2006

8 June, 2006

Summa Health System’s New Caregiver Kits
Provide Excellent Resource For Those Caring For Loved Ones

Akron, Ohio, June 8, 2006 – Caring for a sick or injured family member or friend is often a responsibility thrust on a person without warning or training. Many struggle with what to do and where to turn for assistance. Summa Health System, the only area health system with a specialized, comprehensive senior health program, has created a unique Caregiver Kit to assist those who care for others.

“Giving care to a loved one is a unique and challenging responsibility,” said Judy Akins, R.N., M.S.N., executive director, Summa’s Senior Health Services. “We developed this kit to provide caregivers with the resources they need to find the information and balance that is vital to having a rewarding caregiving experience.”

The Caregiver Kit includes:

• A directory of comprehensive Senior Health Services provided by Summa Health System and other community agencies
• Educational material addressing unique issues accompanying aging and caregiving
• Ohio Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney booklets
• A guide on how to start the discussion with a loved one to consider having a Living Will or Durable Power of Attorney
• A checklist guiding one through facility-based care
• Tips on how to balance the stress of being a caregiver
• Extra space to keep medical claims and bills

The cost of the Caregiver Kit is $15. Anyone interested in ordering a kit or obtaining additional information about Summa’s Senior Health Services can call Summa Connections at 800-23-SUMMA.

About Summa Health System
Summa Health System is one of the largest organized delivery systems in Ohio. Encompassing a network of hospitals, community health centers, a health plan, a physician-hospital organization, research and a foundation, Summa is nationally renowned for excellence in patient care and for exceptional approaches to health care delivery. Summa's clinical services are consistently recognized by U.S. News and World Report and Solucient. For more information, visit www.summahealth.org.

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