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.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
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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