Florida Elder Care & Senior Health

What is Florida's Silver Alert?

Florida's Silver Alert program began in 2008 and allows the immediate broadcast of information to the public regarding missing elders with dementia or other cognitive impairment.

The local and state law enforcement coordinate to quickly broadcast important information to citizens so they can assist local law enforcement in the rescue of the endangered person and notify law enforcement with helpful information.

For an alert to be activated the missing person must be 60 or older and have dementia. Under extraordinary circumstances the person can be between the ages of 18 and 59. Only law enforcement personnel can issue a Silver Alert. For FAQ about the Florida Senior Alert program, click here.

Beverly Napoli
Visiting Angels of Clearwater
www.homehealthclearwater.com

Choosing a Pharmacy

Convenience and cost are usually what is important to a person when choosing a pharmacy. What some people might realize is that not all pharmacies charge the same amount for the same prescription. This is something to think about if you do not have prescription drug coverage.

A simple antibiotic such as 500 mg of Amoxicillin can range from $4 - $22 for the same prescription. If you have a chronic condition that requires medication on a regular basis, this becomes even more important. For example 10 mg of Aricept taken for a cognitive disorder might range from $237 - $258 for a month supply.

When determining which pharmacy is right for you, make a list of all your prescriptions. If you are caring for someone else, make a complete list of their medications. Contact the pharmacies that are convenient to your location and compare the prices. Remember to include any over-the-counter meds. One pharmacy may be lower for one medication but higher for another one.

It is not a good idea to use different pharmacies for the different medications that are needed. That is why it is important to research the prices at different pharmacies and then decide which pharmacy is right for you.

Florida has a website at Florida Prescription Drug Prices sponsored by the Agency for Health Care Administration. This website allows you to search by county, city, and medication for prices of prescription drugs at pharmacies near you. Prices change, so always contact the pharmacy first when making this decision.

Home Companions
Bradenton, FL
www.HomeCompanions.com

Who Needs Medication Management?

Many people need a little help with their medications for a variety of reasons.For some, poor vision may keep them from taking the right medication at the right time, in the correct dosage.For others joint pain and arthritis may make opening bottles difficult or impossible.For those on multiple prescriptions just sorting them out can become very confusing. Whatever the reason, A Preferred Nursing Service can offer an affordable solution.
"MY MED MANAGER ", an RN supervised medication management service can take the confusion out of taking medications for those living alone or in a retirement or assisted living facility. Our nurses will fill the pill boxes and insulin syringes on a weekly basis for our clients, or bi-weekly or monthly if desired. Additionally we will call in prescription re-orders or call you physician for dose changes.

For more information and pricing call our office.
941-624-6100

Dianne Campbell
A Preferred Nursing Service

Port Charlotte, Florida

www.apnursingservice.com