News | September 23, 2008

Rite Aid Offers Help To Stressed Caregivers

CAMP HILL, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Being a caregiver can be very stressful for the more than 44 million Americans charged with taking care of an aging loved one. That's why Rite Aid has launched its new "Giving Care for Parents" program with print and online resources that offer solutions to common caregiving problems, expert advice from Rite Aid pharmacists and geriatric authorities and a library of informational videos. Caregivers also will be able to establish an online network of support through chats with other caregivers later this year.

In the 20-page Caregivers Guide available at Rite Aid stores across the country, caregivers will find helpful hints on topics including financial planning, strategies for balancing their careers and personal lives and advice for living with their loved ones. The guide also has information on support groups, programs and other resources such as medical facilities and businesses that cater to seniors and caregivers.

At www.riteaid.com, caregivers can click on "Giving Care for Parents" and find resources such as a collection of articles written by medical and geriatric professionals, nursing home staff and government experts on aging addressing common concerns such as accidents at home, long-term care, legal and financial issues and health conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

The Web site features educational videos from Fox Learning Systems, a leading developer of online educational tools for professional and family caregivers, showing actual caregivers and elders as they deal with real situations such as dementia, long term care and nutrition. There's a section featuring frequently asked questions relating to caregiving and information on Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. Patients also can access Rite Aid's Rite Advice drug information counseling area to get a better understanding of medications including how to take the medication, possible side effects and dangerous drug interactions.

"At Rite Aid, we know how much work it is to be a caregiver. Whether you're caring for your 80-year-old mother who suffers from dementia or your elderly neighbor who is recovering from a fall, it's important to know you're not alone," said Mark de Bruin, Rite Aid executive vice president of pharmacy. "In addition to the online caregiver site and the caregiver guide, our pharmacists are specially trained in areas such as diabetes, heart disease and Medicare D and are always available to answer any questions, both in store and online."

Another way Rite Aid helps its pharmacy patients age 55 and older is with its free senior loyalty program, Living More. Benefits include:

  • 20% off purchases the first Tuesday of each month (including diabetes glucose monitors, walkers, incontinence products and more)
  • 10% off purchases on the other Tuesdays of the month
  • 10% off all Rite Aid Brand products every day
  • 10% off cash prescriptions every day*

Rite Aid's Giving Care For Parents program and Living More for seniors are part of its yearlong commitment to health and wellness. Throughout the year Rite Aid pharmacies offer special health condition programs that provide patients guidance on topics such as diabetes management, weight management, heart health, allergy awareness, skin care and oral health.

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