Greetings to all and welcome to our new subscribers!

Thanks so much to everyone who has been forwarding my newsletter. And to make it even easier for you to pass it along, now you can click on the "forward to a friend" link at the bottom of this page.

Based the incredible response to the time-saving tips to organize eldercare in last month's newsletter, this is clearly a critical issue for a lot of people! So in this month's issue you'll find another time-saving tip and there will be more in future issues.

But first, I want to share with you some exciting announcements.

First, the electronic version of the AgeWiseLiving newsletter will now be coming to you monthly! This means you'll get more Generational information and tips and I'll be able to share time-sensitive information. (The "snail-mail" version will still be bi-monthly.) If you want to see a particular topic in an upcoming issue or have feedback for me, please click here to send me an email.

Second, I'm adding a new feature to the newsletter called "FYI..." which will spotlight websites, products, or other information that I think will benefit and interest you. This month's featured website is CareCircle.

Third, I've added an "FAQ" page to my website. Now you'll have another way (in addition to calling me, that is!) to get answers to your frequently asked Generational Coaching questions.

Until next month, enjoy!

ARTICLE: ANOTHER TIME-SAVING TIP FOR ORGANIZING ELDERCARE

This month's tip: COPY!

When I first started going to doctor appointments with my mother, it always bothered me that even doctors within the same group required us to provide a complete medical and medication history. So to save time and eliminate the aggravation of trying to remember dates and dosages, I compiled 3 sheets of frequently requested information:

1. Medical Insurance Information Sheet

2. Medical History Sheet
To keep the medical information up-to-date, ask to receive all test results, etc. in writing "for the file" and paper-clip it to the Medical Sheet.

3. Medications Sheet
To keep medication information up-to-date, if prescriptions come with an information sheet with a duplicate prescription bottle label, paperclip it to the Medication Sheet in the file. If not, peel the label off the empty pill bottle, stick it on a piece of paper, and file. Whenever you refill a prescription, just replace the old sheet with the new one.

And then COPY!

>Make half a dozen or so copies of the Medical History and Medication sheets and keep them in a file along with the medical insurance information and the back-up information.

>Periodically - but at least prior to a doctor's appointment - go through the file and add anything new to the Medical Sheet and the Medications sheet.

>However, to make sure a new doctor doesn't prescribe drugs that have previously been proven to be unnecessary, ineffective, or harmful, when updating the list, rather than using "Wite Out" or making a new list, cross out or in some other readable way, indicate discontinued meds and keep the back-up information paper-clipped in the back of the file.

>Then make copies of the updated sheets and throw out any old ones.

>Bring the file to every doctor's appointment and, whenever the information is requested, simply write "see attached" and attach a copy!

Over time, I've added other things to the file such as eyeglass and dental information. However, as with last month's tips . . . simple is best and what works for you in the long-term is even better!

FYI . . .

If you've ever wanted to help a family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker - or needed help yourself - but didn't know how, this website is for you!! Whether it's an eldercare issue, a medical challenge, a bereavement situation, a loved one deployed overseas, or a new baby, CareCircle's programs give an easy way to connect "givers" to "receivers" so they can provide practical help and emotional support. For more information about CareCircle, go to www.carecircle.com.

Upcoming Seminars

For lots more information about this and many other important eldercare issues, attend an AgeWiseLiving seminar. For upcoming dates and locations, please go to Seminars. Space is filling fast, though, so reserve your space now!