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• The myriad of value-based reimbursement programs, and when to expect penalties
• 5 ways to best prepare for this major change
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Friday, October 30, 2015
CMS' proposed discharge changes would hit home health agencies - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events
CMS' proposed discharge changes would hit home health agencies - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events: By Virgil Dickson | October 29, 2015
The CMS is proposing a massive overhaul of the discharge process for hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and home health agencies. The latter would likely be hardest hit, facing an annual cost of $283 million, the agency says.
Under the proposed rule, providers would be required to develop a discharge plan within 24 hours of a patient's admission or registration, and would have to complete that plan before the patient is discharged home or transferred to another facility.
The change would apply to all inpatients and some outpatients, including patients under observation status; patients who are undergoing surgery or other same-day procedures where anesthesia or moderate sedation is used; and emergency department patients who have been identified by a practitioner as needing a discharge plan.
The CMS is proposing a massive overhaul of the discharge process for hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and home health agencies. The latter would likely be hardest hit, facing an annual cost of $283 million, the agency says.
Under the proposed rule, providers would be required to develop a discharge plan within 24 hours of a patient's admission or registration, and would have to complete that plan before the patient is discharged home or transferred to another facility.
The change would apply to all inpatients and some outpatients, including patients under observation status; patients who are undergoing surgery or other same-day procedures where anesthesia or moderate sedation is used; and emergency department patients who have been identified by a practitioner as needing a discharge plan.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
23 Ingenious Uses for White Vinegar | Care2 Healthy Living
23 Ingenious Uses for White Vinegar | Care2 Healthy Living: 23 Ingenious Uses for White Vinegar
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
The Hidden Casualties of Alzheimer's - Dating Dementia
The Hidden Casualties of Alzheimer's - Dating Dementia:
Caregivers Benefit From Time Away
Many caregivers try to do everything for their loved one, without taking a break. In the long run, if you insist on shouldering the entire load, you are setting yourself up for disaster.
Look into joining a support group. These groups can connect you with people who are facing similar circumstances. It is surprising how much you can benefit from connecting with others who are traveling a similar path.
Alzheimer's, dementia, memory loss, aging, caregiving Establishing a system of support will help caregivers through the ups and downs of a lengthy caregiving journey. Ask siblings or other family members to help with caregiving and divide up tasks to lighten the burden. If finances allow, look into hiring a paid companion or caregiver. Respite care options are not becoming more common in communities throughout the U.S.
Plan for the future since Alzheimer’s and similar degenerative brain disease are progressive.
None of us can go through life without help. When you need an electrician, for example, you hire one. When you can’t move a piece of heavy furniture by yourself, you ask a neighbor or a friend for help. When you need help figuring out medical and legal options, you turn to a professional for assistance.
When you need a break from your caregiving responsibilities, there is no shame in turning to others.
The Hidden Casualties of Alzheimer’s by Nancy Wurtzel on October 28, 2015
{article snipped}Caregivers Benefit From Time Away
Many caregivers try to do everything for their loved one, without taking a break. In the long run, if you insist on shouldering the entire load, you are setting yourself up for disaster.
Look into joining a support group. These groups can connect you with people who are facing similar circumstances. It is surprising how much you can benefit from connecting with others who are traveling a similar path.
Alzheimer's, dementia, memory loss, aging, caregiving Establishing a system of support will help caregivers through the ups and downs of a lengthy caregiving journey. Ask siblings or other family members to help with caregiving and divide up tasks to lighten the burden. If finances allow, look into hiring a paid companion or caregiver. Respite care options are not becoming more common in communities throughout the U.S.
Plan for the future since Alzheimer’s and similar degenerative brain disease are progressive.
None of us can go through life without help. When you need an electrician, for example, you hire one. When you can’t move a piece of heavy furniture by yourself, you ask a neighbor or a friend for help. When you need help figuring out medical and legal options, you turn to a professional for assistance.
When you need a break from your caregiving responsibilities, there is no shame in turning to others.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Hey, EHR vendors: What took so long on interoperability? - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events
Hey, EHR vendors: What took so long on interoperability? - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events: Hey, EHR vendors: What took you so long on interoperability? And other letters
By Modern Healthcare | October 24, 2015
Regarding the recent article “Top EHR vendors agree to interoperability metrics”, if vendors had focused on this from the start, we could be avoiding all this catch-up now.
Add to the mix the industrywide presence of staffers, administrators, IT folks, physicians and other caregivers who don't really understand HIPAA's limitations (please stop discussing patients in the hallway) and/or its freedoms (disclosure for continuity of care is absolutely allowed). The lack of understanding has added to this mess.
Another layer comes in the form of restrictions that were meant to hinder inappropriate access, but instead they have hindered patient care (a doctor with privileges at a hospital needs a patient record, but can only see patients assigned to the said doctor; if assignment is missed at registration, the doctor can't see the patient's records).
HIPAA itself is nearly 20 years old. The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act adds clarity, but the medical community depended on the tech community to get us into this brave new world and in many ways it failed us with proprietary stands on sharing information and platforms. They knew their customers were barreling toward this moment and instead of communicating then, they dragged their feet until the outcry for interoperability became too loud to ignore. I don't want to pat them on the back. I want to ask them, “What took you so long?” Also, “How much are you going to charge me for all the upgrades I'm most assuredly going to require?”
Brette E.M. Williams
Marketing director
Everest A/R Management Group
Gainesville, Fla.
By Modern Healthcare | October 24, 2015
Regarding the recent article “Top EHR vendors agree to interoperability metrics”, if vendors had focused on this from the start, we could be avoiding all this catch-up now.
Add to the mix the industrywide presence of staffers, administrators, IT folks, physicians and other caregivers who don't really understand HIPAA's limitations (please stop discussing patients in the hallway) and/or its freedoms (disclosure for continuity of care is absolutely allowed). The lack of understanding has added to this mess.
Another layer comes in the form of restrictions that were meant to hinder inappropriate access, but instead they have hindered patient care (a doctor with privileges at a hospital needs a patient record, but can only see patients assigned to the said doctor; if assignment is missed at registration, the doctor can't see the patient's records).
HIPAA itself is nearly 20 years old. The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act adds clarity, but the medical community depended on the tech community to get us into this brave new world and in many ways it failed us with proprietary stands on sharing information and platforms. They knew their customers were barreling toward this moment and instead of communicating then, they dragged their feet until the outcry for interoperability became too loud to ignore. I don't want to pat them on the back. I want to ask them, “What took you so long?” Also, “How much are you going to charge me for all the upgrades I'm most assuredly going to require?”
Brette E.M. Williams
Marketing director
Everest A/R Management Group
Gainesville, Fla.
Healthcare consumers aren't price shopping, and that's not surprising - Modern Healthcare Vital Signs | The healthcare business blog from Modern Healthcare
Healthcare consumers aren't price shopping, and that's not surprising - Modern Healthcare Vital Signs | The healthcare business blog from Modern Healthcare: Blog: It's not surprising that medical consumers aren't price shopping
By Harris Meyer | October 22, 2015
How viable is it for Americans to price-shop for healthcare services, which economists, policy pundits, and insurance officials constantly urge them to do?
Vox healthcare reporter Sarah Kliff recently shopped for a better price for her own care. She discovered a predictable glitch. You may be able to find a lower-priced provider. But unless you're a medical expert, there's no guarantee you'll get quality that's equal to or better than the higher-priced provider.
That confirmed my worries about the healthcare shopping process. I'm currently facing a similar shopping dilemma.
Kliff sought a lower-priced magnetic resonance imaging test for a slow-healing stress fracture in her foot. Her orthopedist referred her to an academic medical center for the scan. Her health insurer called her and suggested that she switch to a freestanding imaging center that would charge the insurer about $400, half the academic center's price. Kliff would have paid the same $50 copay either way. But she liked the idea of reducing health system spending, so she had the scan done by the cheaper provider.
Sure enough, her orthopedist had difficulty obtaining the image from the MRI provider she went to, which wasn't among the usual centers he works with. So there was more work for the orthopedist's office staff, and Kliff had to wait half an hour in the doctor's office while they tracked down the images and report. Then the doctor found the image blurry, compared with the “much clearer” images he gets from the academic center.
In retrospect, she wishes she hadn't selected a provider based on price. “The lower-cost procedure… did indeed save my insurance plan money,” she wrote. “But it created a worse medical experience for me, and was helpful in highlighting the trade-offs that patients must make in the shopping experience.”
By Harris Meyer | October 22, 2015
How viable is it for Americans to price-shop for healthcare services, which economists, policy pundits, and insurance officials constantly urge them to do?
Vox healthcare reporter Sarah Kliff recently shopped for a better price for her own care. She discovered a predictable glitch. You may be able to find a lower-priced provider. But unless you're a medical expert, there's no guarantee you'll get quality that's equal to or better than the higher-priced provider.
That confirmed my worries about the healthcare shopping process. I'm currently facing a similar shopping dilemma.
Kliff sought a lower-priced magnetic resonance imaging test for a slow-healing stress fracture in her foot. Her orthopedist referred her to an academic medical center for the scan. Her health insurer called her and suggested that she switch to a freestanding imaging center that would charge the insurer about $400, half the academic center's price. Kliff would have paid the same $50 copay either way. But she liked the idea of reducing health system spending, so she had the scan done by the cheaper provider.
Sure enough, her orthopedist had difficulty obtaining the image from the MRI provider she went to, which wasn't among the usual centers he works with. So there was more work for the orthopedist's office staff, and Kliff had to wait half an hour in the doctor's office while they tracked down the images and report. Then the doctor found the image blurry, compared with the “much clearer” images he gets from the academic center.
In retrospect, she wishes she hadn't selected a provider based on price. “The lower-cost procedure… did indeed save my insurance plan money,” she wrote. “But it created a worse medical experience for me, and was helpful in highlighting the trade-offs that patients must make in the shopping experience.”
Sunday, October 25, 2015
A Google Group | Advocates-For-Patient-Focused-Friendly-Hospitals -
Advocates-For-Patient-Focused-Friendly-Hospitals - Google Groups: About Group
Group name
Advocates-For-Patient-Focused-Friendly-Hospitals
Description
Conversations concerning the many needs of strangers to hospitals, emergency departments, emergency rooms and the mind boggling array of finding their way around the hospital. Guidelines how to manage patient confusion, fear, cognitive issues including dementia and Alzheimer's.
Group name
Advocates-For-Patient-Focused-Friendly-Hospitals
Description
Conversations concerning the many needs of strangers to hospitals, emergency departments, emergency rooms and the mind boggling array of finding their way around the hospital. Guidelines how to manage patient confusion, fear, cognitive issues including dementia and Alzheimer's.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
About | Let's Talk about Dementia a blog hosted and supported by Alzheimer Scotland
About | Let's Talk about Dementia
Let’s Talk about Dementia, a blog hosted and supported by Alzheimer Scotland and led by our allied health professional colleagues.
Let’s Talk about Dementia was
set up following on from Scotland’s Dementia Awareness Week 2014 (2–8
June) which focussed on the theme “lets talk about dementia”.
Dementia is frightening. Talking about it helps us make sure that
nobody faces dementia alone and through this blog we want to keep the
country talking about it.
Allied Health Professionals
share the work and practice of the allied health professionals in
relation to dementia care. It will offer advice for people living with
dementia, their carers, partners and families – focussing on topics that
range from diet and physical health to keeping engaged with your
community or remaining at home for as long as you would like. This blog
will also be a source of information for other health and social care
professional colleagues.
Let’s Talk about Dementia will:
and on the bus, in cities, towns and villages across Scotland! Enter
your email address in the right side menu and we’ll let you know when a
new post has been published.
Thank you.
Elaine Hunter
Allied Health Professional Consultant, Alzheimer Scotland
@elaineahpmh
Let’s Talk about Dementia, a blog hosted and supported by Alzheimer Scotland and led by our allied health professional colleagues.
Let’s Talk about Dementia was
set up following on from Scotland’s Dementia Awareness Week 2014 (2–8
June) which focussed on the theme “lets talk about dementia”.
Dementia is frightening. Talking about it helps us make sure that
nobody faces dementia alone and through this blog we want to keep the
country talking about it.
Allied Health Professionals
“I think people with dementia could benefit from the ‘hidden treasures’ of allied health professionals.
A dementia carer
Let’s Talk about Dementia willshare the work and practice of the allied health professionals in
relation to dementia care. It will offer advice for people living with
dementia, their carers, partners and families – focussing on topics that
range from diet and physical health to keeping engaged with your
community or remaining at home for as long as you would like. This blog
will also be a source of information for other health and social care
professional colleagues.
Let’s Talk about Dementia will:
- Cover a range of topics and offer practical ideas, hint and tips
- Share allied health professionals’ knowledge and expertise
- Share links to useful resources
- Share the work of Alzheimer Scotland
- Share resources that you may not be aware of
- Allow you to engage with us, share resources and discuss issues.
and on the bus, in cities, towns and villages across Scotland! Enter
your email address in the right side menu and we’ll let you know when a
new post has been published.
Thank you.
Elaine Hunter
Allied Health Professional Consultant, Alzheimer Scotland
@elaineahpmh
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
The End Of Memory: A Natural History Of Alzheimer's And Aging, Hardcover Book
The End Of Memory: A Natural History Of Alzheimer's And Aging, The Hardcover – International Edition, December 30, 2014
by Jay Ingram (Author)
About the Author
JAY INGRAM was the host of Discovery Channel Canada’s Daily Planet from the first episode until June 2011. Prior to joining Discovery, Ingram hosted CBC Radio’s national science show, Quirks & Quarks. He has received the Sandford Fleming Medal from the Royal Canadian Institute, the Royal Society’s McNeil Medal for the Public Awareness of Science and the Michael Smith Award from the Natural Sciences and engineering Research Council. He is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Alberta, has received five honorary doctorates and is a member of the Order of Canada. He has written eleven books, most of which became bestsellers.
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers; First Edition edition (December 30, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1443435767
ISBN-13: 978-1443435765
Customer Reviews
Five Stars
By Terry Shore on May 4, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Very Informative and easy to read.
by Jay Ingram (Author)
About the Author
JAY INGRAM was the host of Discovery Channel Canada’s Daily Planet from the first episode until June 2011. Prior to joining Discovery, Ingram hosted CBC Radio’s national science show, Quirks & Quarks. He has received the Sandford Fleming Medal from the Royal Canadian Institute, the Royal Society’s McNeil Medal for the Public Awareness of Science and the Michael Smith Award from the Natural Sciences and engineering Research Council. He is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Alberta, has received five honorary doctorates and is a member of the Order of Canada. He has written eleven books, most of which became bestsellers.
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers; First Edition edition (December 30, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1443435767
ISBN-13: 978-1443435765
Customer Reviews
Five Stars
By Terry Shore on May 4, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Very Informative and easy to read.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
HighRiskProcedures
www.LeapfrogGroup.org/HospitalSurveyReport
Predicting patient survival of high -‐ risk surgeries Despite breakthroughs in surgical safety, some amount of risk will always exist. But for many high -‐ risk surgeries, choosing where to receive care can mean the difference between life and death. Given its potential impact on the health and well -‐ being of employees and their families, the quality of surgical ca re is also critically important to employers . Paying for surgeries through employer -‐ sponsored health insurance plans , these employers want nothing more than their valued workers back on their feet.
The Leapfrog Group, a national employer -‐ driven nonprofit watchdog organization, asks hospitals to report their performance each year and makes this information public, so health care consumers and purchasers can use it to compare hospitals and make the best choice for surgical care. The Leapfrog Hospital Survey focuses on four specific surgical procedures because they are both common and high -‐ risk, and the survival rates for these procedures vary widely across hospitals. Leapfrog calculates predicted survival rates, by hospital, for each type of surgery.
The Leapfrog Group, a national employer -‐ driven nonprofit watchdog organization, asks hospitals to report their performance each year and makes this information public, so health care consumers and purchasers can use it to compare hospitals and make the best choice for surgical care. The Leapfrog Hospital Survey focuses on four specific surgical procedures because they are both common and high -‐ risk, and the survival rates for these procedures vary widely across hospitals. Leapfrog calculates predicted survival rates, by hospital, for each type of surgery.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Car keys mean freedom, Taking away keys tough but ...
News - newsjournalonline.com
What You Need to Know
Taking the keys away from a parent or loved one with Alzheimer's, dementia or similar diseases can be difficult. Here are tips to make the task easier:
WARNING SIGNS
· They forget how to locate a familiar place and get lost.
· They fail to observe traffic signals and signs.
· They become angry and confused while driving.
HOW TO LIMIT DRIVING
· Ask a doctor to write a "do not drive" prescription.
· Have them tested by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
· Offer to drive or arrange other transportation.
· Have someone the person respects and trusts recommend they stop driving.
· Park the car on another block or in a neighbor's driveway.
· Hide the car keys or disable the car by removing the distributor cap or battery as a last resort.
BE PREPARED
· If the person wanders, he or she can get lost while driving, so register them in the Alzheimer's Association's Safe Return Program. Call 1-888-572-8566 or go online to alz.org and click on "medic alert + safety center" on the right-hand side of the home page.
SOURCE: Alzheimer's Association
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Teepa Snow demos 10 ways to calm a crisis with a person living with Alzheimer’s / dementia
Teepa Snow demos 10 ways to calm a crisis with a person living with Alzheimer’s / dementia: Teepa Snow demos 10 ways to calm a crisis with a person living with Alzheimer’s / dementia
Teepa Snow calms crisis no video
When people feel trapped and terrified, they get agitated, anxious, and sometimes aggressive.
It’s normal behaviour for human beings to lash out when they feel threatened, whether they have dementia or not.
Unfortunately, many people who care for people living with dementia (PLWD), including family, friends, healthcare personnel and caregivers, blame this normal behaviour on the disease rather than finding and addressing the real underlying causes.
More often than not, something in the environment or in the way the person with dementia is being treated or approached prompts the aggressive behaviour, which is in fact a perfectly normal response to something the PLWD may perceive as a threat of some kind.
In the video below, dementia care pioneer Teepa Snow tells the story of de-escalating a situation in which an 89-year-old woman with dementia became violent when care facility staff and EMS personnel tried to get her onto a gurney.
On Christmas Eve 2012, I found myself in the midst of a similar crisis with my mother. At the time, I had no idea what to do. I have since seen others in versions of the same scenario; it’s clear they either don’t know what to do or if they do know what to do they aren’t doing it.
Instead of blaming the PWLD and the disease and then “drugging them up” as Snow says in the video, we need to learn how to:
1) prevent crises from happening in the first place
2) de-escalate them if and when they occur despite our best efforts
Here are 10 ways anybody can use to calm a crisis in which a PLWD becomes distressed and/or aggressive:
Remove the threat
Create space
Get on her/his side
Get at or below eye level
Use “hand under hand”
Breathe in sync
Calm your voice
Relax your body
Attend to her/his needs
Be willing to go where he/she is
Learn how to put the tips into practice by watching video with Teepa Snow:Teepa Snow?s videos are available on Amazon
Teepa Snow calms crisis no video
When people feel trapped and terrified, they get agitated, anxious, and sometimes aggressive.
It’s normal behaviour for human beings to lash out when they feel threatened, whether they have dementia or not.
Unfortunately, many people who care for people living with dementia (PLWD), including family, friends, healthcare personnel and caregivers, blame this normal behaviour on the disease rather than finding and addressing the real underlying causes.
More often than not, something in the environment or in the way the person with dementia is being treated or approached prompts the aggressive behaviour, which is in fact a perfectly normal response to something the PLWD may perceive as a threat of some kind.
In the video below, dementia care pioneer Teepa Snow tells the story of de-escalating a situation in which an 89-year-old woman with dementia became violent when care facility staff and EMS personnel tried to get her onto a gurney.
On Christmas Eve 2012, I found myself in the midst of a similar crisis with my mother. At the time, I had no idea what to do. I have since seen others in versions of the same scenario; it’s clear they either don’t know what to do or if they do know what to do they aren’t doing it.
Instead of blaming the PWLD and the disease and then “drugging them up” as Snow says in the video, we need to learn how to:
1) prevent crises from happening in the first place
2) de-escalate them if and when they occur despite our best efforts
Here are 10 ways anybody can use to calm a crisis in which a PLWD becomes distressed and/or aggressive:
Remove the threat
Create space
Get on her/his side
Get at or below eye level
Use “hand under hand”
Breathe in sync
Calm your voice
Relax your body
Attend to her/his needs
Be willing to go where he/she is
Learn how to put the tips into practice by watching video with Teepa Snow:Teepa Snow?s videos are available on Amazon
TechByter Worldwide | You Need a Password Manager, Manually Coding Websites with Brackets, Short Circuits, and Spare Parts
TechByter Worldwide | You Need a Password Manager, Manually Coding Websites with Brackets, Short Circuits, and Spare Parts: You Need a Password Manager
There are free password managers and ones that you pay for. Some of them have extra features you'll find useful. Regardless of the features and regardless of which one you choose, the important point is to choose something.
Web browsers can remember your login name and password for sites that you visit often, but storing passwords in a browser is considered a security risk. The browsers are getting better, but I still prefer to use a separate password manager because it will work with all browsers. I use at least 2 browsers every day and sometimes 4. Storing passwords in all of them and keeping the passwords updated sounds like more work than I want to do.
For the past several years, I've used the paid version of LastPass. Before that, I used the free version for a while. Even earlier I used KeePass and, in ancient history, PINS. There's no shortage of these applications.
One of the more interesting applications I've seen recently is Password Safe. It stores login data in a password-protected, encrypted file that you unlock when you need access to the stored information. Password Safe has an Auto Type feature that will log you in to sites and applications automatically. A default Auto Type action exists, but this can be customized for every application or site that you use. Some sites, particularly bank sites, use non-standard login procedures that cause automatic logins to fail.
Password Safe is somewhat more difficult than most to use, though, in part because the documentation appears to have been written by the person who wrote the program. That's never a good idea because the developer makes too many assumptions about what a user will know. As a result, it took several tries and more than an hour for me to import 400 passwords into Password Safe.
The primary shortcoming, though, is the fact that there's no option to store passwords on-line. There is a thumb-drive option, meaning that you must always have the thumb drive with you. And, of course, you could store the file on Google Drive or One Drive.
The customization possible with Password Safe is impressive though, and this might be the right application for more geeky readers. You can download it from SourceForge and, as of this writing, no additional applications are included.
Why You Need a Password Manager
Every website you visit that requires a password should have a unique password. I have to admit that I don't live up to my own admonition. I use the same password on several sites that I consider trivial -- ones that contain no financial information, for example. But my passwords are both unique and complex for non-trivial sites such as banks, website management, corporate e-mail, client data, and the like.
If you're looking for a free password manager, LastPass is my recommendation for most people. It has a remarkable number of features for a free application. The paid version (more about that in a bit) adds a few useful features for just $1 per month.
During the installation process, LastPass will offer to import all of the passwords you have stored in your browser. The fact that LastPass can do this is a pretty good indicator of the (lack of) password security in browsers. You will also be asked if you want to turn off password storage in the browser. The right answer is Yes.
KeePass is another good free password manager, but it has the same shortcoming that I mentioned with PasswordSafe: There's no on-line storage. If you use only a single computer, don't have a smart phone, and never need access to password protected sites from public computers, KeePass is a good choice.
There are free password managers and ones that you pay for. Some of them have extra features you'll find useful. Regardless of the features and regardless of which one you choose, the important point is to choose something.
Web browsers can remember your login name and password for sites that you visit often, but storing passwords in a browser is considered a security risk. The browsers are getting better, but I still prefer to use a separate password manager because it will work with all browsers. I use at least 2 browsers every day and sometimes 4. Storing passwords in all of them and keeping the passwords updated sounds like more work than I want to do.
For the past several years, I've used the paid version of LastPass. Before that, I used the free version for a while. Even earlier I used KeePass and, in ancient history, PINS. There's no shortage of these applications.
One of the more interesting applications I've seen recently is Password Safe. It stores login data in a password-protected, encrypted file that you unlock when you need access to the stored information. Password Safe has an Auto Type feature that will log you in to sites and applications automatically. A default Auto Type action exists, but this can be customized for every application or site that you use. Some sites, particularly bank sites, use non-standard login procedures that cause automatic logins to fail.
Password Safe is somewhat more difficult than most to use, though, in part because the documentation appears to have been written by the person who wrote the program. That's never a good idea because the developer makes too many assumptions about what a user will know. As a result, it took several tries and more than an hour for me to import 400 passwords into Password Safe.
The primary shortcoming, though, is the fact that there's no option to store passwords on-line. There is a thumb-drive option, meaning that you must always have the thumb drive with you. And, of course, you could store the file on Google Drive or One Drive.
The customization possible with Password Safe is impressive though, and this might be the right application for more geeky readers. You can download it from SourceForge and, as of this writing, no additional applications are included.
Why You Need a Password Manager
Every website you visit that requires a password should have a unique password. I have to admit that I don't live up to my own admonition. I use the same password on several sites that I consider trivial -- ones that contain no financial information, for example. But my passwords are both unique and complex for non-trivial sites such as banks, website management, corporate e-mail, client data, and the like.
If you're looking for a free password manager, LastPass is my recommendation for most people. It has a remarkable number of features for a free application. The paid version (more about that in a bit) adds a few useful features for just $1 per month.
During the installation process, LastPass will offer to import all of the passwords you have stored in your browser. The fact that LastPass can do this is a pretty good indicator of the (lack of) password security in browsers. You will also be asked if you want to turn off password storage in the browser. The right answer is Yes.
KeePass is another good free password manager, but it has the same shortcoming that I mentioned with PasswordSafe: There's no on-line storage. If you use only a single computer, don't have a smart phone, and never need access to password protected sites from public computers, KeePass is a good choice.
Friday, October 16, 2015
OIG alert hints at increased scrutiny over health IT data blocking - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events
OIG alert hints at increased scrutiny over health IT data blocking - Modern Healthcare Modern Healthcare business news, research, data and events: OIG alert hints at increased scrutiny over health IT data blocking
By Lisa Schencker | October 8, 2015
A federal watchdog group sent out an alert this week about information blocking and potential violations of the anti-kickback law (PDF). Some experts say the Office of Inspector General alert hints at the agency's growing concern about the issue. The document reminds providers that, normally, they may donate information technology or software to potential referral sources, such as a physician practice, under a safe harbor provision of the anti-kickback statute. But if the donor uses those donated items to limit the use, compatibility or interoperability of other electronic health-record systems, then the safe harbor no longer applies.Paula Sanders, chairwoman of the healthcare practice group at Post & Schell, said the alert hints that the agency is trying to combat data-blocking.
By Lisa Schencker | October 8, 2015
A federal watchdog group sent out an alert this week about information blocking and potential violations of the anti-kickback law (PDF). Some experts say the Office of Inspector General alert hints at the agency's growing concern about the issue. The document reminds providers that, normally, they may donate information technology or software to potential referral sources, such as a physician practice, under a safe harbor provision of the anti-kickback statute. But if the donor uses those donated items to limit the use, compatibility or interoperability of other electronic health-record systems, then the safe harbor no longer applies.Paula Sanders, chairwoman of the healthcare practice group at Post & Schell, said the alert hints that the agency is trying to combat data-blocking.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Chris Cooper and Company - Why Palliative Care Matters When You're Facing a Serious Illness
Chris Cooper and Company - Why Palliative Care Matters When You're Facing a Serious Illness: There's a widespread perception that palliative care is just like hospice care—that it's only for people in their final months of life, seeking pain management and comfort after they've exhausted treatment. While palliative care definitely serves these types of patients, it is much broader, offering ongoing, comprehensive help for anyone with a life-threatening, chronic, but not necessarily terminal, illness.
In fact, palliative medicine is so extensive that it's not uncommon for people to use it, undergo treatment, get better and no longer need it. And with an estimated 90 million people in the United States living with a serious illness—a number that is expected to double in the next 25 years as baby boomers age—the need for palliative care will likely skyrocket.
How Palliative Care Helps
With palliative care, how long a person may live is almost irrelevant; the illness itself matters. Palliative care:
Takes a holistic approach
Palliative care takes a three-pronged approach to wellness: body, mind and spirit. Many palliative care programs feature dieticians, social workers, spiritual advisors—even massage therapists. Because palliative care is designed to improve the overall quality of life, studies show that it has significant mental health and life-lengthening benefits. One study by the New England Journal of Medicine showed that lung cancer patients had less depression and lived almost three months longer than patients who chose to forgo it.
Works in tandem with treatments
When undergoing treatment, from chemotherapy to surgery, patients are encouraged to seek out palliative care, regardless of predicted illness outcome. In fact, many health care providers urge patients to seek out care as soon as they get a diagnosis. One theory is that patients under stress have poorer treatment outcomes. With a palliative care approach focused on reducing stress and improving well-being, some patients become more resilient in handling treatment.
Can last for years
Most hospice care is for people who have six months or less to live. Palliative care, on the other hand, may be used for years. When patients have a serious illness, along with a disease like diabetes, they may undergo ongoing palliative care to maintain a healthy diet and control blood sugar. Some palliative patients drift in and out of care, using it when necessary, while others stay within a program throughout a long-term illness.
In fact, palliative medicine is so extensive that it's not uncommon for people to use it, undergo treatment, get better and no longer need it. And with an estimated 90 million people in the United States living with a serious illness—a number that is expected to double in the next 25 years as baby boomers age—the need for palliative care will likely skyrocket.
How Palliative Care Helps
With palliative care, how long a person may live is almost irrelevant; the illness itself matters. Palliative care:
Takes a holistic approach
Palliative care takes a three-pronged approach to wellness: body, mind and spirit. Many palliative care programs feature dieticians, social workers, spiritual advisors—even massage therapists. Because palliative care is designed to improve the overall quality of life, studies show that it has significant mental health and life-lengthening benefits. One study by the New England Journal of Medicine showed that lung cancer patients had less depression and lived almost three months longer than patients who chose to forgo it.
Works in tandem with treatments
When undergoing treatment, from chemotherapy to surgery, patients are encouraged to seek out palliative care, regardless of predicted illness outcome. In fact, many health care providers urge patients to seek out care as soon as they get a diagnosis. One theory is that patients under stress have poorer treatment outcomes. With a palliative care approach focused on reducing stress and improving well-being, some patients become more resilient in handling treatment.
Can last for years
Most hospice care is for people who have six months or less to live. Palliative care, on the other hand, may be used for years. When patients have a serious illness, along with a disease like diabetes, they may undergo ongoing palliative care to maintain a healthy diet and control blood sugar. Some palliative patients drift in and out of care, using it when necessary, while others stay within a program throughout a long-term illness.
Fluffy robot seals comfort dementia patients in nursing homes - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Fluffy robot seals comfort dementia patients in nursing homes - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): Queensland researchers have been granted more than $1 million to begin the world's biggest study into the effects of animal-like robots on dementia patients.
The PARO robot, a 2.7kg soft, fluffy baby harp seal, has showed promising results - calming agitated and distressed patients during a small pilot study last year.
Each seal can learn its own name, has unique facial features and can show emotions such as surprise, happiness and anger.
Professor Wendy Moyle from Griffith University says with the number of dementia patients expected to double in the next 20 years, finding new treatments is critical.
June Roberts with 'paro seal'
The PARO robot, a 2.7kg soft, fluffy baby harp seal, has showed promising results - calming agitated and distressed patients during a small pilot study last year.
Each seal can learn its own name, has unique facial features and can show emotions such as surprise, happiness and anger.
Professor Wendy Moyle from Griffith University says with the number of dementia patients expected to double in the next 20 years, finding new treatments is critical.
June Roberts with 'paro seal'
Posted
Robot companion: Dementia patient June Roberts with a PARO seal at a Pinjarra Hills nursing home in Brisbane.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Feel closer with voice and video calls
Free internet calls with Skype-to-Skype calls
Free calls It’s what Skype is made for.
Using Skype to call another person who also has Skype is totally free. Yep, absolutely nothing. Zip. Zero. Zilch
You’ve downloaded Skype, and so has your friend. Now you can get started on the really cool stuff – such as making completely free and great quality calls from your computer. That’s the great thing about Skype, you can use your internet connection and turn your computer into an internet phone and make free Skype-to-Skype calls.
You and your friend will need to have a headset (or use your computer’s built-in microphone and speakers) to talk to each other. You can really improve the sound quality of your calls with a headset, or take your calls to the next level with free video calls.
You can also use Skype to make terrific value calls to phones and mobiles.
Monday, October 12, 2015
Coach Broyle's Playbook alzheimersplaybook.pdf
alzheimersplaybook.pdf
Loads PDF file for reading on your browser now:
This “Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers”
is a social model, not a medical model (doing things with her, not for her).
It was written to give you practical tips to help guide you in taking care of your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease
Available from Amazon | Coach Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers: A Practical Tips Guide
Loads PDF file for reading on your browser now:
This “Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers”
is a social model, not a medical model (doing things with her, not for her).
It was written to give you practical tips to help guide you in taking care of your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease
Frank Broyles
University of Arkansas,
Available from Amazon | Coach Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers: A Practical Tips Guide
How Can Alzheimers and Dementia Caregivers Deal with Difficult Behavior | Alzheimer's Reading Room
How Can Alzheimers and Dementia Caregivers Deal with Difficult Behavior | Alzheimer's Reading Room: It takes two people to argue and the caregiver has the ability to not argue where the person who has Alzheimer's will not have the same amount of self control.
I have found it most helpful to say things like "you are right, you don't need help but I will feel better if I help you"; things like that but with as few words as possible. Too many words causes confusion.
As for the negative "words and attitude", you will have to let this kind of roll off your back.
Her ability to comprehend "negative words vs positive words" may be very diminished and Alzheimer's causes the person to lose the ability to have empathy in relation to others in the same way you and I can understand that our words and actions effect others either positively or negatively.
The negative behavior is generally not a purposeful behavior but for some folks it is a long term habit of negative thinking.
Where they used to have the internal filters and control to not say the first thing on their mind they now don't have those filters and you never know what might come out!
Examples of this are people beginning to use curse words when they never have before in front of their loved ones and now they use very colorful language.
Rapid changes in her mood, going from happy to sad to angry in a flash of eye can be very difficult to understand. It is called "labile" behavior and it is a loss of emotional control.
The key here is to match your response with the emotion that she is exhibiting. She may not realize that she is acting like she is "angry" or "sad". So if she is "angry" about something you can say "I'm sorry I made you angry". Or, "sorry that made you angry I'll make sure that doesn't happen again" (I've accepted responsibility for many many many things that I had nothing to do with over the years but at that moment you can see the person's face lighten and the "mood" will change.
The labile behavior is not necessarily caused by anything in the environment it simply causes rapid mood swings. There are some medications that may help for mood stabilization.
I am not an advocate for use of medications unless absolutely necessary.
It is not comfortable for the person who has Alzheimer's to go through their days angry, upset, anxious, or frightened.
If it was me who had the illness and if everything else my family has tried to help me live in good moments has not worked and I was still anxious most of the day and night and frightened...I would tell the doctor "give me something...I am miserable".
I hope this information helps you and your mother along your journey.
Jennifer Scott has been in healthcare since 1984, working with a variety of people with disabilities. She has delivered numerous speaking and educational presentations about Alzheimer’s disease and how to care for those suffering with dementia.
I have found it most helpful to say things like "you are right, you don't need help but I will feel better if I help you"; things like that but with as few words as possible. Too many words causes confusion.
As for the negative "words and attitude", you will have to let this kind of roll off your back.
Her ability to comprehend "negative words vs positive words" may be very diminished and Alzheimer's causes the person to lose the ability to have empathy in relation to others in the same way you and I can understand that our words and actions effect others either positively or negatively.
The negative behavior is generally not a purposeful behavior but for some folks it is a long term habit of negative thinking.
Where they used to have the internal filters and control to not say the first thing on their mind they now don't have those filters and you never know what might come out!
Examples of this are people beginning to use curse words when they never have before in front of their loved ones and now they use very colorful language.
Rapid changes in her mood, going from happy to sad to angry in a flash of eye can be very difficult to understand. It is called "labile" behavior and it is a loss of emotional control.
The key here is to match your response with the emotion that she is exhibiting. She may not realize that she is acting like she is "angry" or "sad". So if she is "angry" about something you can say "I'm sorry I made you angry". Or, "sorry that made you angry I'll make sure that doesn't happen again" (I've accepted responsibility for many many many things that I had nothing to do with over the years but at that moment you can see the person's face lighten and the "mood" will change.
The labile behavior is not necessarily caused by anything in the environment it simply causes rapid mood swings. There are some medications that may help for mood stabilization.
I am not an advocate for use of medications unless absolutely necessary.
It is not comfortable for the person who has Alzheimer's to go through their days angry, upset, anxious, or frightened.
If it was me who had the illness and if everything else my family has tried to help me live in good moments has not worked and I was still anxious most of the day and night and frightened...I would tell the doctor "give me something...I am miserable".
I hope this information helps you and your mother along your journey.
Jennifer Scott has been in healthcare since 1984, working with a variety of people with disabilities. She has delivered numerous speaking and educational presentations about Alzheimer’s disease and how to care for those suffering with dementia.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
metal_in_microwave
metal_in_microwave - metal_in_microwave.pdf:
MICROWAVE COOKING INNOVATIONS
YOU CAN USE METAL IN A MICROWAVE OVEN
by Seth Levinson 8 Stratford Circle Edison, New Jersey 08820 -‐ 1830 (908) 756 -‐ 6829
Imagine, you open your microwave oven door, to take out a freshly baked pie, and find the paper pie plate burning fiercely, ignited by the baked crust. Pie crusts brown and paper ignites at the same temperature. You cannot bake or brown in a paper or plastic container that burns or melts at baking and browning temperatures.
You CAN bake a pie and brown food, in a microwave oven, in a metal container. When metal is used in microwave cooking, the results of gas and electric cooking are obtained.
Neither special food packaging nor special formulation of ingredients are required to cook food when metal is used as part of the cooking container in a microwave oven Some foods that can be cooked in a microwave oven with the aid of metal are cake, two crust pies, cookies, rolls, biscuits, fruit turnovers, pizza pie from scratch, breaded frozen items such as fried chicken and fried shrimp, rare and medium steaks and hamburgers. MICROWAVE COOKING REQUIRES PROPERLY DESIGNED METAL COOKING UTENSILS Properly -‐ designed, metal cookware uses to its advantage metal's ability to reflect both microwave energy and infrared heat energy off of its surface. Metal's special ability, both to shield the bottom portion of a food from direct microwave radiation and to focus microwave radiation on the top crust of a food can be used to advantage. A metal pie plate is useful, in reflecting infrared energy and microwave ene rgy off of its bottom and side surfaces. When using the metal pie plate a large proportion of either the electric oven's infrared energy or the microwave oven's microwave energy must enter the pie through its crust. Because the majority of energy enters th e pie through the top crust, the top crust browns. Metal can end the undesirable drying of thin peripheral and end portions of meat. Metal is more heat conductive then glass, plastic or paper. Food, heated within metal cookware, designed for microwave coo king, will be more evenly heated. Glass breaks and melts, paper chars and burns, and plastic melts and burns. Burning plastic and burning paper emit noxious fumes. Only metal can cook at the browning temperature required to achieve the browning results exp ected by the consumer.
MICROWAVE COOKING INNOVATIONS
YOU CAN USE METAL IN A MICROWAVE OVEN
by Seth Levinson 8 Stratford Circle Edison, New Jersey 08820 -‐ 1830 (908) 756 -‐ 6829
Imagine, you open your microwave oven door, to take out a freshly baked pie, and find the paper pie plate burning fiercely, ignited by the baked crust. Pie crusts brown and paper ignites at the same temperature. You cannot bake or brown in a paper or plastic container that burns or melts at baking and browning temperatures.
You CAN bake a pie and brown food, in a microwave oven, in a metal container. When metal is used in microwave cooking, the results of gas and electric cooking are obtained.
Neither special food packaging nor special formulation of ingredients are required to cook food when metal is used as part of the cooking container in a microwave oven Some foods that can be cooked in a microwave oven with the aid of metal are cake, two crust pies, cookies, rolls, biscuits, fruit turnovers, pizza pie from scratch, breaded frozen items such as fried chicken and fried shrimp, rare and medium steaks and hamburgers. MICROWAVE COOKING REQUIRES PROPERLY DESIGNED METAL COOKING UTENSILS Properly -‐ designed, metal cookware uses to its advantage metal's ability to reflect both microwave energy and infrared heat energy off of its surface. Metal's special ability, both to shield the bottom portion of a food from direct microwave radiation and to focus microwave radiation on the top crust of a food can be used to advantage. A metal pie plate is useful, in reflecting infrared energy and microwave ene rgy off of its bottom and side surfaces. When using the metal pie plate a large proportion of either the electric oven's infrared energy or the microwave oven's microwave energy must enter the pie through its crust. Because the majority of energy enters th e pie through the top crust, the top crust browns. Metal can end the undesirable drying of thin peripheral and end portions of meat. Metal is more heat conductive then glass, plastic or paper. Food, heated within metal cookware, designed for microwave coo king, will be more evenly heated. Glass breaks and melts, paper chars and burns, and plastic melts and burns. Burning plastic and burning paper emit noxious fumes. Only metal can cook at the browning temperature required to achieve the browning results exp ected by the consumer.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Amelia has reduced "knowledge worker" staffing from 76 to 32 . At one media client
Amelia is IPsoft's artificial intelligence platform
Computerworld | Oct 10, 2015 By Patrick Thibodeau|
Meet IPsoft's Amelia
IPsoft's Amelia is more interesting than Apple's Siri. Amelia's language is expressive. Her facial expressions and gestures are generated on the fly. Siri can show wit to an oddball question, but Amelia aims for empathy.
At one media client, IPsoft claims, Amelia takes 64% of its calls, and has reduced "knowledge worker" staffing from 76 to 32.
It has an ability to understand things in context and engage with the listener. Most importantly, Amelia is real enough to take your job.
Siri - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siri Wikipedia Siri /ˈsɪri/ is a part of Apple Inc.'s iOS, watchOS and tvOS which works as an intelligent personal assistant and knowledge navigator. The feature uses a natural language user interface to answer questions, make recommendations, and perform actions by delegating requests to a set of Web services.
Scammed? How to complain if you are a victim of fraud on the Internet.from http://aruljohn.com/
Have you been scammed or do you know someone who has been scammed? Did you send $500 to someone by Western Union or Moneygram only to have him disappear? Did you try to help out a prince or widow who was thrown out in a coup and has a billion
Here is a list of resources you can use in order to bring the scammer to justice.
United States
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Email: spam@ftc.gov
Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
Online complaint form: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en
Email them and send copies of your transactions (including emails with headers). Send a CC to 419.fcd@usss.treas.gov if it is a Nigerian scam email.
FBI/Internet Crime Complaint Center
Phone: (800) 221-4424
Online complaint form: http://www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx
FTC - Identity theft
More information: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/defend.html
National Fraud Information Center/Internet Fraud Watch
Phone: 1-800-876-7060
Report form: https://secure.nclforms.org/nficweb/nfic.htm
Contact Local Police and let them know of the whole story, however embarrassing it may be.
Here is a list of resources you can use in order to bring the scammer to justice.
United States
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Email: spam@ftc.gov
Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
Online complaint form: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en
Email them and send copies of your transactions (including emails with headers). Send a CC to 419.fcd@usss.treas.gov if it is a Nigerian scam email.
FBI/Internet Crime Complaint Center
Phone: (800) 221-4424
Online complaint form: http://www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx
FTC - Identity theft
More information: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/defend.html
National Fraud Information Center/Internet Fraud Watch
Phone: 1-800-876-7060
Report form: https://secure.nclforms.org/nficweb/nfic.htm
Contact Local Police and let them know of the whole story, however embarrassing it may be.
Friday, October 9, 2015
GPS SmartSole now available / The Unforgettable Blog • Unforgettable.org
An Unforgettable™ announcement - GPS SmartSole now available / The Unforgettable Blog • Unforgettable.org: A GPS shoe insole tracker could be just the solution needed for the huge challenge of wandering in people with dementia
This week saw the arrival of the GPS SmartSole by US wearable technology company GTX Corp available for sale via Unforgettable.org.
It’s an innovative insole which can be used to unobtrusively monitor your loved one and allow you to find them should they become lost. The insole contains global positioning satellite (GPS) technology and has a battery life that lasts 2-3 days to ensure lasting safety between charges.
The technology lets you create ‘geozones’ around a specific address or addresses so the person wearing the insoles can move around the zone, but if they leave the area, you can be alerted via an app on your phone (available for both IOS and Android) or through text or email.
The problem of wandering
According to a 2013 World Alzheimer's Report from the US:
• 60% of people with Alzheimer’s will become ‘lost’ at least once.
• 70% of those will become ‘lost’ three or more times.
• 46% of wanderers not found within 24 hours may die.
In many cases, although it may appear that the person is simply ‘wandering’ around aimlessly, they’re often trying to get somewhere for a specific reason, it’s just that the reason doesn’t quite tie in with where they should be at that current time. It’s why it’s often called ‘walking with purpose’. However, wandering can put the person in danger, and it’s essential that you find them as quickly as possible.
The inspiration for Smart Sole
The idea behind the insole came about from a famous missing persons case in the United States. In 2002, a 14-year-old girl called Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped from her parent’s house while the rest of her family slept. Luckily, she was found nine months later – alive – and her abductors were caught and brought to justice.
However, it gave Patrick Bertagna, chief executive of GTX, the idea of developing a GPS device that would have made finding Elizabeth much easier and faster.
He started developing a shoe that contained GPS technology in it. However, it was in 2007 when he was approached by Andrew Carle, an assistant professor at George Mason University, and an expert in senior housing issues and technology for the elderly, that they realised that the area where this would be of most benefit was in helping to locate people with degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, who had wandered off.
The Navistar SmartShoe,
which had GPS trackers embedded into the heel, was developed under license. The SmartShoe was version one, and like most new technologies, version two – the SmartSole – came out a few years later. The added benefit was that individuals with dementia were unlikely to forget to leave the house with their normal shoes, ensuring the tracker stayed with them for longer.
This week saw the arrival of the GPS SmartSole by US wearable technology company GTX Corp available for sale via Unforgettable.org.
It’s an innovative insole which can be used to unobtrusively monitor your loved one and allow you to find them should they become lost. The insole contains global positioning satellite (GPS) technology and has a battery life that lasts 2-3 days to ensure lasting safety between charges.
The technology lets you create ‘geozones’ around a specific address or addresses so the person wearing the insoles can move around the zone, but if they leave the area, you can be alerted via an app on your phone (available for both IOS and Android) or through text or email.
The problem of wandering
According to a 2013 World Alzheimer's Report from the US:
• 60% of people with Alzheimer’s will become ‘lost’ at least once.
• 70% of those will become ‘lost’ three or more times.
• 46% of wanderers not found within 24 hours may die.
In many cases, although it may appear that the person is simply ‘wandering’ around aimlessly, they’re often trying to get somewhere for a specific reason, it’s just that the reason doesn’t quite tie in with where they should be at that current time. It’s why it’s often called ‘walking with purpose’. However, wandering can put the person in danger, and it’s essential that you find them as quickly as possible.
The inspiration for Smart Sole
The idea behind the insole came about from a famous missing persons case in the United States. In 2002, a 14-year-old girl called Elizabeth Smart was kidnapped from her parent’s house while the rest of her family slept. Luckily, she was found nine months later – alive – and her abductors were caught and brought to justice.
However, it gave Patrick Bertagna, chief executive of GTX, the idea of developing a GPS device that would have made finding Elizabeth much easier and faster.
He started developing a shoe that contained GPS technology in it. However, it was in 2007 when he was approached by Andrew Carle, an assistant professor at George Mason University, and an expert in senior housing issues and technology for the elderly, that they realised that the area where this would be of most benefit was in helping to locate people with degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, who had wandered off.
The Navistar SmartShoe,
which had GPS trackers embedded into the heel, was developed under license. The SmartShoe was version one, and like most new technologies, version two – the SmartSole – came out a few years later. The added benefit was that individuals with dementia were unlikely to forget to leave the house with their normal shoes, ensuring the tracker stayed with them for longer.
HIPAA eBook Download | HIPAA Compliance | OnRamp onr.com
HIPAA eBook Download | HIPAA Compliance | OnRamp: HIPAA eBook
The top 3 HIPAA violations could be happening under your watch.
1. Inadequate Tracking of Media
2. Inadequate Security
3. Inadequate Policies
If you deal with ePHI, you must comply.
FREE HIPAA eBook tells you how
The top 3 HIPAA violations could be happening under your watch.
1. Inadequate Tracking of Media
2. Inadequate Security
3. Inadequate Policies
If you deal with ePHI, you must comply.
FREE HIPAA eBook tells you how
medicare.gov find-a-plan | Plan compare, quality and performance
Plan Quality and Performance Ratings: Plan Quality and Performance Ratings
Star Rating Description
5 stars Excellent
4 stars Above Average
3 stars Average
2 stars Below Average
1 star Poor
Choose Plans to Compare
When you choose 3 plans to compare, quality and performance information will be available to help you make the best choice for you. Quality and Performance varies across plans. Giving good quality care means doing the right thing, at the right time and in the right way to get the best results possible.
Star Rating Description
5 stars Excellent
4 stars Above Average
3 stars Average
2 stars Below Average
1 star Poor
Choose Plans to Compare
When you choose 3 plans to compare, quality and performance information will be available to help you make the best choice for you. Quality and Performance varies across plans. Giving good quality care means doing the right thing, at the right time and in the right way to get the best results possible.
17 Things To Remember If Your Loved Ones Have Dementia | LinkedIn
17 Things To Remember If Your Loved Ones Have Dementia | LinkedIn: 17 Things To Remember If Your Loved Ones Have Dementia
Scientific American Health After 50 Alerts
Scientific American Health After 50 Alerts
Guide to Understanding Dementia
FREE Understanding Dementia Guide and Scientific American Health After 50 Memory Alerts
Enter Your Email Address
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Finding and joining a Google group
Find a Google group
Groups usually have a name that indicates the subject of the group, such as "cooking" or "music." To find and join a group:
- From the Home screen, type a subject, such as "cooking" in the search field.
- Press the Search button. A list of groups and messages is displayed.
- Click on a group name, such as "Live music." The Topics screen appears displaying a series of topics.
- Click on the 'Join group' button. The Join group dialog box appears.
- Fill in the options on the Join Group dialog box.
- Click the Join this group button. You are now a member of the group.
An open group is configured to grant you immediate membership. A restricted group requires approval from an administrator before you are added to a group. A private group requires you to click on a link to request membership from the owner.
Note: Google cannot intervene in the approval process
for private groups. Contact the group owner if you need your approval
expedited.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Someone just bought your smart home. Did they get your data, too? | PCWorld
Someone just bought your smart home. Did they get your data, too? | PCWorld: The new checklist is designed to help consumers make sure they're ready to move, and the NAR will use it to inform its members so they can help their clients.
The first tip on the OTA checklist is to make an inventory of all the connected devices in the house, as well as all the manuals, websites and vendor contacts that go with them. Next, residents should review the privacy and data-sharing policies associated with those devices.
The next step is critical: Getting confirmation from whoever's moving out that they no longer have administrative or user access to any of the devices in the home.
Then the list recommends sending new ownership and contact information to manufacturers; changing usernames, passwords and access codes; and making sure all the devices have up-to-date software.
That last step could save you from a home-security disaster. Hackers who take advantage of a vulnerability on one device could find their way into everything else on the home network. While a house with that kind of security hole may be very connected, it's not a smart home at all.
The first tip on the OTA checklist is to make an inventory of all the connected devices in the house, as well as all the manuals, websites and vendor contacts that go with them. Next, residents should review the privacy and data-sharing policies associated with those devices.
The next step is critical: Getting confirmation from whoever's moving out that they no longer have administrative or user access to any of the devices in the home.
Then the list recommends sending new ownership and contact information to manufacturers; changing usernames, passwords and access codes; and making sure all the devices have up-to-date software.
That last step could save you from a home-security disaster. Hackers who take advantage of a vulnerability on one device could find their way into everything else on the home network. While a house with that kind of security hole may be very connected, it's not a smart home at all.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Pleasantries Adult Social Day Services
Pleasantries Adult Day Services - Home Page
Pleasantries is an Adult Social Day Services program located in a comfortable residential home at 195 Reservoir Street in Marlborough, Massachusetts.
Pleasantries has beautiful views where guests can enjoy nature by taking walks, fishing, gardening, and having a picnic with their peers.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Moving Aging Family Member into Your Home .. sure?
Joy Loverde addressed Moving Aging Parents into Your Home on the EldercareABC Blog
Joy's information is applicable if you were to substitute "Aging Parents" with Brother, Sister, In law, Relative. What can start as a loving arrangement can turn very sour as we age and what was done on a handshake is hammered by fading memories, assumptions, and unforeseen changes in the needs of everyone.
Verbal contracts are bound to be regretted. After you read Joy's excellent article do not do anything until you have had a family meeting with a elder affairs attorney and review every point she raises. Then put the results in writing with signatures of the principles and your attorney. There is nothing so difficult as a house guest who comes to live in your home without a written agreements, who won't accept consequences of lifes changes, your health needs, your needing to relocate, selling your home and all the emotional, financial and other dynamics of living together.
Don't skip any of Joy's questions or suffer the consequences. They are available on line.
Dave Mainwaring.
--
Moving Aging Parents into Your Home Are you sure?
Sep. 17th, 2009 By Joy Loverde
"When times are tough, like they are now, sometimes well meaning caregivers of aging parents insist that their parents Moving aging parents, eldercare, senior helpmove in with them without full consideration of what can happen. The most serious stories include elder abuse and neglect, the fastest growing crime in America today. The arrangement of sharing one’s home with aging parents often stirs ambivalent feelings for everyone involved."
"We mean well when we ask our loved ones to move in with us; but we may not realize the potential negative consequences – emotionally, financially and otherwise. For example, if parents move in and contribute to the cost of remodeling the house to accommodate their needs, do they gift their portion of the house to the caregiving child? How do siblings feel about this financial arrangement? Should parents have a contract in which they pay the children for caring for them? How does this living arrangement affect a person’s eligibility for Medicaid?"
"I’d like every caregiver who is currently thinking about this under-one-roof lifestyle for them and their aging parents to take a deep, deep breath and proceed cautiously and slowly. If you have already exhausted the multitude of senior-housing options I offer in my book, The Complete Eldercare Planner, and you have made the decision that combining households is the best option, then promise me before anything else that you’ll take a family consensus as the final checklist before the move."
--
She is 1000% on target when she said:
The arrangement of sharing one’s home with aging parents is not for the faint at heart. If you succeed, you are beating the odds!
Joy's information is applicable if you were to substitute "Aging Parents" with Brother, Sister, In law, Relative. What can start as a loving arrangement can turn very sour as we age and what was done on a handshake is hammered by fading memories, assumptions, and unforeseen changes in the needs of everyone.
Verbal contracts are bound to be regretted. After you read Joy's excellent article do not do anything until you have had a family meeting with a elder affairs attorney and review every point she raises. Then put the results in writing with signatures of the principles and your attorney. There is nothing so difficult as a house guest who comes to live in your home without a written agreements, who won't accept consequences of lifes changes, your health needs, your needing to relocate, selling your home and all the emotional, financial and other dynamics of living together.
Don't skip any of Joy's questions or suffer the consequences. They are available on line.
Dave Mainwaring.
--
Moving Aging Parents into Your Home Are you sure?
Sep. 17th, 2009 By Joy Loverde
"When times are tough, like they are now, sometimes well meaning caregivers of aging parents insist that their parents Moving aging parents, eldercare, senior helpmove in with them without full consideration of what can happen. The most serious stories include elder abuse and neglect, the fastest growing crime in America today. The arrangement of sharing one’s home with aging parents often stirs ambivalent feelings for everyone involved."
"We mean well when we ask our loved ones to move in with us; but we may not realize the potential negative consequences – emotionally, financially and otherwise. For example, if parents move in and contribute to the cost of remodeling the house to accommodate their needs, do they gift their portion of the house to the caregiving child? How do siblings feel about this financial arrangement? Should parents have a contract in which they pay the children for caring for them? How does this living arrangement affect a person’s eligibility for Medicaid?"
"I’d like every caregiver who is currently thinking about this under-one-roof lifestyle for them and their aging parents to take a deep, deep breath and proceed cautiously and slowly. If you have already exhausted the multitude of senior-housing options I offer in my book, The Complete Eldercare Planner, and you have made the decision that combining households is the best option, then promise me before anything else that you’ll take a family consensus as the final checklist before the move."
--
She is 1000% on target when she said:
The arrangement of sharing one’s home with aging parents is not for the faint at heart. If you succeed, you are beating the odds!
Elder Care Manager| Social Worker Advocate | Northampton, MA 01060
Elder Care Manager| Social Worker Advocate | Northampton, MA 01060:
Background:
{Q}A New England native and UMASS Amherst School of Business Alum, Liz completed her Master in Social Work degree at New Mexico State University while enjoying the culture of the Southwest in 2000. After graduation, Liz and her family returned to Massachusetts and she began her professional social work career.
As in most things in life, one relationship connection always leads to another. Her position as an Emergency Room Crisis Clinician for Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield led her to Medical Social Work at Baystate VNA & Hospice which ultimately led her to Anchorage Nursing Home in Shelburne. During this time, Liz also worked on-call for the hospital’s social work & discharge planning department.{EQ}
As you navigate the road ahead
When there is a change in circumstances, such as a change in housing, a change in medical or cognitive status, or the loss of a spouse.
When families live at a distance and have a hard time engaging local services or uncertain about the future.
When you are trying to decide what the best options are for an elderly relative, a person with disabilities, or for yourself.
When your loved one has been hospitalized, has had a dramatic change in health, or is refusing care.
When a care crisis triggers old conflicts and disagreements among family members.
When anxiety, depression, dementia or Alzheimer's disease is in the picture.
Charting the course...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Licensed Nursing Home Administrator,
Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM),
Liz, first will provide a thorough objective assessment of you and your loved one's needs. With my recommendations, we then develop a comprehensive and manageable plan of care and set reasonable goals. Using extensive knowledge of the medical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual challenges of illness, disability and aging - Liz often identifies & incorporate resources previously unknown.
Liz works together as a team to implement an appropriate care plan careful to balance individual needs, values, and preferences with what is both realistic and possible.
-----------
serving Northampton and surrounding towns in Western Massachusetts.
Phone: (413)387-9474
Fax: (413)634-5643
Email: Liz@Eldercarewiz.com
Background:
{Q}A New England native and UMASS Amherst School of Business Alum, Liz completed her Master in Social Work degree at New Mexico State University while enjoying the culture of the Southwest in 2000. After graduation, Liz and her family returned to Massachusetts and she began her professional social work career.
As in most things in life, one relationship connection always leads to another. Her position as an Emergency Room Crisis Clinician for Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield led her to Medical Social Work at Baystate VNA & Hospice which ultimately led her to Anchorage Nursing Home in Shelburne. During this time, Liz also worked on-call for the hospital’s social work & discharge planning department.{EQ}
As you navigate the road ahead
When there is a change in circumstances, such as a change in housing, a change in medical or cognitive status, or the loss of a spouse.
When families live at a distance and have a hard time engaging local services or uncertain about the future.
When you are trying to decide what the best options are for an elderly relative, a person with disabilities, or for yourself.
When your loved one has been hospitalized, has had a dramatic change in health, or is refusing care.
When a care crisis triggers old conflicts and disagreements among family members.
When anxiety, depression, dementia or Alzheimer's disease is in the picture.
Charting the course...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Licensed Nursing Home Administrator,
Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM),
Liz, first will provide a thorough objective assessment of you and your loved one's needs. With my recommendations, we then develop a comprehensive and manageable plan of care and set reasonable goals. Using extensive knowledge of the medical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual challenges of illness, disability and aging - Liz often identifies & incorporate resources previously unknown.
Liz works together as a team to implement an appropriate care plan careful to balance individual needs, values, and preferences with what is both realistic and possible.
-----------
Liz Kapitulik, LICSW, C-ASWCM
Clinical Geriatric Social Worker & Care Manager
Clinical Geriatric Social Worker & Care Manager
serving Northampton and surrounding towns in Western Massachusetts.
Phone: (413)387-9474
Fax: (413)634-5643
Email: Liz@Eldercarewiz.com
Dealing with Incontinence, products
Discover information and advice for caregivers of those with incontinence - TENA
What would you like to know about caring for someone with incontinence?
Understanding and discussing bladder weakness can be the first step to successfully managing it. So we’ve pulled together some useful information to help you and your loved one get incontinence into perspective and under control.
Product Finder
What would you like to know about caring for someone with incontinence?
Understanding and discussing bladder weakness can be the first step to successfully managing it. So we’ve pulled together some useful information to help you and your loved one get incontinence into perspective and under control.
Product Finder
42 U.S. Code § 1396r - Requirements for nursing facilities | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute
42 U.S. Code § 1396r - Requirements for nursing facilities | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute: 42 U.S. Code § 1396r - Requirements for nursing facilities
{Q}
A nursing
facility must have identical policies and practices for transfer,
discharge, and services, regardless of source of payment. 42 U.S.C.
§1396(c)(4). In (Massachusetts) state law prohibits nursing
homes from discriminating based on a person’s source of anticipated
payment. 940 CMR 4.03(1).
Medicaid reimbursements to the nursing
home will probably be lower than if you privately pay, but the nursing
home cannot require a resident to waive their right to Medicaid
benefits.{EQ}
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/1396r
{Q}
A nursing
facility must have identical policies and practices for transfer,
discharge, and services, regardless of source of payment. 42 U.S.C.
§1396(c)(4). In (Massachusetts) state law prohibits nursing
homes from discriminating based on a person’s source of anticipated
payment. 940 CMR 4.03(1).
Medicaid reimbursements to the nursing
home will probably be lower than if you privately pay, but the nursing
home cannot require a resident to waive their right to Medicaid
benefits.{EQ}
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/1396r
Loosing contact, personal letter is a thing of the past
The personal letter is quickly becoming a thing of the past - The Boston Globe
Last lines
As the longtime practice of writing personal letters by hand to family and friends is quickly becoming a thing of the past in the age of cellphones, text messaging, and e-mails, Globe writer Milton J. Valencia sat down and penned his own letter to the lost art.
By Milton J. Valencia
Globe Staff / September 20, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
How to Make Perfectly Sized, Uniform Patties for Sliders & Mini Burgers Without Getting Your Hands Dirty « Food Hacks
How to Make Perfectly Sized, Uniform Patties for Sliders & Mini Burgers Without Getting Your Hands Dirty « Food Hacks: Sliders have been around since 1916 and were invented by the founder of White Castle. As Serious Eats explains, for a sandwich to be classified as a true slider, it has to meet a certain set of criteria. If the meat is anything besides a beef patty, it's automatically out.
The patties should be two ounces or less, topped with American cheese and pickles, and steam-cooked on a bed of onions with the buns piled on top. As a matter of fact, at White Castle, the beef never even touches the griddle.
There are burger presses for both regular-sized and mini burgers, but one-use gadgets are annoying and just add to the clutter in your cabinets. A kitchen scale will ensure your patties are all the same weight, but how many of us actually have one? So, how do you make perfectly uniform patties without any special tools? The answer is right in your kitchen drawer. Image via The MIY Kitchen Measuring cups are perfect for making burger patties. Just scoop some ground beef into the cup and use a spoon to press it flat, then turn it over onto a plate or spatula. If you do it right, you never even have to get your hands dirty!
The patties should be two ounces or less, topped with American cheese and pickles, and steam-cooked on a bed of onions with the buns piled on top. As a matter of fact, at White Castle, the beef never even touches the griddle.
There are burger presses for both regular-sized and mini burgers, but one-use gadgets are annoying and just add to the clutter in your cabinets. A kitchen scale will ensure your patties are all the same weight, but how many of us actually have one? So, how do you make perfectly uniform patties without any special tools? The answer is right in your kitchen drawer. Image via The MIY Kitchen Measuring cups are perfect for making burger patties. Just scoop some ground beef into the cup and use a spoon to press it flat, then turn it over onto a plate or spatula. If you do it right, you never even have to get your hands dirty!
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Rights & protections in a nursing home | Medicare.gov
Rights & protections in a nursing home | Medicare.gov: What are my rights & protections in a nursing home?
As a resident in a Medicare and/or Medicaid-certified nursing home, you have certain rights and protections under federal and state law that help ensure you get the care and services you need.
The nursing home must tell you about these rights and explain them in writing in a language you understand. They must also explain in writing how you should act and what you're responsible for while you're in the nursing home. This must be done before or at the time you're admitted, as well as during your stay. You must acknowledge in writing that you got this information.
Be treated with respect
You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, as well as make your own schedule and participate in the activities you choose. You have the right to decide when you go to bed, rise in the morning, and eat your meals.
Participate in activities
You have the right to participate in an activities program designed to meet your needs and the needs of the other residents.
Be free from discrimination
Nursing homes don't have to accept all applicants, but they must comply with local, state, and federal civil rights laws.
Be free from abuse and neglect
You have the right to be free from verbal, sexual, physical, and mental abuse, as well as abuse of your money or property (called "misappropriation of property").
Nursing homes can't keep you apart from everyone else against your will. If you feel you've been mistreated (abused) or the nursing home isn't meeting your needs (neglect), report this to the nursing home administrator. Depending on your state, the agency that investigates abuse and neglect will be Adult Protective Services and/or the State Survey Agency. The nursing home must investigate and report all suspected violations and any injuries of unknown origin within 5 working days of the incident to the proper authorities. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman can also help by being your advocate and helping you resolve your concerns.
Be free from restraints
Nursing homes can't use any physical restraints (like side rails) or chemical restraints (like drugs) to discipline you or for the staff's own convenience.
Make complaints
You have the right to make a complaint to the staff of the nursing home or any other person without fear of being punished. The nursing home must address the issue promptly.
Get proper medical care
You have these rights regarding your medical care:
To be fully informed about your total health status in a language you understand.
To be fully informed about your medical condition, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
To be involved in the choice of your doctor.
To participate in the decisions that affect your care.
To take part in developing your care plan.
By law, nursing homes must develop a care plan for each resident. You have the right to take part in this process. Family members can also help with your care plan with your permission.
To access all your records and reports, including clinical records (medical records and reports) promptly during weekdays. Your legal guardian has the right to look at all your medical records and make important decisions on your behalf.
To express any complaints (also called "grievances") you have about your care or treatment.
To create advance directives in accordance with state law.
To refuse to participate in experimental treatment.
Have your representative notified. The nursing home must notify your doctor and, if known, your legal representative or an interested family member when:
You're injured in an accident and/or need to see a doctor.
Your physical, mental, or psychosocial status starts to get worse.
You have a life threatening condition.
You have medical complications.
Your treatment needs to change significantly.
The nursing home decides to transfer or discharge you from the nursing home.
Get information on services and fees. You have the right to be told in writing about all nursing home services and fees (those that are charged and not charged to you) before you move into the nursing home and at any time when services and fees change. In addition:
The nursing home can't require a minimum entrance fee if your care is paid for by Medicare or Medicaid.
For people seeking admission to the nursing home, the nursing home must tell you (both orally and in writing) and display written information about how to apply for and use Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
The nursing home must also provide information on how to get a refund if you paid for an item or service, but because of Medicare and Medicaid eligibility rules, it's now considered covered.
Manage your money. You have the right to manage your own money or choose someone you trust to do this for you. In addition:
If you deposit your money with the nursing home or ask them to hold or account for your money, you must sign a written statement saying you want them to do this.
The nursing home must allow you access to your bank accounts, cash, and other financial records.
The nursing home must have a system that ensures full accounting for your funds and can't combine your funds with the nursing home's funds.
The nursing home must protect your funds from any loss by providing an acceptable protection, like buying a surety bond.
If a resident with a fund passes away, the nursing home must return the funds with a final accounting to the person or court handling the resident's estate within 30 days.
Get proper privacy, property, and living arrangements. You have these rights:
Keep and use your personal belongings and property as long as they don't interfere with the rights, health, or safety of others
.
Have private visits.
Make and get private phone calls.
Have privacy in sending and getting mail and email.
Have the nursing home protect your property from theft.
Share a room with your spouse if you both live in the same nursing home (if you both agree to do so).
Be notified by the nursing home before your room or your roommate is changed. They should take your preferences into account.
Review the nursing home's health and fire safety inspection results.
Spend time with visitors. You have these rights:
Spend private time with visitors.
Have visitors at any time, as long as you wish to see them, and as long as the visit doesn't interfere with the provision of care and privacy rights of other residents.
See any person who gives you help with your health, social, legal, or other services at any time. This includes your doctor, a representative from the health department, and your Long-Term Care Ombudsman, among others.
Get social services. The nursing home must provide you with any needed social services, including:
Counseling.
Help solving problems with other residents.
Help in contacting legal and financial professionals.
Discharge planning.
Leave the nursing home:
Leaving for visits:
If your health allows, and your doctor agrees, you can spend time away from the nursing home visiting family or friends during the day or overnight, called a "leave of absence." Talk to the nursing home staff a few days ahead of time so the staff has time to prepare your medicines and write your instructions.
Caution: if your nursing home care is covered by certain health insurance, you may not be able to leave for visits without losing your coverage.
Moving out:
Nursing homes may have a policy that requires you to tell them before you plan to leave. If you don't, you may have to pay an extra fee.
Have protections against unfair transfer or discharge:
You can't be sent to another nursing home or made to leave the nursing home, unless any of these are true:
It's necessary for the welfare, health, or safety of you or others.
Your health has improved to the point that nursing home care is no longer necessary.
The nursing home hasn't been paid for services you got.
The nursing home closes.
You have these rights:
You have the right to appeal a transfer or discharge.
The nursing home can't make you leave if you're waiting to get Medicaid.
Except in emergencies, nursing homes must give a 30-day written notice of their plan and reason to discharge or transfer you.
The nursing home has to safely and orderly transfer or discharge you and give you proper notice of bed-hold and readmission requirements.
Form or participate in resident groups:
You have a right to form or participate in a resident group to discuss issues and concerns about the nursing home's policies and operations. Most homes have such groups, often called "resident councils."
The home must give you meeting space and must listen to and act upon grievances and recommendations of the group.
Have your family and friends involved:
Family and friends can help make sure you get good quality care. They can visit and get to know the staff and the nursing home's rules. Family members and legal guardians may meet with the families of other residents and may participate in family councils, if one exists. With your permission, family members can help with your care plan. If a family member or friend is your legal guardian, he or she has the right to look at all medical records about you and make important decisions on your behalf
As a resident in a Medicare and/or Medicaid-certified nursing home, you have certain rights and protections under federal and state law that help ensure you get the care and services you need.
The nursing home must tell you about these rights and explain them in writing in a language you understand. They must also explain in writing how you should act and what you're responsible for while you're in the nursing home. This must be done before or at the time you're admitted, as well as during your stay. You must acknowledge in writing that you got this information.
Be treated with respect
You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, as well as make your own schedule and participate in the activities you choose. You have the right to decide when you go to bed, rise in the morning, and eat your meals.
Participate in activities
You have the right to participate in an activities program designed to meet your needs and the needs of the other residents.
Be free from discrimination
Nursing homes don't have to accept all applicants, but they must comply with local, state, and federal civil rights laws.
Be free from abuse and neglect
You have the right to be free from verbal, sexual, physical, and mental abuse, as well as abuse of your money or property (called "misappropriation of property").
Nursing homes can't keep you apart from everyone else against your will. If you feel you've been mistreated (abused) or the nursing home isn't meeting your needs (neglect), report this to the nursing home administrator. Depending on your state, the agency that investigates abuse and neglect will be Adult Protective Services and/or the State Survey Agency. The nursing home must investigate and report all suspected violations and any injuries of unknown origin within 5 working days of the incident to the proper authorities. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman can also help by being your advocate and helping you resolve your concerns.
Be free from restraints
Nursing homes can't use any physical restraints (like side rails) or chemical restraints (like drugs) to discipline you or for the staff's own convenience.
Make complaints
You have the right to make a complaint to the staff of the nursing home or any other person without fear of being punished. The nursing home must address the issue promptly.
Get proper medical care
You have these rights regarding your medical care:
To be fully informed about your total health status in a language you understand.
To be fully informed about your medical condition, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
To be involved in the choice of your doctor.
To participate in the decisions that affect your care.
To take part in developing your care plan.
By law, nursing homes must develop a care plan for each resident. You have the right to take part in this process. Family members can also help with your care plan with your permission.
To access all your records and reports, including clinical records (medical records and reports) promptly during weekdays. Your legal guardian has the right to look at all your medical records and make important decisions on your behalf.
To express any complaints (also called "grievances") you have about your care or treatment.
To create advance directives in accordance with state law.
To refuse to participate in experimental treatment.
Have your representative notified. The nursing home must notify your doctor and, if known, your legal representative or an interested family member when:
You're injured in an accident and/or need to see a doctor.
Your physical, mental, or psychosocial status starts to get worse.
You have a life threatening condition.
You have medical complications.
Your treatment needs to change significantly.
The nursing home decides to transfer or discharge you from the nursing home.
Get information on services and fees. You have the right to be told in writing about all nursing home services and fees (those that are charged and not charged to you) before you move into the nursing home and at any time when services and fees change. In addition:
The nursing home can't require a minimum entrance fee if your care is paid for by Medicare or Medicaid.
For people seeking admission to the nursing home, the nursing home must tell you (both orally and in writing) and display written information about how to apply for and use Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
The nursing home must also provide information on how to get a refund if you paid for an item or service, but because of Medicare and Medicaid eligibility rules, it's now considered covered.
Manage your money. You have the right to manage your own money or choose someone you trust to do this for you. In addition:
If you deposit your money with the nursing home or ask them to hold or account for your money, you must sign a written statement saying you want them to do this.
The nursing home must allow you access to your bank accounts, cash, and other financial records.
The nursing home must have a system that ensures full accounting for your funds and can't combine your funds with the nursing home's funds.
The nursing home must protect your funds from any loss by providing an acceptable protection, like buying a surety bond.
If a resident with a fund passes away, the nursing home must return the funds with a final accounting to the person or court handling the resident's estate within 30 days.
Get proper privacy, property, and living arrangements. You have these rights:
Keep and use your personal belongings and property as long as they don't interfere with the rights, health, or safety of others
.
Have private visits.
Make and get private phone calls.
Have privacy in sending and getting mail and email.
Have the nursing home protect your property from theft.
Share a room with your spouse if you both live in the same nursing home (if you both agree to do so).
Be notified by the nursing home before your room or your roommate is changed. They should take your preferences into account.
Review the nursing home's health and fire safety inspection results.
Spend time with visitors. You have these rights:
Spend private time with visitors.
Have visitors at any time, as long as you wish to see them, and as long as the visit doesn't interfere with the provision of care and privacy rights of other residents.
See any person who gives you help with your health, social, legal, or other services at any time. This includes your doctor, a representative from the health department, and your Long-Term Care Ombudsman, among others.
Get social services. The nursing home must provide you with any needed social services, including:
Counseling.
Help solving problems with other residents.
Help in contacting legal and financial professionals.
Discharge planning.
Leave the nursing home:
Leaving for visits:
If your health allows, and your doctor agrees, you can spend time away from the nursing home visiting family or friends during the day or overnight, called a "leave of absence." Talk to the nursing home staff a few days ahead of time so the staff has time to prepare your medicines and write your instructions.
Caution: if your nursing home care is covered by certain health insurance, you may not be able to leave for visits without losing your coverage.
Moving out:
Nursing homes may have a policy that requires you to tell them before you plan to leave. If you don't, you may have to pay an extra fee.
Have protections against unfair transfer or discharge:
You can't be sent to another nursing home or made to leave the nursing home, unless any of these are true:
It's necessary for the welfare, health, or safety of you or others.
Your health has improved to the point that nursing home care is no longer necessary.
The nursing home hasn't been paid for services you got.
The nursing home closes.
You have these rights:
You have the right to appeal a transfer or discharge.
The nursing home can't make you leave if you're waiting to get Medicaid.
Except in emergencies, nursing homes must give a 30-day written notice of their plan and reason to discharge or transfer you.
The nursing home has to safely and orderly transfer or discharge you and give you proper notice of bed-hold and readmission requirements.
Form or participate in resident groups:
You have a right to form or participate in a resident group to discuss issues and concerns about the nursing home's policies and operations. Most homes have such groups, often called "resident councils."
The home must give you meeting space and must listen to and act upon grievances and recommendations of the group.
Have your family and friends involved:
Family and friends can help make sure you get good quality care. They can visit and get to know the staff and the nursing home's rules. Family members and legal guardians may meet with the families of other residents and may participate in family councils, if one exists. With your permission, family members can help with your care plan. If a family member or friend is your legal guardian, he or she has the right to look at all medical records about you and make important decisions on your behalf
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Work Rules Exemption - Another View Published on Sun, 09/20/2015 - 8:30pm By Steve Moran
There are two tests when figuring out if an employee is exempt from overtime. The first is that, regardless of job duties, an employee has to be making more than a specified amount of money per year ($23,660) and they have to be doing certain kinds of job tasks. (In the case of senior living that's primarily supervising other employees.)
The big impact ..... is that the proposed rule change would increase the salary threshold to $50,400 per year.
-----------
It seems..............that we as a business sector, have to come a place where a 40 hour work week is no longer the real expected norm for anyone in a managerial or supervisorial role. As a provider and employer you may argue that this is just the new reality, but I find myself wondering if this is also why we see such high rates of dissatisfaction and turn-over in our team members?
http://seniorhousingforum.net/blog/2015/9/20/white-collar-work-rules-exemption-another-view
The big impact ..... is that the proposed rule change would increase the salary threshold to $50,400 per year.
-----------
It seems..............that we as a business sector, have to come a place where a 40 hour work week is no longer the real expected norm for anyone in a managerial or supervisorial role. As a provider and employer you may argue that this is just the new reality, but I find myself wondering if this is also why we see such high rates of dissatisfaction and turn-over in our team members?
http://seniorhousingforum.net/blog/2015/9/20/white-collar-work-rules-exemption-another-view
Monday, September 21, 2015
Stop Digging By JoAnn Kunkle
"If You Find Yourself in a Hole, Stop Digging">
The quote is from Will Rogers, a simple talking philosopher, who just asked us to look honestly at ourselves, look around and appreciate what we see.
In preparing for a community course on interacting with a dependent loved one to keep them stimulated and positive, He was struck by the many technical supports available and the real lack of hands on, relationship builders for caregivers and the person they love.
http://www.caregiver.com/articles/general/stop_digging.htm
The quote is from Will Rogers, a simple talking philosopher, who just asked us to look honestly at ourselves, look around and appreciate what we see.
In preparing for a community course on interacting with a dependent loved one to keep them stimulated and positive, He was struck by the many technical supports available and the real lack of hands on, relationship builders for caregivers and the person they love.
http://www.caregiver.com/articles/general/stop_digging.htm
JoAnn Kunkle is a Volunteer Coordinator for the United Methodist Homes Elizabeth Church Campus in Binghamton, New York. She holds BS in Sociology, and graduated from SUNY at Brockport. She has been a Social Worker at a Children’s’ Home, an Information Specialist in a library and a Director of Social Services. You can reach JoAnn at
jkunkle@umhwc.org
jkunkle@umhwc.org
IKOR of Greater Columbus: How to choose an aide/caregiver/unlicensed personnel
ABOUT NON-AGENCY CAREGIVERS
- Who will be providing oversight?
- Who will conduct the background search to make sure this person does not have a criminal past?
- What happens if this person gets injured on the job? Are YOU willing
to pay for workers comp insurance so the person does not try to sue you
or your loved one if injured while caregiving? - Will you document the care for tax reasons? Bills can add up quickly
and can make a big difference during tax time if you can write off the
expenses, or not write them off if you are not tracking expenses. - What about other insurance and bonds to protect your loved one that is provided by reputable agencies.
- Again- not all agencies have these protections in place, make sure you do your due diligence!
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Sensible Coaching for Elderly Parents' Children | Endless Legacy
Sensible Coaching for Elderly Parents' Children | Endless Legacy
rhonda@endlesslegacy.com
Is This You?
- Are you suddenly burdened with care issues or other decisions for your elderly or aging parents?
- Did you just receive that totally unexpected, out-of-the-blue phone call from some authority (doctor, police officer, emergency operator) advising you of the immediate help your aging elderly parent needs?
rhonda@endlesslegacy.com
Code of Federal Regulations REQUIREMENTS FOR STATES AND LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES
eCFR — Code of Federal Regulations
Data is current as of June 4, 2014
Subpart
G—CONDITION OF PARTICIPATION FOR THE USE OF RESTRAINT OR SECLUSION IN
PSYCHIATRIC RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITIES PROVIDING INPATIENT
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS UNDER AGE 21
Data is current as of June 4, 2014
TITLE 42—Public Health
CHAPTER IV—CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED)
SUBCHAPTER G—STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION
Subpart C—PREADMISSION SCREENING AND ANNUAL REVIEW OF MENTALLY ILL AND MENTALLY RETARDED INDIVIDUALS
Subpart
G—CONDITION OF PARTICIPATION FOR THE USE OF RESTRAINT OR SECLUSION IN
PSYCHIATRIC RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITIES PROVIDING INPATIENT
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS UNDER AGE 21
Saturday, September 19, 2015
An Optometrist Explains Cataracts
An Optometrist Explains Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding on the lens of the eye that can impair vision. The disorder is commonly associated with aging. In fact, more than 50% of all Americans over the age of 65 suffer from cataracts. Advanced Eyecare Center, an optometrist clinic in Torrance knows that aging however, is not solely responsible for cataracts. While aging may be the principal factor behind cataracts, it is not the only factor that can lead to cataracts.
A cataract is a clouding on the lens of the eye that can impair vision. The disorder is commonly associated with aging. In fact, more than 50% of all Americans over the age of 65 suffer from cataracts. Advanced Eyecare Center, an optometrist clinic in Torrance knows that aging however, is not solely responsible for cataracts. While aging may be the principal factor behind cataracts, it is not the only factor that can lead to cataracts.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Gina Shaw, It Takes a Team: How to coordinate your loved one's care—and take care of yourself in the process. -- American Academy of Neurology
It Takes a Team: How to coordinate your loved one's care—and take care of yourself in the process. -- American Academy of Neurology
You may have been thrust into the role of caregiver for a loved one with a neurologic condition suddenly—perhaps as the result of a traumatic brain injury or stroke. Or it may have happened more slowly, with the progression of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease. Either way, you will need a team of experts to help you coordinate your loved one's care. These professionals can be of enormous help, but sometimes just figuring out who is involved in your loved one's care, and what they do, can seem insurmountable.
To help you, we've identified some of the key healthcare professionals involved in caring for someone with a serious...... condition. Here's how you can work with them.
You may have been thrust into the role of caregiver for a loved one with a neurologic condition suddenly—perhaps as the result of a traumatic brain injury or stroke. Or it may have happened more slowly, with the progression of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease. Either way, you will need a team of experts to help you coordinate your loved one's care. These professionals can be of enormous help, but sometimes just figuring out who is involved in your loved one's care, and what they do, can seem insurmountable.
To help you, we've identified some of the key healthcare professionals involved in caring for someone with a serious...... condition. Here's how you can work with them.
Skype lets you talk and video conference over the Internet
"Enjoy the World, hobbies, crafts, creative pastimes, e-mail,web based Conversations, Blogs, Articles"
Skype is a little piece of software that lets you talk and video conference over the Internet with anyone, anywhere in the world for free while viewing each other on your computer screens.
This Listen-Zone describes one of several ways to set up and use Skype
Basic Requirements for Skype
# A high speed Internet connection
# a personal computer (Your computer must have Windows 2000, XP or Vista to run Skype)
# a webcam, a microphone (some web cams have a built in microphone) and speakers attached to your computer). Many lap-tops have built in speakers, some have built in webcam. If you are concerned with the audio being overheard you can use a headset with microphone
# first install the camera's software on your computer
# Then Connect the camera with the USB cable to any of the the computer's USB sockets (ports).
Many computers will automatically recognize that you plugged the webcam in and it will tell you there is a new device on the computer
# With the webcam connected you have also connected the microphone that is built into the webcam to the computer. You can now adjust the audio settings using the webcam controls or wait until you have installed Skype.
# The Logitech installer will guide you through the con figuration of the audio. You may download from the Logitech site or from Skype.
# Skype provides the software free of charge. After you have Skype installed they have additional services that you buy into.
# This article is limited to free services over the Internet to anyone, anywhere in the world for free while viewing each other on your computer screens.
# You will be asked to choose a Skype name
This the name or nickname that people will use to call you (connect with you) on using Skype. The Skype Setup Wizard will appear and guide you through the rest of the installation.
# Make certain peakers are plugged in and volume turned up. (or if using a head set plug it in)
# Now call the Skype Test service. It is an automated service that you call and it calls you back so that you know you are ready to Skype.
# Make your first call
Select your friend's Skype Name and press the big green call button.
# Sign up for a Google Account and for a Google gmail account
What to do when the person with dementia asks the same questions
by Monica Heltemes on 9/24/2014 to Dementia Activities
new resource, "Ask the OT". Caregivers often have questions or situations that come up in dementia care. Although one answer never fits all situations, having different perspectives on the issue can help - in this case the perspective of an occupational therapist (OT).
Why does the person with dementia say the same things over and over?
The easy answer, but one that can be hard to keep in perspective, is that the person does not remember that he or she already told you that piece of information or story. Yes, in literally seconds, the person can have forgotten what was just discussed. The diseased brain is like a sieve with holes in it. The information just leaks right out instead of staying in the brain as it should.
Sometimes the person may be doing it to get attention. I don't mean to say that the person is purposely doing it to get attention, but rather the person may be bored or even frightened and may be seeking conversation or reassurance.
Another possibility is that the person is having a strong memory of a past event. The fact that the person is experiencing memories is a good thing, but perhaps it is not a happy memory or an unresolved memory, that is worrying the person. In either case, the caregiver understanding that the dementia illness is causing this behavior, is important.
Is there a way I can reduce the dementia behavior of repetitive questioning?
Yes, there are strategies to try. If one does not work, try another. The repeating may not go away completely, but it likely can be reduced.
http://tinyurl.com/pj6j4xx
new resource, "Ask the OT". Caregivers often have questions or situations that come up in dementia care. Although one answer never fits all situations, having different perspectives on the issue can help - in this case the perspective of an occupational therapist (OT).
Why does the person with dementia say the same things over and over?
The easy answer, but one that can be hard to keep in perspective, is that the person does not remember that he or she already told you that piece of information or story. Yes, in literally seconds, the person can have forgotten what was just discussed. The diseased brain is like a sieve with holes in it. The information just leaks right out instead of staying in the brain as it should.
Sometimes the person may be doing it to get attention. I don't mean to say that the person is purposely doing it to get attention, but rather the person may be bored or even frightened and may be seeking conversation or reassurance.
Another possibility is that the person is having a strong memory of a past event. The fact that the person is experiencing memories is a good thing, but perhaps it is not a happy memory or an unresolved memory, that is worrying the person. In either case, the caregiver understanding that the dementia illness is causing this behavior, is important.
Is there a way I can reduce the dementia behavior of repetitive questioning?
Yes, there are strategies to try. If one does not work, try another. The repeating may not go away completely, but it likely can be reduced.
http://tinyurl.com/pj6j4xx
ALZ Connected - Alzheimer's Association
ALZ Connected - Alzheimer's Association
Here's a
PDF brochure from the Alzheimer's Association that describes/discusses
legal planning and documents for the care of persons with AD/dementia.
It includes discussions on POAs and guardianships.
http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_legalplans.pdf
Here's a
PDF brochure from the Alzheimer's Association that describes/discusses
legal planning and documents for the care of persons with AD/dementia.
It includes discussions on POAs and guardianships.
http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_legalplans.pdf
What Goes Into a Life Care Plan? | Data gathering Forms
Data gathering Forms | Hill Law Group, PA
These planning questionnaires are worth their weight in gold! Everyone should, IMCO, have a family records notebook built from these forms.
Dave M.
These planning questionnaires are worth their weight in gold! Everyone should, IMCO, have a family records notebook built from these forms.
Dave M.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
How To Use the Alzheimer's Reading Room Knowledge Base | Alzheimer's Reading Room
Use the Alzheimer's Reading Room Knowledge Base
The Alzheimer's Reading Room Knowledge Base contains more than 4,000 articles. In the Alzheimer's Reading Room (ARR), we offer "real life" solutions to problems that Alzheimer's caregivers and their families encounter each day.
By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room
The goal of the Alzheimer's Reading Room is to Educate, Empower, and sometimes Entertain Alzheimer's caregivers, their families, and the entire Alzheimer's community.
At its core the Alzheimer's Reading Room is about helping members of the Alzheimer's and Dementia Community understand, cope, and communicate with persons living with Alzheimer's and Dementia.
The Alzheimer's Reading Room is currently the number one source of information for Alzheimer's, dementia, memory loss, and related health and life news on the Internet.
Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room
You can access the Alzheimer's Reading Room Knowledge Base by using the search box that is available on every page on this website.
---
The Alzheimer's Reading Room Knowledge Base contains more than 4,000 articles. In the Alzheimer's Reading Room (ARR), we offer "real life" solutions to problems that Alzheimer's caregivers and their families encounter each day.
By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room
The goal of the Alzheimer's Reading Room is to Educate, Empower, and sometimes Entertain Alzheimer's caregivers, their families, and the entire Alzheimer's community.
At its core the Alzheimer's Reading Room is about helping members of the Alzheimer's and Dementia Community understand, cope, and communicate with persons living with Alzheimer's and Dementia.
The Alzheimer's Reading Room is currently the number one source of information for Alzheimer's, dementia, memory loss, and related health and life news on the Internet.
Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading Room
You can access the Alzheimer's Reading Room Knowledge Base by using the search box that is available on every page on this website.
---
Bob DeMarco
Founder, Alzheimer's Reading Room
Wheelchair to Car Transfers - Getting your patient AND the wheelchair in the car
home-health-care-physical-therapy.com/our-mission.html
Wheelchair to Car Transfers - Getting your patient AND the wheelchair in the car: Wheelchair to car transfers and wheelchair management is not exactly what most people think of when they think of home safety or independence ... but...
One of the toughest obstacles patients and caregivers alike face is that of getting in and out of a vehicle and accomplishing this safely for both patient and caregiver. No doubt this IS part of a wise home safety checklist. If attempted without any forethought, disaster can lurk at any point in this sometimes tricky transfer.
Yet, mastering this wheelchair to car transfer can spell freedom and excitement for years to come for those otherwise "stuck" at home. It is my theory that those disabled by stroke or any any other means live longer lives when they can go out with a caregiver. And getting out means getting in the car, going, and getting back out of the car.
Of great importance next to seat belt use and the like is your planning for this essential ability.
You may master the car transfers without a hitch until you turn and see that ole wheelchair. Unless it's truly a window shopping ride, that wheelchair needs to come along too. With so many moving parts, though, it can be tougher than getting mom or dad to get in the car!
Do-It-Yourself Home Health Physical Therapy is a free e-zine that is sent to you when something happens here worth notifying you about. In the future, we will be sending this out on a monthly (and possible weekly) basis. Either way, your Do-It-Yourself Home Health Physical Therapy newsletter keeps you up to date on hot home health care topics that affect your rehabilitation at home.
Wheelchair to Car Transfers - Getting your patient AND the wheelchair in the car: Wheelchair to car transfers and wheelchair management is not exactly what most people think of when they think of home safety or independence ... but...
One of the toughest obstacles patients and caregivers alike face is that of getting in and out of a vehicle and accomplishing this safely for both patient and caregiver. No doubt this IS part of a wise home safety checklist. If attempted without any forethought, disaster can lurk at any point in this sometimes tricky transfer.
Yet, mastering this wheelchair to car transfer can spell freedom and excitement for years to come for those otherwise "stuck" at home. It is my theory that those disabled by stroke or any any other means live longer lives when they can go out with a caregiver. And getting out means getting in the car, going, and getting back out of the car.
Of great importance next to seat belt use and the like is your planning for this essential ability.
You may master the car transfers without a hitch until you turn and see that ole wheelchair. Unless it's truly a window shopping ride, that wheelchair needs to come along too. With so many moving parts, though, it can be tougher than getting mom or dad to get in the car!
Do-It-Yourself Home Health Physical Therapy is a free e-zine that is sent to you when something happens here worth notifying you about. In the future, we will be sending this out on a monthly (and possible weekly) basis. Either way, your Do-It-Yourself Home Health Physical Therapy newsletter keeps you up to date on hot home health care topics that affect your rehabilitation at home.
Day Clock | Non traditional clock shows the periods of the day ( i.e particular part of the day)
Day Clock | Dementia Clock | Alzheimer’s Clock
The Day Clocks’ has a clear and simple display of “Now it’s Monday Morning” This clock is unlike any traditional clock you have seen. It does not
have one single number on its face, just the days of the week. Non traditional clock shows the periods of the day ( i.e particular part of the day)
Help your loved ones who have Dementia or memory problems In the US there are as many as 5.4 million people who have Dementia. If a loved one has dementia or any other memory loss problems, the DayClock will help remind them the time of day. Making dementia more manageable.
The Day Clocks’ has a clear and simple display of “Now it’s Monday Morning” This clock is unlike any traditional clock you have seen. It does not
have one single number on its face, just the days of the week. Non traditional clock shows the periods of the day ( i.e particular part of the day)
Help your loved ones who have Dementia or memory problems In the US there are as many as 5.4 million people who have Dementia. If a loved one has dementia or any other memory loss problems, the DayClock will help remind them the time of day. Making dementia more manageable.
Understanding theDementia Experience
Smashwords Edition 2012
This ebook is licensed for your
personal enjoyment. This free ebook may be given away to other
people. If you would like to share this book with another person,
please send the entire book only, not a partial sampling. This book
may not be sold except if printed on paper in its entirety and only
for the exact cost of the materials only. Thank you for respecting
the hard work of this author. Further information about sharing is in
'Note Written in 2002.'
Copyright Jennifer Ghent-Fuller 2002
Thoughtful Dementia Care TM
ISBN: 978-0-9881678-2-7
A Guide to Coping with Alzheimer's Disease - Harvard Health
A Guide to Coping with Alzheimer's Disease - Harvard Health
This Special Health Report includes in-depth information on diagnosing
Alzheimer’s and treating its symptoms. Because caring for someone with
Alzheimer’s continues to be one of the toughest jobs in the world, the
report includes help for family members and caregivers, as well as for
the individuals with Alzheimer’s.
Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications in collaboration with John H. Growdon, M.D., Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, and Director, Memory and Movement Disorders Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital. 53 pages. (2015)
This Special Health Report includes in-depth information on diagnosing
Alzheimer’s and treating its symptoms. Because caring for someone with
Alzheimer’s continues to be one of the toughest jobs in the world, the
report includes help for family members and caregivers, as well as for
the individuals with Alzheimer’s.
Prepared by the editors of Harvard Health Publications in collaboration with John H. Growdon, M.D., Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, and Director, Memory and Movement Disorders Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital. 53 pages. (2015)
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Alzheimer's Care Training - Help for Alzheimer's Families
Alzheimer's Care Training - Help for Alzheimer's Families: Free Family Caregiver Alzheimer’s Training
Learn how to better care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s by taking advantage of free family caregiver training opportunities available from Home Instead Senior Care.
Learn how to better care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s by taking advantage of free family caregiver training opportunities available from Home Instead Senior Care.
The Difference Between Medicaid’s Lookback and Penalty Periods - AgingCare.com
The Difference Between Medicaid’s Lookback and Penalty Periods - AgingCare.com: The Difference Between Medicaid’s Lookback and Penalty Periods
Most people have heard that gifting an asset can cause problems if you later need to apply for Medicaid to cover a nursing home stay.
But what exactly are the rules you need to be aware of when helping an elderly loved one qualify for Medicaid?
Most people have heard that gifting an asset can cause problems if you later need to apply for Medicaid to cover a nursing home stay.
But what exactly are the rules you need to be aware of when helping an elderly loved one qualify for Medicaid?
New US Goverment organization, the Administration for Community Living (ACL). WE should be able to live at home
About ACL
All Americans—including people with disabilities and
older adults—should be able to live at home with the
supports they need, participating in communities that value their
contributions. To help meet these needs, the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS) created a new organization, the
Administration
for Community Living (ACL).
ACL brings together the efforts and achievements of the
Administration on Aging, the Administration on Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilities, and the HHS Office on Disability to serve
as the Federal agency responsible for increasing access to community
supports, while focusing attention and resources on the unique needs
of older Americans and people with disabilities across the lifespan.
Caregivers
A caregiver is anyone who provides help to another person in
need. In this section, we provide links to a wealth of information
on the Internet designed to assist family members and caregivers.
need. In this section, we provide links to a wealth of information
on the Internet designed to assist family members and caregivers.
Alzheimer’s
& Dementia Caregiver Center
This
site provides information about day-to-day help and services in
your community; getting support; or preparing for the future.
ARCH
National Respite Network
The
ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center provides
resources to help families locate respite and crisis care services.
Family
Caregiver Alliance
The
site contains a wide array of publications and services based on
caregiver needs, including a Family Care Navigator.
National
Alliance for Caregiving
The
site contains publications and resources for caregivers, including
the Family Care Resource Connection, where you can find reviews and
ratings on over 1,000 books, videos, Web sites, and other materials
on caregiving.
Caregiver
Action Network
The
site offers a virtual library of information and educational
materials for family caregivers.
eXtension
This
website was created by the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA), Cooperative Extension System. Here, caregivers and
advocates can access a wide range of information and materials
designed to help them learn about and provide supportive services
to family and relative caregivers. Topics include disaster
preparedness, military families, grandparents raising
grandchildren, housing, and nutrition.- HHS
Office of Women’s Health (OWH)
The OWH website provides an
extensive list of links of interest to caregivers.
Older Adults
Eldercare
Locator – The ACL Eldercare Locator is a website and call
center that links you to state and local agencies on aging and
community-based organizations that serve older adults and their
caregivers.
Check
for Benefits
– The BenefitsCheckUp Website helps consumers find benefits
programs that help them pay for prescription drugs, health care,
rent, utilities, and other needs. The BenefitsCheckUp Website
includes information from more than 1,650 public and private
benefits programs from all 50 states and DC.
Find
Helpful Publications and Website Resources – A part of the
Eldercare Locator Website, here you will find useful topic-specific
resources for older adults, caregivers and aging professionals.- Long-Term
Care Planning – Long-term care includes a variety of services
and supports to meet health or personal care needs over an extended
period of time. The National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care
Information Website provides information and resources to help
individuals plan for future long-term care.
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