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Archive for the ‘Family Caregivers’ Category
Hospital and Nursing Home Discharge: You Have a Right to Appeal
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010
When you or a loved is discharged from a hospital or nursing facility, it can be a very stressful process, and can be even more difficult if the patient, and their family or caregiver, are unaware of their options. Medicare beneficiaries have important rights to receive proper medical care.
When a Medicare patient enters a hospital or nursing facility, there are strong financial incentives to discharge the patient as quickly as possible. Medicare usually pays hospitals flat rates, based on the type of medical problem being treated. If the hospital spends less money on medical care than Medicare pays, it makes money, but if the hospital spends more than Medicare pays, it loses money. Therefore, the doctors and care providers in these facilities are urged to quickly discharge Medicare patients.
To protect patients from being discharged too quickly, Medicare gives the patient the right to appeal hospital discharge decisions. When a hospital, doctor, or Medicare health plan informs you of your planned date of discharge, it is important to tell them immediately if you think you are not ready to leave. If your concerns about early discharge are not resolved through the staff, you should request an appeal. Medicare will continue to cover your stay, as long as you file the appeal before you are discharged.
When filing an appeal:
- It is best to file your appeal on or just before the planned discharge date.
- To file your appeal, call Health Services Advisory Group (HSAG) at 1-800-841-1602.
- Tell HSAG why you object the planned discharge and provide supporting information.
- After you file your appeal, the hospital (or your Medical health plan) must give you a Detailed Notice of Discharge that explains the reasons it thinks you are ready to be discharged.
- The hospital must send a copy of your medical records to HSAG for its review.
HSAG will usually inform you and the hospital of its decision within one day of receiving the necessary information, and is required to do it by telephone and in writing. If HSAG decides that you are not ready to be discharged, Medicare will continue to cover your hospital stay. However, if HSAG finds that you are ready to be discharged, Medicare will continue to cover your services until noon, of the day after HSAG notifies you of its decision.
SOURCE: www.canhr.org
Help with Medicare Part D, prescriptions, questions
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010“My Medicare Matters” is an educational and outreach initiative that helps people with Medicare and their families better understand Medicare. This campaign is sponsored by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and supported by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, LP.
The “My Medicare Matters” national campaign has three goals:
- To maximize the number of people who are “informed consumers” of Medicare, including Part D and who are able to take appropriate next steps
- To maximize the number of eligible people who enroll in the Medicare Savings Program, Part D Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)
- Maximize access to related benefits for elders of modest financial means
For more information about My Medicare Matters, please visit www.MyMedicareMatters.org for consumers and www.MyMedicareCommunity.org for professionals and volunteers who work with people with Medicare.
To contact Medicare directly, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
21 Activities For People with Dementia
Thursday, June 11th, 2009Encouraging people with dementia to stay engaged and active can sometimes be a challenge if you haven’t done it before. Below are 21 ideas to help you succeed. Be sensitive to the person’s abilities and desires. Remember to keep the instructions simple and clear, pick the best time of day to engage the person, offer choices, be patient, flexible and creative and have fun!
1. Physical activity – exercise (group or individual, walking, yoga)
2. Games, puzzles, crossword puzzles
3. Meal preparation (stirring, washing, mixing, tasting)
4. Housekeeping (folding, dusting, make the bed)
5. Music (listening to favorites, singing, live shows)
6. Work-type activities (safe items from the person’s professional work: a desk, papers to sort, tools)
7. Personal grooming (fix hair, do nails)
8. Gardening (watering, planting)
9. Massage (hand or foot, be sensitive to personal space issues)
10. Attending religious services
11. Magazines or books (pictures, familiar people or places)
12. Outings (art museums, coffee shop, beach)
13. TV (approprite and in small amounts, classic movies, Animal Planet, comedies like “I Love Lucy”)
14. Arts and crafts (meaningful and purposeful, not just to fill time)
15. Attend senior center or day care programs (when appropriate and the group’s ability levels match your needs)
16. Pet care (feeding, combing, petting)
17. Sorting (poker chips, coins, cards, silverware)
18. Engage with children (intergenerational activities)
19. Meditation and quiet time (soft music, low sensory input, holding soft animals and blankets)
20. Reminisce (structured discussions about old memories)
21. Eating (going for a favorite meal, ice cream shake)
Do you have other activities that have worked well? Please let me know so I can post and share them with others!
How Can I Make My Aging Parents Do What I Want?
Friday, June 5th, 2009I had two calls just today on a similar topic — How can I make my aging parents to “do what I want.” This question comes up a lot. The adult child sees mom or dad living in, what they consider, less than the best situation and the child thinks that things would be so much better if only they would do “X” (such as move closer to her, move to an assisted living or get caregiving in the home). The only problem is, Mom or Dad doesn’t want to do “X.”
The main thing to remember is this: People (everyone, including your parents) have the right to make their own decisions (even if they look like really bad decisions to you) for as long as they have “capacity.” Basically, “capacity” means that they understand the consequences of their decisions – the ability to receive, evaluate and communicate a decision to others. If they have advanced dementia or are in a coma, they probably don’t have capacity. Physical frailty is not sufficient in determining capacity.
If they have capacity, you can talk to your older loved one to see if they want to cooperate with what you have in mind, but if they don’t want to, nobody can make them. If you feel they aren’t safe and they refuse to get help, you could report them to Adult Protective Services (APS, available nation wide).They will do an assessment and determine if the person is safe or if they need a guardian. Powers of Attorney are documents a person signs, designating someone else to make decisions for them if they are no longer able to (such as for health care or financial decisions).
Ideally, everyone involved would talk and come up with a plan to support the older loved one in getting what they want while remaining safe and happy. If your mom or dad doesn’t want to change, the best you can do it make a “Plan B” – an alternative plan to implement when the “crisis” happens. Usually, an incident like mom falling and breaking a hip forces change. If you have a Plan B, you can sleep easier knowing you won’t be caught by surprise, because you know what your options are.
Answers to all your eldercare questions, and options for “Plan B” can be found in AgingPro’s Eldercare Basics E-Book. http://www.agingpro.com//store/Eldercare_Basics.htm
You can have peace of mind when you know you’ve looked at all your options, and made the best decision you could in the moment.
New U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Supports Long Term Care Workers
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009The new U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, wrote a letter to the editor of the Washington Post regarding the article: “Taking Care of Our Caregivers”. Sebelius explained that the Department of Health and Human Services is deeply concerned about the needs of long-term care workers and maintaining an adequate and high-quality workforce. To view: http://tiny.cc/U4y9L
Watch the “Alzheimer’s Project”
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009Beginning Sunday, May 10, 2009, tune into HBO’s “THE ALZHEIMER’S PROJECT,” a groundbreaking documentary series that will change the way America thinks about Alzheimer’s disease. This four-part film, airing over three nights exclusively on HBO, gives the public a rare inside look at the faces behind the disease and the forces leading us to find a cure. With Maria Shriver.
Need Help Paying for Medicine? Check to See if You Could Receive Free Medicine!
Monday, May 11th, 2009The Partnership for Prescription Assistance may be able to help you pay for your medications. If you don’t have prescription coverage and can’t afford your medicines, call 888-477-2699 or go to www.pparx.org. You could get them free or nearly free.
AgingPro Caregiving Tip: What is Mine to Do?
Friday, May 8th, 2009AgingPro Caregiving Tip: What is Mine to Do?
When caring for an older loved one, it is important to ask yourself, “What is mine to do in this situation?” Some caregivers will find themselves called to give hands-on assistance, others will donate money, food or time, and still others will do nothing. Be aware that each person is doing the best they can at the moment.
Building resentment over what others are or are not doing in the caregiving role is neither productive nor healthy—for you, for them, or for your loved one. Determine what is yours to do, and do it to the best of your ability. You can’t possibly do everything that you think needs to be done. Tell yourself and your loved one, “I love you, and I’m going to do the best I can with what I have and with what I know.”
How to Survive a Hospital Stay
Friday, April 3rd, 2009HOW TO SURVIVE A HOSPITAL STAY
THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU, or not TO THE HOSPITAL
1. POWER OF ATTORNEY – Make sure the hospital has copies of the patient’s healthcare durable power of attorney that states who will make decisions if the patient can no longer do so for themselves.
2. CONTACT INFORMATION – of family or involved loved ones
3. MEDICATION LIST – Make sure the hospital has the patient’s current list of all the medications your loved one takes.
4. MEDICAL HISTORY
If possible, bring a list of surgeries, doctors, previous tests run (and results) and diagnoses.
5. REMOVE ALL VALUABLES – Do not leave valuables with your loved one at the hospital
6. PERSONAL ITEMS – Things that are good to have are glasses, hearing aids and dentures, but be careful with them! If you leave items such as glasses, a cane, a walker, or dentures, make sure they are labeled and also listed in the patient’s chart on the “personal belongings” sheet.
BEING AN ADVOCATE
1- PEOPLE TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH — Make friends with the discharge planner
- Get to know the nurses
2. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF – Make sure the caregivers / advocates are taking good care of themselves during the hospital stay.
3. HIRE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE – An advocate such as a geriatric care manager knows how to navigate the medical system. They are invaluable. You can search for the closest Professional Geriatric Care Manager on www.AgingPro.com’s Eldercare Directory.
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9 THINGS YOU NEED WHEN YOU LEAVE THE HOSPITAL:
Before your loved one leaves the hospital, make sure you have:
1. An understanding of your loved one’s condition and diagnosis, results of any tests, and any changes that have happened as a result of treatment during the hospital stay
2. A written medication list (including dosage and potential side effects)
3. A written list of any needed follow-up physicians visits
4. An understanding of any problems or symptoms that may occur when the patient gets home – what to look for and when to call for help.
5. A written care plan with next steps
6. Any special equipment to prepare the home for your loved one’s return (hospital bed, home modification, rental equipment)
7. Arrangements for home health care or home care aid services- find out what services insurance will and will not cover
8. Education on any special needs your loved one may have when she arrives home
9. Transportation home, or wherever your loved one will be going. Find out if insurance will pay for an ambulance, if necessary.
10 Tips to Successful Caregiving
Wednesday, March 4th, 200910 Tips to Successful Caregiving
1) Learn About the Resources Available to You. Consult books, websites, workshops and eldercare professionals. (Hint: You can find leads to many of these, including the latest caregiving information, at our website, www.agingpro.com.)
2) Educate Yourself About Any Disease Involved. Education can relax your fears and give you clarity and strength.
3) Take Care of Yourself First. Maintain your own physical and emotional health. Avoid caregiver burnout – your family needs the caregivers to be healthy!
4) Learn Caregiving Techniques. Learn about topics such as: communication and organizational skills, managing the physical needs of your loved one, safety and emergency preparedness.
5) Exercise Your Sense of Humor. Smile. You can go through difficult situations laughing or crying. If it’s going to be funny later, it can be funny now.
6) Communicate with Doctors. Get to know your loved one’s physicians. Ask questions, express concerns and discuss treatment options.
7) Keep a Positive Focus. We can’t think positive all the time, but holding a positive focus about the strengths of your loved one and the blessings in the situation will help your attitude and emotions to stay “up.”
8) Discuss the Situation With your Loved Ones. Support and honesty are essential in navigating long term care.
9) Look for the Blessings. You might be surprised at the hidden gifts that caregiving brings – keep your eyes open. You find what you focus upon.
10) Ask for Help. You don’t have to be alone. www.AgingPro.com offers many free resources for caregiver support nationwide, to assist you.
Money-Saving Tips for Family Caregivers
Monday, February 23rd, 2009Money-Saving Tips for Family Caregivers
Given the current economic times, all of us are rethinking the way we spend money. Sometimes finding additional ways to cut back on spending is difficult. Here are some simple money saving ideas that anyone can use to save money each and every day.
Save on Food Bills
* Clip coupons. Some grocery stores even offer double or triple off on coupons.
* Buy generic. Store brands often cost much less than brand names, and often, the products are almost identical.
* Apply for and use a store’s free savings card, sometimes called “club cards”. Stores offer many items on sale if you use your card.
* Check out what’s on sale. Additionally, some stores mark down items if they are approaching their “use by” date.
* Make a list of items on sale and plan your shopping before going to the store.
* Don’t shop for groceries when you’re hungry. Your empty stomach won’t care how much something costs, it wants to eat now!
* Eat fewer meals out. When you do go out, take advantage of early-bird specials or split a meal with someone you love. Pack a lunch for work.
* Pay attention at the register. Sometimes items will ring up at the wrong price. If you notice a price difference, bring it to the cashier’s attention.
* Stick to a budget. Instead of spending whatever you want, try to set a monthly limit on food expenditures. Keep receipts and tally them up during the month. You might be surprised how quickly small things add up.
Save on Electricity Bills
* Check to make sure your house is properly insulated.
* Make sure you heating and cooling systems are working properly, and change or clean the air filters monthly.
* Use energy efficient light bulbs
* Turn off all electronics when they aren’t in use, including computers, televisions, monitors, cell phone chargers, and extra refrigerators.
* Turn the lights off in rooms you aren’t in.
* If you use some type of life-saving device that runs on electricity, (such as an oxygen machine) contact your utility company for a special reduction in your bill.
* If you qualify as a low income household, check with your utility company for programs that can assist you.
Save on Household Expenses
* Are there any services you pay for that you don’t really use or need such as: premium television services, newspapers or magazines, lawn services, Internet, or phone?
* Use public resources for entertainment, such as the library. Libraries have movie and television show collections, in addition to wonderful books that you can borrow. Remember to return the items on time!
* Do an Internet search for “free things to do in (your city).” You might be surprised at how much fun you can have for free!
* Use cash. People tend to spend less when they use cash instead of a credit card.
* Buy in bulk, if it will save you money and if you have room to store the items.
Save on Medication Costs
* Research medication assistance programs to see if you qualify for reduced cost or free medications. Try websites such as Partnership for Prescription Assistance at www.pparx.org.
* Ask the doctor for prescription samples, especially on new drugs.
* Research the best prices. Some mail order or online pharmacies offer better prices than local chain stores. Sometimes buying a 90-day supply costs less than a 30-day supply.
* Ask your pharmacist if there are lower-cost alternatives, or more cost effective doses for the medications you take. Check with your doctor about any changes.
Save on Medical Costs
* Prevention will save you money in the long run. Maintain your health by eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and getting all age-appropriate annual exams.
* Negotiate. If you don’t have insurance, often doctors or hospitals will offer you a “cash” price.
* Check your medical bills carefully. Bring all discrepancies to the billing party right away.
Save on Automobile Expenses
* You or your insurance agent can review your insurance policy to look for possible savings. Sometimes it makes sense to raise a deductible, sign up for the safe driver program or get multiple car discounts.
* Maintain your car. Get oil changes every 5,000 miles and check air pressure in your tires. Watch for coupons for oil changes or other services.
* Keep your eyes open for the best gas prices in town. Beware of hidden charges, such as paying extra to use a debit card.
* If you don’t use a vehicle, you can save on registration if you file a “non-use” form with the DMV.
If you have other money saving tips, please let us know so we can share them with others!
What can you do for your country, and yourself?
Monday, January 26th, 2009We had an historic inauguration of our 44th president last week. He asked for each of us to look at where we might be able to change in order to help our country. Caregivers are serving already, making a significant difference to our country by keeping the long term care costs lower.
As caregivers, here are some questions to reflect upon if you are called to…
1. How can I take even better loving care of myself?
2. How can I serve my community or my family?
3. What can I give back?
4. Are there ways that I can take better care of the environment?
5. Are there ways I can better live within my financial means?
6. Is there an area in my life where I might better choose peace?
Family Caregivers are Answering Obama’s Call to Service
Thursday, January 22nd, 2009Are you making you making your community or world a better place by being of service? President Obama has made national service an important cause – and wants to make it possible for all Americans to serve their country.
34 million family caregivers have already been answering Obama’s call to service. A study by AARP (“Valuing the Invaluable”) shows that family caregiving the U.S. reached $375 billion in 2007. That exceeds the $311 spent by Medicaid last year!
Family caregivers also give an average of $5,531 of their own money to care for their parents. They tend to struggle with physical and financial issues of their own, and be more stressed.
Many times, family caregivers could use to be of greater service to themselves, while taking care of others. Access to needed resources, self-care and health promotion and having a support system to talk to about the challenges of caregiving is critical. www.AgingPro.com offers the national resources, education and community to help caregivers reduce stress and increase peace of mind.
Family caregivers – thank you for your service!
Create Your Living Will so Your Long Term Care Wishes are Honored!
Wednesday, January 14th, 2009Here’s my pitch for everyone to have their own power of attorney for health care and living will. If and when something happens and you’re not able to verbalize what treatment you want, it is important to have this document! It’s the only way to assure you will get just what you want. Do it today!
Here is one resource:
The Five Wishes document helps you express how you want to be treated if you are seriously ill and unable to speak for yourself. It is unique among all other living will and health agent forms because it looks to all of a person’s needs: medical, personal, emotional and spiritual. Five Wishes also encourages discussing your wishes with your family and physician. Get yours at www.agingwithdignity.org. Order for $5 each.
Vitamin B3 a memory enhancer?
Sunday, January 11th, 2009Vit B 3 or Niacin has been know as a cognitive enhancer for a long time. It also has a profound effect on cardiovascular problems, in particular high cholesterol. It is not recommended for people who have high blood pressure, a frequent problem in the older population. To find Niacin in an amount that would be sufficient you could try the Niacitol from Pure Encapsulation. It comes in 1500 mg which is very close to the amount they suggested in the British study.
Information from Bertrand Babinet PhD., LAc.
Benjamin Button strikes a chord
Monday, January 5th, 2009Over the holidays I chose not only to relax, but went to see “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” a movie recently released depicting a man aging in reverse.
I work with older people everyday, as a geriatric care manager. I also have a 19 month old daughter. I often come home after visiting clients, struck by the similarities between the human experiences of those in old age and infancy. Diapers, soft foods, a limited vocabulary, dependency on another, and the need for patience, compassion and a sense of humor from those who are caring for them.
This topic of aging is rich with material! The movie moved me to think about friends, human kindness, love and loss. I was awash with memories and reminded of how important it is to cherish each moment (this too shall pass) and to follow my heart, no matter what. I was moved by the women caregivers in this movie who had such compassion. They demonstrated the capacity to love what others might consider unlovable.
I was also reminded that we are all ordinary in older age in that no matter what kind of material success we have created or not created in our lives, our physical bodies all go through a similar process in our passing from this world.
I’d be curious to know what the movie struck in you! Let me hear from you.
Cailfornia Women’s Conference showcases caregiving
Sunday, November 9th, 2008The California Women’s Conference in Long Beach was another amazing success this year. If you haven’t been, it is worth your time. When this year’s tickets went on sale, they sold out (14,000 tickets) in 3 hours, so you have to be watching when tickets go on sale. Speakers ranged from Condoleezza Rice to Bono, Billie Jean King to Warren Buffet.
AgingPro.com’s booth was packed with people interested in learning more about the national online resource. So many told stories of past or present caregiving adventures.
One of the breakout sessions covered the topic of Caregiving, and Leeza Gibbons (Leeza’s Place) was one of the speakers. I was impressed with her positive perspective on aging and caregiving and her authenticity – seeing the challenges as blessings and how caregivers can take care of themselves.
Videos of the conference are available at the conferenece website http://www.californiawomen.org/assets/conferenceday/livevideo.html
New Awareness of Everyday Activities – for Caregiver Health
Monday, September 29th, 2008Today is about nurturing yourself while you’re doing regular activities.
For example, how about enjoying a shower meditation? While you’re showering, take the time to feel the water on your skin, and imagine it washing away the stress of the day.
While you are eating, bring your awareness to the taste of the food in your mouth. Allow yourself to appreciate you nurturing yourself with healthy food to keep your body vital and healthy.
While you’re walking today, feel your feet touching the ground. Imagine that every step you take is on sacred ground and that the earth is supporting you. Bring your awareness to the flowers along your path, and appreciate who made them.
Bring your awareness to your breath. Take deep, cleansing breaths and feel your lungs expanding and oxygenating your cells. When you breathe out, exhale stress and judgment, and inhale loving and calm.
Take everyday activities and bring your awareness to them in a fresh, new way today. It doesn’t take any extra time, just a shift in perspective.
Take good care of yourself today.
Resting – for Caregiver Health
Thursday, September 18th, 2008Today, I’d like you all to stretch out of your comfort zones for 5 minutes for Me! Today, I want you to just rest. Yes, rest. This could mean sleeping, or just sitting down and doing nothing. Rest has a lot of value, including being restorative.
So, after you’re done reading this blog, please, go be somewhere just with you, turn off the lights and the phone and the pagers – put up a sign that says “unavailable for 5 minutes” and just rest.
Notice how you feel before and after your 5 minutes of rest. After resting for 5 minutes, celebrate and congratulate yourself for taking care of yourself and taking time for you! Leave the guilt behind.
If you’re like me, or other caregivers, taking time for yourself just to rest is an underutilized skill. I remind myself regularly that rest is good and that it is productive – it just looks different than other types of productivity and the results are not always seen on the exterior.
Rest is important – it calms the nerves, decreases stress, and brings peace.
I want to hear from you – what do you do that brings you peace and calm?
Enjoy!
