This blog is a knowledge newsbasket an on-line Internet publication containing comprehensive aggregated collections of information. MainZone Knowledge Networks focus on developing, distributing and applying knowledge
Saturday, March 29, 2014
HHS releases security risk assessment tool to help providers with HIPAA compliance
A new security risk assessment (SRA) tool to help guide health care
providers in small to medium sized offices conduct risk assessments of
their organizations is now available from HHS.
The SRA tool is the result of a collaborative effort by the HHS Office of the National
Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and Office for Civil
Rights (OCR). The tool is designed to help practices conduct and
document a risk assessment in a thorough, organized fashion at their own
pace by allowing them to assess the information security risks in their
organizations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act (HIPAA) Security Rule.
The application, available for downloading
at www.HealthIT.gov/security-risk-assessment also produces a report that can be provided to auditors.
HIPAA requires organizations that handle protected health information to
regularly review the administrative, physical and technical safeguards
they have in place to protect the security of the information. By
conducting these risk assessments, health care providers can uncover
potential weaknesses in their security policies, processes and systems.
Risk assessments also help providers address vulnerabilities,
potentially preventing health data breaches or other adverse security
events. A vigorous risk assessment process supports improved security of
patient health data.
Conducting a security risk assessment is a
key requirement of the HIPAA Security Rule and a core requirement for
providers seeking payment through the Medicare and Medicaid EHR
Incentive Program, commonly known as the Meaningful Use Program.
“Protecting patients’ protected health information is important to all health care
providers and the new tool we are releasing today will help them assess
the security of their organizations,” said Karen DeSalvo, M.D., national
coordinator for health information technology. “The SRA tool and its
additional resources have been designed to help health care providers
conduct a risk assessment to support better security for patient health
data.”
“We are pleased to have collaborated with the ONC on this
project,” said Susan McAndrew, deputy director of OCR’s Division of
Health Information Privacy. “We believe this tool will greatly assist
providers in performing a risk assessment to meet their obligations
under the HIPAA Security Rule.”
The SRA tool’s website contains a User Guide and Tutorial video to help providers begin using
the tool. Videos on risk analysis and contingency planning are available
at the website to provide further context.
The tool is available for both Windows operating systems and iOS iPads. Download the Windows version at http://www.HealthIT.gov/security-risk-assessment. The iOS iPad version is available from the Apple App Store (search under “HHS SRA tool”).
HHS releases security risk assessment tool to help providers with HIPAA compliance:
Friday, March 28, 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
If You Don't Listen to Others, Don't Read This | LinkedIn
Do not formulate your answer while the other person is talking.
People who don't listen decide how they are going to respond before you even stop talking. ........
Don't be afraid to pause for five or ten seconds to consider the question. Doing so demonstrates that you listened carefully and that you are giving them the courtesy of a thoughtful reply.
If you actually give a thoughtful reply, no one will remember that it took you nine seconds to start talking.
Repeat each question before you answer it.
Never make the mistake of taking five minutes of time answering a question s/he did not ask. First, paraphrase the question by saying,
"If I understand you correctly, you want to know (how we are going to ...........) Is that right?"
If necessary,
allow the other person to clarify their question. Only start your answer
when you are 100% certain you understand the question.
It may seem like a waste of time to do this, but you will be demonstrating your ability to obtain and understand feedback.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
What is health care transparency
What is health care transparency?
{Q}There is no correlation between cost and quality. Prices for medical services can vary greatly - even for the same procedure, in the same area, within the same network.{EQ}Until very recently, health care in the United States was delivered behind the secure walls of a fortress that kept information on the prices charged for health care and the quality of that care opaque from public view.
Over time, enormous and ever-increasing amounts of money have disappeared behind the fortress walls. Much good undoubtedly was done for patients entering the castle in search of succor.
But it has been nearly impossible for prospective patients thinking of entering the health care system to know what they or someone else will have to give up in return for whatever care they will receive from the inhabitants of the fortress.
in a recent article in The Journal of the American Medical Association, imagine a department store whose customers are blindfolded before entering. A shopper might enter the store seeking to buy an affordable dress shirt and a tie, but exit it with a pair of boxer shorts and a scarf. Sometime later, he would receive an invoice, whose details would be incomprehensible to him, save for one item: a dollar amount in a framed box with the words: “Pay this amount.”
http://tinyurl.com/kuzfyok {Forbes} {Q} Mr. Sonenreich is quoted from an appearance on public radio affiliate WRLN with this provocative commitment:
Monday, March 17, 2014
When Alzheimer’s Hits Home: Six Ways to Help Kids and Teens By Carrie Steckl (a.k.a. Dr. Chill)
disease, on the caregiver, and on “family members.” But couched within
that language is the assumption that we’re only talking about adults.
What about the kids and teens who have a parent, grandparent, or
other relative with Alzheimer’s disease? They are likely scared,
confused, and perhaps angry or sad about the situation. And don’t forget
the kids and teens who have a friend who is dealing with this
challenge, which may bring up feelings of helplessness about how to be
supportive or what to say{EQ}
{Q}If you are a parent with a child or teenager who is struggling to
understand or cope with Alzheimer’s, you may have wondered if there are
any good resources out there that you can trust. Fortunately, there are.
Here are six ways to help kids and teens learn more about Alzheimer’s and develop coping strategies. (Note: I was not asked to write about any of these resources, and I am not receiving any compensation for mentioning any of them.) {EQ}
Want to receive notices of new "Ask Dr. Chill" posts? Just type
your email address in the box and click the "Create Subscription"
button. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any
time.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Aging in Place, Home Modifications, Retrofitting: Can Be Foreign to Many | Endless Legacy
By Rhonda Caudell on March 6, 2014 in Caregiving, General Information
Aging in Place is mostly referred to as when someone desires to stay in their existing home as they age, along with a desire to remain there until the end of their life. To determine if this is possible allowing for safety and continued function to the highest level is the challenge.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Individual's HEALTH ASSESSMENT for HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
Individual's HEALTH ASSESSMENT for
HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
TO BE COMPLETED BY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
Individual's Name and DOB:
Known Allergies: Height: Weight:
Medical history and diagnoses:
Physical or sensory limitations:
Cognitive or behavioral status:
Nursing/treatment/therapy service
requirements:
Special precautions:
A. To what extent does the individual
need supervision or
assistance with the following?
S=Needs Supervision I= Independent A=
Needs Assistance
Indicate the extent to which the
individuals is able to
perform each of the activities of daily
living.
Ambulation
Bathing
Dressing
Eating
Self Care (grooming)
Toileting
Transferring
Special Diet Instructions
Regular Calorie Controlled No Added
Salt Low Fat/Low
Cholesterol
Does the individual have any of the
following
conditions/requirements? Please include
an explanation
1. A communicable
disease, which could be transmitted to
others
2. Bedridden?
3. Any stage 2, 3, or 4
pressure sores?
Pose a danger to self
or others
Require 24-hour nursing
or psychiatric care?'
In your opinion,
can this individual's
needs be met by this caregiver
ABILITY TO PERFORM SELF-CARE TASKS:
Preparing Meals
Shopping
Making and Receiving Phone Calls
Handling Personal Affairs
Handling Financial Affairs
GENERAL OVERSIGHT:
Observing Well-being
Observing Whereabouts
Reminders for Important Tasks
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS (Use
additional page if
necessary):
list all current medications prescribed
below
MEDICATION DOSAGE DIRECTIONS FOR
USE ROUTE
1.
2.
Does the individual need help with
taking his or her
medications
=
PLEASE RETURN TO:
CARE PROVIDER NAME:
CARE PROVIDER ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE NUMBER: CONTACT PERSON:
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Advice from Caregivers when asked “What have you learned from your journey that you think every caregiver should know?”
Advice from Caregivers when asked “What have you learned from your journey that you think every caregiver should know?” DJ attempted to categorize their responses. These are their words. Multiple statements in parentheses are further comments from subsequent responders.
Advice from Caregivers when asked “What have you learned from your journey that you think every caregiver should know?”
Advice from Caregivers when asked “What have you learned from your journey that you think every caregiver should know?” DJ attempted to categorize their responses. These are their words. Multiple statements in parentheses are further comments from subsequent responders.
JOIN http://www.alzconnected.org/
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
What would convince a doctor to refer his patients to YOUR assisted living facility? | Blog | Illumination Analytics | Health Reform for Assisted Living Communities | Better Healthcare and Lower Cost
March 1st, 2014
Dr. Steven Fuller
It always surprised me that not a single marketer offered me the one thing that would have made me choose THEM in a heartbeat: metrics. The one feature that would have made the greatest impression is the one thing I was never shown…some type of HEALTH PROFILE, anything that demonstrated they understood and were committed to the huge responsibility of managing my patients’ health.
Here are just a few things that I wanted to know and whose answers would have made a lasting and very positive impression and would have resulted in my referrals:
I wanted to know the types of chronic health conditions and medications that are currently managed in this marketer’s AL so that I could have an idea of what the health environment was like.
I wanted to know whether an AL could manage my patient with heart failure or lung disease or severe arthritis or chronic pain or depression and who is taking 8 different medicines at different times of the day.
I wanted to know whether a facility somehow differentiates or adjusts its staffing to account for the Risk Level of individual residents – that is, does it care for residents with many health needs any differently than it does for residents with only minimal needs.
I wanted to know WHO is managing the health of all the residents. Are these caregivers educated about the kinds of health conditions my patients have and the medicines they take? And how do the caregivers keep track of and become informed of all the health needs that they are managing? This is a huge task when caring for so many people.
I wanted to know whether the AL PROACTIVELY manages the health needs of my patients, or do they just wait until my patients get sick before intervening or sending them to the ER. And how can the AL demonstrate its answer to me?
{He developed Illumination Analytics specifically for Assisted Living Communities in order to enhance health management and provide objective measures of care excellence in this setting.}
Sunday, March 2, 2014
What causes olfactory hallucinations (phantosmia)? smelling non existent oders
Many people are sensitive to certain smells, but in an olfactory hallucination (phantosmia), you detect smells that aren't really present in your environment.
The odors detected in phantosmia vary from person to person and may be foul or pleasant. They can occur in one or both nostrils and usually can't be masked by food.
Phantosmia most often occurs as a result of a head injury or upper respiratory infection. It can also be caused by temporal lobe seizures, sinusitis, brain tumors, migraine, Parkinson's disease and stroke.
Because phantosmia can in rare cases be an indication of a serious underlying disorder, consult your doctor if you experience such symptoms.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Search Senior Housing Forum - Senior Living Industry Information & Commentary
Steve's recommended Gold Standard
He is convinced that ALFA, LeadingAge and AHCA need to convene a blue
ribbon panel of large, medium and small operators to create some
guidelines (maybe even a certification process like The Eden Alternative
has) for assisted living. It should include things like:
- Initial training
- On-going training
- Staffing ratios
- Medication guidelines
- Satisfaction surveys
- Emergency call response times
will be more lawsuits, more regulations and the whole industry will be
damaged.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Seniors Helping Seniors - in-home care services.
Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care services.We make life a little easier for you or someone you love by providing services in the home — companionship, light housekeeping, cooking, gardening, transportation and more.
All of our helpers are seniors themselves. They have a warmth and understanding that comes from experience and wisdom gained over the years. They are all loving, caring compassionate people who bring joy and companionship to everyone with whom they work. That’s why our seniors often become life-long friends with those who receive our services.
We can help out with as much or as little support as you need. Use this web site to find out about our services, delivered to you in your home from seniors who understand you, anytime you need them — day or night.
http://www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/metrowest/
We offer help in many non-medical capacities, including:
Cooking
Light housekeeping
Companionship
Personal grooming and dressing
Shopping
Doctor visits
Transportation
Yard work
Mobility assistance
House maintenance/repairs
Overnight stays (24-hour care)
Long-distance check-ins
Respite care
metrowest/ call us at 508-485-1765 or cell 508-808-1090 or e-mail us at kindnessworksllc@gmail.com to schedule a FREE consultation at your home.
On Wed, Feb 26, 2014 at 11:43 AM, Doug Peck, CSA <kindnessworksllc@gmail.com> wrote:
Thanks for contacting us.
I have attached some information that I think you will
find helpful. We do have a new website that is coming online in the
next few weeks that should be easier to navigate.
To answer your questions, I am licensed by the state so all my
people are W2 employees, fully insured and CORI background checked.
I have 30 years prior experience in human resources and recruiting
I do all the interviews and references myself. I also do all the client
assessments and scheduling so I can carefully match caregivers with
clients.
We do not do drug screening.
All of my employees are local seniors, many have lived in the area their whole lives and many of their references are ministers, pastors, etc. They are very reliable and do
what they do because they really do want to work with other seniors.
My basic rate is $25 per hour with a 2 hour per day minimum.
There are no minimum days and I have clients that I work with only once a
week.
I do charge $.50 for mileage should they drive and pass that
completely through to the driver. I have a copy of the drivers
insurance and their driving record.
Personally I am a Certified Senior Adviser, a board member of
the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce
Please feel free to give me a call if you would like additional information or you would like to meet at some point.
There are many resources for older adults and those who care for them.
Doug Peck, CSA
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Ask Me 3 | National Patient Safety Foundation
Ask Me 3 is a patient education program designed to improve communication between patients and health care providers, encourage patients to become active members of their health care team, and promote improved health outcomes. The program encourages patients to ask their health care providers three questions:
What is my main problem?
What do I need to do?
Why is it important for me to do this?
Ask Me 3 Resources
AskMe3_logoHealth Literacy Reference Resources
The materials shown on this page http://tinyurl.com/kw82a8s are available to download free of charge in PDF format.
Note: Organizations that are members of the Stand Up
for Patient Safety Program can receive complimentary, production-ready
Ask Me 3 materials and have permission to cobrand them with their
organization’s logo. For more information, contact standup@npsf.org or visit the Stand Up Member section of the website to learn more [login required].
Ask Me 3 is a registered trademark licensed to the National Patient Safety Foundation.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
scribes have entered the scene in hundreds of clinics and emergency rooms - NYTimes.com
A study
published jointly in October by the American Medical Association and
RAND Corporation found that electronic health records were a major
contributor to physician dissatisfaction, as doctors negotiate a cranky
truce between talking to and examining the patient, and the ceaseless
demands of the computer. And a recent article
in the journal Health Affairs concluded that two-thirds of a primary
care physician’s day was spent on clerical work that could be done by
someone else; among the recommended solutions was the hiring of scribes
Monday, January 27, 2014
How to Report Senior, Elder and Retirement Financial Abuse and Exploitation | LinkedIn
Russell Forkey Attorney at Russell L. Forkey, P.A.
How to Report, Senior, Elder and Retirement Financial Abuse and Exploitation:
In addition to reporting the financial or other abuse to non-participating family members,most states have agencies to which elder financial and other abuse can be reported.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Assisted living: compassionate, competent care | Sally Michael , UTSanDiego.com
Assisted living: compassionate, competent care
The positive, everyday experiences taking place in thousands of senior communities across this country are the reality of Assisted Living. Like Marion, countless seniors and their families breathe a sigh of relief daily knowing they are well taken care of, safe, and living as independently as possible. Their caregivers are dedicated professionals who go the extra mile to make life more comfortable and easier to manage. While the truth about Assisted Living is not likely to be the focus of overblown media hype, it has taken hold. 94% of residents like what they have experienced and 99% feel safe. This is a model that works and preserves dignity and independence for our seniors.
Sally Michael is the president of the California Assisted Living Association, which represents over 460 Assisted Living communities in the state. Members range from providers that cater to an active lifestyle to those that specialize in caring for residents with memory impairment.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
"SENIOR BULLYING ACROSS THE AGES: SENIORS BULLYING OTHER SENIORS" | LinkedIn
Sandra Stimson National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, Founder
Seniors bullying other seniors in nursing homes, assisted facilities, Independent living, Hospice centers and seniors communities. Download this Staff Education Tool Kit in pdf or powerpoint presentation by registering free at www.nccdp.org now through March 15 2014
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Caregiver needing newcomer information
http://www.alzconnected.org/discussion.aspx?tid=2147499781&g=posts&t=2147499795
Friday, January 3, 2014
Medicare to Cover More Mental Health Costs - NYTimes.com
“Hopefully, older adults who previously were unable to afford to see a therapist will now be more likely to do so,” said Andrea Callow, a policy lawyer with the Center for Medicare Advocacy.
Medicare to Cover More Mental Health Costs - NYTimes.com
“Hopefully, older adults who previously were unable to afford to see a therapist will now be more likely to do so,” said Andrea Callow, a policy lawyer with the Center for Medicare Advocacy.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
2014 Caregiver Overtime Law - Effective January 1st in California | LinkedIn
Jeromy Meyer Community Liaison at Raya's Paradise Board & Care and CARE Homecare - West Hollywood
I wanted to share some news about the new law regarding caregiver overtime. As you are well aware I'm sure, on January 1, 2014 the state of California will be requiring ALL licensed, insured & bonded in-home caregiver/companion providers to pay Caregivers overtime. As a provider also of Caregivers in the home, Raya's Paradise/CARE Homecare have come up with a way to fairly accommodate those clients and families who's rates will become impossible to maintain.
Jeromy Meyer, Community Liaison
CARE Homecare and Raya's Paradise Board & Care
cell: 323-599-6056
www.carehomecare.net
www.rayasparadise.com
Friday, December 6, 2013
Wound Care Basics Today's Caregiver magazine November/December Issue
Wound Care Basics
Studies have shown that more than one-third of caregivers believe wound care is a challenging task and want better education on treatment.
Whether your loved one is living with diabetes, skin tears or pressure ulcers, wound care is an important topic for family caregivers to learn more about.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Avoid Getting Sick from Your Food | National Institute on Aging
For an older person, a food-related illness can be life threatening. As you age, you have more trouble fighting off microbes. Health problems, like diabetes or kidney disease, also make you more likely to get sick from eating foods that are unsafe. So if you are over age 65, be very careful about how food is prepared and stored.
For recommended refrigerator and freezer storage times for common foods, download our Storing Cold Food tip sheet (PDF, 75K).
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Your Seniors Net Worth
Unless your parent is single (or divorced or widowed) and has few or no assets, you will have to know his or her financial situation before you can make long term care plans. Except for those with very low income and almost no assets, in the United States long term care is primarily a private pay affair. How do you know what your parent can afford?
You calculate their net worth, and look at where the money is. Is it in a place where you can access it easily, such as a bank account? Will it be "liquid" within a matter of months or a few years, such as in a CD? Will your parent take a large loss if you have to liquidate something prematurely, such as stocks or bonds? Are most of your parent's assets tied up in real estate? You need to know this before you can make some important decisions.
Use the Senior Net Worth Estimator to begin your calculations. With this information you will be able to plan realistically and productively. Remember that for a host of reasons it makes most sense to use your parent's funds before your own when paying for care.
Download the Senior Net Worth Estimator
Caregiver Daily Log
If you've hired your caregiver privately, unless you provide an easy-to-use form the chances that your caregiver will consistently make note of what you need and want to know is slim. Some families ask their caregivers to record notes in a loose-leaf or spiral notebook, but without guidance about what to record, these notes tend to become shorter and shorter as time goes by.
The Caregiver Daily Log form is available for you to download and use. Remember to save it to your computer in a place you can remember. Print one two-sided sheet per caregiver per day. The easiest way to keep them organized for your caregiver(s) is to use a three-hole punch and keep them in a three-ring binder.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Palliative Care Services: Support For the Entire Family | Griswold
Palliative care services are also not focused solely on the patient. The palliative care team understands the important role that family members and friends play in the recovery and comfort of the patient. Part of the services offered include dealing with the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and family. A chronic or life threatening illness can take a heavy emotional toll. The palliative care team will help reduce the stress of the family caretakers.
Costs are always a concern when it comes to medical issues. As most palliative care takes place in a hospital or nursing home, for the most part it is typically covered by insurance including Medicare and Medicaid. If payment is an issue, a palliative care team member can help determine which payment options are best for you.
Palliative care teams understand the stresses that you and your family face. The anxiety, fatigue, depression, and pain that can become part of coping with a chronic illness do not have to become the center of everyone’s attention and the focus of their energy. For an older adult with a serious or chronic disease, palliative care can add an additional layer of support and care for the patient and family members.
Quick & Easy Tip: Help A Senior Who is No Longer Driving | Ensemble of Care Café
Think about the mature adults in your life–maybe a neighbor or friend, mom or dad, grandma or grandpa–who are feeling lonely and cut-off from the world because they just aren’t getting around like they used to. Many times, older adults stay home and remain isolated when they stop or limit their driving.
Take a minute to think about how you would get to the places you needed to go if you could not use your car this week. Oh my, this takes a bit of planning doesn’t it? What if you need to haul some groceries home? Wow, there may be some loopholes you never thought out!
If you want to lend a helping hand to a senior in your life, here’s one way you can help out that is fairly quick and easy. Simply fill out the chart we’ve prepared below and hand it off to your someone special. We’ve created a sample to guide you. Let us know how they liked it!
EC_Logo_Horiz_wtag_FNL
(800) 974-1323 | Lake County | EnsembleofCare.com
Local Transportation Options Worksheet
Sunday, October 20, 2013
10 Things You Need to Know About Debts After Death, Part 2
October 18, 2013 By Kathryn Flanigan
piggy bank on cash When a loved one dies, do their debts die with them? The answer is, it depends. Following are the second 5 of 10 things you need to know about debts after the death of a loved one:
Wait to distribute assets. No assets from the estate should be distributed until all debts are settled. If assets are distributed and there is not enough left in the estate to handle outstanding debts, the heirs could become responsible for the debts.
Work with a probate attorney. When it comes to questions about debts after death, the law can be complicated in community property states like California. It is best to contact a probate attorney for help.
The Flanigan Law Group provides Southern California residents with personal attention for estate planning, administration and litigation legal services. When disputes between families, arise, they are very successful in resolving legal estate issues quickly and efficiently while preserving financial and emotional resources.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Links | GeriPal - Geriatrics and Palliative Care Blog
Links
We are populating a new list of links for national geriatrics and palliative care organizations (in addition to the blog role that is on our main page). Let us know if you have other sites that you think should be on this list!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Jewish Family Service of Metrowest (JFS) social, health and community services to people in need.
We provide a wide range of services to the elderly, helping clients maintain independence and self-esteem, address present needs, and plan for the future. Caregivers need support too! You and your family members have enormous demands on your time and energy. We'll help relieve your worries. Guidance, support, and concrete services are provided at the highest personal and professional standards, helping your relative age with dignity.
Here is a great article on the growing elder care crisis in America today and how Baby Boomers are now the primary caregivers to their aging parents. Click here to read more.
Our Mission
Nuestros Servicios
Care Management
Home Care
Healthy Partners
Friendly Visitors
Guardianship
Patient Navigator
Services | Metrowest Accounting and Tax Solutions :: Babineau CPA, LLC
Our firm can prepare financial statements for use by banks, investors or simply to help business owners manage their business.
Tax Preparation, Planning and Representation
We prepare federal and state individual, partnership, corporate and fiduciary income tax returns for clients all over the country. Our goal is to see that our clients pay the legal minimum amount of tax.
Besides assisting clients with federal and state tax filing requirements, we also offer tax planning services. We help clients project potential future tax liabilities, develop strategies for minimizing tax burdens, and plan for adequate cash flows to satisfy tax debts.
Friday, September 27, 2013
inflatable moving and handling and bathing equipment
To enable people to retain their independence and dignity
To reduce strain and injury risk for carers
We achieve these by designing products and rehabilitation equipment for disabled and elderly people to help with everyday tasks such as getting in and out of bed, taking a bath, and lifting a fallen person from the floor.
Elk Inflatable Emergency Lifting Cushion approx: $2300.00
Elk Lifting Cushion
The Mangar Elk is a lifting cushion designed to lift a person from the floor with the help of only one personTuesday, September 24, 2013
An Interview with Jaime Estremera-Fitzgerald about Area Agencies on Aging
The new designation of Aging and Disability Resource Centers speaks to a whole national movement of bringing together all the pieces that older Americans are involved with as they age. And many Americans in this country have children that are disabled, who themselves have aged quite a bit. They may even be seniors. And guess what? The seniors, the parents or family members are now older themselves and they’re developing problems and needs.
Coping with Death for Carers and Professionals
Grief and Sympathy is written by , Elizabeth Postle (usually known as Betty). The site is built and edited by Lesley Postle .
When you join the caring professions, whether as a nurse or a doctor, a paramedic, or a police officer, you are going to have to accept that you will come across death in your line of work.
Your roles are some of the most rewarding in the world, and you will gain immense satisfaction working in the caring professions. But coping with death is something that we have to learn to do. It is not easy, but by supporting each other, we can learn to deal with it and stay positive.
sunrise
There are many emotional highs and lows in our jobs. When someone recovers or is rescued from a dangerous position, you will feel on top of the world. Other days, you will have some terrible lows when someone dies or is badly injured. You will have to cope with many grieving relatives and people in shock. It is never easy.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Secret price codes can save consumers big bucks at major retailers
Secret price codes can save consumers big bucks at major retailers
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Alzheimer's Navigator Map out a plan to approach Alzheimer's
When facing Alzheimer's disease, there are a lot of things to consider. Alzheimer's Navigator helps guide you to answers by creating a personalized action plan and linking you to information, support and local resources.
You can move at your own pace
Create your private profile and complete the Welcome Survey.
Take short surveys pertaining to your needs with:
Planning for the Future
Working with Doctor/Healthcare Professionals
Caregiver Support
Activities of Daily Living
Home Safety
Driving
Knowledge of Alzheimer's
Review your action plan to get more information, support and local resources.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Questions to Ask When Your Aging Parent is Discharged from the Hospital - eCaring Forum
Posted on September 9, 2013 by Melody Wilding
If your parent is returning home after discharge, be prepared with this comprehensive list of questions to ask the discharge planner.
About your loved one’s health condition:
- Please explain the diagnosis at discharge.
- What milestones and setbacks can we expect during recovery?
- What follow-up appointments are needed and with whom? Who is scheduling them?
- Where will these appointments take place? At home? In the office?
- Who can I call with questions?
- What types of health care services have been prescribed? (physical therapy, home health service)
- How long are these services needed for?
- Who is paying for them?
About scheduling:
- What date and time will my loved one be discharged?
- How do you suggest the transfer to the home be made (car, taxi, ambulance)? Is an escort necessary?
About the home environment:
- What equipment will we need in the home? (hospital bed, oxygen tank, wheelchair, bedside commode)
- Can you demonstrate how to use equipment we are unfamiliar with?
- Who pays for this equipment?
- How do reorder supplies and who do we call with problems?
About providing care:
- What type of supervision and level of personal care will my loved one need?
- Can you or the appropriate person teach me techniques for skills I need to perform such as giving injections or changing dressings?
- What, if any, special dietary restrictions does my loved one have?
About medications:
- What medication has been prescribed?
- What side effects are associated with these medications? (falls, confusion, nausea)
eCaring.com | Better Lives through Better Care | About Us: eCaring was started by family members responsible for coordinating and planning 24 hour home care for their elderly parents.
Responding
to the difficulties and challenges of providing such care, they reached
out to find the best professional and practical expertise of health
care-industry professionals.
In doing so, they created eCaring:
a complete, Web-based system
for recording, monitoring, and managing
health at home
==
eCaring Payroll Module http://ecaring.com/payroll-module
For families paying for home health care, and agencies providing it, eCaring provides the best possible report for time worked and wages, up-to-date and easily accessible
Questions to Ask When Your Aging Parent is Discharged from the Hospital - eCaring Forum:
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Improve the care of people with in hospitals
The “Getting to Know Me” training materials can be downloaded free of charge from http://www.gmhiec.org.uk.
The project was funded by Greater Manchester Health, Innovation and Education Cluster (GM-HIEC).
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Alzheimer's Caregiver Center | caregiving advice sorted by the stage of Alzheimer's progress.
Alzheimer's Association offers caregiving advice sorted by the stage you face as Alzheimer's progresses.
You are not alone. The Alzheimer's Association is here to help.
http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-early-mild-stage-caregiving.asp
http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-mid-moderate-stage-caregiving.asp
http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-late-end-stage-caregiving.asp
Caregiver's Discussion Group:
"ALZConnected is a place where I can safely share my concerns and get advice."
Monday, September 9, 2013
Interior Organization | Clear the Clutter and Simplify Life
Interior Organization is a Professional Organization Firm providing organizing services and products to residential and commercial clients in the Greater Detroit Area. Our goal is to provide exceptional Professional Organizing services to our clients by restoring function and accessibility to spaces both small and large. We help put the joy back into places that have been a source of stress or disfunction.
Holly Amato holly@interiororganization.com
Friday, September 6, 2013
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Welcome to the I CAN! I WILL! Library | Alzheimer's Disease International
Welcome to the I CAN! I WILL! Library
I CAN! I WILL! is a library of ideas to help people around the world stand up and speak out about Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
These ideas, which raise awareness about dementia and help to erase the stigma, have been contributed by people just like you - people with dementia, care partners, medical professionals, volunteers and advocates - so that you can learn from their experiences and they can learn from you.Sunday, August 25, 2013
Entry Alerts that Alarm You When Someone Enters Your Facility
This is the new "A" system, not compatible with older models. Please call us for availability on models to match your system.The "DA50L-A Wireless Door Chime Set" is a highly versatile passive infrared (PIR) door announcer that senses the infrared emitted by a person or object crossing through its field of view. The DA50L-A wireless door chime operates without reflectors or light beam projectors and therefore is immune to false alerts caused by transient light. You can use with door opened or closed. The DA50L-A Wireless Door Chime is battery powered and does not require electrical wiring. This unique PIR makes the DA50L-A wireless door chime set the best solution for virtually any installation. It can also be used on warehouse roll up doors, inside display cabinets, restricted area protection, or (patio, bedroom, bathroom) window alerting device.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Vigil Health Solutions Inc. - Products
The Vigil Dementia System provides residents suffering from dementia with a means of summoning help without being cognitively alert. The Vigil Dementia System's intelligent software and passive sensors continually monitor resident rooms to detect unexpected behavior for example: extended time out of bed or in the restroom, leaving the room, even incontinence. Incidents are automatically reported to the appropriate caregiver via silent pager, wireless phones or email enabled smart phone, facilitating a calm home-like environment, and eliminating the need for audible alarms or flashing lights that agitate residents.
Take a room tour of the award-winning Vigil Dementia System.
About Senior Housing Forum
Senior Housing Forum exists to address issues and ideas that directly relate to the senior housing industry. It is published by Steve Moran a 30+ year senior housing veteran.
The following article was authored by Karen Austin
While teaching college English for 30 years, I thought I knew a great deal about the human mind. After all, I was teaching critical thinking. Entering the field of gerontology has brought me to a greater awareness of how the brain works. As people experience changes based on trauma, disease or even just the passing of time, we can see brain functions that we take for granted.
Because of my area of research and my blog, I frequently have friends and acquaintances ask me if a parent’s changing cognition is a sign of dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s disease. I am not a neurologist, so I am not qualified to assess. I ask them to schedule an appointment with their parent’s general practitioner.
Nevertheless, I provide an overview of some of the many reasons why an aging parent might demonstrate a change in cognition.
Age-related Cognitive Changes. By the time people reach their 40s, they usually notice it’s harder to retrieve names with ease. As we age, we experience cognitive slowing. This makes it harder to multi-task, and it takes longer to retrieve information. We also think better with fewer distractions.
Mild Cognitive Impairment. This diagnosis emerged in the 1990s as a midpoint between normal age-related changes and dementia. People with MCI experience cognitive changes greater than their age and educational level; however, they can still perform day-to-day functions. Only 30% will progress to dementia over 10 years. The rest hold steady or return to former cognitive levels.
Delirium. Often rapid change in cognition is due to delirium, brought on by dehydration, infection, sleep deprivation or incorrect use of prescription medication. It’s important to get immediate medical attention to treat the underlying problem causing the mental confusion.
Hospital-induced psychosis. Many people suffering from the shock of a medical problem will have a dramatic change in cognition affecting memory. Infection or pain medication can cause or contribute to an altered mental state. The effects sometimes extend beyond the hospital stay, morphing into post-traumatic stress disorder.
Psychological Disorders. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are just a few of the psychological disorders that can affect a person’s attention, concentration, executive function and memory. Depression is particularly under diagnosed and under-treated among older adults.
Drug or Alcohol Abuse. If a younger person behaves oddly, people will too often assume drug or alcohol abuse when it could be something else. Too often older people are pronounced “senile” when the cause for their cognitive disorder could be substance abuse.
Strokes or TIAs. If the cognitive change is sudden, the underlying cause could be a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). The person needs immediate medical attention.
Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury. If a person has suffered a blow to the head from a fall or another type of accident, they might have a concussion. Or the injury could result in a traumatic brain injury, which is more serious.
Dementia. Yes, sometimes cognitive changes to signal the early stages of dementia from Alzheimer’s Disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington Disease or another disease. It’s vital to get an assessment with a cognitive tool such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). A doctor might first administer a shorter test in the office before referring to a neurologist or another specialist for more extensive testing.
Most often, cognitive changes are age-related, and the adult child is overly concerned. Nevertheless, sometimes a more serious problem causes the change in mental functioning, which requires attention from a medical professional. Learn more about the causes listed above by consulting qualified sources on the Internet, in print or in person.
When you are dealing with family members of residents who have cognitive changes, how do you help them with this painful reality?
Karen Austin blogs about aging at The Generation Above Me
Presented with permission from Steve Moran -
Steve's Bio
I am the publisher of Senior Housing Forum. In the early 80's shortly after graduating from college I stumbled into the senior housing industry. I started by operating and later developing a number of small 15 bed buildings (I was young, foolish and not terribly successful). For the next 20 or so years I worked in and around the senior housing developing and operating CCRC's and freestanding single level of care communities.
I took a 10 year detour into high tech but found that senior housing was my first love.
I am currently an account manager for Vigil Health Solutions where we provide the finest emergency call systems for independent living, assisted living, skilled living and dementia units. (www.vigil.com)
Steve
smoran@seniorhousingforum.net
Friday, July 19, 2013
TaskRabbit Support : About TaskRabbit
Prices of Popular Tasks:



Support Center/About TaskRabbit
Overview | Recent
Instant Answers for New Users (21) »
Why can't I log in to the Support Center?
How do I deactivate my account?
How can I see tasks that are posted on the website?
Marketplace Rules (6) »
Can I pay for a task using cash?
Can someone who is not a TaskRabbit do a task?
TaskRabbit's Guiding Principles
Trust and Safety (7) »
Are TaskPosters background-checked?
What if I have a question, dispute, or other problem?
Why do you need my credit card information? How does payment work?
Community Support For Developers (24) »
How do I access your API?
Can I start a taskrabbit in my hometown?
How do I get an 'access token' through OAuth
Ten Questions To Ask When Choosing A Home Care Provider | Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc.Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc.
Search out the history and ownership of the company. What type of license do they have? Find out who owns the company and weigh how the ownership affects the company’s service and reliability. Is this agency backed by a nationally strong firm? Is it reputable and in good standing? Is it involved in professional organizations?
2. How long has your company been in business?
The number of years an agency has been in business is not always pertinent to the quality of care given, but it does reflect on the stability and success of the company.
3. What qualifications, certifications, experience and training do you require of your workers?
read more
from
Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc.
Serving as a designated Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
Main Office – Pinellas County, Florida20130221 DSC_0054 for web
9549 Koger Blvd.
Gadsden Building, Suite 100
St Petersburg, FL 33702
Phone: (727) 570-9696
Helpline 1-800-963-5337
For inquiries from outside of the area call
(727) 217-8111
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Tender Book Teaches Children about Alzheimer’s Disease | Alzheimer's Speaks Blog
Trailblazing Teen Researcher
Wins Accolades for Best-Seller
Tender Book Teaches Children
about Alzheimer’s Disease
July 18, 2013, Boston, MA– At age five, Max Wallack learned to cope with his great-grandmother’s Alzheimer’s symptoms. Forgetfulness was the least of her problems: Max experienced her fears, episodes of irrational behavior, incontinence – even escape attempts. But Wallack didn’t just cope. He devoted himself to easing her suffering. By second grade, he had invented adaptive equipment to help her with mobility, and at age 12 he founded www.PuzzlesToRemember.org, a non-profit charity that distributes therapeutic puzzles at no cost to Alzheimer’s facilities worldwide.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program™ to organizations and care facilities that provide specialized care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Dr. Ethelle Lord,
Remembering 4 You
P. O. Box 193
Mapleton, ME 04757
Phone: (207) 764-1214
a unique Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program™ to organizations and care facilities that provide specialized care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In this program physicians, administrators, social workers, nursing staff, and families are trained and certified to work as a cohesive team known as Care Partners™ in a number of important areas such as instituting a care model versus the medical model to save about 50% in costs, speaking Alzheimer’s, adopting a seamless transfer method from home to long-term care, improved family communications, and many more.
Our perspective is that the medical model of care for Alzheimer’s and many dementias is not appropriate. Healthcare systems cannot continue to sustain in this way and change must begin with top decision makers. We must educate both family caregivers and professional caregivers in ways that will improve careDisclaimer: Remembering4You.com is NOT a medical website. It was developed to provide useful information for individuals and facilities who give care to individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. We do not have medical personnel on staff or on retainer to answer your questions. We do not make any medical referrals or offer a second opinion to an existing medical condition such as Alzheimer's, and we cannot offer replies to any specific case because every case is different. Instead, we hope that you will use the many links offered throughout the website to locate other sites of interest; utilize our contact page to share ideas and ask questions; send us your personal story for publication on our Stories section; and to sign up for our class offerings if you feel those classes are of interest to you or to your organization. Remembering 4 You reserves the right to refuse to post any story that may be objectionable and if photos are mailed to us, we are unable to return them to you.
The information on the World Wide Web comes from many sources and changes on a daily basis. Please note that it is possible to find errors and omissions in such information. To the best of its knowledge Remembering 4 You, contributors and sponsors to this website believe the information presented on this website is accurate and complete.
The goal at Remembering4You.com is to support and encourage caregivers all over the world, family caregivers and professional caregivers, in their quest to provide care for individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. It is our intent to create a safe place to meet and retreat together. We do not endorse any miracle cure or easy way to provide the care, but we do encourage visitors to our site to explore and challenge themselves whether it be through gathering information or taking a class. A link to an outside product or site should never be viewed as a recommendation or an endorsement of a particular product. Always consult your doctor first.
Note: Remembering 4 You believes you should always direct medical or health questions to your medical provider. and lower costs.
We can all learn something from your personal story. Please send your 1-2 pages personal story (with or without pictures) to:
Dr. Ethelle Lord, P. O. Box 193, Mapleton, Me 04757
---
Monday, July 15, 2013
These 4 Things Happen Right Before a Heart Attack
For a limited time, Newsmax Health is making Silent Heart Attacks: A Special Newsmax Heart Health Report available at no charge. Click here to see the 4 things that happen before a heart attack.
Read Latest Breaking News from Newsmax.com http://www.newsmaxhealth.com/MKTNews/heart-attack-four-things/2012/04/05/id/434957?PROMO_CODE=F9D0-1&Source=Taboola#ixzz2Z7skN9x1
Alert: What Is Your Risk for a Heart Attack? Find Out Now
http://tinyurl.com/odgjw2m
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Hospices Directory | Best Hospices | Caring.com
What is Dementia?
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a combination of several symptoms that are associated with the declining abilities of the brain and its functions. There may be a decline in thinking, memory, cognition, language skills, understanding and judgement.
Over time people with dementia worsen and may have problems controlling their emotions or behaviour. They may need the help of their family, friends or caregivers in making decisions. They may eventually become apathetic to their surroundings. The cause of dementia lies in the damage to the structure of the brain.
Dementia epidemiology
Dementia is a common condition. In England there are 570,000 people living with dementia. With the rise of the elderly population and increase in life expectancy the number of people with dementia is predicted to rise over the next three decades.
Usually dementia occurs in people who are 65 or over. It is rarely diagnosed in the under 40s. By the age of 80 about one in five are affected, and 1 in 3 people in the UK will have dementia by the time they die. Dementia is slightly more common in women than in men.
Types of dementia
Dementia may be of 100 different types. Some of them include:
- Alzheimer's disease is where small clumps of protein, known as plaques, begin to develop around brain cells. This may lead to severe loss of memory over time.
- Another type is vascular dementia where there are problems in the blood supply to the brain. The brain does not receive adequate oxygen.
- Dementia with Lewy bodies is another form of dementia where small abnormal structures, known as Lewy bodies, develop inside the brain.
- Frontotemporal dementia is said to occur when frontal and temporal lobes (two parts of the brain) start shrinking. This may occur in individuals under 65 years of age. It is much rarer than other types of dementia.
Dementia and other disorders
Sometimes dementia may be accompanied by other mental disorders like mood swings, anxiety and depression and confusion.
Many other illnesses can cause dementia. These may include viral infections such as HIV, Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, chronic heavy alcohol intake, Huntington's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy and normal pressure hydrocephalus, Multiple sclerosis and Motor neurone disease.
Prognosis or outlook of dementia
There is no cure for dementia. In most patients the symptoms worsen over time.
Reviewed by April Cashin-Garbutt, BA Hons (Cantab)
Sources
- http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dementia/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/emotional_health/mental_health/disorders_dementia.shtml
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001748/
- http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/dementia
What is Dementia? News-Medical.net article
Dementia may be of 100 different types. Some of them include:
Alzheimer’s disease is where small clumps of protein, known as plaques, begin to develop around brain cells. This may lead to severe loss of memory over time.
Another type is vascular dementia where there are problems in the blood supply to the brain. The brain does not receive adequate oxygen.
Dementia with Lewy bodies is another form of dementia where small abnormal structures, known as Lewy bodies, develop inside the brain.
Frontotemporal dementia is said to occur when frontal and temporal lobes (two parts of the brain) start shrinking. This may occur in individuals under 65 years of age. It is much rarer than other types of dementia.
Dementia and other disorders
Sometimes dementia may be accompanied by other mental disorders like mood swings, anxiety and depression and confusion.
Many other illnesses can cause dementia. These may include viral infections such as HIV, Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, chronic heavy alcohol intake, Huntington's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy and normal pressure hydrocephalus, Multiple sclerosis and Motor neurone disease.
Prognosis or outlook of dementia
There is no cure for dementia. In most patients the symptoms worsen over time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6q-H1-XwCZA
Thursday, July 11, 2013
What is an Elder Law Attorney? | Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc.Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc.
shutterstock_108635621
Attorneys who work in the field of elder law bring more to their practice than an expertise in the appropriate area of law. They also have knowledge of the senior population and their unique needs as well as the myths related to competence and aging. They are aware of the physical and mental difficulties that often accompany the aging process. Because of their broad knowledge base they are able to more thoroughly address the legal needs of their clients.
For example, when planning an estate, an elder law attorney would take into consideration the health of the person or couple, the potential for nursing home care and the wishes and concerns of the person or couple if that event were to occur. If need arises, the elder law attorney will associate other legal experts.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Alzheimer's World Bang Your Head Against the Wall | Alzheimer's Reading Room
+Alzheimer's Reading Room
Alzheimer's World Bang Your Head Against the Wall
Print and tape to the wall. Follow the directions in the circle.
If you are like me, you probably felt like you could put everything you knew about Alzheimer's disease in a thimble the day you received the diagnosis.
And, if you are like me, you probably realized over time that you developed some skills over the course of your life that would help you to deal with a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
With this in mind, you will need to learn how to engage in new and different kinds of communication while interacting with someone suffering from Alzheimer's disease in order to remain sane.
You can use some of the communication tools you developed over the course of your life that work; and then, you develop new communication tools that you use only while in Alzheimer's World.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
A Dementia Book Every Family & Professional Needs
Every Family & Professional Needs
This book shows and explains to the reader what is happening and why.
It answers the questions of what do we do now? It shows the reader how to interact with someone who has been diagnosed in a loving and respectful fashion. It teaches us not to loose our relationship to illness, but to adapt life to the imperfections we all have. Lori La Bey
Friday, June 28, 2013
Top Ten caregiver.com Articles of June 2013
Here are the top ten articles you read in June
Which one was your favorite?
Avoiding Mistakes when Buying a Power Lift Chair Recliner
Emotional First Aid
10 Tips to Protect a Wandering Loved One
Heat Stress in the Elderly
Arthritis Tips
Ten Tips for Ensuring Medication Safety
Nine Ways to Get Someone to Eat
A Caregiver's Bill of Rights
Parkinson's Disease: Tips for Caregivers
Bipolar Disorder: Preventing Manic Episodes
Read them now!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
- Smart911 data etc
Smart911 is a free service that allows citizens across the U.S. to create a Safety Profile for their household that includes any information they want 9-1-1 to have in the event of an emergency. Then, when anyone in that household dials 9-1-1 from a phone associated with their Safety Profile, their profile is immediately displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker providing additional information that can be used to facilitate the proper response to the proper location. At a time when seconds count, being about to provide 9-1-1 with all details that could impact response the second an emergency call is placed could be the difference between life and death.
Be Smart About Safety. Sign Up Today.
Give 9-1-1 the information they need to better help you and your family in the event of an emergency.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Nursing News: Nurses Setting Up Primary Care Practices | LeAnn Thieman
The legislation being proposed could spur tens of thousands of nurses to set up primary-care practices that would be virtually indistinguishable from those run by doctors. The last big legislative push of this type, a state-by-state effort that began in the late 1980s, sputtered by the early 1990s. This time, however, the campaign is being coordinated nationally by the Nurse Practioners Association and other nursing groups and is getting a critical boost from state officials concerned about the 2010 health-care law’s looming impact on the availability of doctors.
Beginning in January 2014, about 27 million uninsured Americans are expected to get coverage under the law, contributing to a projected shortage of about 45,000 primary-care physicians by 2020, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Disability Indicator Program
Disability Indicator Form
The disability indicator program is voluntary for both the community and it's residents. The disability indicator form pdf format of disability_info_and_form.pdf was created by a group of several different organizations representing the mobility, hearing, speech and sight impaired communities.
*PLEASE NOTE: IT IS IMPORTANT TO SUBMIT A NEW DISABILITY INDICATOR FORM UPON CHANGE OF SERVICE PROVIDER, TELEPHONE NUMBER, OR ADDRESS*
The information provided on the disability indicator form enables a special code to appear on the 911 call takers screen which alerts the call taker that a person residing at that address may require special assistance during an emergency.
It is a standardized form created to encourage participation from all persons with disabilities. As you are aware, there are an extensive range of disabilities and medical conditions. The disability indicator categories listed on the form may be considered too broad for some; when you consider the extensive range of disabilities. However, information requested on the form must remain sensitive to those who may not wish to provide detailed information.
Always remember information on the disability indicator form is confidential.
The disability indicator form is available through the State 911 Department or it can be downloaded from this website. Originally, the form had to be filled out in triplicate. The new disability indicator procedure form only requires that when a person in your community submits a signed disability indicator form, the 911 Municipal Coordinator signs the form and faxes it to the Verizon Database Center at 1-800-839-6020 for entry into the 911 Verizon database. It is no longer necessary to mail your original. You retain that original copy as part of your permanent records to be used later for the annual verification of your database. Remember these are important confidential documents and should be stored in the same manner as all municipal records.
Annually, Verizon will send the Municipal Coordinator a current listing of those persons in their community who are enrolled in the disability indicator program for updating. Verizon enters the new information into the 911 database. A new Disability Indicator Form should be submitted for the following:
1. a person moves or no longer resides at that address
2. the apartment number changes
3. the telephone number changes
4. to add or delete a disability
Remember to review the lists carefully to maintain accurate records which will ensure the proper response in the event of an emergency.
Complementary Content
Mass.Gov® is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.