Jane M, Ellicott City MD

Mrs. Carol F, Palm Springs CA

Janie T, Wallingford CT

Mrs. Leona Z, Meriden CT

Mary J, Hartford CT

Caregiver Helpline, LLC
Mary Jane Zuk, President and Founder
2004

Dear Friend:
Staying in the home is an alternative for those who do not wish, or cannot afford, to live in a nursing home, or treatment center. While staying in the home depends on full-time assistance by a caregiver (+), it can also preserve independence and quality of life for those aging loved ones who wish to remain at home. The main goal of my company is to help YOU shop with confidence, ease, afford ability, and in the comfort of your home, for supplies you many need to set up your caregiver home. However, even if you are NOT a caregiver, you may be interested in many of the items I can offer you at below retail costs. The following story is a testimony to my personal, often agonizing experience in having to purchase homecare supplies for people in my family.

My father had become the guardian of his sister who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer disease. For a couple of years he only needed to pay bills, make sure there was enough food in the house, chauffeur my aunt to and from doctor appointments, and make sure her medications were refilled, and that she was taking all of her meds.

One day, my father suddenly became very ill and was rushed to the hospital. Tests showed a tear in the main artery going to his heart, and he was again rushed to another hospital that was equipped to handle such a delicate surgery. Doctors gave us little hope he would survive; yet miraculously, father did survive; unfortunately, not without complications. What followed were many months of therapy, rehabilitation, convalescent homes, more surgery, etc! In the meantime, my aunt also needed to be taken care of. Other family members were asked to pitch in and help. One day, I was able to visit my aunt and check on her progress. I found she had not been eating, nor had her medications been refilled! Horrified, I decided I needed to become the responsible caregiver for her, and needed to set up her house for a needed assisted living situation. Unfortunately, my aunt eventually died from complications (as is common) of the Alzheimer disease.

At the same time, my father's conditioned worsened, and I became his full time caregiver. The house became the hospital, as I had to purchase and set up much medical equipment. While Medicare may pay for some items, it does not always pay for all needed items, plus it may only pay a percentage of the cost. What I needed to continually purchase was often at a very steep price. Because my time and energy was precious, and was needed for the care of my father, I found I had little - to - no time to "price" shop! Throughout the 6 years I have been a full-time caregiver, I spoke with other caregivers that were in similar situations and who were also frustrated about purchasing items, and what to do as a caregiver, and I decided something had to be done! I discovered that in 1997 the National Alliance for Caregiving and the American Association of Retired persons reported there were 22.4 million people acting as caregivers in their homes. That rate jumped to 26.6 million in 2000, and the national news has recently (2004) reported that nearly 78 million homes are now being used to care for relatives (elderly or adolescents!) Why such a large number? Many people thought their health insurance would cover long-term health care costs. Not True! Many people are just not prepared to live in a nursing home today, and therefore, family members have become responsible for their care.

Through my company, Caregiver Helpline, I am sharing with you what I was able to organize for myself. I have done the groundwork for you. I have found great products, (ALL NEW, NOT USED) at extremely affordable prices, and am proud to offer these to you without you every having to leave the comfort of your home! Plus, many items can be shipped free of charge! I want to cater to you, so along with my many products, there is free information such as the Partnership for Prescripton Assistance. I have compiled this information for your use, along with a free monthly newsletter, plus FREE SHIPPING on orders totalling $100 or more within the continental US. (Extra shipping charges may apply to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada.)

On the following pages are listings of various Name Brand, Top of the Line products most commonly used in homecare or assisted living situations, followed by an easy to complete order form that you can order via a secured internet site. If you have a PayPal Account, and would like to use it, Caregiver-Helpline works with PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account and would like to order with a credit card, make sure you select "Click Here" on the Check Out Page. Please make sure you check out the returns page on purchased merchandise. Remember, I WANT TO CATER TO YOU, AND I'm going to save you a bundle $$$

Sincerely yours,
Mary Jane Zuk, President

P.S. (If you don't see listed the item you need, please call or email me, and I will try to obtain it for you at an affordable price, plus the same guarantee I offer. Not sure of the item(s) you need? We will work with your doctors, nurses, and therapists to make certain you purchase the correct item(s).)

If you are interested in setting up a reciprocal link, send us an email at links@caregiver-helpline.com