Most people realize that caring for a relative or friend in need requires an investment of time and emotional energy. But the financial burden can also take its toll and costs can quickly add up.
That's why Paul Alper and Tom Doyle co-founded The Caregivers Marketplace-a free service that offers rebates and discounts on goods and services used everyday by those who get and give care. Anyone who enrolls can reduce out-of-pocket costs by as much as 15 percent or more on over 500 products, including nutritional supplements, incontinence and bathing supplies, home-modification equipment and personal emergency response systems.
"Family caregivers can easily spend more than $2,000 per year for products and services that are not covered by insurance or Medicare," says Alper. "Research shows that caregivers often don't know where to turn for specialty products and information. Our goal is to help caregivers learn new skills and save."
Enrollees can buy some products, such as Ensure, Boost and Comfort Bath, anywhere they are sold and get rebates. Other catalogue items qualify for direct discounts from manufacturers.
Caregivers can enroll free at www.caregiversmarketplace.com or toll-free at 1-866-327-8340. The Web site also includes an up-to-date catalogue and information on caregiving skills and resources.