# Willow Harbor Health

> Willow Harbor Health runs Willow Harbor at Home, a Medicare-covered remote patient monitoring program. People with high blood pressure and other long-term conditions get a cellular health monitor that sends readings automatically, plus a nurse practitioner–led care team that reviews them and calls every month. We serve patients in Virginia, starting in Northern Virginia. No Wi-Fi, smartphone or computer is needed.

## Program basics

- Program name: Willow Harbor at Home (remote patient monitoring). Sister service: Willow Harbor Telehealth (video visits).
- Who it helps: adults on Medicare with a long-term condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure or COPD. Family members can help a parent or spouse sign up, with that person's agreement.
- Where: Virginia. We start in Northern Virginia: Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun and Prince William counties and the City of Alexandria, including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, McLean, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn, Leesburg, Manassas and Woodbridge. More states are planned.
- Languages: the website is in English and Spanish, and Willow answers in either.
- Devices: a blood pressure monitor for most people. Depending on the condition, it can also be a glucose meter, a scale or a pulse oximeter. Devices have a built-in cellular connection, so readings send by themselves. No Wi-Fi, smartphone, app or computer is needed.
- The device is part of the program and is billed to Medicare as part of the service. It is not a gift and it is not sold separately.
- Daily routine: most people take one reading a day. It takes about a minute.
- Care team: a nurse practitioner, supervised by a physician, plus care staff employed by the practice. They review readings, call each month to check in, and follow up when a reading is out of range.
- High readings: the care team is alerted and follows up during business hours. This is not an emergency service. In an emergency, call 911.
- Your own doctor: you keep your own doctor. With your permission, we send them updates.

## How to start

1. Quick check: answer four questions on willowharborhealth.com to see if the program fits. Nothing typed in the quick check is saved or sent.
2. Short visit: meet our nurse practitioner by video from home, or in person when we are on site at your building. This visit confirms the program is right for you and records your consent.
3. Monitor arrives: it comes ready to use, already connected.
4. Daily readings: take a reading each day. Your care team watches the numbers and calls each month.

## Cost

- Original Medicare Part B covers remote patient monitoring when a clinician orders it for a medical condition.
- Like most Part B services, you pay 20% coinsurance after the yearly Part B deductible.
- Many supplemental (Medigap) plans pay that 20%. Medicaid may pay it for people with both Medicare and Medicaid.
- Many Medicare Advantage plans cover remote monitoring. We check your plan.
- Typical cost with Original Medicare only: about $21 a month. Medicare pays 80% of about $104 a month (2026 national rates for the device service and 20 minutes of care-team time); the 20% share is about $21. Until the yearly Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) is met, the patient pays the Medicare rate toward it. The first month adds about $4 for setup. Virginia rates differ slightly.
- With most Medigap plans: $0 for most people (plans K and L pay part). With Medicare and Medicaid: often $0. Medicare Advantage: depends on the plan.
- We check your coverage and tell you your exact cost before you start.

## Promises

- You'll know your cost before anything starts.
- We never cold call. We only call people who asked us to, or who are already in the program.
- A real person from the care team calls every month.
- Stop any time with one call. No contracts.
- Your own doctor stays your doctor.

## Privacy

- We follow HIPAA, the federal health privacy law.
- Our public website has no advertising trackers or tracking pixels.
- Health information is only collected inside our secure enrollment and patient systems, never on the public website.

## For professionals

- Physicians and practices: we monitor patients between visits and send summaries to the patient's own doctor, with the patient's permission.
- Senior building managers and resident service coordinators: we offer a free 30-minute educational talk for residents on checking blood pressure at home. Residents decide for themselves whether to join. We never pay for referrals.

## Company

- Willow Harbor Health is an assumed name of Ashcraft Holdings LLC.
- Website: https://willowharborhealth.com
- Related addresses: willowharborathome.com, willowharbortelehealth.com, remotemonitoringathome.com, bloodpressureathome.com, vitalsfromhome.com

## Common questions

### What is remote patient monitoring?

You take a reading at home, like your blood pressure, on a monitor we provide. The reading sends itself to your care team. They watch the numbers between doctor visits and call you when something needs attention.

### Does Medicare cover remote patient monitoring?

Yes. Original Medicare Part B covers remote patient monitoring when a clinician orders it for a medical condition. Many Medicare Advantage plans cover it too, and we check your plan before you start.

### What will it cost me?

Like most Part B services, you pay 20% coinsurance after the yearly Part B deductible. Many supplemental (Medigap) plans pay that 20%. We check your coverage and tell you your cost before you start.

### Do I need Wi-Fi, a smartphone or a computer?

No. The monitor has a built-in cellular connection, like a cell phone, so readings send by themselves. There is no app to install and nothing to pair.

### What devices do you provide?

Most people get a blood pressure monitor. Depending on your condition, it can also be a glucose meter, a scale or a pulse oximeter. The device is part of the program and comes ready to use.

### How often do I take a reading?

Most people take one reading a day. It takes about a minute.

### Who looks at my readings?

A nurse practitioner, supervised by a physician, and care staff employed by our practice. They review your readings and call you each month to check in.

### What happens if a reading is high?

Your care team is alerted and follows up during business hours. This is not an emergency service. In an emergency, call 911.

### Can I keep my own doctor?

Yes. You keep your own doctor. With your permission, we send them updates on your readings.

### Can I sign up my mother or father?

Yes, you can help them start. They need to agree to the program themselves, and they take part in a short visit with our nurse practitioner.

### Where do you offer the program?

In Virginia, starting with Northern Virginia: Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun and Prince William counties and the City of Alexandria. More states are planned.

### Is this the same as a medical alert button?

No. A medical alert button calls for help in an emergency. Remote monitoring tracks your health numbers over time so your care team can spot problems early.

### Is my information private?

Yes. We follow HIPAA, the federal health privacy law. Our public website has no advertising trackers, and health information is only collected inside our secure enrollment system.

# Guide: Getting Help Paying Medicare Costs in Virginia

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/help-paying-medicare-costs/

Medicare premiums, deductibles and drug costs can add up. If money is tight, there are programs that may help. Each has its own rules, and the limits change every year. If you are not sure you qualify, it is still worth asking.

## Extra Help with drug costs

**Extra Help** is a program for people with limited income and resources. It helps lower or cover the costs of Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

You can apply before or after you join a Part D plan. Ways to apply:

- Online at SSA.gov
- By phone with Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Help is offered in English, Spanish and other languages. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-800-325-0778.

It helps to have bank statements, tax returns and statements for pensions or other income ready.

## Medicare Savings Programs

**Medicare Savings Programs** are run by each state through Medicaid. They help people whose income or resources are too high for full Medicaid. In Virginia:

- The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program pays Part A and Part B premiums, plus Part A and Part B cost-sharing, like deductibles and coinsurance.
- The Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary program and the Qualifying Individual program pay the Part B premium.

Good to know: everyone enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program is automatically enrolled in Extra Help too.

## Medicaid for people with both

Some people qualify for both Medicare and full Medicaid. Medicare pays first for the services it covers. Medicaid pays last.

Depending on your coverage, Medicaid may help pay your Medicare costs. It may also pay for things Medicare usually doesn't, such as nursing home care and personal care services.

People with both Medicare and full Medicaid are automatically put in a Medicare drug plan and automatically get Extra Help.

## Where to apply in Virginia

For Medicaid or a Medicare Savings Program in Virginia, you can apply:

- **Online** at commonhelp.virginia.gov
- **By phone** with Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282 (TDD, a telecommunications device for the deaf: 1-888-221-1590)
- **In person, by mail or by fax** through your local Department of Social Services

## Free counseling from VICAP

The **Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP)** gives people with Medicare free, impartial and private help. VICAP counselors do not sell insurance. They can help with:

- Low-income help programs like the ones on this page
- Comparing Part D drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap
- Appeals and denials

VICAP counseling is offered through your local Area Agency on Aging. Call them and ask to meet with a VICAP counselor.

If you are thinking about Willow Harbor at Home: Original Medicare Part B covers remote patient monitoring when a clinician orders it, and Medicaid may pay the 20% share for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid. We check your coverage and tell you your exact cost before you start.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.

# Guide: How to Spot and Report Medicare Scams

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/medicare-scams/

Scammers want your Medicare number. With it, they can bill Medicare for things you never got. A few simple habits can protect you and your family.

## Guard your Medicare number

Treat your Medicare card like a credit card.

- Share your Medicare number only with your doctor or others you trust who need it for your care or coverage.
- If someone you don't know calls and asks for your Medicare number, hang up. Then call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) yourself.
- Don't join a Medicare health or drug plan over the phone unless you called and asked for help.

**Medicare will never call you to sell you anything or visit you at your home.** Medicare plans also can't ask for your Social Security, bank account or credit card number over the phone.

## Common scams to watch for

Be careful with any offer that sounds too good to be true. Common scams include:

- A caller offering "free" medical equipment, like a back brace, power wheelchair or scooter, if you just give your Medicare number
- Offers of "free" genetic tests or "free" consultations
- Someone saying Medicare wants you to have an item or service
- Someone who says they know how to get Medicare to pay for something it doesn't cover
- Offers of money or gifts to use a certain provider or join a plan
- Pressure to decide right away

In each case, the goal is to get your Medicare number. Say no and hang up.

## Check your Medicare statements

If you have Original Medicare, you get a **Medicare Summary Notice** in the mail. It lists the services and supplies billed to Medicare in your name.

- Keep a calendar of your doctor visits, tests and X-rays, and save receipts.
- Compare your calendar with each Medicare Summary Notice. Look for services you didn't get.
- You can also set up a secure account on Medicare.gov to see your claims online.
- If you have a Medicare Advantage or drug plan, check the statements your plan sends.

If a charge looks wrong and you know the provider, call their office first. It may be a simple mistake.

## How to report fraud

If you think someone is misusing your Medicare number, or a charge looks like fraud:

- **Call 1-800-MEDICARE** (1-800-633-4227). People who use a text telephone (TTY) can call 1-877-486-2048.
- **Call the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)** fraud hotline at 1-800-938-8885. The Senior Medicare Patrol helps people with Medicare and their families prevent, find and report fraud, errors and abuse. You can also reach the national Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-877-808-2468.
- **Contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General** at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).
- **If you have a Medicare Advantage or drug plan,** you can also call 1-877-7SAFERX (1-877-772-3379).

If you gave your information to the wrong person, you can also call the Federal Trade Commission's identity theft hotline at 1-877-438-4338.

## A note about Willow Harbor

Willow Harbor never cold calls. We only call people who asked us to call, or who are already in the Willow Harbor at Home program. If you are in the program, a real person from your care team will call each month.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.

# Guide: Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: What's the Difference?

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/medicare-advantage-vs-medigap/

Medicare Advantage and Medigap both come from private insurance companies, so they are easy to mix up. But they work in very different ways. You pick one or the other, not both.

## Two different paths

**Medicare Advantage** (also called Part C) takes the place of Original Medicare. You get your hospital and medical coverage through one private plan. Most plans also include drug coverage.

**Medigap** (also called Medicare Supplement Insurance) does not replace anything. It sits on top of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). It helps pay costs Original Medicare leaves to you, such as coinsurance, copayments and deductibles. You generally need both Part A and Part B to buy it.

Medigap plans are named with letters. A plan with a certain letter offers the same basic benefits no matter which company sells it. Price is the main difference between companies.

## You can't use both together

You can only buy Medigap if you have Original Medicare. When you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you leave Original Medicare.

It is against the law for someone to sell you a Medigap policy if they know you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan, unless you are switching back to Original Medicare. It is also against the law to sell you a Medicare Advantage Plan if you told them you want to keep Original Medicare and buy Medigap.

## Networks and costs in general terms

**Original Medicare with Medigap:**

- You can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
- You usually don't need a referral to see a specialist.
- Medigap helps pay your share of costs. You still pay your Part B premium.
- Drug coverage is separate. You would join a Part D plan.
- Some Medigap policies cover emergency care when you travel outside the U.S.

**Medicare Advantage:**

- You generally must use the plan's network of doctors and hospitals for care that is not an emergency.
- You may need a referral or the plan's approval before some services.
- Costs vary by plan. You still pay your Part B premium, and you may also pay a premium for the plan. Some plans have no premium of their own.
- Every plan has a yearly limit on what you pay out of pocket for covered services.
- Some plans offer extras, like some vision, hearing or dental care.

## Who each tends to suit

There is no right answer for everyone. In general:

- People who want to choose any doctor that takes Medicare, travel often, or want help paying the costs Original Medicare leaves to them often look at Original Medicare with Medigap.
- People who are comfortable using a network and like having drug coverage and extras in one plan often look at Medicare Advantage.

Check that your doctors and medicines are covered before you decide.

## Why timing matters for Medigap

You get a one-time, **6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period**. It starts the first month you have Part B and are 65 or older. It does not come back each year.

During this time:

- You can buy any Medigap policy a company offers.
- The company can't turn you down or charge you more because of health problems.

After it ends, a company may charge you more, offer fewer choices, or turn you down after asking about your health. This is called medical underwriting.

There are some special situations, called **guaranteed issue rights**, when a company can't turn you down. If you join Medicare Advantage first and later want to switch back to Original Medicare, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period may be over. Ask whether you would have a guaranteed issue right before you decide. Counselors with VICAP (the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program) give free, impartial help and don't sell insurance. Ask your local Area Agency on Aging to set up a meeting.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.

# Guide: Medicare Basics: Parts A, B, C and D

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/medicare-basics/

Medicare is the federal health insurance program. Most people first get it around age 65. It has four parts, named with letters. This guide explains each part in plain words.

## Part A: Hospital insurance

Part A helps pay for care when you are admitted to a hospital. It also covers:

- A stay in a skilled nursing facility
- Hospice care
- Some home health care

Most people do not pay a monthly premium for Part A. That is the case if you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

## Part B: Medical insurance

Part B helps pay for care outside the hospital. This includes:

- Visits with doctors and other health care providers
- Outpatient care
- Home health care
- Medical equipment you use at home over time (called durable medical equipment)
- Some preventive services, like screenings and some shots

Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B. The amount depends on your income and changes every year. Medicare.gov has this year's numbers.

## Part C: Medicare Advantage

Part C is better known as **Medicare Advantage**. It is another way to get your Part A and Part B coverage. Private companies approved by the federal government run these plans.

A Medicare Advantage Plan bundles Part A, Part B and usually Part D into one plan. Many plans also offer extras, like some vision, hearing or dental care. Medicare Advantage plans must cover all the medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers.

## Part D: Prescription drug coverage

Part D helps pay for prescription medicines. Private companies approved by the federal government run these plans. You can get Part D as a separate drug plan, or as part of a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes drug coverage.

## Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

When you have Medicare, you choose one of two main paths.

**Original Medicare** is Part A and Part B. With it:

- You can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
- You usually do not need a referral to see a specialist.
- For most Part B services, you generally pay 20% of the cost after you meet the yearly deductible.
- There is no yearly limit on what you pay out of pocket.
- You can add a separate Part D drug plan.
- You can buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance policy (called Medigap) from a private company to help pay costs like coinsurance and deductibles.

**Medicare Advantage** replaces Original Medicare with one private plan. With it:

- You generally must use doctors and hospitals in the plan's network for care that is not an emergency.
- You may need a referral to see a specialist.
- You may need the plan's approval before some services, called prior authorization.
- Costs vary by plan, but each plan has a yearly limit on what you pay out of pocket for covered services.
- Most plans include drug coverage.
- You cannot buy a Medigap policy to help with your costs.

Original Medicare does not cover some things, such as routine physicals, eye exams and most dental care. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits for these.

## Getting help choosing

There is no one right answer for everyone. Think about the doctors you want to keep, the medicines you take, and whether you travel. You can compare plans on Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.

# Guide: Medicare Enrollment Periods Explained

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/medicare-enrollment-periods/

Medicare has set times of year when you can sign up or make changes. Missing one can mean waiting months for coverage, or paying more for as long as you have Medicare. Here is a simple map of the dates.

## When you first become eligible

Your **Initial Enrollment Period** is your first chance to sign up. For most people, it is tied to turning 65. It lasts 7 months:

- The 3 months before the month you turn 65
- The month you turn 65
- The 3 months after

If you sign up for Part B before your birthday month, coverage starts that month. If you sign up during your birthday month or later, coverage starts the next month. Coverage always begins on the first of a month.

**If you already get Social Security benefits,** Social Security will sign you up for Part A and Part B automatically. They mail you information a few months ahead. You may turn down Part B, but signing up later can delay coverage and bring a penalty.

**If you don't get Social Security yet,** you can apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Social Security suggests applying 3 months before your 65th birthday.

## If you missed your first chance

The **General Enrollment Period** runs **January 1 to March 31** each year. You can sign up for Part B (and Part A, if you pay for it) then. Coverage starts the month after you sign up. You may owe a late enrollment penalty.

## Changing plans each fall

The yearly **Open Enrollment Period** runs **October 15 to December 7**. During this time you can:

- Switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan
- Join, drop or switch Medicare Advantage Plans
- Join, drop or switch Part D drug plans

The plan must get your request by December 7. New coverage starts January 1.

## A second chance for Medicare Advantage members

The **Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period** also runs **January 1 to March 31**. It is only for people already in a Medicare Advantage Plan. You can:

- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan
- Leave Medicare Advantage and go back to Original Medicare, and also join a separate drug plan

Coverage starts the first of the month after the plan gets your request.

## Special Enrollment Periods

Some life changes open a **Special Enrollment Period**. Examples include:

- Moving to a new address
- Losing or changing your current coverage, such as job-based insurance ending
- Getting Medicaid
- Getting Extra Help with drug costs

These windows last only a limited time. If you miss one, you may have to wait for the next fall Open Enrollment Period to change plans, or the next General Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B.

## Late enrollment penalties

A late enrollment penalty is added to your monthly premium. It is not a one-time fee. It usually lasts as long as you have that coverage, often for life. The longer you wait, the bigger it gets.

- **Part B:** The penalty grows for each full 12 months you could have had Part B but didn't, unless you qualified for a Special Enrollment Period.
- **Part D:** The penalty can apply if you go 63 days or more without Part D or other drug coverage that is at least as good (called creditable coverage). People who get Extra Help generally avoid it.
- **Part A:** This only applies to people who must buy Part A and don't sign up when first eligible.

The amounts change every year; Medicare.gov has this year's numbers. If you are not sure about your dates, VICAP (the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program) can help at no cost through your local Area Agency on Aging.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.

# Guide: Medicare Preventive Visits, Screenings and Shots

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/medicare-preventive-services/

Medicare covers many services that help you stay well and find health problems early, when they may be easier to treat. Many of them cost you nothing if your provider accepts assignment for Medicare. You can ask the office if they do.

## The "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit

This is a one-time visit you can get during your **first 12 months with Part B**. It is a chance to look at your health and plan ahead. It is not a full physical exam.

At this visit, your provider may:

- Review your health history and your family's health history
- Figure out your body mass index (a measure based on height and weight) and give a simple vision test
- Check your risk for depression and for substance use
- Talk about advance directives, if you want to
- Give you a written checklist of the screenings and shots you need

Bring your medical and shot records, and a list of all medicines, vitamins and supplements you take.

## The yearly "Wellness" visit

After you have had Part B for more than 12 months, you can get a **yearly Wellness visit** once every 12 months. You don't need to have had the "Welcome to Medicare" visit first.

This visit is a conversation to make or update your plan for staying healthy. It includes:

- A health questionnaire
- Routine measurements, such as weight and blood pressure
- A review of your medicines and your medical and family history
- A check for signs of memory problems, such as dementia
- A written checklist of recommended screenings and shots

It is not a routine physical exam. If you have a specific health concern, set up a separate appointment.

## What these visits cost

For both visits, **you pay nothing** if your provider accepts assignment, and the Part B deductible does not apply.

If your provider does other tests or services at the same visit, you may owe a share of the cost. If you get something Medicare doesn't cover, like a routine physical, you may have to pay the full amount.

## Common screenings

Medicare Part B covers many screenings. How often depends on your age and risk. Some examples:

- Blood tests for heart disease (cholesterol and related tests), once every 5 years
- Diabetes screenings, if your provider finds you are at risk
- Colorectal cancer screenings, for people 45 and older or at high risk
- Mammograms, once every 12 months for women 40 and older
- Bone density tests, every 24 months for certain people at risk
- Depression screening, once a year
- Lung cancer screening, once a year, for people who meet certain age and smoking history rules
- Prostate cancer screening, once every 12 months for men over 50

Medicare.gov says you pay nothing for most preventive services if your provider accepts assignment.

## Common shots

- **Flu shots:** usually covered once each flu season
- **COVID-19 vaccines:** covered for everyone with Medicare
- **Pneumococcal shots:** covered. Talk with your provider about which ones are right for you.
- **Hepatitis B shots:** covered for some people
- **Shingles shots:** covered by Part D drug plans. If you have Part D, you pay nothing for the shingles vaccine.

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, call your plan. Some plans don't charge for certain preventive services from in-network providers. Ask your doctor which screenings and shots are right for you.

If you have high blood pressure or another long-term condition, Willow Harbor at Home's care team can review daily readings between visits. You keep your own doctor, and with your permission, we send them updates.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.

# Guide: Everyday Habits That Help Lower Blood Pressure

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/lowering-blood-pressure-habits/

Small daily choices add up. The 2025 high blood pressure guideline from the American Heart Association recommends healthy habits for all adults. If you take blood pressure medicine, these habits work along with it, not instead of it. Never stop or change a medicine on your own.

## Try the DASH eating plan

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. (Hypertension is the medical word for high blood pressure.) It is a flexible, balanced way of eating. You do not need special foods.

Eat more:

- Vegetables, fruits and whole grains
- Fat-free or low-fat dairy
- Fish, poultry, beans and nuts
- Vegetable oils

Eat less:

- Foods high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy, and coconut, palm kernel and palm oils
- Sugary drinks and sweets

## Cut back on salt

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests eating foods low in salt (sodium). The DASH plan sets a daily sodium goal of 2,300 milligrams. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) says that eating 1,500 milligrams a day lowers blood pressure even more. Ask your doctor which goal is right for you.

## Add potassium-rich foods, with care

Potassium helps your body get rid of sodium through your urine. It also helps ease tension in your blood vessel walls. Foods with potassium include:

- Apricots, cantaloupe, kiwi and orange juice
- Spinach, potatoes, lima beans and Swiss chard
- Plain yogurt and fat-free milk
- Some fish and seafood, such as catfish and clams

**Ask your doctor first if you have kidney disease or take medicines that affect potassium.** In these cases, potassium can build up to harmful levels. Also check with your doctor before taking a potassium supplement or using a salt substitute made with potassium.

## Move your body

The CDC says adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity, like a brisk walk. That is about 30 minutes on five days. Or aim for 75 minutes a week of harder activity. Ask your doctor what kind of activity is safe for you.

## Other habits that help

- **Aim for a healthy weight.** Having overweight raises the risk of high blood pressure.
- **Limit alcohol, or avoid it.** The CDC says men should have no more than 2 drinks a day and women no more than 1. The 2025 guideline recommends cutting back or stopping.
- **Do not smoke.** Smoking raises blood pressure and the risk of heart attack and stroke. If you smoke, ask your doctor for help quitting.
- **Get enough good sleep.** Sleep helps keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.
- **Manage stress.** Long-term stress may lead to health problems, including high blood pressure.

In Willow Harbor at Home, a care team reviews your daily blood pressure readings and calls each month to check in. With your permission, they send updates to your own doctor.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.

# Guide: How to Check Your Blood Pressure Correctly at Home

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/accurate-home-blood-pressure/

Checking your blood pressure at home can help you and your care team see how you are doing between visits. A few simple habits help make your readings more reliable. First, talk with your health care team about how often and when to measure.

## Choose the right monitor and cuff

- The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends an **automatic monitor with a cuff that goes around your upper arm**. Wrist and finger monitors give less reliable readings.
- Pick a monitor that has been **validated**, which means it was tested for accuracy. If you are an older adult, check that it was validated for people your age.
- **Make sure the cuff fits.** Measure around your upper arm and choose a monitor that comes with the right cuff size.
- Do not rely on cuffless devices, such as smartwatches, for blood pressure. The 2025 high blood pressure guideline advises against it.

## Get ready

In the 30 minutes before you measure:

- Do not eat or drink.
- Do not have caffeine or alcohol, smoke, or exercise.

Right before you measure:

- Empty your bladder.
- Remove clothing from the arm you will use. The cuff goes on **bare skin**, not over a sleeve. You can use either arm.

## Sit the right way

- Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported.
- Keep both feet flat on the floor, with legs uncrossed.
- Rest your arm on a table so the cuff is about level with your heart. A pillow under your arm can help.
- Place the bottom of the cuff just above the bend of your elbow. It should be snug but not too tight.
- **Rest quietly for at least 5 minutes** before you start. Do not talk or use the phone, and stay quiet while the monitor works.

## Measure at the same time each day

- Take your readings at the same time each day.
- Each time, **take two readings about one minute apart**.

## Keep a log

- Write down each reading, both numbers, with the date and time.
- If your monitor saves readings in its memory, bring it to your medical appointments.

## Have your monitor checked

Bring your monitor to your doctor's office. Your health care professional can watch how you take a reading and compare your monitor's numbers with the office equipment. The AHA suggests bringing it in **once a year**, or as often as the maker directs, to make sure it stays accurate.

If you are in Willow Harbor at Home, your monitor sends each reading by itself through a built-in cellular connection, so no Wi-Fi or smartphone is needed. Your care team reviews the readings and calls each month to check in.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.

# Guide: What Your Blood Pressure Numbers Mean

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/blood-pressure-numbers/

## Two numbers, two jobs

A blood pressure reading has two numbers, such as 118 over 76. They are measured in millimeters of mercury, written "mm Hg."

- **The top number (systolic)** is the pressure of your blood pushing against your artery walls when your heart beats.
- **The bottom number (diastolic)** is the pressure against your artery walls while your heart rests between beats.

Both numbers matter. For people over 50, the American Heart Association says the top number tells more about the risk of heart disease.

## The blood pressure categories

The American Heart Association (AHA) sorts adult readings into these groups. The 2025 high blood pressure guideline from the AHA and the American College of Cardiology uses the same groups.

- **Normal:** top number under 120 and bottom number under 80.
- **Elevated:** top number 120 to 129 and bottom number under 80.
- **High blood pressure, Stage 1:** top number 130 to 139, or bottom number 80 to 89.
- **High blood pressure, Stage 2:** top number 140 or higher, or bottom number 90 or higher.
- **Severe high blood pressure:** top number higher than 180, or bottom number higher than 120, or both. The AHA also calls this level a hypertensive crisis.

Look at the word "or" in Stage 1 and Stage 2. Only one of your two numbers needs to be in that range.

## One reading is not a diagnosis

One high number on its own does not mean you have high blood pressure. The AHA says only a doctor or other medical professional can confirm a diagnosis.

Your clinician also sets your personal target. The 2025 guideline names a general goal of below 130/80 for most adults. But the right number for you depends on your own health, so ask your doctor or nurse practitioner what your goal is.

The AHA explains what usually happens next:

- At **Elevated**, the aim is to keep blood pressure from reaching Stage 1.
- At **Stage 1**, your clinician should recommend lifestyle changes and may consider medicine, depending on your risk of heart disease or stroke.
- At **Stage 2**, your clinician should prescribe medicine along with lifestyle changes.

## If a reading is higher than 180/120

Stay calm. Wait at least one minute, then take your blood pressure again.

If it is still that high and you have **no** symptoms, contact your health care professional as soon as possible. This usually does not mean a hospital stay, but it does need prompt attention.

## When to call 911

Call 911 if your blood pressure is higher than 180/120 **and** you have symptoms such as:

- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Back pain
- Numbness or weakness
- A change in your vision
- Trouble speaking

Do not wait to see if your blood pressure comes down on its own. Call 911.

## Willow Harbor at Home

Willow Harbor at Home provides adults on Medicare with high blood pressure a monitor that sends readings by itself, and a care team led by a nurse practitioner reviews them. When a reading is high, the team follows up during business hours. It is not an emergency service, so in an emergency, call 911.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.

# Guide: Heart Failure and Why Daily Weights Matter

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/heart-failure-daily-weights/

## What heart failure means

Heart failure is a condition where the heart does not pump enough blood for the body's needs. It **does not mean your heart has stopped.** It means the heart is not pumping with as much force as it should.

Common signs include feeling tired, trouble breathing, and fluid building up in the legs, belly or neck.

## Why your daily weight matters

When the heart does not pump well, extra fluid can build up in the body. Weighing yourself every day helps you and your care team know if there is too much fluid in your body. The American Heart Association says sudden weight gain or loss can be a sign of heart failure.

## How to weigh yourself the same way each day

Try to weigh yourself the same way every time:

- Weigh yourself **every morning when you get up**.
- Weigh **after you use the bathroom and before you eat**.
- Use **the same scale** each time.
- Wear **similar clothing** each time.
- **Write down your weight** every day on a chart, so you can see changes over time.

## When to call your care team about your weight

MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, and the American Heart Association's heart failure self-check plan both say to contact your provider if you gain:

- **More than 2 to 3 pounds in one day**, or
- **5 pounds in one week**

Also call if you lose a lot of weight. Your care team may give you different numbers to watch. If they do, follow their plan.

## Other symptoms to watch

Each day, ask yourself how you feel. Call your care team if you notice:

- Getting more short of breath during everyday activities
- Shortness of breath when lying down, or waking up short of breath an hour or two after falling asleep
- A cough that will not go away, especially if it sounds wet
- Wheezing
- Swelling in your feet, ankles or legs, or clothes and shoes feeling tight
- Pain, discomfort or swelling in your belly
- Being very tired or weak, or having less energy than usual
- New or worse dizziness or confusion
- Loss of appetite
- Needing to urinate a lot, especially at night
- A heartbeat that is very slow, very fast or not regular
- Blood pressure that is lower or higher than normal for you
- Symptoms you think might come from your medicines

## When to call 911

- **Call 911 for signs of a heart attack,** such as chest pain, pressure or discomfort; pain in the arms, back, neck or jaw; shortness of breath; a cold sweat; nausea; or lightheadedness.
- **Shortness of breath while resting** is serious. The American Heart Association's self-check plan says to call your doctor or 911. If you are struggling to breathe, call 911 right away.

For people with heart failure, Willow Harbor at Home can include a scale with a built-in cellular connection, so weights send by themselves. The care team reviews readings and follows up during business hours. It is not an emergency service, so in an emergency, call 911.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.

# Guide: Warning Signs of Heart Attack and Stroke

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/heart-attack-and-stroke-signs/

Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack or a stroke can save a life, maybe your own. With both, fast treatment matters. If you think you see the signs, **call 911 right away**.

## Common signs of a heart attack

Some heart attacks are sudden and strong. Others start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Signs can include:

- **Chest discomfort.** Most people feel pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest. It can last more than a few minutes, or go away and come back.
- **Discomfort in other parts of the upper body,** such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- **Shortness of breath,** with or without chest discomfort.
- **Other signs,** such as a cold sweat, nausea, feeling lightheaded, a fast or uneven heartbeat, or unusual tiredness.

## Signs can look different in women and older adults

For women, as for men, the most common sign is chest pain or discomfort. But women are more likely to have other signs too, such as:

- Unusual tiredness, sometimes for days
- Nausea, vomiting or an upset stomach
- Pain in the shoulder, back or arm
- Shortness of breath

In older adults, chest pain is not always the main warning sign. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says that shortness of breath while resting or doing light activity is more common in older adults. "Silent" heart attacks, with very mild signs or none at all, are also more common in older adults and in people with diabetes.

## Signs of a stroke: BE FAST

A stroke happens suddenly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) teaches the letters **BE FAST** to help you spot one:

- **B — Balance:** Is the person suddenly dizzy or off balance?
- **E — Eyes:** Do they have trouble seeing normally?
- **F — Face:** Ask them to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- **A — Arms:** Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift down?
- **S — Speech:** Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
- **T — Time:** If you see any of these signs, call 911 right away.

Other sudden signs of stroke include numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion or trouble understanding speech; trouble walking; and a severe headache with no known cause.

## When to call 911

- **Call 911 right away** if you or someone near you has signs of a heart attack or stroke, even if you are not sure. Every minute matters.
- **Do not drive yourself to the hospital, and do not let someone else drive you.** Emergency crews can start checking you and giving care on the way.
- **Note the time** stroke signs first started. This helps doctors choose the best treatment.
- Do not delay calling 911 to try other remedies first.

Willow Harbor at Home's care team reviews readings and follows up during business hours, but it is not an emergency service. If you notice any of these signs, call 911 first.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.

# Guide: Type 2 Diabetes and Checking Blood Sugar at Home

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/diabetes-blood-sugar-basics/

## What type 2 diabetes is

Your body turns food into sugar for energy. A hormone called insulin helps move that sugar out of your blood and into your cells.

With type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin well. Sugar stays in the blood, and the level runs too high. Over time, high blood sugar can harm the heart, eyes and kidneys.

Type 2 diabetes often builds slowly. Some people have no signs at all, so a blood test is the way to know. It is managed mostly by you, with help from your health care team. Some people manage it with food choices and activity. Others also need medicine.

## Checking your blood sugar at home

A **blood glucose meter** is a small device that tests a drop of blood, usually from a finger prick. Some people, often those who take insulin, use a continuous glucose monitor. This is a small sensor under the skin that shows changes all day and night.

Ask your health care team how often you should check and the best way to do it.

## Target ranges

Blood sugar is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says many people with diabetes aim for:

- 80 to 130 mg/dL before a meal
- Less than 180 mg/dL about 2 hours after a meal starts

These are general numbers. NIDDK says goals may be different for adults over 65 who have had diabetes a long time, for people with other health problems such as heart disease, and for people whose blood sugar often drops too low. **Your clinician sets the target that is right for you.** Tell your team if your numbers are often above or below your range.

## Low blood sugar

For most people, blood sugar under 70 mg/dL is too low. Signs can include:

- Feeling shaky, hungry or tired
- Feeling dizzy, confused or cranky
- A fast or uneven heartbeat, or a headache
- Trouble seeing or speaking clearly

If you have signs, check your blood sugar. If it is low, NIDDK says to eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of fast sugar, such as four glucose tablets or half a cup of regular fruit juice. Wait 15 minutes and check again. Repeat until you are back in your range. Ask your care team for your own plan ahead of time.

## High blood sugar

Signs of high blood sugar can include peeing often and feeling very thirsty. Treating it early helps prevent problems. Your doctor can tell you what to do when your numbers run high.

If high blood sugar is not treated, it can lead to **ketoacidosis**. The American Diabetes Association calls this life-threatening. Signs include trouble breathing, fruity-smelling breath, upset stomach and throwing up, and a very dry mouth.

## When to call 911

Call 911 right away if someone:

- Passes out or has a seizure from low blood sugar
- Has low blood sugar and cannot eat or drink safely. If you have been taught to give glucagon (an emergency medicine for low blood sugar), give it, then call 911.
- Has signs of ketoacidosis, such as trouble breathing, fruity breath and throwing up

Wearing a medical ID bracelet or necklace tells others you have diabetes.

For some people with diabetes, the Willow Harbor at Home device can be a glucose meter that sends readings by itself over a cellular connection. When a reading is out of range, the care team follows up during business hours. It is not an emergency service, so in an emergency, call 911.

*This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.*

# Guide: COPD Basics and Flare-Up Warning Signs

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/copd-basics/

## What COPD is

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. It usually gets worse slowly over time.

COPD includes two main problems. In **emphysema**, the tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged, so it is harder to move air out. In **chronic bronchitis**, the airways stay irritated and swollen and fill with thick mucus. Many people have some of both.

Common signs include:

- A cough, often with a lot of mucus
- Shortness of breath during everyday tasks
- Wheezing or chest tightness

In the United States, smoking is the main cause. There is no cure, but treatment can help you feel better and stay active. Quitting smoking is the most important step for people who smoke. Other treatments may include medicines, pulmonary rehabilitation (a program that teaches breathing skills and healthy activity), vaccines, and oxygen if your blood oxygen is low.

## What a pulse oximeter measures

A **pulse oximeter** is a small clip that goes on your fingertip. It shines a light through your finger to estimate how much oxygen your red blood cells are carrying. There are no needles.

The American Lung Association says a good reading is usually over 90 to 92 percent. Ask your clinician what number is right for you.

Readings can be wrong or jump around. Things that can affect them include:

- Cold hands or poor blood flow
- Darker skin
- Dark, long or artificial nails, or dirty fingers
- Current smoking

A single number should not be used alone to judge how you are doing. Tell your clinician about readings that seem off.

## Warning signs of a flare-up

A flare-up is when your symptoms suddenly get worse. It may last two days or more. Signs can include:

- More coughing
- Changes in the color, thickness or amount of mucus
- More shortness of breath, or trouble taking a deep breath
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling more tired than usual

To lower your risk, stay away from smoke and strong fumes, wash your hands often, avoid people who are sick, and ask your doctor which vaccines you need.

## Make an action plan with your clinician

A **COPD action plan** is a written plan you make with your clinician. The American Lung Association's plan uses three zones:

- **Green:** your usual day. Keep taking your medicines and using oxygen as prescribed.
- **Yellow:** you have more symptoms than usual. Follow the steps in your plan, and call your clinician if you do not get better.
- **Red:** severe symptoms. Get help right away.

Keep your plan where you and your family can find it.

## When to call 911

Call 911 or get medical care right away if you have:

- Severe shortness of breath, even at rest
- Trouble breathing so bad that you cannot do any activity or cannot sleep
- Chest pain
- Blue or gray lips, fingertips or nails
- Coughing up blood
- Confusion or feeling very drowsy
- Fever or shaking chills

For some people with COPD, the Willow Harbor at Home device can be a pulse oximeter that sends readings by itself over a cellular connection. The care team reviews readings and follows up during business hours. It is not an emergency service, so in an emergency, call 911.

*This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.*

# Guide: Everyday Habits for Healthy Aging

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/healthy-aging-basics/

## Stay active

The National Institute on Aging calls physical activity **a cornerstone of healthy aging**. You do not need a gym. You can move in short bursts during the day, or set aside certain times each week to exercise.
If you have a health condition, ask your doctor what kinds of activity are safe for you.

## Eat well and sleep well

Small changes in how you eat can help. The National Institute on Aging suggests starting with one or two parts of a Mediterranean-style eating pattern. Your doctor can help you find an eating plan that fits your health.

Older adults need the same seven to nine hours of sleep a night as other adults, but many do not get enough. Going to bed and getting up at the same times each day can help.

A few other steps support good health:

- If you smoke, quit. Quitting is good for your health and may add years to your life. Ask your doctor for help.
- Avoid alcohol or keep it to a small amount.

## Stay connected and keep your mind active

Spending time with other people may help your mood and your overall well-being. Keep in touch with family, friends and neighbors, take a class, or volunteer in your community.

Healthy eating, staying active and **learning new skills** may help keep your thinking sharp. Try a class or a new hobby.

## Check your hearing and vision

About one-third of older adults have hearing loss, and the chance goes up with age. Signs include often asking people to repeat themselves, having trouble following a conversation with several people, or having trouble understanding phone calls. Hearing loss can lead people to pull away from others and feel lonely. If you notice signs, see your doctor.

Your eyes need care too. The National Eye Institute says adults over 60 should get a **dilated eye exam** every 1 to 2 years. Most people with diabetes or high blood pressure need one at least once a year. This exam can find eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration early, when they are easier to treat.

## Vaccines and checkups

See your doctor at least once a year, or more often if your health needs it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) keeps an easy-to-read list of recommended vaccines for adults. Which ones are recommended can depend on things like your age and health conditions. **Talk with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about which vaccines are right for you.**

## Take care of your emotional health

Depression is common in older adults, but it is **not a normal part of aging**. Treatment, such as counseling and medicine, can help, and most people get better with treatment. Talk with your doctor if you think you might be depressed.

If you or someone you love is in emotional crisis or thinking about suicide, call the **988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline** at 988. It is open 24 hours a day. People who use a relay service can dial 711, then 988. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

*This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.*

# Guide: Preventing Falls at Home and Beyond

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/preventing-falls/

## Why falls matter

More than one in four people age 65 or older fall each year. Fewer than half of them tell their doctor. Falling once makes another fall more likely.

A fall can lead to a broken bone, such as a broken hip, or a head injury. For an older adult, that can mean a long recovery or lasting trouble getting around. Many people also become afraid of falling again. They move less, get weaker, and that raises the risk even more.

The good news is that most falls have causes you can change. These include weak legs, balance problems, some medicines, vision problems and hazards in the home.

## Talk with your doctor

- **Tell your doctor about any fall**, even if you were not hurt.
- Ask your doctor to check your risk of falling.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review all your medicines, including ones you buy without a prescription. Some can make you dizzy or sleepy. Do not stop a medicine on your own.
- Ask whether you should be checked for weak bones.

## Stay strong and steady

Weak leg muscles are a major reason people fall. Exercises that build **leg strength and balance** can help. Tai chi is one example. Ask your doctor what kind of activity is safe for you. Your local senior center may know about exercise and fall prevention classes nearby.

A few other steps help you stay steady:

- Have an eye doctor check your eyes at least once a year, and update your glasses when needed.
- Get your hearing checked. Small changes in vision or hearing are linked to more falls.
- Wear sturdy shoes with nonskid rubber soles and low heels. Avoid going in socks, slippers or smooth-soled shoes on stairs and floors.
- Stand up slowly after sitting or lying down.

## Home safety checklist

Walk through your home and look for these:

- **Floors:** Clear paths. Pick up things on the floor. Remove throw rugs or secure them with double-sided tape or a non-slip backing. Tape cords next to the wall.
- **Stairs:** Keep stairs clear. Fix loose or uneven steps. Put sturdy handrails on both sides, running the full length. Have lights and switches at the top and bottom.
- **Bathroom:** Put a non-slip mat or strips in the tub or shower. Add grab bars inside and next to the tub, and next to the toilet.
- **Bedroom:** Keep a lamp within easy reach of the bed. Use a nightlight.
- **Kitchen:** Keep things you use often at about waist height. Never stand on a chair. If you need a step stool, use one with a bar to hold.

## If you fall

1. Stay calm and take a few breaths. Rest a moment and check whether you are hurt before you move.
2. If you can get up safely, roll onto your side, crawl to a sturdy chair, and slowly sit up into it.
3. If you are hurt or cannot get up, call 911 or call out for help. If you are alone, try to get comfortable and wait for help.

To be ready, keep a charged phone with you, set up a daily check-in with family or a friend, and think about a medical alert button you wear.

## When to call 911

Call 911 if you or someone else is hurt after a fall, or cannot get up.

*This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.*

# Guide: Tips for Keeping Your Medicines Straight

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/managing-medications/

Many people take several medicines a day. Keeping them straight can feel like a lot. These simple habits can help you, or a parent you care for, stay on track.

## Keep an up-to-date list

Write down **everything** you take. Include prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines (the kind you buy without a prescription), vitamins, herbs and supplements. For each one, write:

- The name
- What it is for
- The dose, or how much you take
- What times of day you take it
- Any side effects you have noticed

Keep one copy at home and one with you, such as in your wallet. Update the list whenever something changes. Show it to all of your health care providers, including your dentist and physical therapist.

## Use a pill organizer and a daily routine

- **Pill organizers** come in different sizes, such as 7, 14 or 28 days, with one or more boxes for each day. Your pharmacist can help you pick one.
- **Link your medicines to daily habits**, like meals or brushing your teeth.
- **Set reminders.** Use an alarm on a clock or phone, or ask a family member or friend to call.
- **Use a chart** with a space to check off each dose.
- **Plan for refills.** When you fill your organizer, look at how much is left in each bottle. If you are running low, ask for a refill then.

If you have trouble remembering your medicines, talk with your pharmacist. They can suggest tools that help.

## Do a "brown bag" review

Once in a while, put all of your medicines in a bag. Include bottles, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements. Bring the bag and your list to your doctor or pharmacist. Ask whether any of your medicines cause problems when taken together.

## Never stop or change a medicine on your own

- Do not skip doses or stop a prescribed medicine, even if you feel better, without talking to your health care provider first.
- If you miss a dose, **do not take a double dose** to catch up. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what to do.
- If managing many medicines is hard, tell your provider. They may be able to make your routine simpler.

## Store medicines safely and get rid of old ones

**Storing:**

- Keep medicines in a cool, dry place, such as a dresser drawer or a kitchen cabinet away from the stove, sink and hot appliances.
- Avoid the bathroom cabinet. Heat and moisture from the shower, bath and sink can damage medicines.
- Keep medicines in their original containers.
- Store them up and away, out of reach and out of sight of children.
- Some medicines need the refrigerator. Check the label, and ask your pharmacist about special storage needs.

**Getting rid of old medicines:**

- Check expiration dates. Throw out expired medicines and ones you no longer use.
- The best choice is a **drug take-back site**. Some pharmacies have drop-off boxes. Many communities also hold take-back days.
- If there is no take-back option, do not flush medicines unless they are on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) flush list. Instead, mix them with something unpleasant, like used coffee grounds, dirt or cat litter. Seal the mix in a bag or container and put it in the trash.
- Scratch out your personal information on the empty bottles before you throw them away.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.

# Guide: Where Older Virginians Can Get Help

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/virginia-senior-resources/

## Your local Area Agency on Aging

An **Area Agency on Aging** is a local office that plans and coordinates services for older adults and the people who care for them. The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) lists every agency in the state. Your local agency is a good first call when you are not sure where to start.

In Northern Virginia, you can reach:

- **Alexandria Division of Aging and Adult Services:** 703-746-5999
- **Arlington Agency on Aging:** 703-228-1700
- **Fairfax Area Agency on Aging:** 703-324-7948
- **Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging:** 703-777-0257
- **Prince William Area Agency on Aging:** 703-792-6374

If you live somewhere else, check the DARS list. You can also call the **Eldercare Locator**, a public service of the federal Administration for Community Living, at **1-800-677-1116** to find the agency that serves you.

## Help with Medicare choices: VICAP

The **Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP)** gives unbiased, confidential help with health insurance at no cost. The counselors do not sell insurance. They can help with:

- Medicare, including Part D drug plans
- Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap (supplement) plans
- Long-term care insurance
- Appeals and denials
- Programs that help people with low incomes
- Spotting and preventing health care fraud

They can explain your choices, help you compare plans and help with applications. To meet with a VICAP counselor, call your local Area Agency on Aging and ask for an appointment.

## Medicaid: Cover Virginia

**Cover Virginia** is the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services website for health coverage, including Virginia Medicaid. You can learn about coverage, apply, and find local help. If you have Virginia Medicaid, remember that you must renew it each year.

- Phone: **1-855-242-8282**
- TTY (text telephone): **1-888-221-1590**

Some people have both Medicare and Medicaid. A VICAP counselor or Cover Virginia can help you understand what applies to you.

## 2-1-1 Virginia

Dial **2-1-1** to be connected with community resources across Virginia, such as help with housing, food and health care. The service is confidential and has no cost.

## Calls for people with hearing or speech loss: Virginia Relay

People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have trouble speaking can make phone calls through **Virginia Relay**. Dial **7-1-1** and give the number you want to reach. A trained relay assistant helps the call go through, for example by reading typed words out loud. Family and friends can also dial 7-1-1 to call a relay user.

## Report abuse, neglect or exploitation

**Adult Protective Services** looks into reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of adults age 60 or older, and of adults 18 or older who are incapacitated.

- 24-hour, toll-free hotline: **1-888-832-3858**
- You can also contact your local department of social services.

If someone is in danger right now, call 911.

*This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.*

# Guide: Getting Started Helping an Aging Parent

URL: https://willowharborhealth.com/guides/caregiving-for-a-parent/

## Start with a respectful talk

Maybe your mom or dad is having trouble cooking safely, keeping up with medicines, or bathing. Maybe they seem down or more forgetful. These can be signs they need some help.

The best way to know what your parent needs is to **ask them directly**. Some tips:

- Bring up your worries gently. Try not to sound critical.
- Listen to what they want. If they want to stay in their own home, look for ways to make that work.
- Offer specific, practical ideas instead of general worries.
- Let them keep making their own choices for as long as they are able. This is their life and their decision.

If you are worried about their health, offer to set up a doctor visit, drive them, or go along.

If your parent seems hopeless or talks about harming themselves, get help right away. Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. In an emergency, call 911.

## Get organized

Gather key information in one place, such as a folder, a drawer or a notebook that lists where each paper is. Useful items include:

- A list of all current medicines, kept up to date
- Names and phone numbers of doctors
- Health insurance cards and policy details
- Legal papers such as a will, a power of attorney, and advance directives (written wishes about medical care)
- Contact details for close family and friends

Someone your parent trusts should know where these papers are in an emergency. Your parent can also give permission ahead of time for a doctor to speak with you. That is their choice to make.

## Share the load

Caregiving works better as a team. Before a crisis, hold a family meeting or call that includes your parent and everyone who will help.

- Decide who will be the main caregiver for day-to-day needs.
- Give other tasks to people based on their skills, like paying bills or driving to appointments.
- Keep a shared caregiving notebook so everyone stays up to date.
- Family who live far away can still help. They can give emotional support to the main caregiver and handle some tasks from afar.
- Check in often to see if the plan still works for everyone.

## Take care of yourself

Caregiving can wear you down. Watch for signs of stress:

- Feeling worn out, overwhelmed or anxious
- Getting angry or impatient easily
- Feeling lonely or cut off from others
- Trouble sleeping
- Skipping your own basic care

Do not wait until you are completely overwhelmed. Try to stay active, sleep well, and set aside time each week for something you enjoy. **Respite care** gives you a break. It can be a volunteer, an in-home aide or an adult day program. When you ask others for help, start with small requests, and do not take a "no" personally.

## Where to get help

The **Eldercare Locator** is a public service of the federal Administration for Community Living. It connects older adults and families with local services, including your local Area Agency on Aging. Call or text **1-800-677-1116**, or visit eldercare.acl.gov.

Your parent can sign up for Willow Harbor at Home with a family member's help, but only with your parent's agreement. With your parent's permission, the care team sends updates to their own doctor.

*This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own care.*