Macie P. Smith, EdD
Program Development and Training Manager at University of South Carolina
Program Development and Training Manager at University of South Carolina
| |||||||
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6jHyTO7be_1PyHQaL96kpg
Saturday, April 30, 2016
DO YOU SPEAK DEMENTIA?
DO YOU SPEAK DEMENTIA?
Macie P. Smith, EdD
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6jHyTO7be_1PyHQaL96kpg
Macie P. Smith, EdD
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6jHyTO7be_1PyHQaL96kpg
When is a person Able/Unable to Sign a Will, Trust, or Power of Attorney - AgingCare.com
When Is a Person Too Incapacitated to Sign a Will,
by K. Gabriel Heiser, Expert Attorney, author, Medicaid asset protection planning
{Quote}
Many people are surprised to find out that a person with Alzheimer's or under a guardianship may still be legally competent to sign a will.
A slightly different test is involved for signing a power of
attorney. Here, the individual must be capable of understanding and
appreciating the extent and effect of the document, just as if he or she were signing a contract. Thus, the parent may be competent to sign a power of attorney, but not competent to sign a will.
A trust is sometimes deemed to be more like a contract than a
will, so that the necessary mental capacity needed to sign a trust may be less than that needed to sign a will.
The mental capacity to sign the document should not be confused
with the physical ability to sign one's name. The law will permit a
person to sign an "X" (known as a "mark"), that, so long as properly
witnessed, will suffice just the same as a signature. In addition, if
even a mark is not possible for the individual to make, then the
individual can direct someone else to sign on his or her behalf.
{End Quote}
Senior Unable to Sign a Will, Trust, or Power of Attorney - AgingCare.com: Trust, or POA?
by K. Gabriel Heiser, Expert Attorney, author, Medicaid asset protection planning
{Quote}
Many people are surprised to find out that a person with Alzheimer's or under a guardianship may still be legally competent to sign a will.
A slightly different test is involved for signing a power of
attorney. Here, the individual must be capable of understanding and
appreciating the extent and effect of the document, just as if he or she were signing a contract. Thus, the parent may be competent to sign a power of attorney, but not competent to sign a will.
A trust is sometimes deemed to be more like a contract than a
will, so that the necessary mental capacity needed to sign a trust may be less than that needed to sign a will.
The mental capacity to sign the document should not be confused
with the physical ability to sign one's name. The law will permit a
person to sign an "X" (known as a "mark"), that, so long as properly
witnessed, will suffice just the same as a signature. In addition, if
even a mark is not possible for the individual to make, then the
individual can direct someone else to sign on his or her behalf.
{End Quote}
Senior Unable to Sign a Will, Trust, or Power of Attorney - AgingCare.com: Trust, or POA?
Sunday, April 17, 2016
What should YOU do once YOU have completed the Health Care Proxy?
What should I do once I have completed the Health Care Proxy?
Give your Health Care Proxy and Alternate a copy of this form.
You may also want to give a copy to your lawyer or close family members or friends.
Give a copy of this form to your primary care provider and to any specialists you see often.
Ask them to make sure that your Proxy information, or a copy of this form, is in your medical record.
Keep a copy for yourself and try to bring it with you if you have to go to the hospital.
Talk to your Health Care Proxy about what matters most to you. Think about what you would or would not want if you were very sick, or if you were at the end of your life.
Talk about the care you would want to receive if you were very sick. If members of your health care team know about your wishes, they may be very helpful to your Proxy if difficult decisions ever need to be made about your care.
Source:
Massachusetts Health Care Proxy Information | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center:
Give your Health Care Proxy and Alternate a copy of this form.
You may also want to give a copy to your lawyer or close family members or friends.
Give a copy of this form to your primary care provider and to any specialists you see often.
Ask them to make sure that your Proxy information, or a copy of this form, is in your medical record.
Keep a copy for yourself and try to bring it with you if you have to go to the hospital.
Talk to your Health Care Proxy about what matters most to you. Think about what you would or would not want if you were very sick, or if you were at the end of your life.
Talk about the care you would want to receive if you were very sick. If members of your health care team know about your wishes, they may be very helpful to your Proxy if difficult decisions ever need to be made about your care.
Source:
Massachusetts Health Care Proxy Information | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center:
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Skilled Nursing Staff Caregivers Should Get To Know - AgingCare.com
Who’s Who in Skilled Nursing: Staff Caregivers Should Get To Know
When
a loved one moves into a skilled nursing facility the flurry of new
faces can be confusing for seniors and their family members.
Who on the staff should you get to know? Who's responsible for which aspects of your loved one's care?
Anne-Marie Botek
Contributing Writer AgingCare.com
Skilled Nursing Staff Caregivers Should Get To Know - AgingCare.com:
When
a loved one moves into a skilled nursing facility the flurry of new
faces can be confusing for seniors and their family members.
Who on the staff should you get to know? Who's responsible for which aspects of your loved one's care?
Contributing Writer AgingCare.com
Skilled Nursing Staff Caregivers Should Get To Know - AgingCare.com:
Friday, March 11, 2016
Alzheimer's 3 Little Words That Work | Alzheimer's Reading Room
Alzheimer's Reading Room: Alzheimer's 3 Little Words That Work
{Q}
Alzheimer's caregivers often describe a problem to me that they are having with a loved one.
In just about every case the conversation starts with the caregiver telling me how they try to explain to the person living with dementia the error of their ways.{EQ}
3 Little Words That Work I love you.
{Q}
Alzheimer's caregivers often describe a problem to me that they are having with a loved one.
In just about every case the conversation starts with the caregiver telling me how they try to explain to the person living with dementia the error of their ways.{EQ}
3 Little Words That Work I love you.
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Respect Different Approaches to Caregiving
Author Carol Bradley Bursack,[2014] Expert speaker, columnist and eldercare consultant
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to caregiving.
Short of neglect or abuse of the care receiver, nearly every family caregiver must be free to make choices that work best for their unique situation. Even then, the available choices aren't always ideal.
You simply have to try and acknowledge what it really means to just do your best.
As a caregiver for multiple elders – at one time I was providing some type of care to five elders in three locations, as well as caring for my children – I've received my share of criticism.
There were those who felt that I should have provided for my elders in my home. Of course, these weren't people who knew my family's full situation. They were casual onlookers. Sidewalk superintendents, if you will. People who knew the complexities that I was coping with understood that I needed to hire the help of outside care providers including in-home care and a terrific nursing home. That didn't make me less of a caregiver, but it made me different than a friend of mine who moved her mother into her home.
Caregiving situations are simply too diverse and complicated for others to pass judgment on the way one family caregiver copes with a situation. It's important to bear in mind that there are certain things not to say to a caregiver.
Being human, I suppose we all second guess others to some degree, at least in our thoughts. However, when we do that, we should have a way of reminding ourselves that we don't have the same life situation as the person we may be criticizing.
Not everyone is cut out to be a hands-on caregiver
There are people who simply don't have the emotional skills to be a caregiver.
If empathy, patience and a degree of willing self-sacrifice are not in a person's makeup, they are not bad people. They simply may not be the best hands-on caregiver for their aging parents. Many of these people wisely hire help for their parents' daily needs, while they work as advocates and managers.
This same approach holds true for many adult children who live at a distance from their parents. The parents still have friends in their home town and don't want to move to a strange location. Few of us can give up a good job and move to our parents' community in order to care for them. Therefore, often, much of the parent care must be delegated.
That does not mean these people don't love their parents. They are simply working with life events as best they can.
On a much more dramatic note, I've had many adult children who grew up in abusive homes ask me what their obligation is to their parents. For some, when I hear the horror of their childhoods, the fact that they are even thinking of their aging parents at all is amazing.
What I tell them is that they only need to do what they can without further damage to themselves.
They may decide that they can hire help for their parents, but can't give hands-on care. Or they may feel that they can visit once a week and manage the bills, but need to hire others for the rest of the care. There are some, of course, who simply walk away.
Who are we to judge if we haven't been through what they went through as children?
Some will quit a job and give up financial security
Even though people lose out on retirement benefits and Social Security earnings, as well as the obvious lack of salary, some people quit their job to care for their parents or have their parents move in with them. They become a full-time caregiver. They may struggle financially, but they are doing what they feel is right for them and their loved ones.
I feel strongly that caregivers who stay in the work force and find other ways to care for their elders shouldn't criticize those who stay at home. Conversely, neither should people who make the sacrifice to stay at home criticize others who hire help.
My caregiving involved both scenarios.
For many years, my main job was racing from place to place taking care of my aging loved ones who lived in various housing situations. However, during a number of my later caregiving years I was working a full-time job as well as caring for my three remaining elders, though they were then together in the same nursing home.
Both situations involved considerable sacrifice on my part, and the later situation involved substantial changes for my care receivers. But there was no other viable solution, so the choice was made. I went back to a full-time job and altered my caregiving, though I didn't, by any means, abandon it.
Amazingly, both choices drew criticism from others who thought – the operative word is "thought" since they weren't in my shoes – that they would have made better choices.
I had to learn to tune out criticism and do what I could.
My best had to be good enough.
Respecting Different Approaches to Caregiving is Important - AgingCare.com:
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to caregiving.
Short of neglect or abuse of the care receiver, nearly every family caregiver must be free to make choices that work best for their unique situation. Even then, the available choices aren't always ideal.
You simply have to try and acknowledge what it really means to just do your best.
As a caregiver for multiple elders – at one time I was providing some type of care to five elders in three locations, as well as caring for my children – I've received my share of criticism.
There were those who felt that I should have provided for my elders in my home. Of course, these weren't people who knew my family's full situation. They were casual onlookers. Sidewalk superintendents, if you will. People who knew the complexities that I was coping with understood that I needed to hire the help of outside care providers including in-home care and a terrific nursing home. That didn't make me less of a caregiver, but it made me different than a friend of mine who moved her mother into her home.
Caregiving situations are simply too diverse and complicated for others to pass judgment on the way one family caregiver copes with a situation. It's important to bear in mind that there are certain things not to say to a caregiver.
Being human, I suppose we all second guess others to some degree, at least in our thoughts. However, when we do that, we should have a way of reminding ourselves that we don't have the same life situation as the person we may be criticizing.
Not everyone is cut out to be a hands-on caregiver
There are people who simply don't have the emotional skills to be a caregiver.
If empathy, patience and a degree of willing self-sacrifice are not in a person's makeup, they are not bad people. They simply may not be the best hands-on caregiver for their aging parents. Many of these people wisely hire help for their parents' daily needs, while they work as advocates and managers.
This same approach holds true for many adult children who live at a distance from their parents. The parents still have friends in their home town and don't want to move to a strange location. Few of us can give up a good job and move to our parents' community in order to care for them. Therefore, often, much of the parent care must be delegated.
That does not mean these people don't love their parents. They are simply working with life events as best they can.
On a much more dramatic note, I've had many adult children who grew up in abusive homes ask me what their obligation is to their parents. For some, when I hear the horror of their childhoods, the fact that they are even thinking of their aging parents at all is amazing.
What I tell them is that they only need to do what they can without further damage to themselves.
They may decide that they can hire help for their parents, but can't give hands-on care. Or they may feel that they can visit once a week and manage the bills, but need to hire others for the rest of the care. There are some, of course, who simply walk away.
Who are we to judge if we haven't been through what they went through as children?
Some will quit a job and give up financial security
Even though people lose out on retirement benefits and Social Security earnings, as well as the obvious lack of salary, some people quit their job to care for their parents or have their parents move in with them. They become a full-time caregiver. They may struggle financially, but they are doing what they feel is right for them and their loved ones.
I feel strongly that caregivers who stay in the work force and find other ways to care for their elders shouldn't criticize those who stay at home. Conversely, neither should people who make the sacrifice to stay at home criticize others who hire help.
My caregiving involved both scenarios.
For many years, my main job was racing from place to place taking care of my aging loved ones who lived in various housing situations. However, during a number of my later caregiving years I was working a full-time job as well as caring for my three remaining elders, though they were then together in the same nursing home.
Both situations involved considerable sacrifice on my part, and the later situation involved substantial changes for my care receivers. But there was no other viable solution, so the choice was made. I went back to a full-time job and altered my caregiving, though I didn't, by any means, abandon it.
Amazingly, both choices drew criticism from others who thought – the operative word is "thought" since they weren't in my shoes – that they would have made better choices.
I had to learn to tune out criticism and do what I could.
My best had to be good enough.
Respecting Different Approaches to Caregiving is Important - AgingCare.com:
Monday, February 29, 2016
800AgeInfo - Information on Programs - Caregiver Support Page
800AgeInfo - Information on Programs - Caregiver Support Page
Caregiver Support
administered through a partnership with local Area Agencies on Aging
(AAAs) and Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs). MFCSP provides family
caregivers guidance, support, and attention that often is unavailable or
overlooked. Caregivers receive individual attention to:
even isolating; yet it can be meaningful and rewarding as well. It is
critical that caregivers are aware of available services. Through the
MFCSP compassionate and knowledgeable professionals work directly with
caregivers offering a range of services that may include:
Caregiver Support
(caring for an individual)
The Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program (MFCSP) isadministered through a partnership with local Area Agencies on Aging
(AAAs) and Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs). MFCSP provides family
caregivers guidance, support, and attention that often is unavailable or
overlooked. Caregivers receive individual attention to:
- discuss their caregiving situation
- increase knowledge of and access to resources
- make informed decisions and solve problems related to their caregiver role
- increase their own personal well-being including reduced stress
Family caregivers are individuals who:
- Care for a spouse, parent, other relative or friend who is age 60 or older, or who has Alzheimer’s disease.
- Are grandparents age 55 or older who are caring for grandchildren who are 18 years of age or younger, or who are disabled.
- Are over the age of 55 and caring for a disabled individual who is not their child.
even isolating; yet it can be meaningful and rewarding as well. It is
critical that caregivers are aware of available services. Through the
MFCSP compassionate and knowledgeable professionals work directly with
caregivers offering a range of services that may include:
- One-on-one Counseling
- Family Meeting
- In-home Assessment
- In-home Services
- Respite (a break for caregivers)
- Nutrition Services
- Transportation Services
- Caregiver Training
- Support Groups
- Supplemental Services (such as assistive devices, emergency response system)
- Financial Counseling
- Legal Referral
Friday, February 26, 2016
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
HIPAA Compliant Communications Kit
HIPAA Compliant Communications Kit: HIPAA Compliant Communications Kit
discover what hospitals and healthcare organizations should
be doing in regards to communicating PHI between clinicians and
patients. The kit includes:
HIPAA Complaince Check List
12 Step Guide to Buying a HIPAA Compliant Secure Messaging Solution
3 Keys for True HIPAA Compliance
discover what hospitals and healthcare organizations should
be doing in regards to communicating PHI between clinicians and
patients. The kit includes:
HIPAA Complaince Check List
12 Step Guide to Buying a HIPAA Compliant Secure Messaging Solution
3 Keys for True HIPAA Compliance
Friday, February 19, 2016
Nothing worse than not getting trained to care for persons living with Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's Dementia Hands-On Care DVD: "The Art of Caregiving" with Care Expert Teepa Snow http://tinyurl.com/jetswp2
A quote from: Ethelle Lord, DM "I found something worse than
receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. It is not getting the workforce
trained in time to care for persons living with Alzheimer's whether
at home or in a care center." Ethelle Lord is President
remembering4you.com based in Maine
Pines Education Institute of S.W. Florida
{QUOTE}Caring for that special someone is a task that becomes harder with each day. You want to give the best possible care and quality of life, but wonder at times whether there is something you are missing.
Teepa Snow will show you in "The Art of Caregiving" how to provide the most comfort for mind, body, and soul for your person with dementia. She provides detailed, easy-to-follow explanations for daily tasks, such as helping to eat, move, bathe, or getting dressed.
Her program is a great learning tool for anyone, from beginning in-home caregiver to experienced professional.
Teepa's insights are based on a foundation of science, mixed with a genuine dose of love and understanding for people with dementia.
Learn with Teepa and share in the experience of what a positive, person-centered care approach can do for you and your loved one.
View video excerpts on www.youtube.com/user/PinesofSarasota {END QUOTE}
A quote from: Ethelle Lord, DM "I found something worse than
receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. It is not getting the workforce
trained in time to care for persons living with Alzheimer's whether
at home or in a care center." Ethelle Lord is President
remembering4you.com based in Maine
Pines Education Institute of S.W. Florida
{QUOTE}Caring for that special someone is a task that becomes harder with each day. You want to give the best possible care and quality of life, but wonder at times whether there is something you are missing.
Teepa Snow will show you in "The Art of Caregiving" how to provide the most comfort for mind, body, and soul for your person with dementia. She provides detailed, easy-to-follow explanations for daily tasks, such as helping to eat, move, bathe, or getting dressed.
Her program is a great learning tool for anyone, from beginning in-home caregiver to experienced professional.
Teepa's insights are based on a foundation of science, mixed with a genuine dose of love and understanding for people with dementia.
Learn with Teepa and share in the experience of what a positive, person-centered care approach can do for you and your loved one.
View video excerpts on www.youtube.com/user/PinesofSarasota {END QUOTE}
Friday, January 29, 2016
Doll Therapy | Balhousie Care Group
Doll Therapy | Balhousie Care Group: Doll Therapy
Comfort can sometimes be found in the most unusual places for dementia sufferers.
01/21/2016 - 15:42
{QUOTE}There is an estimated 40 million people worldwide living with dementia and, with no long term cure currently available, there is a big focus on finding ways to alleviate symptoms and help to improve the quality of day-to-day life of those suffering from the illness.
A recent video posted on social media, which shows the joyful reaction of an elderly lady who suffers from dementia when she receives a doll for Christmas, went viral at the end of 2015, amassing 3.1 million views and over 90,000 likes. Many people were surprised by the lady’s reaction and, whilst it may seem like just a small thing, the heart-warming video has highlighted the benefits of an unusual kind of therapy that we actively use at our Balhousie Care Homes called doll therapy.{ENDQUOTE}
find out more about the work at Balhousie Care Group, speak with a member of their team by calling 01738 254254 or find out more by visiting www.balhousiecare.co.uk
Comfort can sometimes be found in the most unusual places for dementia sufferers.
01/21/2016 - 15:42
{QUOTE}There is an estimated 40 million people worldwide living with dementia and, with no long term cure currently available, there is a big focus on finding ways to alleviate symptoms and help to improve the quality of day-to-day life of those suffering from the illness.
A recent video posted on social media, which shows the joyful reaction of an elderly lady who suffers from dementia when she receives a doll for Christmas, went viral at the end of 2015, amassing 3.1 million views and over 90,000 likes. Many people were surprised by the lady’s reaction and, whilst it may seem like just a small thing, the heart-warming video has highlighted the benefits of an unusual kind of therapy that we actively use at our Balhousie Care Homes called doll therapy.{ENDQUOTE}
find out more about the work at Balhousie Care Group, speak with a member of their team by calling 01738 254254 or find out more by visiting www.balhousiecare.co.uk
keep in touch with your loved ones | http://www.balhousiecare.co.uk/caremail
CAREM@IL
Balhousie Care Group <http://www.balhousiecare.co.uk/about-balhousie-care-group>
Keeping You Connected
We understand how important it is to keep in touch with your loved ones. That's why we have introduced CAREM@IL to all of our homes.The facility allows you to send a message, attach photographs or upload a video. Our team will ensure that your loved one receives this, so they don't need to miss out on any special moments, regardless of any distance that may separate you.
Fill in the form below to contact your love one; it's straightforward, quick, and is a great way to stay in touch.
Video Calling
Many of our homes also have capability for loved ones to SKYPE residents. This requires just a little advance notice to arrange at our end, but our staff are more than happy to organise this and very much believe in the benefits this can bring to our residents and their quality of life at their home.Please ask the care home manager of your family member's or friend's home for more details of how to set this up.
CAREM@IL Contact Form
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Understanding the dementia experience DaveM suggests start with these books
Nothing worse than receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's and not being prepared to care for persons living with Alzheimer's.
A quote from: Ethelle Lord, "I found something worse than receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. It is not getting the workforce trained in time to care for persons living with Alzheimer's whether at home or in a care center." Ethelle Lord is President remembering4you.com based in Maine
Harvard Medical School A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease (Harvard Medical School Special Health Reports) Harvard Medical School Special Health Reports John H. Growdon, M.D., Kathleen Cahill Allison, Alex Gonzalez, Scott Leighton
http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Harvard+Medical+School+A+Guide+to+Alzheimer%27s+
The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementias, and Memory...Sep 25, 2012 by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_11?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=alzheimer%27s&sprefix=alzheimer%27s%2Caps%2C210
Creating Moments of Joy for the Person with Alzheimer's or Dementia: A Journal for Caregivers, Fourth EditionSep 1, 2008 by Jolene Brackey http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_11?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=alzheimer%27s&sprefix=alzheimer%27s%2Caps%2C210
Still AliceDec 2, 2014 by Lisa Genova http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_3?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aalzheimer%27s&page=3&keywords=alzheimer%27s&ie=UTF8&qid=1448046706
Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Notebook: A Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer's and Relate2009 by National Alzheimer's Association http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_9?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aalzheimer%27s&page=9&keywords=alzheimer%27s&ie=UTF8&qid=1448046951
Coach Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers: A Practical Tips GuideJan 1, 2006 by Frank Broyles http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_11?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aalzheimer%27s&page=11&keywords=alzheimer%27s&ie=UTF8&qid=1448047090
Elder Rage, or Take My Father... Please!: How to Survive Caring for Aging ParentsApr 2001 by Jacqueline Marcell and Rodman Shankle http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_2?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aalzheimer%27s&page=2&sort=review-count-rank&keywords=alzheimer%27s&ie=UTF8&qid=1448047389
"Kisses for Elizabeth" A Common Sense Guide to Alzheimer's Care is written for both family and professional caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. It is a practical resource for anyone experiencing difficulty with significant behavioral issues but is also helpful to caregivers who simply want to provide the best possible care.
Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?: A MemoirMay 6, 2014 by Roz Chast
Love, Loss, and Laughter: Seeing Alzheimer's Differently Hardcover – March 6, 2012 by Cathy Greenblat http://smile.amazon.com/Love-Loss-Laughter-Alzheimers-Differently/dp/0762779071/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448461740&sr=8-1&keywords=%22Love%2C+Loss+and+Laughter%27+by+Cathy+Greenblat
A quote from: Ethelle Lord, "I found something worse than receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. It is not getting the workforce trained in time to care for persons living with Alzheimer's whether at home or in a care center." Ethelle Lord is President remembering4you.com based in Maine
Harvard Medical School A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease (Harvard Medical School Special Health Reports) Harvard Medical School Special Health Reports John H. Growdon, M.D., Kathleen Cahill Allison, Alex Gonzalez, Scott Leighton
http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Harvard+Medical+School+A+Guide+to+Alzheimer%27s+
The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Related Dementias, and Memory...Sep 25, 2012 by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_11?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=alzheimer%27s&sprefix=alzheimer%27s%2Caps%2C210
Creating Moments of Joy for the Person with Alzheimer's or Dementia: A Journal for Caregivers, Fourth EditionSep 1, 2008 by Jolene Brackey http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_11?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=alzheimer%27s&sprefix=alzheimer%27s%2Caps%2C210
Still AliceDec 2, 2014 by Lisa Genova http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_3?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aalzheimer%27s&page=3&keywords=alzheimer%27s&ie=UTF8&qid=1448046706
Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Notebook: A Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer's and Relate2009 by National Alzheimer's Association http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_9?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aalzheimer%27s&page=9&keywords=alzheimer%27s&ie=UTF8&qid=1448046951
Coach Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Caregivers: A Practical Tips GuideJan 1, 2006 by Frank Broyles http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_11?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aalzheimer%27s&page=11&keywords=alzheimer%27s&ie=UTF8&qid=1448047090
Elder Rage, or Take My Father... Please!: How to Survive Caring for Aging ParentsApr 2001 by Jacqueline Marcell and Rodman Shankle http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_2?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aalzheimer%27s&page=2&sort=review-count-rank&keywords=alzheimer%27s&ie=UTF8&qid=1448047389
"Kisses for Elizabeth" A Common Sense Guide to Alzheimer's Care is written for both family and professional caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. It is a practical resource for anyone experiencing difficulty with significant behavioral issues but is also helpful to caregivers who simply want to provide the best possible care.
Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?: A MemoirMay 6, 2014 by Roz Chast
Love, Loss, and Laughter: Seeing Alzheimer's Differently Hardcover – March 6, 2012 by Cathy Greenblat http://smile.amazon.com/Love-Loss-Laughter-Alzheimers-Differently/dp/0762779071/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448461740&sr=8-1&keywords=%22Love%2C+Loss+and+Laughter%27+by+Cathy+Greenblat
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
“alternative dispute resolution” agreements are voluntary ... they can’t be used as a bar NH admission.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is weighing changes in the way binding arbitration agreements are presented when admitting people to nursing homes that accept federal payments.
The agency’s proposal, part of a much broader rule to reform long-term care, would require nursing home operators to explain arbitration clauses in plain language. They would have to tell incoming residents and their caregivers that the “alternative dispute resolution” agreements are voluntary and that they can’t be used as a bar to admission.
Nursing homes would also have to point out that by signing such agreements, families are giving up their right to go to court. States Want Some Agreements Banned The CMS proposal does not go nearly far enough for 16 state attorneys general who recently signed a letter urging the agency to ban all arbitration agreements that are signed before a dispute arises. Arbitration can be a useful way to resolve disputes, they say, but only if both sides are on equal footing.
http://www.nextavenue.org/dont-sign-away-your-rights-in-long-term-care
The agency’s proposal, part of a much broader rule to reform long-term care, would require nursing home operators to explain arbitration clauses in plain language. They would have to tell incoming residents and their caregivers that the “alternative dispute resolution” agreements are voluntary and that they can’t be used as a bar to admission.
Nursing homes would also have to point out that by signing such agreements, families are giving up their right to go to court. States Want Some Agreements Banned The CMS proposal does not go nearly far enough for 16 state attorneys general who recently signed a letter urging the agency to ban all arbitration agreements that are signed before a dispute arises. Arbitration can be a useful way to resolve disputes, they say, but only if both sides are on equal footing.
http://www.nextavenue.org/dont-sign-away-your-rights-in-long-term-care
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Care Management
Blog | AZA Care Management: Tips for Choosing A Geriatric Care Manager
As the number of Care Managers across the country continues to grow, we at AZA are thrilled to be part of such a thriving profession. Because we have been in business for almost 20 years, we have witnessed many changes and trends in the industry. Most recently, we are noticing that our consumers are more educated about the field of Care Management and are asking better questions. As a result, we have put together some tips for family members and fellow professionals about how to be a savvy consumer when shopping for a high quality care manager.
The following are areas we suggest considering:
Experience / Credentials
Check the credentials of the care manager you are considering hiring. Care managers have diverse experience, education and backgrounds. Often a good care manager is one that has both an advanced degree and several years of experience in care management.
Many care managers are licensed in their state in specific fields such as nursing or social work. If appropriate, make sure they are a member of their basic professional organization.
Make sure the care manager is a certified (not associate) member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and that the membership is in good standing. As of 2010, we are required, as certified members of the National Association, to carry one of the following certifications: CMC, CCM, C-ASWCM or C-SWCM. Please check the National website for more information about specific certifications and requirements.
from:http://azacaremanagement.com/ Audrey Zabin & Associates, LLC 60 Birmingham Parkway, Boston, MA 02135 | Phone: 617.254.9800 | Fax: 617.249.0176
As the number of Care Managers across the country continues to grow, we at AZA are thrilled to be part of such a thriving profession. Because we have been in business for almost 20 years, we have witnessed many changes and trends in the industry. Most recently, we are noticing that our consumers are more educated about the field of Care Management and are asking better questions. As a result, we have put together some tips for family members and fellow professionals about how to be a savvy consumer when shopping for a high quality care manager.
The following are areas we suggest considering:
Experience / Credentials
Check the credentials of the care manager you are considering hiring. Care managers have diverse experience, education and backgrounds. Often a good care manager is one that has both an advanced degree and several years of experience in care management.
Many care managers are licensed in their state in specific fields such as nursing or social work. If appropriate, make sure they are a member of their basic professional organization.
Make sure the care manager is a certified (not associate) member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers and that the membership is in good standing. As of 2010, we are required, as certified members of the National Association, to carry one of the following certifications: CMC, CCM, C-ASWCM or C-SWCM. Please check the National website for more information about specific certifications and requirements.
from:http://azacaremanagement.com/ Audrey Zabin & Associates, LLC 60 Birmingham Parkway, Boston, MA 02135 | Phone: 617.254.9800 | Fax: 617.249.0176
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Caregiver and Client Therapy Dolls 18 inch and 7 inch
There are hundreds of Madame Alexander Baby Dolls Play Dolls Disney Character Dolls
There are the 18 inch dolls starting at $30.00+ and 7 inch travel dolls starting at $8.00+.
I found them on Amazon and www.madamealexander.com/ with all sorts of specials, and discounts, and clothing.
Monday, January 4, 2016
Carol Bradley Bursack, Minding Our Elders Caregiver Support Services
Carol Bradley Bursack, Minding Our Elders
Caregiver Support Services
Over the span of two decades author, newspaper columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Carol created a portable support group – the book “Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.” Carol’s sites, www.mindingourelders.com and www.mindingoureldersblogs.com include helpful resources as well as links to direct support. She is a newspaper columnist and an eldercare consultant who also writes on caregiving and senior issues for several national websites.
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Tips for Communicating with a Person Who has Alzheimer’s Disease | BrightFocus Foundation
Tips for Communicating with a Person Who has Alzheimer’s Disease | BrightFocus Foundation: Tips for Communicating with a Person Who has Alzheimer’s Disease
Kathleen Allen, LCSW, C-ASWCM
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Senior couple talking to each other
Learn helpful communication tips for visiting someone with dementia, or communicating with them by phone or video chat.
Have you ever tried to communicate with someone with Alzheimer’s disease and ended feeling awkward and frustrated? Did you get stuck without having anything to talk about? Was this a once conversant and articulate person you now have difficulty engaging?
Communicating with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease, though challenging, is achievable. But because the disease affects the brain in ways that make communication difficult, we need to keep in mind some guidelines to facilitate the best possible communication. Below I will address communication when you are visiting someone with dementia, and then I will address non-visit communication, such as by phone or video chat.
On Your Visit
Christi Clark and Carrie Idol-Richards of the Insight Memory Care Center in Fairfax, Virginia refer to the “Basic 6” steps for communicating with someone with dementia. The steps they describe provide an excellent framework to use on your visits as you approach and converse with someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, and are especially relevant during the middle stages of the disease.
Approach from the front – do not startle them.
Establish eye contact – this shows interest in them.
Call the person by name – again, showing interest in them.
Get down to eye level if needed – this puts you on the same level with them.
Let them initiate touch – they will come to you when ready.
Give directions one step at a time – helps keep it simple, especially for those having difficulty with processing.
Kathleen Allen, LCSW, C-ASWCM
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Senior couple talking to each other
Learn helpful communication tips for visiting someone with dementia, or communicating with them by phone or video chat.
Have you ever tried to communicate with someone with Alzheimer’s disease and ended feeling awkward and frustrated? Did you get stuck without having anything to talk about? Was this a once conversant and articulate person you now have difficulty engaging?
Communicating with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease, though challenging, is achievable. But because the disease affects the brain in ways that make communication difficult, we need to keep in mind some guidelines to facilitate the best possible communication. Below I will address communication when you are visiting someone with dementia, and then I will address non-visit communication, such as by phone or video chat.
On Your Visit
Christi Clark and Carrie Idol-Richards of the Insight Memory Care Center in Fairfax, Virginia refer to the “Basic 6” steps for communicating with someone with dementia. The steps they describe provide an excellent framework to use on your visits as you approach and converse with someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, and are especially relevant during the middle stages of the disease.
Approach from the front – do not startle them.
Establish eye contact – this shows interest in them.
Call the person by name – again, showing interest in them.
Get down to eye level if needed – this puts you on the same level with them.
Let them initiate touch – they will come to you when ready.
Give directions one step at a time – helps keep it simple, especially for those having difficulty with processing.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Know About EMV Chip Credit Cards | Europlay, MasterCard and Visa
6 Things to Know About EMV Chip Credit Cards http://tinyurl.com/pxh9kp5
Why you need to watch your mail and be a patient shopper
by
Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell a freelance write; http://www.nextavenue.org/
By now, you?ve likely received in the mail a replacement credit card with an EMV chip (EMV stands for Europlay, MasterCard and Visa). The computer chip has been put in to keep hackers from getting access to the data in your card?s magnetic strip.
But you may be in for some surprises
Why you need to watch your mail and be a patient shopper
by
Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell a freelance write; http://www.nextavenue.org/
By now, you?ve likely received in the mail a replacement credit card with an EMV chip (EMV stands for Europlay, MasterCard and Visa). The computer chip has been put in to keep hackers from getting access to the data in your card?s magnetic strip.
But you may be in for some surprises
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
How to Get Answers To Your Questions About Alzheimer's and Dementia | Alzheimer's Reading Room
How to Get Answers To Your Questions About Alzheimer's and Dementia | Alzheimer's Reading Room: How to Get Answers To Your Questions About Alzheimer's and Dementia
At its core the Alzheimer's Reading Room is about helping everyone to better understand, cope, and communicate with a person living with dementia.
Search for Answers to your questions about Alzheimer's and dementia.
Search 5,000 articles
At its core the Alzheimer's Reading Room is about helping everyone to better understand, cope, and communicate with a person living with dementia.
Search for Answers to your questions about Alzheimer's and dementia.
Search 5,000 articles
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Android A to Z: A glossary of Android jargon and technical terms | Greenbot
Android A to Z: A glossary of Android jargon and technical terms | Greenbot: By Nick Mediati
Despite its small size, your Android phone is an incredibly complicated and powerful piece of gear. It can get you online, take photos, make phone calls—it can even pay for your groceries. There’s a lot going on, which means a lot to learn, even if you’re otherwise savvy about technology.
We’re here to help. Knowing these terms will help you get a better grasp on the tech that powers your phone. Bookmark this page for future reference,
Despite its small size, your Android phone is an incredibly complicated and powerful piece of gear. It can get you online, take photos, make phone calls—it can even pay for your groceries. There’s a lot going on, which means a lot to learn, even if you’re otherwise savvy about technology.
We’re here to help. Knowing these terms will help you get a better grasp on the tech that powers your phone. Bookmark this page for future reference,
Monday, December 7, 2015
Live-In Home Care | Home Care Assistance Australia
Live-In Home Care | Home Care Assistance Australia: With 24/7, around-the-clock care, a caregiver is always watching over your loved one, offering emotional support, reducing fall risk and assisting in all activities of daily living including:
Cooking and light housekeeping
Laundry and change of bed linens
Grocery shopping and errands
Companionship and range of motion exercise
Transportation to doctor appointments, supermarket, pharmacy
Assisting with walking and transfer from bed to wheelchair
Bathing, dressing and grooming assistance
Status reporting to family
Medication reminders
Cooking and light housekeeping
Laundry and change of bed linens
Grocery shopping and errands
Companionship and range of motion exercise
Transportation to doctor appointments, supermarket, pharmacy
Assisting with walking and transfer from bed to wheelchair
Bathing, dressing and grooming assistance
Status reporting to family
Medication reminders
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Uncle Sam's Misguided Children
RULES FOR DATING MY DAUGHTER
Rule One:
If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.
Rule Two:
You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your eyes or hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them.
Rule Three:
I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact, come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.
(5) Facebook
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Vascular dementia: What you need to know about this common disease
Vascular dementia: What you need to know about this common disease : Vascular dementia: What you need to know about this common disease
By Susan Griffi September 2015, 17:37 BST stanfieldnursing.co.uk
The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that can include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. In vascular dementia, these symptoms occur “when there is a reduced blood supply to the brain due to diseased blood vessels,” explains Kathryn Smith, director of operations at Alzheimer’s Society.
To be healthy and function properly, brain cells need a constant supply of blood, which is delivered through a network of vessels called the vascular system. If the blood vessels leak or become blocked, then blood can’t reach the brain cells and they’ll eventually die. It’s the death of brain cells which causes problems with memory, thinking or reasoning (collectively known as cognition). When these cognitive problems are bad enough to have a significant impact on daily life, it’s known as vascular dementia.
Who gets vascular dementia? There are a number of factors that put someone at risk of developing vascular dementia, including:
• Age - The risk of developing the condition doubles approximately every five years over the age of 65.
• History of cardiovascular disease - A person who’s had a stroke, or has diabetes or heart disease, is approximately twice as likely to develop vascular dementia.
• Sleep apnoea - A condition where breathing stops for a few seconds or minutes during sleep is a possible risk factor.
• Depression - According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there is some evidence that a history of depression also increases the risk of vascular dementia.
• Genetic factors - Someone with a family history of stroke, heart disease or diabetes has an increased risk of developing these conditions, although the role of genes in the common types of vascular dementia is small.
• Ethnicity - Those from an Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani or Sri Lankan backgrounds living in the UK have significantly higher rates of stroke, diabetes and heart disease than white Europeans. Among people of African-Caribbean descent, the risk of diabetes and stroke – but not heart disease – is also higher
By Susan Griffi September 2015, 17:37 BST stanfieldnursing.co.uk
The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that can include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. In vascular dementia, these symptoms occur “when there is a reduced blood supply to the brain due to diseased blood vessels,” explains Kathryn Smith, director of operations at Alzheimer’s Society.
To be healthy and function properly, brain cells need a constant supply of blood, which is delivered through a network of vessels called the vascular system. If the blood vessels leak or become blocked, then blood can’t reach the brain cells and they’ll eventually die. It’s the death of brain cells which causes problems with memory, thinking or reasoning (collectively known as cognition). When these cognitive problems are bad enough to have a significant impact on daily life, it’s known as vascular dementia.
Who gets vascular dementia? There are a number of factors that put someone at risk of developing vascular dementia, including:
• Age - The risk of developing the condition doubles approximately every five years over the age of 65.
• History of cardiovascular disease - A person who’s had a stroke, or has diabetes or heart disease, is approximately twice as likely to develop vascular dementia.
• Sleep apnoea - A condition where breathing stops for a few seconds or minutes during sleep is a possible risk factor.
• Depression - According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there is some evidence that a history of depression also increases the risk of vascular dementia.
• Genetic factors - Someone with a family history of stroke, heart disease or diabetes has an increased risk of developing these conditions, although the role of genes in the common types of vascular dementia is small.
• Ethnicity - Those from an Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani or Sri Lankan backgrounds living in the UK have significantly higher rates of stroke, diabetes and heart disease than white Europeans. Among people of African-Caribbean descent, the risk of diabetes and stroke – but not heart disease – is also higher
Monday, November 16, 2015
Money Follows the Person Waivers
Money Follows the Person Waivers: Money Follows the Person Waivers
MassHealth offers two Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers called the Money Follows the Person Waivers (MFP Waivers), which will help individuals who are qualified for the MFP Demonstration to move from a nursing home or long-stay hospital to an MFP-qualified residence in the community and obtain community-based services.
The two MFP Waivers are:
MFP Residential Supports (MFP-RS) waiver – for individuals who need supervision and staffing 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
MFP Community Living (MFP-CL) waiver – for individuals who can move to their own home or apartment or to the home of someone else and receive services in the community.
Eligibility Criteria for MFP Waivers
To qualify for one of these waivers, you as an applicant must:
be living in a nursing home or long-stay hospital for at least 90 consecutive days, excluding Medicare rehabilitation days
be 18 years old or older and have a disability, or be age 65 or older;
meet the clinical requirements for and be in need of MFP waiver services;
be able to be safely served in the community within the terms of the MFP waivers;
meet the financial requirements to qualify for MassHealth. Special financial rules exist for waivers participants;
meet the requirements for participation in the MFP Demonstration; and
transition to an a MFP qualified residence in the community. A qualified residence includes:
a home owned or leased by the applicant or family member;
an apartment with an individual lease or a community-based residential setting in which no more than four unrelated individuals reside; or
an assisted-living residence that has an apartment with separate living, sleeping, bathing and cooking areas, lockable entrance and exit doors, and meets other criteria.
In addition to the above, to qualify for the MFP-RS waiver, you as an applicant must need residential support services with staff supervision 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Services Offered to Waiver Participants
All waiver participants will work with a case manager to develop their individual service plan that will reflect their goals and the waiver services and supports the waiver participant needs in the community.
Waiver services available in the MFP Residential Supports (MFP-RS) Waiver include:
Residential Habilitation (group home)
Shared Living – 24-Hour Supports
Assisted Living Services
Day Services
Home Accessibility Adaptations
Individual Support and Community Habilitation
Occupational Therapy
Peer Support
Physical Therapy
Prevocational Services
Residential Family Training
Skilled Nursing
Specialized Medical Equipment
Speech Therapy
Supported Employment
Transportation
Waiver services available in the MFP Community Living (MFP-CL) Waiver include:
Adult Companion
Chore Service
Community Family Training
Day Services
Home Accessibility Adaptations
Home Health Aide
Homemaker
Independent Living Supports
Individual Support and Community Habilitation
Occupational Therapy
Peer Support
Personal Care
Physical Therapy
Prevocational Services
Respite
Shared Home Supports
Skilled Nursing
Specialized Medical Equipment
Speech Therapy
Supported Employment
Supportive Home Care Aide
Transportation
Vehicle Modification
In addition, if you are enrolled in one of the MFP waivers and need behavioral health services (mental health or substance abuse services), you will receive your behavioral health services through the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP). MBHP is the MassHealth behavioral health managed-care contractor that will work with you and your waiver case manager to help you get the behavioral health care you need.
MFP Waiver Application Process and Brochures
You may submit MFP waiver applications any time on or after April 1, 2013. A link to the waiver applications is found below.
Application for Home- and Community-Based Services Waivers for Money Follows the Person (MFP) Residential Supports Waiver (MFP-RS) pdf format of Application for MFP Residential Supports Waiver txt format of Application for MFP Residential Supports Waiver
Solicitud de exenciones para servicios basados en el hogar y la comunidad de El dinero sigue a la persona (MFP) Exención de apoyo residencial (MFP-RS) pdf format of mfp-rs-sp.pdf txt format of mfp-rs-sp.txt
Application for Home- and Community-Based Services Waivers for Money Follows the Person (MFP) Community Living Waiver (MFP-CL) pdf format of Application for MFP Community Living Waiver txt format of Application for MFP Community Living Waiver
Solicitud de exenciones para servicios basados en el hogar y la comunidad de El dinero sigue a la persona (MFP) Exención de vivienda comunitaria pdf format of mfp-cl-sp.pdf txt format of MFP-CL-SP
A brochure with more information about the waivers is also available. Below is a link to the MFP Waiver brochure and a brochure with information about Self-directed Services in the MFP waivers.
MassHealth offers two Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers called the Money Follows the Person Waivers (MFP Waivers), which will help individuals who are qualified for the MFP Demonstration to move from a nursing home or long-stay hospital to an MFP-qualified residence in the community and obtain community-based services.
The two MFP Waivers are:
MFP Residential Supports (MFP-RS) waiver – for individuals who need supervision and staffing 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
MFP Community Living (MFP-CL) waiver – for individuals who can move to their own home or apartment or to the home of someone else and receive services in the community.
Eligibility Criteria for MFP Waivers
To qualify for one of these waivers, you as an applicant must:
be living in a nursing home or long-stay hospital for at least 90 consecutive days, excluding Medicare rehabilitation days
be 18 years old or older and have a disability, or be age 65 or older;
meet the clinical requirements for and be in need of MFP waiver services;
be able to be safely served in the community within the terms of the MFP waivers;
meet the financial requirements to qualify for MassHealth. Special financial rules exist for waivers participants;
meet the requirements for participation in the MFP Demonstration; and
transition to an a MFP qualified residence in the community. A qualified residence includes:
a home owned or leased by the applicant or family member;
an apartment with an individual lease or a community-based residential setting in which no more than four unrelated individuals reside; or
an assisted-living residence that has an apartment with separate living, sleeping, bathing and cooking areas, lockable entrance and exit doors, and meets other criteria.
In addition to the above, to qualify for the MFP-RS waiver, you as an applicant must need residential support services with staff supervision 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Services Offered to Waiver Participants
All waiver participants will work with a case manager to develop their individual service plan that will reflect their goals and the waiver services and supports the waiver participant needs in the community.
Waiver services available in the MFP Residential Supports (MFP-RS) Waiver include:
Residential Habilitation (group home)
Shared Living – 24-Hour Supports
Assisted Living Services
Day Services
Home Accessibility Adaptations
Individual Support and Community Habilitation
Occupational Therapy
Peer Support
Physical Therapy
Prevocational Services
Residential Family Training
Skilled Nursing
Specialized Medical Equipment
Speech Therapy
Supported Employment
Transportation
Waiver services available in the MFP Community Living (MFP-CL) Waiver include:
Adult Companion
Chore Service
Community Family Training
Day Services
Home Accessibility Adaptations
Home Health Aide
Homemaker
Independent Living Supports
Individual Support and Community Habilitation
Occupational Therapy
Peer Support
Personal Care
Physical Therapy
Prevocational Services
Respite
Shared Home Supports
Skilled Nursing
Specialized Medical Equipment
Speech Therapy
Supported Employment
Supportive Home Care Aide
Transportation
Vehicle Modification
In addition, if you are enrolled in one of the MFP waivers and need behavioral health services (mental health or substance abuse services), you will receive your behavioral health services through the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP). MBHP is the MassHealth behavioral health managed-care contractor that will work with you and your waiver case manager to help you get the behavioral health care you need.
MFP Waiver Application Process and Brochures
You may submit MFP waiver applications any time on or after April 1, 2013. A link to the waiver applications is found below.
Application for Home- and Community-Based Services Waivers for Money Follows the Person (MFP) Residential Supports Waiver (MFP-RS) pdf format of Application for MFP Residential Supports Waiver txt format of Application for MFP Residential Supports Waiver
Solicitud de exenciones para servicios basados en el hogar y la comunidad de El dinero sigue a la persona (MFP) Exención de apoyo residencial (MFP-RS) pdf format of mfp-rs-sp.pdf txt format of mfp-rs-sp.txt
Application for Home- and Community-Based Services Waivers for Money Follows the Person (MFP) Community Living Waiver (MFP-CL) pdf format of Application for MFP Community Living Waiver txt format of Application for MFP Community Living Waiver
Solicitud de exenciones para servicios basados en el hogar y la comunidad de El dinero sigue a la persona (MFP) Exención de vivienda comunitaria pdf format of mfp-cl-sp.pdf txt format of MFP-CL-SP
A brochure with more information about the waivers is also available. Below is a link to the MFP Waiver brochure and a brochure with information about Self-directed Services in the MFP waivers.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Ramps.org - How to Choose a Ramp
Ramps.org - How to Choose a Ramp: Home
How to Choose a Ramp
Layout Considerations
Ramps for Homes
Ramps for Businesses
Ramps for Vehicles
Specialty Ramps
Build a Wooden Ramp
Where to Get a Ramp
Contractor Corner www.RAMPS.org
FAQ
Ask a Question
Resource Links
Accessible Homes
Free Ramp Programs
{Q}Choosing a ramp is a lot simpler when you have some basic information. Click on the links below to learn some terminology and familiarize yourself with the kinds of ramps available, what they are made out of and what types of features are commonly offered.{EQ}
Terms to Know
Basic Types of Ramps
Materials
www.RAMPS.org
How to Choose a Ramp
Layout Considerations
Ramps for Homes
Ramps for Businesses
Ramps for Vehicles
Specialty Ramps
Build a Wooden Ramp
Where to Get a Ramp
Contractor Corner www.RAMPS.org
FAQ
Ask a Question
Resource Links
Accessible Homes
Free Ramp Programs
{Q}Choosing a ramp is a lot simpler when you have some basic information. Click on the links below to learn some terminology and familiarize yourself with the kinds of ramps available, what they are made out of and what types of features are commonly offered.{EQ}
Terms to Know
Basic Types of Ramps
Materials
www.RAMPS.org
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog: Afterlife: Patients’ Cultural Beliefs (Research, Video 2:27)
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog: Afterlife: Patients’ Cultural Beliefs (Research, Video 2:27): Death has different meanings for different people. Some may choose how to respond based on cultural influences.
Of course, basic cultural influences can differ even within a particular cultural group. Patients and their loved ones may want to share these beliefs with healthcare caregivers, so they can better understand their personal death experiences.
Their responses to patients can be very helpful to patients.
This research on the soul and afterlife was done from a cultural perspective with older adult Mexican American (MA), European American (EA), and African American (AA) participants.
These were the results:
1) Most participants said that the soul lives on after physical death, leaves the body immediately at death, and eventually reaches heaven.
2) Many participants also said death ends physical suffering.
3) More AAs than MAs or EAs said that they believed that the soul after physical death exists in the world or interacts with the living.
4) In every ethnic group, more women than men said they believed that the soul exists in the world.
Has the first evidence of life after death been found? In the largest study ever done on this topic, researchers at the University of Southhampton, England examined 2,000 cases of patients who suffered cardiac arrest and were later brought back to life. During the time when their brains had no measurable activity, as many as 40% recalled experiencing some sort of awareness.
Of course, basic cultural influences can differ even within a particular cultural group. Patients and their loved ones may want to share these beliefs with healthcare caregivers, so they can better understand their personal death experiences.
Their responses to patients can be very helpful to patients.
This research on the soul and afterlife was done from a cultural perspective with older adult Mexican American (MA), European American (EA), and African American (AA) participants.
These were the results:
1) Most participants said that the soul lives on after physical death, leaves the body immediately at death, and eventually reaches heaven.
2) Many participants also said death ends physical suffering.
3) More AAs than MAs or EAs said that they believed that the soul after physical death exists in the world or interacts with the living.
4) In every ethnic group, more women than men said they believed that the soul exists in the world.
Has the first evidence of life after death been found? In the largest study ever done on this topic, researchers at the University of Southhampton, England examined 2,000 cases of patients who suffered cardiac arrest and were later brought back to life. During the time when their brains had no measurable activity, as many as 40% recalled experiencing some sort of awareness.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Home Accessibility Ramps
step-by-step manual titled How to Build Ramps for Home Accessibility is available from the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Your ramp project may need a permit from your town.
Take a copy of your plans to the officials
Be certain to tell them if the ramp is temporary so you get the correct permit.
Advice can be obtained from your rehabilitation commission:
help is available from http://www.ramps.org/contact-us.php
Information regarding ramps; https://www.google.com/search?q=access+ramps+for+the+elderly
Your ramp project may need a permit from your town.
Take a copy of your plans to the officials
Be certain to tell them if the ramp is temporary so you get the correct permit.
Advice can be obtained from your rehabilitation commission:
help is available from http://www.ramps.org/contact-us.php
Information regarding ramps; https://www.google.com/search?q=access+ramps+for+the+elderly
Thursday, November 5, 2015
How to use Windows 10’s Reliability Monitor to fix and fine-tune your PC | PCWorld
How to use Windows 10’s Reliability Monitor to fix and fine-tune your PC | PCWorld: Ed Tittel | @@EdTittel
Oct 29, 2015 6:47 AM Kim Lindros
Reliability Monitor is a built-in part of Windows that’s been around since the introduction of Windows Vista back in January 2007. It’s always been a somewhat hidden feature of the Windows operating system, and therefore easy for users and admins alike to overlook. Nevertheless, it’s a great tool that provides all kinds of interesting insight into system history and stability (see Figure 1). Reliability Monitor is particularly useful when troubleshooting glitchy systems, and can provide insights into possible causes as well as important clues to fixing things.
Understanding Reliability Monitor
Reliability Monitor is part and parcel of the Reliability & Performance Monitor snap-in for the Microsoft Management Console (MMC). That said, Reliability Monitor comes pre-defined with all modern Windows versions, so there’s no need to launch MMC, and then to start adding and configuring snap-ins to make Reliability Monitor work.
Instead, Reliability Monitor taps into the Windows Event Manager to elicit data about your system, with a focus on events that impact reliability, as well as performance counters and configuration data. Reliability monitor tracks five different categories of information, namely:
Application failures: Tracks application failures or errors (e.g., “MS Outlook … stopped working”)
Windows failures: Tracks OS failures or errors (e.g., “Windows hardware error”)
Miscellaneous failures: Tracks other failures or errors, typically peripherals (e.g., “Disk failure”)
Warnings: Tracks failures or errors that don’t necessary impact system behavior (e.g., “Unsuccessful driver installation”)
Information: Tracks system changes and updates (e.g., “Successful Windows Update” and “Successful driver installation”)
Oct 29, 2015 6:47 AM Kim Lindros
Reliability Monitor is a built-in part of Windows that’s been around since the introduction of Windows Vista back in January 2007. It’s always been a somewhat hidden feature of the Windows operating system, and therefore easy for users and admins alike to overlook. Nevertheless, it’s a great tool that provides all kinds of interesting insight into system history and stability (see Figure 1). Reliability Monitor is particularly useful when troubleshooting glitchy systems, and can provide insights into possible causes as well as important clues to fixing things.
Understanding Reliability Monitor
Reliability Monitor is part and parcel of the Reliability & Performance Monitor snap-in for the Microsoft Management Console (MMC). That said, Reliability Monitor comes pre-defined with all modern Windows versions, so there’s no need to launch MMC, and then to start adding and configuring snap-ins to make Reliability Monitor work.
Instead, Reliability Monitor taps into the Windows Event Manager to elicit data about your system, with a focus on events that impact reliability, as well as performance counters and configuration data. Reliability monitor tracks five different categories of information, namely:
Application failures: Tracks application failures or errors (e.g., “MS Outlook … stopped working”)
Windows failures: Tracks OS failures or errors (e.g., “Windows hardware error”)
Miscellaneous failures: Tracks other failures or errors, typically peripherals (e.g., “Disk failure”)
Warnings: Tracks failures or errors that don’t necessary impact system behavior (e.g., “Unsuccessful driver installation”)
Information: Tracks system changes and updates (e.g., “Successful Windows Update” and “Successful driver installation”)
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
The Alzheimer's Association has many resources to help you as you provide care
24/7 Helpline: A free resource for reliable information and support, day or night, at 800.272.3900.
Healthy caregiver: An online resource with tips and resources about caring for yourself.
ALZConnected®: An online community that enables you to connect with other caregivers.
Educational resources: Our educational workshops and online Caregiver Center offer strategies and proactive advice.
Community Resource Finder: A comprehensive listing of Alzheimer's and dementia resources and local community programs and services.
Alzheimer's Navigator®: A powerful online tool to help caregivers like you identify needs and local community programs and services.
Healthy caregiver: An online resource with tips and resources about caring for yourself.
ALZConnected®: An online community that enables you to connect with other caregivers.
Educational resources: Our educational workshops and online Caregiver Center offer strategies and proactive advice.
Community Resource Finder: A comprehensive listing of Alzheimer's and dementia resources and local community programs and services.
Alzheimer's Navigator®: A powerful online tool to help caregivers like you identify needs and local community programs and services.
Legal Rights of Nursing Home Residents
Legal Rights of Nursing Home Residents
See
http://injury.findlaw.com/torts-and-personal-injuries/legal-rights-of-nursing-home-residents.html#sthash.WJdkqBnJ.dpuf
{quoted}
Federal regulations distinguish among four types of health care facilities, starting with those that offer the lowest level of nursing care, "adult boarding facilities," then "residential care facilities," "intermediate care facilities," and finally, those that offer the highest level of nursing care -- "skilled nursing facilities." Different standards apply depending on how an institution is classified. State and federal governments regulate skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities, particularly with respect to their participation in Medicare and Medicaid. National standards for nursing homes serving as "extended care facilities" are contained in the Federal Medicare Health Insurance Program for the Aged.
Under federal guidelines, each nursing facility must develop and implement written policies and procedures prohibiting mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of residents. A resident in such a nursing facility is entitled to receive verbal and written notice of the rights and services to which he or she is entitled during his/her stay in the facility. This notice must be give prior to or upon admission, and periodically throughout the resident's stay, in a language the resident understands. The resident must acknowledge his or her receipt of such notice in writing.
- See more at: http://injury.findlaw.com/torts-and-personal-injuries/legal-rights-of-nursing-home-residents.html#sthash.WJdkqBnJ.dpuf
See
http://injury.findlaw.com/torts-and-personal-injuries/legal-rights-of-nursing-home-residents.html#sthash.WJdkqBnJ.dpuf
{quoted}
Nursing
homes have been defined as private institutions that furnish shelter,
feeding and care for sick, aged, or infirm persons. They are not
strictly considered hospitals, in that they do not necessarily render
actual medical treatment, but may be considered hospitals for certain
purposes, depending on various statutes that may govern their operation.
Federal
regulations distinguish among four types of health care facilities,
starting with those that offer the lowest level of nursing care, "adult
boarding facilities," then "residential care facilities," "intermediate
care facilities," and finally, those that offer the highest level of
nursing care -- "skilled nursing facilities." Different standards apply
depending on how an institution is classified. State and federal
governments regulate skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care
facilities, particularly with respect to their participation in Medicare
and Medicaid. National standards for nursing homes serving as "extended
care facilities" are contained in the Federal Medicare Health Insurance
Program for the Aged.
Under federal guidelines, each nursing
facility must develop and implement written policies and procedures
prohibiting mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of residents. A resident in
such a nursing facility is entitled to receive verbal and written notice
of the rights and services to which he or she is entitled during
his/her stay in the facility. This notice must be give prior to or upon
admission, and periodically throughout the resident's stay, in a
language the resident understands. The resident must acknowledge his or
her receipt of such notice in writing.
- See more at:
http://injury.findlaw.com/torts-and-personal-injuries/legal-rights-of-nursing-home-residents.html#sthash.WJdkqBnJ.dpuf
homes have been defined as private institutions that furnish shelter,
feeding and care for sick, aged, or infirm persons. They are not
strictly considered hospitals, in that they do not necessarily render
actual medical treatment, but may be considered hospitals for certain
purposes, depending on various statutes that may govern their operation.
Federal
regulations distinguish among four types of health care facilities,
starting with those that offer the lowest level of nursing care, "adult
boarding facilities," then "residential care facilities," "intermediate
care facilities," and finally, those that offer the highest level of
nursing care -- "skilled nursing facilities." Different standards apply
depending on how an institution is classified. State and federal
governments regulate skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care
facilities, particularly with respect to their participation in Medicare
and Medicaid. National standards for nursing homes serving as "extended
care facilities" are contained in the Federal Medicare Health Insurance
Program for the Aged.
Under federal guidelines, each nursing
facility must develop and implement written policies and procedures
prohibiting mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of residents. A resident in
such a nursing facility is entitled to receive verbal and written notice
of the rights and services to which he or she is entitled during
his/her stay in the facility. This notice must be give prior to or upon
admission, and periodically throughout the resident's stay, in a
language the resident understands. The resident must acknowledge his or
her receipt of such notice in writing.
- See more at:
http://injury.findlaw.com/torts-and-personal-injuries/legal-rights-of-nursing-home-residents.html#sthash.WJdkqBnJ.dpuf
Nursing
homes have been defined as private institutions that furnish shelter,
feeding and care for sick, aged, or infirm persons. They are not
strictly considered hospitals, in that they do not necessarily render
actual medical treatment, but may be considered hospitals for certain
purposes, depending on various statutes that may govern their operation.
Federal
regulations distinguish among four types of health care facilities,
starting with those that offer the lowest level of nursing care, "adult
boarding facilities," then "residential care facilities," "intermediate
care facilities," and finally, those that offer the highest level of
nursing care -- "skilled nursing facilities." Different standards apply
depending on how an institution is classified. State and federal
governments regulate skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care
facilities, particularly with respect to their participation in Medicare
and Medicaid. National standards for nursing homes serving as "extended
care facilities" are contained in the Federal Medicare Health Insurance
Program for the Aged.
Under federal guidelines, each nursing
facility must develop and implement written policies and procedures
prohibiting mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of residents. A resident in
such a nursing facility is entitled to receive verbal and written notice
of the rights and services to which he or she is entitled during
his/her stay in the facility. This notice must be give prior to or upon
admission, and periodically throughout the resident's stay, in a
language the resident understands. The resident must acknowledge his or
her receipt of such notice in writing.
- See more at:
http://injury.findlaw.com/torts-and-personal-injuries/legal-rights-of-nursing-home-residents.html#sthash.WJdkqBnJ.dpuf
Nursing homes have been defined as private institutions that furnish shelter, feeding and care for sick, aged, or infirm persons. They are not strictly considered hospitals, in that they do not necessarily render actual medical treatment, but may be considered hospitals for certain purposes, depending on various statutes that may govern their operation.homes have been defined as private institutions that furnish shelter,
feeding and care for sick, aged, or infirm persons. They are not
strictly considered hospitals, in that they do not necessarily render
actual medical treatment, but may be considered hospitals for certain
purposes, depending on various statutes that may govern their operation.
Federal
regulations distinguish among four types of health care facilities,
starting with those that offer the lowest level of nursing care, "adult
boarding facilities," then "residential care facilities," "intermediate
care facilities," and finally, those that offer the highest level of
nursing care -- "skilled nursing facilities." Different standards apply
depending on how an institution is classified. State and federal
governments regulate skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care
facilities, particularly with respect to their participation in Medicare
and Medicaid. National standards for nursing homes serving as "extended
care facilities" are contained in the Federal Medicare Health Insurance
Program for the Aged.
Under federal guidelines, each nursing
facility must develop and implement written policies and procedures
prohibiting mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of residents. A resident in
such a nursing facility is entitled to receive verbal and written notice
of the rights and services to which he or she is entitled during
his/her stay in the facility. This notice must be give prior to or upon
admission, and periodically throughout the resident's stay, in a
language the resident understands. The resident must acknowledge his or
her receipt of such notice in writing.
- See more at:
http://injury.findlaw.com/torts-and-personal-injuries/legal-rights-of-nursing-home-residents.html#sthash.WJdkqBnJ.dpuf
Federal regulations distinguish among four types of health care facilities, starting with those that offer the lowest level of nursing care, "adult boarding facilities," then "residential care facilities," "intermediate care facilities," and finally, those that offer the highest level of nursing care -- "skilled nursing facilities." Different standards apply depending on how an institution is classified. State and federal governments regulate skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities, particularly with respect to their participation in Medicare and Medicaid. National standards for nursing homes serving as "extended care facilities" are contained in the Federal Medicare Health Insurance Program for the Aged.
Under federal guidelines, each nursing facility must develop and implement written policies and procedures prohibiting mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of residents. A resident in such a nursing facility is entitled to receive verbal and written notice of the rights and services to which he or she is entitled during his/her stay in the facility. This notice must be give prior to or upon admission, and periodically throughout the resident's stay, in a language the resident understands. The resident must acknowledge his or her receipt of such notice in writing.
- See more at: http://injury.findlaw.com/torts-and-personal-injuries/legal-rights-of-nursing-home-residents.html#sthash.WJdkqBnJ.dpuf
Nursing
homes have been defined as private institutions that furnish shelter,
feeding and care for sick, aged, or infirm persons. They are not
strictly considered hospitals, in that they do not necessarily render
actual medical treatment, but may be considered hospitals for certain
purposes, depending on various statutes that may govern their operation.
Federal
regulations distinguish among four types of health care facilities,
starting with those that offer the lowest level of nursing care, "adult
boarding facilities," then "residential care facilities," "intermediate
care facilities," and finally, those that offer the highest level of
nursing care -- "skilled nursing facilities." Different standards apply
depending on how an institution is classified. State and federal
governments regulate skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care
facilities, particularly with respect to their participation in Medicare
and Medicaid. National standards for nursing homes serving as "extended
care facilities" are contained in the Federal Medicare Health Insurance
Program for the Aged.
Under federal guidelines, each nursing
facility must develop and implement written policies and procedures
prohibiting mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of residents. A resident in
such a nursing facility is entitled to receive verbal and written notice
of the rights and services to which he or she is entitled during
his/her stay in the facility. This notice must be give prior to or upon
admission, and periodically throughout the resident's stay, in a
language the resident understands. The resident must acknowledge his or
her receipt of such notice in writing.
- See more at:
http://injury.findlaw.com/torts-and-personal-injuries/legal-rights-of-nursing-home-residents.html#sthash.WJdkqBnJ.dpuf
homes have been defined as private institutions that furnish shelter,
feeding and care for sick, aged, or infirm persons. They are not
strictly considered hospitals, in that they do not necessarily render
actual medical treatment, but may be considered hospitals for certain
purposes, depending on various statutes that may govern their operation.
Federal
regulations distinguish among four types of health care facilities,
starting with those that offer the lowest level of nursing care, "adult
boarding facilities," then "residential care facilities," "intermediate
care facilities," and finally, those that offer the highest level of
nursing care -- "skilled nursing facilities." Different standards apply
depending on how an institution is classified. State and federal
governments regulate skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care
facilities, particularly with respect to their participation in Medicare
and Medicaid. National standards for nursing homes serving as "extended
care facilities" are contained in the Federal Medicare Health Insurance
Program for the Aged.
Under federal guidelines, each nursing
facility must develop and implement written policies and procedures
prohibiting mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of residents. A resident in
such a nursing facility is entitled to receive verbal and written notice
of the rights and services to which he or she is entitled during
his/her stay in the facility. This notice must be give prior to or upon
admission, and periodically throughout the resident's stay, in a
language the resident understands. The resident must acknowledge his or
her receipt of such notice in writing.
- See more at:
http://injury.findlaw.com/torts-and-personal-injuries/legal-rights-of-nursing-home-residents.html#sthash.WJdkqBnJ.dpuf
Nursing
homes have been defined as private institutions that furnish shelter,
feeding and care for sick, aged, or infirm persons. They are not
strictly considered hospitals, in that they do not necessarily render
actual medical treatment, but may be considered hospitals for certain
purposes, depending on various statutes that may govern their operation.
Federal
regulations distinguish among four types of health care facilities,
starting with those that offer the lowest level of nursing care, "adult
boarding facilities," then "residential care facilities," "intermediate
care facilities," and finally, those that offer the highest level of
nursing care -- "skilled nursing facilities." Different standards apply
depending on how an institution is classified. State and federal
governments regulate skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care
facilities, particularly with respect to their participation in Medicare
and Medicaid. National standards for nursing homes serving as "extended
care facilities" are contained in the Federal Medicare Health Insurance
Program for the Aged.
Under federal guidelines, each nursing
facility must develop and implement written policies and procedures
prohibiting mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of residents. A resident in
such a nursing facility is entitled to receive verbal and written notice
of the rights and services to which he or she is entitled during
his/her stay in the facility. This notice must be give prior to or upon
admission, and periodically throughout the resident's stay, in a
language the resident understands. The resident must acknowledge his or
her receipt of such notice in writing.
- See more at:
http://injury.findlaw.com/torts-and-personal-injuries/legal-rights-of-nursing-home-residents.html#sthash.WJdkqBnJ.dpuf
homes have been defined as private institutions that furnish shelter,
feeding and care for sick, aged, or infirm persons. They are not
strictly considered hospitals, in that they do not necessarily render
actual medical treatment, but may be considered hospitals for certain
purposes, depending on various statutes that may govern their operation.
Federal
regulations distinguish among four types of health care facilities,
starting with those that offer the lowest level of nursing care, "adult
boarding facilities," then "residential care facilities," "intermediate
care facilities," and finally, those that offer the highest level of
nursing care -- "skilled nursing facilities." Different standards apply
depending on how an institution is classified. State and federal
governments regulate skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care
facilities, particularly with respect to their participation in Medicare
and Medicaid. National standards for nursing homes serving as "extended
care facilities" are contained in the Federal Medicare Health Insurance
Program for the Aged.
Under federal guidelines, each nursing
facility must develop and implement written policies and procedures
prohibiting mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of residents. A resident in
such a nursing facility is entitled to receive verbal and written notice
of the rights and services to which he or she is entitled during
his/her stay in the facility. This notice must be give prior to or upon
admission, and periodically throughout the resident's stay, in a
language the resident understands. The resident must acknowledge his or
her receipt of such notice in writing.
- See more at:
http://injury.findlaw.com/torts-and-personal-injuries/legal-rights-of-nursing-home-residents.html#sthash.WJdkqBnJ.dpuf
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Defining Elder Abuse and Neglect
Stephanie Z posted this on https://www.alzconnected.org
Defining Elder Abuse and Neglect
Care-giving for people with dementia is stressful to say the least. This is true for both family members and professionals working in long term care settings.
Abuse in the home setting
Add a variety of sometimes problematic family relationships and perhaps the personal stressors of the caregiver or other family members and the potential for neglect and abuse can increase. The problem is that most families don?t understand the potential for abuse or the fact that the most loving caregiver can be guilty of neglect. Most reported family situations appear to involve abuse or neglect which is has not been recognized until the person with dementia has a crisis.
Abuse in long term care
Abuse can also occur in a facility. Even the best of facilities occasionally find an employee who is abusive verbally, physically, even sexually, although that is relatively rare. Residents belongings are also at risk from abusive staff. Therefore families must always monitor what is going on with their LO and immediately report anything suspicious.
The Omnibus Reconciliation Act, which was put into law in 1989 and still in effect today, defines the rights of the elderly in long term care settings, including the right to be free from verbal, physical, and financial abuse. This extends to the inappropriate use of chemical and physical restraints (which can only be used in an emergency and for short periods of time)
Medical professionals are mandated to report suspected abuse. (and so are families and other non professionals in many states) Failure to report can result in loss of professional license, fines and even jail time.
Here is information on what to observe when looking for signs of abuse. (These come from the Elder Assessment Instrument which was created for this purpose. This information may be helpful if you suspect abuse of your LO either by a family member or the staff at a long term care facility.)
Observe the general condition of your LO.
Is their clothing clean and are they dressed according to the environment?
Are your LO?s hygiene needs being met? (Bathing, dental care, incontinence care?} Please consider that some people with dementia resist bathing and families need to learn how to address this.
Are their nutritional needs being met? Needs will change according to stage of the disease. The key is to observe for weight, hydration, redness or irritation on boney prominences as inadequate protein can add to the risk of decubitus ulcers. In the later stages of dementia when a person becomes bedridden and has problems swallowing, weight loss is expected but there should be an assessment of swallowing and adjustment of the diet to accommodate their needs (perhaps finger foods or puree foods and thickened liquids)
Skin integrity ? Are there decubitus ulcers? Were they avoidable? (Ask a professional to assess this) Are there contractures of the arms and legs and fingers? (Unable to straighten out due to lack of range of motion exercises) Contractures are very preventable, when they occur they are painful to the person and are usually permanent.
Possible Abuse Indicators:
Bruising. Occasional bruises and skin tears will happen in the older adult, especially in the later stages of dementia. However bruises in unusual places (like the middle of the back or stomach, inner thigh, upper arms, etc.) and unexplained bruises that occur regularly, are red flags. These MAY be coming from rough handling or even hitting. These need investigation by the staff and if the explanation is not satisfactory, call APS and let them assess it.
Lacerations and fractures can occur with falls. When this happens, or especially if there is no explanation (ie: no one saw it happen) an investigation should be done by the facility. If an adequate explanation is not given, or this happens more than once, or you are not satisfied with the explanation, call APS and let them assess it.
Evidence of sexual abuse:
The following signs may indicate that your loved one is the victim of sexual abuse in a nursing home:
Unexplained difficulty with walking or sitting
Bruising and/or thumbprints on the inner thighs, genital area, buttocks, and/or breasts
Unexplained vaginal and/or anal bleeding
Unexplained sexually transmitted disease or genital infection
Unexplained genital irritation, injury, and/or redness
Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
Stained or bloody sheets
Fear, stress, anxiety, or a another strong reaction when a particular person approaches to help with bathing, dressing, or toileting
Please note that sexual abuse can even happen if a spouse is coerceing a partner into unwanted sex.
Statements by your LO that indicate abuse may be taking place. Always investigate even if you believe nothing has happened. It doesn?t hurt to be sure.
Possible Neglect Indicators
The presence of the following may indicate neglect:
Decubitus Contractures Dehydration
Untreated diarrhea Impaction Depression Malnutrition Urine Burns (diaper rash)
Who to notify:
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police for immediate help.
If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please tell someone. To report elder abuse, contact the Adult Protective Services (APS) agency in the state where the elder resides. You can find the APS reporting number for each state by visiting:
The State Resources section of the National Center on Elder Abuse website
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/Stop_Abuse/Get_Help/State/index.aspx
The Eldercare Locator website http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx
or calling 1-800-677-1116.
If the abuse takes place in a long term care facility, let the administration know, call your Ombudsman and Adult Protective Services.
Defining Elder Abuse and Neglect
Care-giving for people with dementia is stressful to say the least. This is true for both family members and professionals working in long term care settings.
Abuse in the home setting
Add a variety of sometimes problematic family relationships and perhaps the personal stressors of the caregiver or other family members and the potential for neglect and abuse can increase. The problem is that most families don?t understand the potential for abuse or the fact that the most loving caregiver can be guilty of neglect. Most reported family situations appear to involve abuse or neglect which is has not been recognized until the person with dementia has a crisis.
Abuse in long term care
Abuse can also occur in a facility. Even the best of facilities occasionally find an employee who is abusive verbally, physically, even sexually, although that is relatively rare. Residents belongings are also at risk from abusive staff. Therefore families must always monitor what is going on with their LO and immediately report anything suspicious.
The Omnibus Reconciliation Act, which was put into law in 1989 and still in effect today, defines the rights of the elderly in long term care settings, including the right to be free from verbal, physical, and financial abuse. This extends to the inappropriate use of chemical and physical restraints (which can only be used in an emergency and for short periods of time)
Medical professionals are mandated to report suspected abuse. (and so are families and other non professionals in many states) Failure to report can result in loss of professional license, fines and even jail time.
Here is information on what to observe when looking for signs of abuse. (These come from the Elder Assessment Instrument which was created for this purpose. This information may be helpful if you suspect abuse of your LO either by a family member or the staff at a long term care facility.)
Observe the general condition of your LO.
Is their clothing clean and are they dressed according to the environment?
Are your LO?s hygiene needs being met? (Bathing, dental care, incontinence care?} Please consider that some people with dementia resist bathing and families need to learn how to address this.
Are their nutritional needs being met? Needs will change according to stage of the disease. The key is to observe for weight, hydration, redness or irritation on boney prominences as inadequate protein can add to the risk of decubitus ulcers. In the later stages of dementia when a person becomes bedridden and has problems swallowing, weight loss is expected but there should be an assessment of swallowing and adjustment of the diet to accommodate their needs (perhaps finger foods or puree foods and thickened liquids)
Skin integrity ? Are there decubitus ulcers? Were they avoidable? (Ask a professional to assess this) Are there contractures of the arms and legs and fingers? (Unable to straighten out due to lack of range of motion exercises) Contractures are very preventable, when they occur they are painful to the person and are usually permanent.
Possible Abuse Indicators:
Bruising. Occasional bruises and skin tears will happen in the older adult, especially in the later stages of dementia. However bruises in unusual places (like the middle of the back or stomach, inner thigh, upper arms, etc.) and unexplained bruises that occur regularly, are red flags. These MAY be coming from rough handling or even hitting. These need investigation by the staff and if the explanation is not satisfactory, call APS and let them assess it.
Lacerations and fractures can occur with falls. When this happens, or especially if there is no explanation (ie: no one saw it happen) an investigation should be done by the facility. If an adequate explanation is not given, or this happens more than once, or you are not satisfied with the explanation, call APS and let them assess it.
Evidence of sexual abuse:
The following signs may indicate that your loved one is the victim of sexual abuse in a nursing home:
Unexplained difficulty with walking or sitting
Bruising and/or thumbprints on the inner thighs, genital area, buttocks, and/or breasts
Unexplained vaginal and/or anal bleeding
Unexplained sexually transmitted disease or genital infection
Unexplained genital irritation, injury, and/or redness
Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
Stained or bloody sheets
Fear, stress, anxiety, or a another strong reaction when a particular person approaches to help with bathing, dressing, or toileting
Please note that sexual abuse can even happen if a spouse is coerceing a partner into unwanted sex.
Statements by your LO that indicate abuse may be taking place. Always investigate even if you believe nothing has happened. It doesn?t hurt to be sure.
Possible Neglect Indicators
The presence of the following may indicate neglect:
Decubitus Contractures Dehydration
Untreated diarrhea Impaction Depression Malnutrition Urine Burns (diaper rash)
Who to notify:
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police for immediate help.
If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please tell someone. To report elder abuse, contact the Adult Protective Services (APS) agency in the state where the elder resides. You can find the APS reporting number for each state by visiting:
The State Resources section of the National Center on Elder Abuse website
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/Stop_Abuse/Get_Help/State/index.aspx
The Eldercare Locator website http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx
or calling 1-800-677-1116.
If the abuse takes place in a long term care facility, let the administration know, call your Ombudsman and Adult Protective Services.
family safety profile designating "senior at risk" for police, hospitals emergency responders
I have proactively registered with Smart911
I Establish a family safety profile with Smart911 to give emergency responders information before they respond. Smart911 is a national database that gives your 9-1-1 dispatchers and first responders critical-care and rescue information The information is entered through the Smart911 website and if you call 9-1-1 from a Smart911 registered and verified phone, Smart911 automatically makes your information available to your 9-1-1 operator and first responders where the service is installed.
Register at www.smart911.com and follow the prompts for creating for Smart Safety Profile.
The prompts/questions are terrific for writing a file of life document to place on you refrigerator or place where the members of the med response team can find the document and take it with them to the hospital.
I Establish a family safety profile with Smart911 to give emergency responders information before they respond. Smart911 is a national database that gives your 9-1-1 dispatchers and first responders critical-care and rescue information The information is entered through the Smart911 website and if you call 9-1-1 from a Smart911 registered and verified phone, Smart911 automatically makes your information available to your 9-1-1 operator and first responders where the service is installed.
Register at www.smart911.com and follow the prompts for creating for Smart Safety Profile.
The prompts/questions are terrific for writing a file of life document to place on you refrigerator or place where the members of the med response team can find the document and take it with them to the hospital.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Navigating Payment Reform
By 2018, 90% of Medicare payments will be tied to quality, and your performance now will seriously affect your future reimbursements. If you don’t participate in a variety of value-based programs in 2016, your practice will face up to 9% in penalties.
In this free guide, you’ll learn:
• The myriad of value-based reimbursement programs, and when to expect penalties
• 5 ways to best prepare for this major change
See how athenahealth’s cloud-based services protect you from penalties and
help you bank every incentive dollar you qualify for.
See demo
get your free PQRS guide
In this free guide, you’ll learn:
• The myriad of value-based reimbursement programs, and when to expect penalties
• 5 ways to best prepare for this major change
See how athenahealth’s cloud-based services protect you from penalties and
help you bank every incentive dollar you qualify for.
See demo
get your free PQRS guide
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.
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