Caregiver Support Group in Somerville

If you are caring for an older relative, spouse or close friend and feeling isolated or overwhelmed, you are not alone. Come share experiences and practical support. The Caregiver Support Group meets the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Somerville Council on Aging, 167 Holland Street in Somerville. If you are interested, please contact Nancy O'Connor at 617-625-6600, ext. 2317.

Medicare Enrollment Resources

Beneficiaries, their caregivers, and family members can begin to review 2008 Medicare prescription drug plan and health plan information online through the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder at http://www.medicare.gov/.

The enhanced plan finder options offer more information and greater clarity on available drug plans, including out-of-pocket costs, pharmacy networks, and important Medicare news and updates. Navigation improvements also make the plan finder tools more user-friendly, so beneficiaries will find it easier to locate information about available drug plans. Open enrollment began on November 15th. For more information or assistance, call the Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services Aging Information Center at 617-628-2601 ext. 3151.

Check out these new sites to assist during open enrollment from the National Council on Aging:

• http://www.mymedicarematters.org/
• http://www.mimedicareimporta.org/
  The consumer website translated into Spanish.
• http://www.mymedicarecommunity.org/
  The online community for professionals who work with Medicare beneficiaries.

Families Can Receive Up to $18,000 per Year to Care for Sick/Disabled Relatives

Caring for a Sick or Disabled Relative or Friend? The Adult Family Care Program pays family members and friends to provide care at home. Receive up to $18,000 per year to provide care that prevents or delays institutional care. Call the Aging Information Center at Elder Services: 617-628-2601 ext. 3151 and ask about Adult Family Care. Sick or disabled individual must be 18 years or older and eligible for MassHealth.