Archive for the ‘Other’ Category
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
Tags: appeal hospital discharge, medicar, nursing home discharge
Posted in Family Caregivers, Other | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009
Loss of muscle strength, speed and dexterity is a common consequence of aging, and a well-established risk factor for death, disability and dementia. Yet little is known about how and why motor decline occurs when it is not a symptom of disease. Motor functions enable us to act and move.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center have found that, among the elderly, less frequent participation in social activities is associated with a more rapid decline in motor function. “It’s not just running around the track that is good for you,” said Dr. Aron Buchman. “Our findings suggest that engaging in social activities may also be protective against loss of motor abilities.”
These results raise the possibility that motor function decline can be slowed by encouraging people to engage in social activities, such as doing volunteer work, visiting friends or relatives, or attending church or sporting events.
“There is gathering evidence that physical activity is only one component of an active and healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown, for example, that increased cognitive and social activities in the elderly are associated with increased survival and a decreased risk of dementia,” Buchman said. “Our study extends these findings, showing that social activity late in life is closely linked with healthy motor function.”
See full story Rush.edu
Tags: dementia, memory, motor function, social activity, social support
Posted in Health / Disease Prevention, Other, Resources | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 16th, 2009
AP
Health insurers and states are suing Eli Lilly Co. over the way it marketed Zyprexa, an antipsychotic medication. Zyprexa was the firm’s best-selling drug in 2008.
(June 15) — Phamaceutical giant Eli Lilly & Co. urged doctors to prescribe its drug Zyprexa for elderly patients with dementia, even though the company had evidence the drug didn’t work in such cases, Bloomberg News reported.
The Bloomberg story is based on company documents that were unsealed in insurer lawsuits against the company over Zyprexa. Lilly began promoting the drug for use in elderly patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in 1999, even though it had been approved only as a treatment for schizophrenia. The company also tried to get doctors to prescribe Zyprexa to elderly people struggling with moodiness and insomnia.
It’s unclear whether Lilly accepted the offer, Bloomberg said. It noted that a rival pharmacy company, Express Scripts Inc., also sent out letters touting Zyprexa. CVS and Express Scripts are not defendants in the lawsuit.
Zyprexa was Lilly’s best-selling drug in the U.S. in 2008, bringing in $14.6 billion. The documents were released as part of a $6.8 billion lawsuit over Lilly’s marketing of Zyprexa. Twelve states are also suing Lilly over the same matter.
Tags: Alzheimer's, antipsychotic, CVS, dementia, drug, Eli Lilly, medication, Zyprexa
Posted in Caregiving for Alzheimer's, Other, Resources | No Comments »
Friday, June 5th, 2009
I 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.
Tags: aging parent, agingpro, AgingPro.com, dementia, dpoa, elder, eldercare basics, elderly, elderly parents
Posted in Family Caregivers, Other, Tips on Caregiving | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009
The 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
Tags: caregivers, health and human services, Kathleen Sebelius, long term care, take care of caregivers
Posted in Family Caregivers, Other, Resources | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
Beginning 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.
Tags: Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's Project, HBO, Maria Shriver, memory
Posted in Caregiving for Alzheimer's, Family Caregivers, Other, Resources, Tips on Caregiving | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
6 Steps to Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Stop Germs
1. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6.Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
One-stop access to U.S. Government information on swine, avian and pandemic flu:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov.
Tags: flu, health promotion, swine, swine flu prevention
Posted in Caregiver Health, Other, Resources | No Comments »
Monday, January 26th, 2009
We 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?
Tags: caregiver, caring for the caregiver, obama, service
Posted in Family Caregivers, Inspiration and Joy, Other | No Comments »
Thursday, January 22nd, 2009
Are 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!
Tags: aarp, cargivers, Family Caregivers, informal caregivers, obama, service
Posted in 5 Minutes for Me!, Caregiver Health, Caregiving for Alzheimer's, Family Caregivers, Inspiration and Joy, Other | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 14th, 2009
Here’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.
Tags: advanced directive, dpoa, durable power of attorney, five wishes, living will
Posted in Family Caregivers, Other, Resources | No Comments »
Sunday, January 11th, 2009
Vit 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.
Tags: brain health, memory, vitamin B3
Posted in Caregiver Health, Caregiving for Alzheimer's, Family Caregivers, Other | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 7th, 2009
Being of service always makes me feel better! Getting out of my own “stuff” and giving of my overflow relieves tension and brings joy. I’ve heard “service is its own reward” and that has been my experience. So, here’s an opportunity!
President-elect Obama has called for January 19, 2009, the day before the inauguration, to be a National Day of Service. Get involved with helping your community by finding a service project near you – go to this website and enter your zip code. http://www.usaservice.org/content/home/
Tags: Caregiver Health, joy, national day of service, obama, service
Posted in Caregiver Health, Inspiration and Joy, Other | No Comments »
Monday, January 5th, 2009
Over 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.
Posted in Family Caregivers, Inspiration and Joy, Other, musing | No Comments »
Thursday, December 11th, 2008
What a difference an attitude makes!
I’ve been aware of feeling kind of “funky” over the last couple days, but didn’t know exactly why. It hit me tonight that I’ve been focusing on all the “bad” news in the media – the economy, the war, the bailouts, the political corruption and more. I’ve been allowing it to affect me and bring me down.
What I know is that in the past, when I have focused on what I am grateful for, what I appreciate and what is good, I feel much better! A simple thing like an attitude of gratitude can be so powerful.
So, I tried a little on tonight. I began celebrating the things I was calling negative or irritating. I took a different perspective and embraced (loved) what I resisted. I loved that my daughter was up way past her bedtime. I loved that I’ve gained a couple pounds lately. I loved the pain in my neck. I loved that this economic condition is giving me a chance to relook at my priorities – to fine tune my effectiveness and focus. I am grateful for what I have (and am willing to let go of the expectations about what I think I should have).
Just saying those things makes me feel lighter and less “down.” My attitude is the one thing I have control over – all the time. I am choosing to feel hopeful and optimistic and grateful. There is so much to be thankful for. There is beauty all around me, and I can make the choice to look.
P.S. It’s almost a full moon tonight. Have you looked up lately? Enjoy!
Tags: attitude, caregiving, depression, eldercare, gratitude, health, inspiration
Posted in Caregiver Health, Inspiration and Joy, Other, musing | No Comments »
Friday, December 5th, 2008
Have you recently found yourself thinking about the upcoming holidays with a sense of dread? Perhaps you see yourself sitting at the table surrounded by your family, the smells of turkey and pumpkin pie wafting in from the kitchen, but you are overcome with a sense of sadness or disappointment. Now that things may be different with your parents, it’s a good time to ask yourself, what do I really want my holidays to look and feel like? Traditions are funny things. They can be comforting and depressing all at the same time. But you have the power to create the experience you truly want.
You might ask yourself these questions about what you really want this holiday season:
1. Do I like my family traditions just as they are, or am I participating to make someone else happy or comfortable?
2. Where do I want to be?
3. Who do I want to be with?
4. What experience am I looking for?
5. Is there a new tradition I want to start this year?
6. How can I get the experience I most desire?
Once you are clear about your ideal vision for your holidays, find a way to communicate that to the people closest to you. Families do not always embrace change right away, so be prepared for some resistance. If you are patient and allow your family to process the idea of making changes in a gradual way, you may be surprised by how many will eventually welcome the new traditions and thank you for leading the way to happier holidays for everyone!
Tags: caregiver, caregiving, depression, eldercare, holiday, joy
Posted in Inspiration and Joy, Other, Tips on Caregiving | No Comments »
