October 25 forum for effective home care and use of patient advocates

October 25 the Forum for Effective Home Care and Use of Patient Advocates will be held.

A program aimed at allowing SaddleBrooke residents to stay in their homes longer and receive effective care at home or from their health care providers will be presented at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 25 in the handicap accessible Coyote room of the HOA 1 clubhouse. This forum will be doubly informative, combining a new program from SaddleBrooke Drug and the independent RNPatient Advocate Program, affiliated with the University Of Arizona College Of Nursing. The forum is sponsored by the SaddleBrooke Stroke/Neuro Support Group and will directly follow the SaddleBrooke Walkathon and brunch scheduled earlier in the morning.

Karen Mercereau, founder of the independent RNPatient Advocate Program (iRNPA), will speak about the program she has developed which is now offered in association with the University Of Arizona College Of Nursing. The local program represents a national network which has been developed to provide each patient with the benefits of an extended team of collaborative medical professionals. This allows patients not to feel lost, scared or confused when facing an illness or dealing with the healthcare system.

SaddleBrooke Drug is starting an exclusive program called Total Pharmacy Care, which will provide comprehensive medication management and delivery to those considering assisted living. The program involves both state of the art software and specialized packaging to ensure accurate dosing and elimination of unacceptable drug interactions. Total Pharmacy Care aims to allow receipt of medications in patients’ own homes rather than requiring residence in an often costly extended care facility. Joel and Justin Rhoads of SaddleBrooke Drug will present the program and answer questions.

As is our custom, an optional no-host luncheon will follow in the Roadrunner Grill. October’s caregiver luncheon will be held Friday, October 17 at 11:30 a.m. at the home of a member whose favorite holiday is Halloween. Once dubbed Mrs. Hallmark because of her holiday enthusiasm, we will gather for a guided potluck luncheon. Please come to join us to share your concerns and our friendship. To join us for lunch, or for more information, please call our membership chairperson Elke Mulligan at 825-3641 or Jackie McCarthy, social committee at 818-0531, so that we may welcome you. If you are a caregiver for a loved one who has had a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis or debilitating neuromuscular condition, or if you are your own caregiver, consider yourself invited to join us.