important changes to your health care benefits in 2010. To keep you informed about these changes, we’re holding exclusive member events for UPMC for Life members and their friends and family. UPMC for Life representatives will be presenting our benefits for 2010 along with a variety of resources and programs that are available to you as a UPMC for Life member. This unique opportunity will allow you to learn about upcoming benefit changes and talk one-on-one with a representative.

Featured presentations include:

• Your 2010 health plan benefits. Learn about upcoming benefit changes as well as new services you’ll be receiving as of January 1, 2010.
• UPMC for Life Health Care Concierge team. Meet representatives from our Health Care Concierge team. Concierges will be on-site to answer your questions and help you understand your benefits.
• UPMC Resources for Life program. Specialists will talk about how they can help you meet the challenges of everyday living. Assistance is available for financial, legal, and personal issues, and we can also connect you with important resources in your community.
• Provider Services. Network managers will be available to talk about the providers and facilities in your area.
• Ask the Pharmacist. A pharmacist will instruct members on how to effectively manage medications and answer individual prescription drug questions.
• Silver&Fit^®. Learn about our health and wellness program, which, at no additional cost, gives you a fitness club membership at a local participating fitness center or the option to exercise at home with the Silver&Fit Home Fitness Program.
• MyHealth OnLine. Get detailed instructions on how to access and use this confidential, Internet-based resource that gives you access to your most current health data.
• Care Management. One of our dedicated health coaches will give you important information on how you can improve your health and manage your illnesses. You’ll also learn about key health topics like disease prevention and getting examinations, screenings, and immunizations.

UPMC for Life will also be sponsoring flu shot clinics for members at select locations during this event. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all people age 50 and older receive an annual flu shot. And we’ve got you covered — UPMC for Life members can receive a flu shot at no additional cost. You will be asked to present your member ID card at the time of service. Please note that only UPMC for Life members can receive flu shots at these clinics.

If you are interested in attending, please call today to make a reservation as space is limited. Contact our Health Care Concierge team or the Member Services Department at 1-877-539-3080. You can call seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. TTY users should call 1-800-361-2629.

PREdiabetes — Not worth the risk

Once you develop diabetes, it never goes away. That’s why it’s so important to avoid getting it. But according to the American Diabetes Association, 54 million adults have prediabetes. In less than 10 years, most of these adults will develop type 2 diabetes—unless they take preventive steps. At the very least, those steps should include:

Eating healthier. Choose fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with foods that are low in fat and calories.
Getting active. Set a goal of 30 minutes per day of moderate activity, such as walking or riding a bike.
Losing weight. Losing a modest amount of weight (5% to 10% of your body weight) through diet and moderate exercise can significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Below are some risk factors for prediabetes:

• You are overweight or inactive.
• You are age 45 or older.
• You have a family history of type 2 diabetes.
• You are African American, Hispanic, American Indian, or Asian American.
• You developed gestational diabetes when you were pregnant or gave birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds.
• You have polycystic ovarian syndrome.
• You have high blood pressure.
• You have high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high triglycerides.

If you are at risk for prediabetes, call your doctor to talk about scheduling a blood glucose test. Remember, diabetes is a lifelong chronic illness. Do whatever you can to avoid developing it.

Anxiety disorders

Jerry was worried all the time. He worried about his health, even though he just got a good report from the doctor. He worried about having enough money, even though he and his wife were doing fine. He worried about his children all the time, even though they seemed happy and healthy.

Sometimes, Jerry’s worrying got so bad he couldn’t fall asleep, or he’d fall asleep but wake up in the middle of the night and stay up. Everyone kept telling him to relax and calm down — everything was fine. They told him that he worried too much. Jerry knew they were right, but he couldn’t stop himself. Jerry’s anxiety was affecting his quality of life and his ability to function. When anxiety affects a person in this way, it’s called an “anxiety disorder.”

Anxiety is a normal and healthy part of life. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to stay focused on an important work project, study for an exam, or face a difficult situation in our personal life. Anxiety helps us cope with the difficulties that we face every day. But, sometimes, normal anxiety can overwhelm us and cause dread, panic, and fear. These feelings can make life difficult and, in some cases, become disabling. There are five types of anxiety disorders:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder
People who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) have chronic anxiety and feel very worried and tense, even when there is little or nothing to worry about. Nevertheless, their anxiety just won’t go away. Physical symptoms include fatigue, muscle tension and aches, shaking and twitching, irritability, sweating, hot flashes, and difficulty swallowing.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
To be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a person has to have recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). A person will repeat ritual behaviors like hand washing, counting, or cleaning in order to prevent or stop obsessive and unwelcome thoughts. Without these rituals, a person with OCD may experience great anxiety.

Panic Disorder
Having a panic disorder means that a person has unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear, along with physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress. Feelings of terror strike suddenly and repeatedly. During an actual attack, a person’s heart pounds and he or she feels sweaty, weak, faint, or dizzy. Nausea, chest pain, and a sense of unreality, impending doom, or loss of control may occur.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
People can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing a terrifying event or ordeal in which very serious physical harm happened or could have happened. Examples include violent personal attacks, natural disasters, accidents, or military combat. People suffering from PTSD can’t stop the thoughts and memories of that event, and they may begin to lose emotional contact with people they were once close to. They may also experience sleep problems, feel detached or numb, and be easily startled.

Social Anxiety Disorder
People with social anxiety disorder feel overwhelmingly anxious and extremely self-conscious in everyday social situations. They feel as if everyone is watching and judging them all the time, and they are embarrassed and humiliated by their own actions. This fear can become so intense and problematic that it interferes with work or school. Physical symptoms often accompany social anxiety disorder, including blushing, profuse sweating, shaking, nausea, and difficulty talking.

If you feel that you or someone you love is struggling with an anxiety disorder, you should call your doctor right away.

UPMC for Life offers a series of six classes, called Powerful Tools for Caregivers, that helps family caregivers increase their self-care skills and confidence. Each 90-minute class offers a wealth of tools to help you reduce your stress level, tell other family members and health care personnel what you need, communicate effectively in challenging situations, and deal with difficult feelings — plus help you make tough caregiving decisions. The first class is called Taking Care of You.

This session emphasizes the importance of self-care. The challenges of caregiving and the importance of self-care are dramatized through a video, The Dollmaker, which vividly demonstrates what can happen when a caregiver ignores his or her own needs. Participants are introduced to setting goals and making action plans. Action plans are agreements that you make with yourself to do something that will help you take better care of yourself. Action plans are made at the end of every class.

You will receive information in the mail when classes are available in your area.

Know your rights as a UPMC for Life member

You will get most or all of your care from UPMC for Life network providers — doctors and other health providers who are part of the UPMC for Life plan. You have the right to choose a network provider without interference from UPMC for Life (we can tell you which doctors are accepting new patients). You have the right to go to a women’s health specialist in our plan (such as a gynecologist) without a referral. You have the right to “timely access” to your providers and to see specialists when you need care from one. Timely access means that you can get appointments and services within a reasonable amount of time.

We want to simplify women’s care and provide direct access to annual women’s care. Benefits for preventive women’s care include an annual Pap smear, a pelvic examination, a clinical breast examination, and a mammogram. You may also go to any network gynecologist for all other medically appropriate covered gynecological care, including outpatient services and inpatient admissions.
Choose a gynecologist as soon as you become a member of our plan so that he or she can help keep you healthy, not just treat you when you are sick.

Pharmacy Q&A

Question: Last year, I was in the Part D prescription drug benefit “donut hole,” where I had to pay for all of my prescription drugs myself. I really don’t want to be there again! How can I avoid the same situation this year?

Answer: That is a great question. In order to answer this question first let’s define what the “donut hole” is. The donut hole is the gap that exists between your Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit coverage limit and your catastrophic coverage threshold. When you are in this gap (the donut hole), you pay 100% of the cost of your prescription drugs before your catastrophic coverage kicks in.

It takes $2,700 of total drug costs to get you to the donut hole. That $2,700 includes what you pay and what UPMC for Life pays for the prescription drugs covered by your drug benefit. Depending on what medications you take, you may reach the donut hole very quickly. Some people may not reach it at all.

Catastrophic coverage doesn’t kick in until the amount you have paid in copayments and the amount you paid during the coverage gap/donut hole for the covered prescription drugs reaches $4,350. This amount is referred to as your True Out-of-Pocket (TROOP) expenses. Once catastrophic coverage kicks in, you begin paying 5% coinsurance on the cost of covered drugs, or a $2.40 copayment for covered generic drugs and a $6 copayment for covered brand-name drugs, whichever is greater.

The drug plan year restarts in January, and a monthly Explanation of Benefits (EOB) report alerts you to where you are financially with your prescriptions.

If falling into the donut hole is an issue for you, here are some things you can do:

• Talk to your doctor about generics. They are cost-effective, offer the same level of safety and quality as brand medications, and are FDA-regulated just like brand-name drugs.
• Talk to your doctor about lower tier formulary choices.
• Call our Health Care Concierge team if you need help understanding your EOB and want to know how close you are to the donut hole. If you are a UPMC for Life member, call 1-877-539-3080 (TTY – 1-800-361-2629). If you are a UPMC for Life Specialty Plan member, call 1-800 606-8648 (TTY – 1-866-407-8762).

Note: Members enrolled in the PPO Rx Enhanced Plan continue to receive generic drugs at the applicable copayment when they are in the donut hole.

Quality improvement program update

When choosing health care, it all comes down to quality. At UPMC Health Plan, the quality of the health care our members receive is very important to us. Our Quality Improvement Program is overseen by a Quality Improvement Committee made up of physicians who are dedicated to improving the quality of care and service to members and to promoting hospital safety. UPMC Health Plan is a quality-focused health plan that is part of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

We combine the resources of the region’s premier hospitals and doctors along with a behavioral health organization to provide high-quality health care for our members. And we continually work to improve care and service in many ways. For example:

• We carefully select our network of qualified doctors and other providers by checking their credentials and evaluating their performance.
• We work with members and doctors to coordinate preventive care and wellness efforts, manage complex cases, and manage chronic conditions.
• We measure our performance and work to continually improve quality of care and service.
  
These measurements include:
• Member satisfaction
• Preventive care
• Care for chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis
• Medication management
• Behavioral health care

The UPMC for Life Quality Improvement Program has seen many successes. More members received recommended care for women’s health, heart health, diabetes, respiratory health, and recommended preventive health screenings for glaucoma.

UPMC for Life received strong ratings from members who believe they are receiving the care they need, as well as a high overall satisfaction rating. Members were very satisfied with their ability get information from the plan about prescription drug coverage and cost. They were also satisfied with their doctors’ communication skills. We are working to improve our service and care even more. Future improvement initiatives include:

• Improving follow-up with members to facilitate preventive care and care for clinical conditions.
• Improving members’ experience with using our website.
• Enhancing Internet tools to help members manage their health, track the status of their claims, and find information about their pharmacy benefit.

Our website provides information about hospital quality and safety. If you would like a printed copy of the website information, or if you would like more information about the UPMC Health Plan Quality Improvement Program, please contact our UPMC for Life Health Care Concierge team at 1-877-539-3080. Representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. TTY users can call 1-800-361-2629.

June felt exhausted. “I wonder why I’m so tired all the time,” she asked herself. As she lay in bed one day, she reviewed her daily activities: She picked up her grandchildren in the morning and watched them until noon, like she does every day. She made lunch for her family, and after everyone left, she cleaned up. Then June took her husband to his doctor’s appointment. She also stopped at the grocery store on the way home. June spends two hours twice a week volunteering at a local retirement home, so she went there for the rest of the afternoon. When she got home, June just had enough time to prepare dinner. Then it was time to clean up — again! By that time, it was after 7 p.m. June spent some time talking to her husband and then arranged and organized things for the next day. By the time she set her alarm for 6:30 a.m., it was already after 11 p.m. “No wonder I’m exhausted,” she realized, as she drifted off to sleep.

Women are usually so busy taking care of everyone and everything that they forget to take care of themselves. No matter what your age, you need to make time to pay attention to your health. No matter how busy you are, it’s vitally important to stay on top of two important health screenings and visit your doctor once a year for an exam.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis weakens bones and makes them vulnerable to fractures. However, because the condition has no symptoms, you may not know you are at risk until you actually break a bone.

To prevent osteoporosis, you need to keep your bones strong by maintaining a healthy diet and doing weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or using handheld weights.† When you are post-menopausal, you are at greater risk because the rate of bone loss speeds up as your estrogen level falls.

The bones most likely to be affected by osteoporosis are the hip, wrist, and spine. Osteoporosis of the spine can lead to such things as sloping shoulders, back pain, and a protruding abdomen.

The risk factors for osteoporosis include:

• Low estrogen level
• Menopause before age 48
• Surgery to remove ovaries before menopause
• Not enough calcium
• Not enough exercise
• Smoking
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Alcohol abuse
• Thin body and small bone frame
• Fair skin (Caucasian or Asian)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Long-term use of oral steroids

The best way to screen for bone loss is through a bone density scan, also known as a DEXA test. A DEXA test is most often performed on the lower spine and hips. While this test cannot predict fractures, it measures your bone density and identifies levels of risk. Remember — DEXA tests are covered under your UPMC for Life benefits.*

To help prevent osteoporosis:

• Get calcium and vitamin D either through food or calcium supplements.
• Eat a healthy diet — lean meat, fish, green leafy vegetables, and oranges. Try to include at least 1,000 mg of calcium per day.
• Do weight-bearing exercises.
• Don’t smoke.
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
• Take medicine designed to prevent or treat bone loss.
  
  †Please consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (www.Mypyramid.gov)

Breast cancer screening
For women in the United States, breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. However, when found early, breast cancer can often be treated successfully.

A mammogram is the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. UPMC for Life covered services include a routine screening mammogram every 12 months for women age 40 and older.

Mammography plays a central part in the early detection of breast cancers, because it can show changes in the breast long before you or your doctor can feel them. A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray of the breast. It is still the best tool available for finding breast cancer early and saving lives. In addition, you should perform a breast self-examination monthly and see your health care provider once a year for a clinical breast examination. Starting at age 40, you should begin having regular mammograms. Talk to your doctor to determine the screening frequency appropriate for you.

There are more than 100 mammography facilities in the UPMC for Life network. To find a mammography center by geographic location, click here. You also may call Member Services or our Health Care Concierge team at 1-877-539-3080.

To read more about mammograms, including tips for getting ready for your mammogram, visit our eNewsletter center.
If you have not already had a mammogram or made an appointment, please make one soon.

Protect yourself – get vaccinated today

Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, which can lead to serious infections of the lungs (pneumonia), the blood (bacteremia), and the covering of the brain (meningitis). Pneumococcal disease kills more people in the United States each year than all other vaccine preventable diseases combined.

Certain people are at greater risk for pneumococcal disease, including people age 65 and older, the very young, and people with health problems, such as heart or lung disease, kidney failure, diabetes, HIV infection, certain types of cancer, and those with alcoholism.

Preventing pneumococcal infections is very important. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. Most healthy adults who get the vaccine develop protection against most or all of these types within two to three weeks of getting the shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following groups get vaccinated:

• All adults 65 or older.
  
• Anyone over 2 years old who has a chronic health problem, such as heart, lung, or sickle cell diseases, diabetes, alcoholism, cirrhosis, or leaks of cerebrospinal fluid.
• Anyone over 2 years old who has a disease or condition that lowers the body’s resistance to infection, such as Hodgkin’s disease, lymphoma, leukemia, kidney failure, multiple myeloma, nephrotic syndrome, HIV infection or AIDS, a damaged spleen or no spleen, or an organ transplant.
• Anyone over 2 years old who is taking any drug or treatment that lowers the body’s resistance to infection, such as long-term steroids, certain cancer drugs, or radiation therapy.
• Alaskan Natives and certain Native American populations.

The vaccine may have mild side effects, such as redness or pain where the shot is given. The vaccine is a covered benefit of UPMC for Life.

Provider directory on the Web

The next time you need to find out if a doctor, hospital, or other medical provider is in the UPMC for Life network, simply turn on your computer. Our large network of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers is searchable online. Click here, then select your plan (e.g. HMO or PPO) under the Medicare Advantage heading.

We encourage you to get your medical services from doctors, hospitals, and health care providers in the UPMC for Life network so you can receive the highest level of benefits. With our easy-to-search provider directory, you can find out if the doctor or facility you want to go to is in our network.

You can search for a doctor by name, office location(s) specialty, hospital or medical group affiliation, gender, languages spoken, and whether the doctor is accepting new patients. In addition, you can click on each listing to see the doctor’s office hours and board certifications, if any. When a doctor is board certified, that means he or she has additional education.

If you’re looking for a hospital, you can search by name, location, and accreditation status. The hospital listing includes the address, phone number, and services offered, such as on-site lab or dialysis services.

Of course, all of this information is available by calling our Health Care Concierge team at 1-877-539-3080. TTY users should call 1-800-361-2629.

Resources for Life Q&A Corner

Question:
My husband has Alzheimer’s disease. I’ve been trying my best to take care of him, but I get so overwhelmed sometimes! A friend of mine suggested that I take him to an adult day care center to give myself a break. Do you think that this is a good idea and can you help me find a center?

Answer:
Being a caregiver is a very difficult job and an adult day care center can be a helpful tool for a caregiver. While your loved one is at the center, you have time to run errands, finish chores around the home, and rest and recuperate. You know that your loved one is in a safe environment that gives him or her plenty of time to socialize and participate in activities. Adult day care centers often provide transportation and lunch for your loved one. Your loved one can go for mornings or afternoons every day, or a few days a week.

UPMC’s Resources for Life can easily provide you with names of adult day care centers in your area. We can put you in touch with organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, which have programs set up for caregivers in the same situation as you. We can also help you find support groups in your area for caregivers of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.

UPMC Resources for Life is designed to help you meet the challenges of everyday living. You can call our Health Care Concierge team, and a team member will connect you to a professional UPMC Resources for Life specialist. UPMC Resources for Life also offers short-term counseling by phone for personal and emotional concerns, including stress, depression, and family matters.

To access UPMC Resources for Life, call Member Services or our Health Care Concierge team toll-free at 1-877-539-3080, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. TTY users should call 1-800-361-2629.