Rayma Scalzo
Our Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Discussion Group will have a special speaker on March 19 at 9:30 a.m. The presentation will be on Durable Medical Equipment (DME) for those suffering with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. It is important to understand the different types of equipment that are available, what works best for a person with dementia and how to effectively use it. A representative from a local DME will be presenting the information to our group.
The standard definition of Durable Medical Equipment used by insurance companies is any equipment that provides therapeutic benefits to a patient in need because of certain medical conditions and/or illnesses. It is reusable medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, hospital beds and more. It also includes home oxygen equipment and power chairs. If you need durable medical equipment, it is very important to understand the rules and regulations that your insurance carrier or Medicare uses to govern the acquisition and use of this equipment. Many insurance and Medicare providers require that you have specific approvals for this equipment and that you get it from approved providers.
Following the speaker, our time will be spent with members asking questions or sharing experiences. Our group provides information, resources and comfort for those residents who are caregivers for loved ones who have Alzheimer’s or any type of dementia. They could live in the home, at a local care facility or out of state. Everything said during the meeting is confidential.
We have another group, The Saturday Group, which provides respite care for those having Alzheimer’s/Dementia disease. It meets at the same time at a nearby location. This group allows the caregiver the opportunity and peace of mind to attend the discussion group. If your loved one is unable to participate in such a group, we may be able to arrange for someone to come to your house during the two hour meeting. Please RSVP by Thursday, March 17 for this special group.
Monthly breakfast: The caregivers meet for breakfast on the first Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m. This gives them an opportunity to get to know each other on a more personal level. Knowing others who are going through the same journey is very beneficial.
For more information and location of these activities, please contact Rayma at 623-935-1819 or send an email to [email protected].