Are you 65 years of age or older, or an adult with a disability who qualifies for the Medicare Part D program? Do you need help paying for your prescriptions or need help with all the paperwork applying for Medicare assistance?

Well, one call to the Capital Area Agency on Aging (CAAA) can make your life a lot easier.

Counselors from the Senior Rx programs for Ascension, Assumption, East and West Baton Rouge, East and West Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes, offer free enrollment consultations anytime by phone or email.

Their contact information is (800) 280-0908 or (225) 287-7414. You can also email bmitchell@capitalaaa.org

“We are here to help any adult aged 65 years or older, or any adult with a disability over the age of 21, get their medicines for free or nearly free,” said Ms. Mitchell. “We want you to contact us now, even if you are calling for a loved one who needs help.”

To apply, the CAAA will need to know a person’s Medicare Part A or B number or their social security number, and their list of medicines. Trained specialists at the Capital Area Agency on Aging will use this information to find the best Part D program available for an individual.

“All we ask is that you call now,” said Ms. Mitchell. CAAA is also willing to do enrollment events at community centers, churches or other functions where at least 10 seniors needing assistance are present. To schedule an event, contact Ms. Mitchell at (225) 287-7414 or email bmitchell@capitalaaa.org.

November is National Caregivers Awareness Month and the Louisiana Lifespan Respite Coalition wants to help educate caregivers about the services and supports available to them.

One out of every three Louisiana adults is a caregiver, according to the Coalition.

A caregiver is more than just a parent or guardian.

“A caregiver is someone who provides the primary means of care and support for children with special needs, adults with disabilities or older adults in Louisiana who otherwise could not care for themselves,” said Coalition member Kelly Viator, Executive Director of  Louisiana ALS.

Louisiana caregivers provide more than 600 million hours of care in a year, and the majority care for someone under the age of 75. In the U.S., 10,000 individuals turn 65 every day.

Ninety percent of Louisiana’s caregivers will not get a break, and for the few who do, they will get too little too late, said Ms. Viator.

In short, the typical person providing care in this state…a middle-aged working-woman caring for her aged mother in her home…is in a very stressed predicament.

How can one help?

When:         Friday, March 1, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

**Best time for interview: between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.**

 

What:         Louisiana Lifespan Respite Summit

Where:         Baton Rouge Crowne Plaza, 4728 Constitution Ave.

Contact:         Kelly Viator, Coalition Member, 225-343-9880