Many of my entries previously have been statistics and news stories about health insurance and medical matters. Many have linked to helpful websites that broaden knowledge about these issues. However on my mind recently is my own family's situation. I hope that by regularly reporting from my own family, it can help spur discussion among others. I know many families face the same difficulties. Please share from your own experiences as I know it will help other families cope.
My mother suffers from Muscular Dystrophy and that has tremendous impact on her mobility. In the course of the last year she has had to install a chairlift in her home, give up driving, and could not make it down to the beach on our recent vacation. I and my sisters need to recognize the sense of loss that she feels due to this loss of independence. She commented the other day on her frustration that her freedom has diminished because she is not driving. As a whole, familes need to recognize these feelings, but also focus on "abilities." I know that this is an issue my family faces daily now. Linked to this entry are several helpful handouts discussing aging issues and coping with them. Check it out and add comments from you experiences.
Cornell CARES Patient Handouts
Friday, July 27, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Loss Of A Good Friend
I saw in the obituaries the other day that Charles "Mac" Boswell passed away at the age of 83. To most reading this entry, this really doesn't mean much. Perhaps someone from Mechanicsville, checking this site, knew Mac or at least recognizes his name. Mac was the first resident I met in the nursing home industry and he left an indelible mark on me.
I was hired in 1999 as the Business Office Manager of Henrico Healthcare Center. I walked into the lobby the first day and came face-to-face with Mac Boswell. This was a new experience for me and I was a bit apprehensive. Mac, siting in his wheelchair, was telling the nurses to assist his mother into the day room common area for lunch. Seeing Mac as elderly himself, I could not believe his mother was also at Henrico Healthcare. I thought he was just another older person with dementia. I was so wrong. Turns out, he and his mother shared a room and had done so for several years. Mac was 75 years old at the time and his mother was 95.
Mac and I became good friends while I was there. His mind was sharp, but his body had been stricken with cerebral palsy since birth. Over the years, he had developed great relationships with many in Mechanicsville. We had talks about his boyhood and the changes he had seen in Mechanicsville, our hometown, over the course of his life. His mother had cared for him throughout his life. When she was unable to care for herself and him, Mac went with his mother to live in the nursing home. I learned a great deal from Mac Boswell, but nothing more important then to treat everyone as valuable. All seniors have needs and desires and have something to add to the discussion of many of these issues. Everyone has worth because of who they are, not what they do. From the first day, I found some real gems amongst the residents living in nursing homes. I continue to visit several homes in the Richmond, VA area on a regular basis with my dog performing pet therapy.
The book of Hebrews 13:2 has become very real for me and I want others to understand its instruction. This passage says, "Be careful to entertain strangers, for by doing so, you entertain angels unaware." Mac Boswell was one of those people that I took the time to get to know. I am so glad I did.
I was hired in 1999 as the Business Office Manager of Henrico Healthcare Center. I walked into the lobby the first day and came face-to-face with Mac Boswell. This was a new experience for me and I was a bit apprehensive. Mac, siting in his wheelchair, was telling the nurses to assist his mother into the day room common area for lunch. Seeing Mac as elderly himself, I could not believe his mother was also at Henrico Healthcare. I thought he was just another older person with dementia. I was so wrong. Turns out, he and his mother shared a room and had done so for several years. Mac was 75 years old at the time and his mother was 95.
Mac and I became good friends while I was there. His mind was sharp, but his body had been stricken with cerebral palsy since birth. Over the years, he had developed great relationships with many in Mechanicsville. We had talks about his boyhood and the changes he had seen in Mechanicsville, our hometown, over the course of his life. His mother had cared for him throughout his life. When she was unable to care for herself and him, Mac went with his mother to live in the nursing home. I learned a great deal from Mac Boswell, but nothing more important then to treat everyone as valuable. All seniors have needs and desires and have something to add to the discussion of many of these issues. Everyone has worth because of who they are, not what they do. From the first day, I found some real gems amongst the residents living in nursing homes. I continue to visit several homes in the Richmond, VA area on a regular basis with my dog performing pet therapy.
The book of Hebrews 13:2 has become very real for me and I want others to understand its instruction. This passage says, "Be careful to entertain strangers, for by doing so, you entertain angels unaware." Mac Boswell was one of those people that I took the time to get to know. I am so glad I did.
Bill Seeks Parity For Mental Health Services
The House Education and Labor Committee voted 33-9 today to pass the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act (H.R. 1424), bipartisan legislation prohibiting group health plans from imposing greater coverage limits on mental illnesses than on physical ailments. The House Ways & Means and Energy & Commerce Committees, which also have jurisdiction, must mark up their own versions of the bill and reconcile them with the Education and Labor Committee version before the measure can be sent to the House floor.
Mental Health services have always required higher deductibles or have been paid out at lower levels than other medical services by the insurance industry. This bill seeks to provide parity for mental health procedures and the people who unfortunately suffer from these disorders. I will continue, like other aging related topics, to track current legislation affecting this matter.
Mental Health services have always required higher deductibles or have been paid out at lower levels than other medical services by the insurance industry. This bill seeks to provide parity for mental health procedures and the people who unfortunately suffer from these disorders. I will continue, like other aging related topics, to track current legislation affecting this matter.
Heart Disease Ranks As Top Reason For Hospitalization
Heart disease was the top diagnosis for patients hospitalized in 2005, representing 4.2 million hospital discharges, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report is based on data from the 2005 National Hospital Discharge Survey. Other leading diagnoses were childbirth (4 million), psychoses (1.7 million), pneumonia (1.4 million), malignant neoplasms (1.2 million), and fractures (1 million). The average length of stay was 4.5 days for heart disease, 2.6 days for childbirth, 7.6 days for psychoses, 5.3 days for pneumonia, 6.8 days for malignant neoplasms and 5.3 days for fractures. Excluding newborns, an estimated 34.7 million inpatients were discharged from non-federal short-stay hospitals in the U.S. The rate of hospitalization for septicemia increased significantly among seniors from 2000-2005, from 61.7 per 10,000 people to 90.8 per 10,000, the report notes.
Ramp Builders Needed To Help Seniors
This is a direct call to action to help seniors. A group of men in Hanover County, VA serve seniors by building ramps. John Munn (804-746-8483) is the leader of this group. They are a group of retired carpenters and tradesmen who minister to seniors by supplying them with ramps at their houses. I know this because they built one off the back porch of my parents' home. If it weren't for their generosity, my parents would have had to have moved into a more handicapped accessible residence. This ramp has given my mother, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, the ability to "age in place." I am very thankful for their ministry.
I am asking those who read this entry to consider starting a team of ramp builders. Mr. Munn told me there are more requests than his group can handle. He is actively seeking volunteers to start teams. He secures wood and materials from donations and uses volunteer skilled labor. Mr. Munn can help churches develop this type of ministry. He is actively working all over Richmond, VA to help additional groups get started. If you are skilled in carpentry, please consider this as your way to serve our seniors. Call Mr. Munn to get started.
I am asking those who read this entry to consider starting a team of ramp builders. Mr. Munn told me there are more requests than his group can handle. He is actively seeking volunteers to start teams. He secures wood and materials from donations and uses volunteer skilled labor. Mr. Munn can help churches develop this type of ministry. He is actively working all over Richmond, VA to help additional groups get started. If you are skilled in carpentry, please consider this as your way to serve our seniors. Call Mr. Munn to get started.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Education On Aging Issues Reduces Family Stress
Part of my motivation for creating and maintaining this blog is to foster discussion among children of seniors. From my days at Hanover Healthcare as the Admissions Director, I know people are dealing with the issue of aging parents. While there, I admitted over 600 people to the nursing home, most on a temporary basis. One thing was common to most of those admissions. Decisions were made while a family was in "crisis mode." Strokes and hip fractures were completely unexpected touching off a chain reaction of events and decisions. "What care is needed?, Who provides it?, How do we pay for it?" are some of the questions asked at that time. Families get a quick and completely unexpected education about these issues whether they want it or not. They are forced, for the sake of Mom or Dad, to move quickly through the phases of disbelief, denial and acceptance of current circumstances.
No one will ever fully be ready to handle these expected events relating to seniors. I speak from experience. My mother fell on the porch steps of our house at 11pm one evening. This resulted in the family's 5 hour overnight ER visit. However, if through this blog, people can be educated about many of these issues, they can feel more confident in the decisions that are made at the "crisis" time. Education and awareness can reduce the stress families feel when confronted with these issues. As part of these entries, I will begin sharing from my own family's perspective as my mother battles Muscular Dystrophy and my dad deals with his Parkinson's Disease.
No one will ever fully be ready to handle these expected events relating to seniors. I speak from experience. My mother fell on the porch steps of our house at 11pm one evening. This resulted in the family's 5 hour overnight ER visit. However, if through this blog, people can be educated about many of these issues, they can feel more confident in the decisions that are made at the "crisis" time. Education and awareness can reduce the stress families feel when confronted with these issues. As part of these entries, I will begin sharing from my own family's perspective as my mother battles Muscular Dystrophy and my dad deals with his Parkinson's Disease.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Baby Boomers Will Demand More Of Health Care System
The number of U.S. residents over age 65 will nearly triple between 1980 and 2030 as America's "baby boomers" age, placing new demands on the nation’s health care system, according to a report released recently by the American Hospital Association. The report estimates that six in 10 boomers -- more than 37 million people -- will be managing more than one chronic condition by 2030. It projects that one in four boomers will have diabetes, almost half will have arthritis and more than one in three will be considered obese. By 2020, boomers will account for four in 10 physician office visits and an increasing proportion of hospitalizations.
During a press briefing on the report, AHA President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock said, “Today’s report outlines a tidal wave of health needs. We will need a greater focus on wellness and prevention, new approaches to care delivery and a new look at the American health care system.”
People should read this report. It is a very comprehensive look at healthcare delivery for seniors. These issues are going to have great impact on seniors in the years to come. Click "report" above to read it in its entirety.
During a press briefing on the report, AHA President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock said, “Today’s report outlines a tidal wave of health needs. We will need a greater focus on wellness and prevention, new approaches to care delivery and a new look at the American health care system.”
People should read this report. It is a very comprehensive look at healthcare delivery for seniors. These issues are going to have great impact on seniors in the years to come. Click "report" above to read it in its entirety.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Means Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries' Premiums
The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $93.50 in January 2007, an increase of $5.00 from the 2006 premium of $88.50. All beneficiaries currently pay the same basic premium amount for Medicare Part B, which is set annually at a level that covers 25 percent of the estimated Part B program costs for the year. The Government has subsidized the remaining 75 percent for all beneficiaries.
This 75-percent subsidy will decrease for those making over $80,000 a year beginning in 2007. As a result of a new Medicare law, the Part B monthly premiums for some beneficiaries will be greater beginning in 2007, depending on a beneficiary’s or married couple’s modified adjusted gross income. The income-related Part B premiums for 2007 will be $105.80, $124.40, $142.90, or $161.40, depending on the extent to which an individual beneficiary’s income exceeds $80,000 (or a married couple’s income exceeds $160,000), with the highest premium rates only paid by beneficiaries whose incomes are over $200,000 (or $400,000 for a married couple). The income thresholds will increase annually by indexing to the consumer price index (CPI). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services estimates that about 4 percent of Medicare beneficiaries with Part B will pay higher Part B premiums based on their incomes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for all income-related monthly adjustment amount determinations.
To make the determinations, SSA will use the most recent tax return information provided by the IRS. For 2007, in most cases that will be the beneficiary’s 2005 tax return information. If that information is not available, SSA will use information from the 2004 tax return.
This 75-percent subsidy will decrease for those making over $80,000 a year beginning in 2007. As a result of a new Medicare law, the Part B monthly premiums for some beneficiaries will be greater beginning in 2007, depending on a beneficiary’s or married couple’s modified adjusted gross income. The income-related Part B premiums for 2007 will be $105.80, $124.40, $142.90, or $161.40, depending on the extent to which an individual beneficiary’s income exceeds $80,000 (or a married couple’s income exceeds $160,000), with the highest premium rates only paid by beneficiaries whose incomes are over $200,000 (or $400,000 for a married couple). The income thresholds will increase annually by indexing to the consumer price index (CPI). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services estimates that about 4 percent of Medicare beneficiaries with Part B will pay higher Part B premiums based on their incomes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for all income-related monthly adjustment amount determinations.
To make the determinations, SSA will use the most recent tax return information provided by the IRS. For 2007, in most cases that will be the beneficiary’s 2005 tax return information. If that information is not available, SSA will use information from the 2004 tax return.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Recommended Reading on Aging
I was sharing this blog address with a friend and telling her of the motivation behind my starting it. She is caring for a parent who has memory impairment. As she talked I could hear all the same worries, frustrations, and observations that I have heard from countless others. She was sharing with me a book that has helped her learn how to cope with her current circumstances.
How to Cope with Aging Parents by Virginia Morris.
There are numerous other books on this subject. Below is a link to several listed on amazon.com. Please provide readers of this blog with reviews if you have read any of these. Suggest other books that you may have found helpful.
www.amazon.com/care-aging-parents-virginia-morris/dp/1563054353
How to Cope with Aging Parents by Virginia Morris.
There are numerous other books on this subject. Below is a link to several listed on amazon.com. Please provide readers of this blog with reviews if you have read any of these. Suggest other books that you may have found helpful.
www.amazon.com/care-aging-parents-virginia-morris/dp/1563054353
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Family Struggles with Mom's Dementia
I met with a lady on Friday in Maryland. She had set an appointment to talk about Medicare insurance changes and if her current plan was sufficiently meeting her needs. Upon introduction, she was pleasant, well spoken, probably about 70 years old. Her daughter pulled me aside prior to her leaving for work to say her mother battles memory problems. I thanked her and told her anything we talked about I would share with the daughter.
Ms. Smith (not her real name) introduced herself by saying she had spent 27 years in the Baltimore City Police Department. She had also had been instrumental in helping establish the FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) chapter at her precinct. She was understandably very proud of this. She went on to tell about taking a clerical position with the FOP after retirement. This ended at the request of her boss three years ago. It was after, according to her, a mini-stroke that left her struggling to accomplish her work. By her description, her tenure didn't end well. She spoke with much animosity.
I moved on to ask about her health insurance only to be brought back to the previous conversation repeated almost verbatim as before. Being forewarned by her daughter and also used to dealing with seniors with memory problems, I could see where this was going. After yet another repeat of her "FOP firing" story, I knew that this person was in no position to make decisions. I politely excused myself and as I was walking out the door, was regailed again with the same story.
I don't share this to criticize or embarass this nice lady. This is reality. Many people are faced with the devastating disease of dementia. I spoke to her daughter by cell phone upon leaving the house. I wanted to let her know nothing needed to be done with her health insurance. She proceeded to share that her Mom developed this condition after her stroke. I could sense frustration in her voice. She wants to take official control of her dealings, but wants to respect her mother's autonomy. Besides it is not worth the verbal sparing that has characterized their relationship in the last year. Betty (also not her real name) told me her 15 year old daughter acts 25 and her 70 year old mother acts 10. I told her she is right in the middle of the "Sandwich Generation."
Betty and Ms. Smith are an example of the affects of dementia on a family. The disbelief, the worry, and the frustration inherent in the onset and coping with this condition. I have seen it many times in others. Many reading this entry have first-hand knowledge of it. My hope by sharing this story and for the blog itself is to say, "You aren't alone." Please provide comments and suggestions that may help others living with this disease. Check out these two websites.
http://www.dementia.com
http://www.alz.org
Ms. Smith (not her real name) introduced herself by saying she had spent 27 years in the Baltimore City Police Department. She had also had been instrumental in helping establish the FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) chapter at her precinct. She was understandably very proud of this. She went on to tell about taking a clerical position with the FOP after retirement. This ended at the request of her boss three years ago. It was after, according to her, a mini-stroke that left her struggling to accomplish her work. By her description, her tenure didn't end well. She spoke with much animosity.
I moved on to ask about her health insurance only to be brought back to the previous conversation repeated almost verbatim as before. Being forewarned by her daughter and also used to dealing with seniors with memory problems, I could see where this was going. After yet another repeat of her "FOP firing" story, I knew that this person was in no position to make decisions. I politely excused myself and as I was walking out the door, was regailed again with the same story.
I don't share this to criticize or embarass this nice lady. This is reality. Many people are faced with the devastating disease of dementia. I spoke to her daughter by cell phone upon leaving the house. I wanted to let her know nothing needed to be done with her health insurance. She proceeded to share that her Mom developed this condition after her stroke. I could sense frustration in her voice. She wants to take official control of her dealings, but wants to respect her mother's autonomy. Besides it is not worth the verbal sparing that has characterized their relationship in the last year. Betty (also not her real name) told me her 15 year old daughter acts 25 and her 70 year old mother acts 10. I told her she is right in the middle of the "Sandwich Generation."
Betty and Ms. Smith are an example of the affects of dementia on a family. The disbelief, the worry, and the frustration inherent in the onset and coping with this condition. I have seen it many times in others. Many reading this entry have first-hand knowledge of it. My hope by sharing this story and for the blog itself is to say, "You aren't alone." Please provide comments and suggestions that may help others living with this disease. Check out these two websites.
http://www.dementia.com
http://www.alz.org
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Not Your Grandma's Nursing Home
The face in today's nursing home is changing. It is not your "grandma's nursing home". These changes are continuing to focus attention on providing quality care, the funding of that care, and who actually are the customers. The report below does a good job in analyzing the trends of today's nursing home resident. Click the link below for the full report.
Summarizing the report finds that:
Summarizing the report finds that:
- The average age of a NH resident is increasing due to healthier lifestyles and more residential options for seniors, such as, assisted living.
- Long Term residents decreasing as a percentage of overall population due to increase emphasis on short term rehab and recovery. Increased services are available for seniors to manage health conditions in less intense settings.
- Current NH residents have more chronic conditions and are, on average, receiving state assistance through Medicaid. This is putting pressures on nursing home operators to provide the care needed with the limited reimbursement of Medicaid dollars.
People facing decisions of this nature in the upcoming months or years may find this report enlightening. The report is available at http://www.kff.org/medicaid/7663.cfm
Emergency Room Statistics; More Visits and Less Satisfaction
For those of you who have spent time in the Emergency Department (ED) yourself or while assisting another person, the following figures are not surprising. I have been to the ED of Memorial Regional Medical Center twice within the past year assisting my parents with particular issues. Obviously, seniors have a higher probability for unexpected emergency department visits. Many people I talked with, while working in the nursing home, told me of stories of ambulance rides and ED visits at 3am due to an accident or an exacerbation of their parent's health condition.
The average time spent in emergency departments(ED) rose in 2006, but so did patient satisfaction, according to a new report by Press Ganey Associates. Based on the firm’s patient surveys in 1,500 hospitals, patients spent an average of 4 hours in the ED, 18 minutes more than in 2005. The more patients an ED saw over the year, the longer the average visit, which increased by 30 minutes for every additional 10,000 patients annually. Patient satisfaction dropped as time in the ED increased, with the lowest satisfaction reported from 3-11 p.m. and highest from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Visits to hospital emergency departments increased by 5.1 million in 2005 to 115.3 million, according to a report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That averages to about 30,000 visits per ED, nearly one-third more than in 1995. According to the report, the ED visit rate for patients without health insurance was about twice that of those with private insurance. Infants under 1 had the highest visit rate by age. The leading diagnosis for children under 13 was acute upper respiratory infection. Other top diagnoses by age were bruises, adolescents; abdominal pain, adults under 50; chest pain, adults 50-64; and heart disease, seniors. About 12% of ED visits resulted in hospital admission. The leading diagnosis at discharge was heart disease.
The average time spent in emergency departments(ED) rose in 2006, but so did patient satisfaction, according to a new report by Press Ganey Associates. Based on the firm’s patient surveys in 1,500 hospitals, patients spent an average of 4 hours in the ED, 18 minutes more than in 2005. The more patients an ED saw over the year, the longer the average visit, which increased by 30 minutes for every additional 10,000 patients annually. Patient satisfaction dropped as time in the ED increased, with the lowest satisfaction reported from 3-11 p.m. and highest from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Visits to hospital emergency departments increased by 5.1 million in 2005 to 115.3 million, according to a report released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That averages to about 30,000 visits per ED, nearly one-third more than in 1995. According to the report, the ED visit rate for patients without health insurance was about twice that of those with private insurance. Infants under 1 had the highest visit rate by age. The leading diagnosis for children under 13 was acute upper respiratory infection. Other top diagnoses by age were bruises, adolescents; abdominal pain, adults under 50; chest pain, adults 50-64; and heart disease, seniors. About 12% of ED visits resulted in hospital admission. The leading diagnosis at discharge was heart disease.
Health Insurance Issue Continues To Warrant National Discussion
Whatever your opinion is on the health insurance debate, the fact remains that a national discussion is needed. Michael Moore, in his new film, Sicko attempts to create items for discussion. I personally don't subscribe to his solutions, but do believe that it is a huge issue in America today. The survey included in this entry provides all the statistics that a "numbers" junkie could ask for in analyzing these issues. I'll pull out from the survey several facts. Please click below to review the entire survey. Of particular note to me is the growth in obesity statistics (page 36 ) and also the continued trend upward of the diagnosis of diabetes (page 82 ).
An estimated 43.6 million Americans, 14.8% of the population, lacked health insurance when surveyed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2006. That’s up from 41.1 million, or 14.2%, in 2005, based on the CDC’s latest National Health Interview Survey. Roughly one in five working-age Americans (19.8%) were uninsured, up from 18.9% in 2005; and 9.3% of children, up from 8.9%. Young adults 18-24 had the highest proportion of uninsured by age. Hispanics were more likely to be uninsured (32.1%) than African Americans (15.9%) or whites (10.4%). I know politics for 2008 will impact greatly on the overall discussion. Let's hope candidates from both parties emerge that are bold enough to at least start a reasoned discussion. Please log your thoughts on the issue under the comment section of this entry.
An estimated 43.6 million Americans, 14.8% of the population, lacked health insurance when surveyed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2006. That’s up from 41.1 million, or 14.2%, in 2005, based on the CDC’s latest National Health Interview Survey. Roughly one in five working-age Americans (19.8%) were uninsured, up from 18.9% in 2005; and 9.3% of children, up from 8.9%. Young adults 18-24 had the highest proportion of uninsured by age. Hispanics were more likely to be uninsured (32.1%) than African Americans (15.9%) or whites (10.4%). I know politics for 2008 will impact greatly on the overall discussion. Let's hope candidates from both parties emerge that are bold enough to at least start a reasoned discussion. Please log your thoughts on the issue under the comment section of this entry.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Exercise is Vital For Arthritis Sufferers
It is a vast understatement to say that arthritis patients hurt when they move. But, it is important for people with arthritis to keep moving and stay active. That message may seem contradictory, but it's not. It is known that exercise can benefit patients over time by:
· decreasing pain.
· improving their gait and mobility by reducing stiffness.
· improving range of motion.
· improving function.
· putting off disability.
Why Are So Many People With Arthritis Not Exercising?
There are myriad reasons why so many people who have arthritis avoid exercise, including:
· fear of pain.
· believing that exercise will make joint pain worse.
· depression and anxiety.
· physical limitations (difficulty walking, grasping, bending, kneeling, lifting, or standing).
· no access to a fitness center (due to expense or lack of transportation).
It is difficult for an arthritis patient to realize that by not exercising and not staying active they are perpetuating the cycle of pain, inactivity, and disability.
Study Reveals Activity Level For People With Arthritis
Data from a national health survey, which included 6,829 people diagnosed with arthritis and 20,676 people without arthritis, was analyzed and reported in the May 2006 American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
According to the data:
· 37% of people with arthritis get no exercise.
· 30% of people with arthritis were getting recommended levels of moderate or vigorous exercise.
· 20% of people with arthritis regularly performed strengthening exercises.
How Can Arthritis Patients Use The Data To Improve Their Activity Level?
Exercise should not be avoided by arthritis patients. Not exercising results in the aforementioned undesirable consequences including more pain, stiffness, inflammation, joint damage, physical limitation, and disability.
Arthritis patients should work with their doctors to develop the best treatment regimen to minimize pain. Arthritis patients must believe in the importance of exercising and believe in what is true about exercise and arthritis:
· Exercise and physical activity are beneficial foreveryone, especially arthritis patients.
· Lack of exercise results in undesirable consequences and worsening symptoms
· decreasing pain.
· improving their gait and mobility by reducing stiffness.
· improving range of motion.
· improving function.
· putting off disability.
Why Are So Many People With Arthritis Not Exercising?
There are myriad reasons why so many people who have arthritis avoid exercise, including:
· fear of pain.
· believing that exercise will make joint pain worse.
· depression and anxiety.
· physical limitations (difficulty walking, grasping, bending, kneeling, lifting, or standing).
· no access to a fitness center (due to expense or lack of transportation).
It is difficult for an arthritis patient to realize that by not exercising and not staying active they are perpetuating the cycle of pain, inactivity, and disability.
Study Reveals Activity Level For People With Arthritis
Data from a national health survey, which included 6,829 people diagnosed with arthritis and 20,676 people without arthritis, was analyzed and reported in the May 2006 American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
According to the data:
· 37% of people with arthritis get no exercise.
· 30% of people with arthritis were getting recommended levels of moderate or vigorous exercise.
· 20% of people with arthritis regularly performed strengthening exercises.
How Can Arthritis Patients Use The Data To Improve Their Activity Level?
Exercise should not be avoided by arthritis patients. Not exercising results in the aforementioned undesirable consequences including more pain, stiffness, inflammation, joint damage, physical limitation, and disability.
Arthritis patients should work with their doctors to develop the best treatment regimen to minimize pain. Arthritis patients must believe in the importance of exercising and believe in what is true about exercise and arthritis:
· Exercise and physical activity are beneficial foreveryone, especially arthritis patients.
· Lack of exercise results in undesirable consequences and worsening symptoms
Part D Drug Plan Selector
By now most people have heard of Part D prescription coverage available to Medicare recipients. Unlike in 2005 when this benefit was first introduced, there has been a widespread education effort for seniors. However, there may be some that are still unclear how best to evaluate options. Using the website, http://www.medicare.gov/, is a great start to find a plan that works for you. Even if you or a family member is currently in a plan, it is a good idea to re-evaluate your options because you could switch during the election period and reduce your overall costs. Rather than move through the various links on the medicare website, I have provided a link to get you directly to the comparison page. Click the link below, follow the instructions and begin to enter your personalized information. I would also encourage you to speak to a certified Part D representative to ensure that you have explored all your options completely. Click the link below to get started.
http://www.medicare.gov/MPDPF/Public/Include/DataSection/Questions/SearchOptions.asp
http://www.medicare.gov/MPDPF/Public/Include/DataSection/Questions/SearchOptions.asp
Monday, July 2, 2007
Residential Options for Seniors Defined
Many people when faced with possible residential changes are unaware of the options. The following is a list of residential levels with a short description. Functionality and level of assistance for daily activities (ADL) is the best indicator of the appropriate option.
Independent Living Apartments. Independent living apartments are ideal for seniors who do not need personal or medical care but who would like to live with other seniors who share similar interests. In most independent living facilities seniors can take advantage of planned community events, field trips, shopping excursions and on-premise projects. These apartments are not licensed or regulated.
Adult Homes. Adult homes are licensed and regulated for temporary or long-term residence by adults unable to live independently. Adult homes are licensed as assisted living, but typically have 10 or fewer residents. They usually include supervision, personal care, housekeeping, and three meals a day. Many of these residences accept Medicaid in addition to private funds.
Assisted Living Facility (ALF). An alternative to nursing homes for seniors who need help with their daily routines, but who need 24-hour care, but not on an intensive basis. Room, board, case management, and skilled nursing services come from an outside agency. These can be larger capacity facilities, many times operated by corporations. Most of the larger ALF only accept private funds as means of payment. Some may accept Medicaid funds.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC). Continuing care communities offer a continuum of living options, from independent living, enriched living, assisted living, and skilled nursing home, all on one campus. Residents can move from one level of care to the next as needs change. Transitions to different levels of care are easier because people are able to remain in familiar surroundings. In addition, spouses who age at different paces may also remain near each other. Most only accept private funds.
Nursing Home (Skilled Nursing Facility SNF). Skilled Nursing Facilities offer 24-hour a day care for those who can no longer live independently. In SNF, trained medical professionals provide specialized care to seniors with severe illnesses or injuries. Specially trained staff assist residents with daily activities such as bathing, eating, laundry and housekeeping. They may specialize in short-term or acute nursing care, intermediate care or long-term skilled nursing care. Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy are a focus for residents while recovering in a SNF. Many facilities are focusing their efforts on treating short-term injuries and illnesses due to the fact that Medicare pays for these services. Advances in medicine are allowing seniors to remain active longer, therefore SNFs are helping seniors return to a higher level of independence after a hospital stay.
Independent Living Apartments. Independent living apartments are ideal for seniors who do not need personal or medical care but who would like to live with other seniors who share similar interests. In most independent living facilities seniors can take advantage of planned community events, field trips, shopping excursions and on-premise projects. These apartments are not licensed or regulated.
Adult Homes. Adult homes are licensed and regulated for temporary or long-term residence by adults unable to live independently. Adult homes are licensed as assisted living, but typically have 10 or fewer residents. They usually include supervision, personal care, housekeeping, and three meals a day. Many of these residences accept Medicaid in addition to private funds.
Assisted Living Facility (ALF). An alternative to nursing homes for seniors who need help with their daily routines, but who need 24-hour care, but not on an intensive basis. Room, board, case management, and skilled nursing services come from an outside agency. These can be larger capacity facilities, many times operated by corporations. Most of the larger ALF only accept private funds as means of payment. Some may accept Medicaid funds.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC). Continuing care communities offer a continuum of living options, from independent living, enriched living, assisted living, and skilled nursing home, all on one campus. Residents can move from one level of care to the next as needs change. Transitions to different levels of care are easier because people are able to remain in familiar surroundings. In addition, spouses who age at different paces may also remain near each other. Most only accept private funds.
Nursing Home (Skilled Nursing Facility SNF). Skilled Nursing Facilities offer 24-hour a day care for those who can no longer live independently. In SNF, trained medical professionals provide specialized care to seniors with severe illnesses or injuries. Specially trained staff assist residents with daily activities such as bathing, eating, laundry and housekeeping. They may specialize in short-term or acute nursing care, intermediate care or long-term skilled nursing care. Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy are a focus for residents while recovering in a SNF. Many facilities are focusing their efforts on treating short-term injuries and illnesses due to the fact that Medicare pays for these services. Advances in medicine are allowing seniors to remain active longer, therefore SNFs are helping seniors return to a higher level of independence after a hospital stay.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
ABC News Addresses Realities of Aging
During the week of June 25-29, ABC News ran stories on the issues relating to aging and the difficulties families face with this topic. With the changing demographics, this topic is proving one of the most challenging we face as a nation and as a family. The purpose of this blog is to provide answers and spur discussion on these topics. ABC did a wonderful job of highlighting the struggles that families face as roles are becoming reversed. Children are becoming caregivers to aging parents. This is nothing new. Today, however, many people, because of the longevity of seniors and the fact that people are waiting to have kids themselves, are faced with care giving for two generations. The term coined for this occurrence is the "Sandwich Generation." People are being "sandwiched" with the care giving tasks of children and parents simultaneously. If you missed it, take time to review the stories.
http://www.abcnews.com/health/eldercare
http://www.abcnews.com/health/eldercare
Where To Turn After a Stroke
Given that strokes occur every 45 secounds and affect more than 700,000 people each year in America, many families are left with a myriad of concerns on how to adjust to a post stroke environment. Quite often physical functionality is greatly diminished which leads to emotional challenges as well. For those seeking answers to this new reality, I have found one website particularly helpful. It is one of the most comprehensive resources I have found on the topic of strokes and their aftermath. Not only does it define a stroke and suggest measures to avoid them, but also offers advice on adapting your homes and lives to maintain the highest quality of life and level of independence after a stroke.
http://www.strokecenter.org/patients
After visiting this website, please comment on this blog so others may know its value to your family. Please also comment on other websites people may gain needed information to assist a loved one through a stroke.
http://www.strokecenter.org/patients
After visiting this website, please comment on this blog so others may know its value to your family. Please also comment on other websites people may gain needed information to assist a loved one through a stroke.
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