Home Based Primary Care offers primary health care services to Veterans at their place of residence. These Veterans are often diagnosed with chronic medical conditions and emotional health problems making it difficult for them to schedule and attend appointments in one of our facilities. Home health care is provided by members of a multi-disciplinary team including a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse, social worker, psychologist, dietician, occupational therapist, physical therapist and pharmacist.
Care provided includes skilled medical and nursing care, health education, rehabilitation services, counseling and support, social work services, nutritional counseling and medication review and support. HBPC works closely with patients, family and caregivers, using a coordinated team approach.
HBPC Differs from Visiting Nurse Association
- Open only to Veterans
- HBPC is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Visits are once a week at the most
- All Team members make home visits, including the HBPC doctor and nurse
- HBPC provides episodic and longitudinal care
Who is Eligible for HBPC
Veterans who are eligible for VA outpatient care and have an assigned primary care provider (PCP) within the VA Boston Healthcare System
Veterans living within a defined geographical area:
- Within 15 miles or 30 minutes drive from the VA in Jamaica Plain
- Within 30 miles or 30 minutes drive from the VA in Brockton
- Within 30 miles or 30 minutes drive from the VA in Worcester
Veterans who may potentially benefit from long-term, multidisciplinary, home-based health care, that is non-urgent, non-emergent
Veterans who are interested in participating in the HBPC program
Veterans residing in a home environment that is safe for the patient, caregiver and staff
Patient Aligned Care Team
Based on a complete assessment of patient needs and, in conjunction with the patient, family and/or caregiver, HBPC team members will help patients to develop a plan of care that works for them. As part of care, the HBPC Team will assess the care and support needs of any involved caregiver, as well as his or her ability to continue to provide care. Team members will provide education to the patient, family and/or the caregiver, as needed, and coordinate service delivery with other health care providers within and outside the VA.
Examples of Care
Nursing assessment and care for patients with chronic health conditions such as:
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Diabetes
- Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
- Dementia
- Hypertension
Support and education for patients and family in self-management of these and other chronic health conditions
Teaching and education in achieving and/or maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Monitoring blood pressure, heart and breathing sounds
Assisting with organizing medications
Wound care
Help with social service needs
Psychological support
Nutritional counseling
Coordination of services
If you are interested in learning more about Home Based Primary Care, contact the HBPC office at 857-364-6772 or 774-826-1340.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Health and personal care services
Home care workers are currently excluded from FLSA because they are considered mere “companions,” an outdated ruling that fails to account for the health and personal care services they provide to elders and people with disabilities. “Extending minimum wage and overtime protections to home care workers has been the Direct Care Alliance’s flagship issue since the Supreme Court ruled against Evelyn Coke,” says Leonila Vega, executive director of the Direct Care Alliance (DCA). “We are delighted that the end of this injustice is in sight.”
Evelyn Coke was a home care worker who challenged the companionship exemption in court. Her case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in 2007 that DOL was acting within its authority in upholding the exemption.
Evelyn Coke was a home care worker who challenged the companionship exemption in court. Her case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in 2007 that DOL was acting within its authority in upholding the exemption.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Community Care Program Saves Medicaid Dollars
, Sees Breakthrough in 2011
Alyssa Gerace | December 11, 2011 |
The Money Follows the Person (MFP) movement, which uses federal grant money to save Medicaid dollars by transitioning the program’s beneficiaries out of institutions and back into their homes or communities, saw a turning point in 2011 with nearly 17,000 transitions, reports a December 2011 Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured.
“When asked to compare the cost of serving Medicaid beneficiaries who reside in institutions with MFP participants, the majority of states said MFP per capita costs were lower,” says the Kaiser report, which shows that average monthly costs for seniors was $2,130.
The program can reduce states’ Medicaid budgets, but it usually takes some time to catch on.
“Although it took most MFP states several years to become operational, 2011 marked a turning point for MFP,” said the Kaiser report. “As states embrace rebalancing their long-term services and supports delivery systems, MFP will remain a critical program helping to change the way long-term services and supports are delivered.”
There are now 44 states (including Washington, D.C.) participating in the program, with 13 of those applying and receiving funding in the past year.
Highlights include three states—Ohio, Texas, and Washingotn—making up 46% of the 16,638 MFP transitions, according to Kaiser’s data. The majority of transitions were for people with disabilities (36%) and seniors (33%). The average age of seniors transition home was 71, and they were more likely to transition back to their own homes or a family member’s home, as opposed to a facility in their community.
MFP was enacted into law in 2006 as part of the Deficit Reduction Act before being extended under the Obama Administration’s Affordable Care Act, and offers individual states the opportunity to get their Medicaid funds federally matched for each program beneficiary that transitions back into a community setting. The program’s goal is to “serve individuals with long-term services and supports needs in a safe, more cost-effective setting and one in which individuals can retain independence at freedom.”
Written by Alyssa Gerace
Alyssa Gerace | December 11, 2011 |
The Money Follows the Person (MFP) movement, which uses federal grant money to save Medicaid dollars by transitioning the program’s beneficiaries out of institutions and back into their homes or communities, saw a turning point in 2011 with nearly 17,000 transitions, reports a December 2011 Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured.
“When asked to compare the cost of serving Medicaid beneficiaries who reside in institutions with MFP participants, the majority of states said MFP per capita costs were lower,” says the Kaiser report, which shows that average monthly costs for seniors was $2,130.
The program can reduce states’ Medicaid budgets, but it usually takes some time to catch on.
“Although it took most MFP states several years to become operational, 2011 marked a turning point for MFP,” said the Kaiser report. “As states embrace rebalancing their long-term services and supports delivery systems, MFP will remain a critical program helping to change the way long-term services and supports are delivered.”
There are now 44 states (including Washington, D.C.) participating in the program, with 13 of those applying and receiving funding in the past year.
Highlights include three states—Ohio, Texas, and Washingotn—making up 46% of the 16,638 MFP transitions, according to Kaiser’s data. The majority of transitions were for people with disabilities (36%) and seniors (33%). The average age of seniors transition home was 71, and they were more likely to transition back to their own homes or a family member’s home, as opposed to a facility in their community.
MFP was enacted into law in 2006 as part of the Deficit Reduction Act before being extended under the Obama Administration’s Affordable Care Act, and offers individual states the opportunity to get their Medicaid funds federally matched for each program beneficiary that transitions back into a community setting. The program’s goal is to “serve individuals with long-term services and supports needs in a safe, more cost-effective setting and one in which individuals can retain independence at freedom.”
Written by Alyssa Gerace
Friday, December 2, 2011
Helping our nations Care givers
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MASSSENIOR ACTION METRO NORTH
The job of caring for ailing love ones is often Daunting. An unpaid army of 44.5 million is caring for our ailing adults
Are you prepared to be a care giver? “Boomers are shocked when they find out Medicare won’t pay for any long term care for chronic illness. As “Baby Boomers” age we must design a system we want to grow old in. “Care Manager to walk care givers thru maze of options.”Online Community:” offer array of resources for dealing with the bureaucracy and stress. States looking for new ways to provide support.
1. Tax incentives for care givers
2. Expand family and medical leave benefits
3.Comprehensive paid family leave insurance.
CHANGE MEDICARE “Custodial Service”
Medicaid-intended as a safety net for specific low income population, including disabled children. Will only reimburse people who have DEPLETED their assets.
Answers needed.
1How to relieve the financial burden of Americas 44.5 million family care givers
Tax incentives for elder care like those for child care
Steps government takes so the infirm need not spend down their assets to qualify for Medicaid..
FRIENDS AND ENEMIES
The system in our country is screwed up and that’s not be chance!!!!!
Enemies
There are people who do not want you to live in the most integrated setting
They will fight your efforts to make the state give people real choices about where to live.
WHO ARE YOUR REAL ENEMIES
Friends to watch our for!!
Groups that in theory want us to have choices about where to live but are:
1. Too timid at confronting public officials.
2.concerned about the public image and don’t want to ruffle feathers.
3. Against direct action, demonstrations
4.Disorganized and unable to make decisions.
Friends like these often derail good intentions and programs more effectively than enemies.
MY VIEW Howard McGowan
NURSES STAFFING
A problem to be solved to assure the safety and well being of the patients in Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Home Care, especially the vulnerable Senior population
One the present staffing bill before the legislature.
The nurses Union have their own agenda,UNION MEMBERSHIP
Ido not feel the effort for this bill will benefit Seniors
Massachusetts Health Care Insurance Law.
State wary of firms finding ways around new health law
1.Expand coverage from salaried staff to all full time employees and control costs by halving contributions to share employers contribution only 3 of 27 eligible took insurance
2. Up hours need to work coverage shift low wage worker to state coverage/
3. Split firm into separate corporations to have less than 11 employees in each. Don’t have to offer insurance
45.000 workers gained be employers picking up part of tab.
293.000 newly insured residents
½ way to cover nearly all residents.
EMPLOYERS
Shifting costs to state upsetting the delicate balance of responsibility
STATE TO CLOSE LOOPHOLES!?
For most working class people the health insurance is very expensive. Full time people have done the math and it is cheaper to pay the states penalty than even pay for ½ health insurance premium.
$219 penalty Next year to rise.
The Assault on Medicare
Editorial
No one who has reviewed the changes in
Medicare proposed by the Bush administration
and the Republican leadership in the
Congress any doubt regarding the motivation
behind the legislation. Corporate-tied conservatives
made a commitment to begin the process of privatizing
Medicare and they
are now delivering on that commitment.
Under the guise of creating a prescription
drug benefit, the proponents of the legislation ,
in fact, crafted a scheme designed to enrich
pharmaceutical companies while saddling
seniors with high co-pays and costs that will
continue to make needed medicines
unaffordable for millions of citizens.
Worse yet, the legislation seeks to use
billions of taxpayer dollars to break up
the Medicare program and hand the pieces
over to the same for-profit concerns that
have made the U.S. health care system
one of the costliest and most inefficient in
the world. So corrupt is the legislation that
it actually bans initiatives to lower drug prices.
SENIOR CENTERS SEEKS WAY TO BECOME RELEVANT
Malden Ma Senior Community Center scheduled opening December 2008
Boomers (50-60) Volunteering in Senior programs is a good way to become initially acquainted with the center
Outreach to older seniors, to their families to become involved
Outreach to and by the City Administration
Participation by our elected officials and appointed department heads.
Mayors Office
City councillors
Dept of human Services
All department Heads.
FACTS
“Baby Boomers “don’t like being called Seniors
Senior Centers making changes in programs to draw them in
Need convincing that the older elderly have been active in getting the facilities needed for aging in place and their should be mutual accommodation between recreation and health programs for all ages.
WE need expansion not change.
Calling it “Community Outreach and Resource Center” “Adult Resource Center” Should not change the mission.
Getting Old is nothing to fear
Face reality and face the “curve balls” health wise that may come your way.
Encourage volunteering
1. Tax work off program
2 House other community activities,
Food Pantry
Mentor Programs
Medical Facilities
Issues common ground with our older seniors 18,000 strong in Malden
Metro North MSAC
Goals For The Year
1.
Utilize resources for family care givers.
Expand senior services to under served rural communities
Lead public and private foundations and other nonprofit toward the concept of having elder-ready communities
Be more involved in city, county and community planning processes.
Develop a membership coordination center
As the Baby Boomers continue to enter retirement, the U.S. faces one of the most dramatic demographic shifts in its history. The baby boom ran from 1946 to 1960, during which time the fertility rate in the United States was nearly twice its 20th century average. Because a high proportion -- slightly under a quarter -- of the current population was born in that period, their age has a strong influence on the average of the population. Thus the U.S. is, on average, growing older because of the baby boomers. This shift has strong implications for factors that depend on the age distribution of the population, like per-person productivity, health care costs, the savings rate, and social security funding.
Delete
Cancel
MASSSENIOR ACTION METRO NORTH
The job of caring for ailing love ones is often Daunting. An unpaid army of 44.5 million is caring for our ailing adults
Are you prepared to be a care giver? “Boomers are shocked when they find out Medicare won’t pay for any long term care for chronic illness. As “Baby Boomers” age we must design a system we want to grow old in. “Care Manager to walk care givers thru maze of options.”Online Community:” offer array of resources for dealing with the bureaucracy and stress. States looking for new ways to provide support.
1. Tax incentives for care givers
2. Expand family and medical leave benefits
3.Comprehensive paid family leave insurance.
CHANGE MEDICARE “Custodial Service”
Medicaid-intended as a safety net for specific low income population, including disabled children. Will only reimburse people who have DEPLETED their assets.
Answers needed.
1How to relieve the financial burden of Americas 44.5 million family care givers
Tax incentives for elder care like those for child care
Steps government takes so the infirm need not spend down their assets to qualify for Medicaid..
FRIENDS AND ENEMIES
The system in our country is screwed up and that’s not be chance!!!!!
Enemies
There are people who do not want you to live in the most integrated setting
They will fight your efforts to make the state give people real choices about where to live.
WHO ARE YOUR REAL ENEMIES
Friends to watch our for!!
Groups that in theory want us to have choices about where to live but are:
1. Too timid at confronting public officials.
2.concerned about the public image and don’t want to ruffle feathers.
3. Against direct action, demonstrations
4.Disorganized and unable to make decisions.
Friends like these often derail good intentions and programs more effectively than enemies.
MY VIEW Howard McGowan
NURSES STAFFING
A problem to be solved to assure the safety and well being of the patients in Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Home Care, especially the vulnerable Senior population
One the present staffing bill before the legislature.
The nurses Union have their own agenda,UNION MEMBERSHIP
Ido not feel the effort for this bill will benefit Seniors
Massachusetts Health Care Insurance Law.
State wary of firms finding ways around new health law
1.Expand coverage from salaried staff to all full time employees and control costs by halving contributions to share employers contribution only 3 of 27 eligible took insurance
2. Up hours need to work coverage shift low wage worker to state coverage/
3. Split firm into separate corporations to have less than 11 employees in each. Don’t have to offer insurance
45.000 workers gained be employers picking up part of tab.
293.000 newly insured residents
½ way to cover nearly all residents.
EMPLOYERS
Shifting costs to state upsetting the delicate balance of responsibility
STATE TO CLOSE LOOPHOLES!?
For most working class people the health insurance is very expensive. Full time people have done the math and it is cheaper to pay the states penalty than even pay for ½ health insurance premium.
$219 penalty Next year to rise.
The Assault on Medicare
Editorial
No one who has reviewed the changes in
Medicare proposed by the Bush administration
and the Republican leadership in the
Congress any doubt regarding the motivation
behind the legislation. Corporate-tied conservatives
made a commitment to begin the process of privatizing
Medicare and they
are now delivering on that commitment.
Under the guise of creating a prescription
drug benefit, the proponents of the legislation ,
in fact, crafted a scheme designed to enrich
pharmaceutical companies while saddling
seniors with high co-pays and costs that will
continue to make needed medicines
unaffordable for millions of citizens.
Worse yet, the legislation seeks to use
billions of taxpayer dollars to break up
the Medicare program and hand the pieces
over to the same for-profit concerns that
have made the U.S. health care system
one of the costliest and most inefficient in
the world. So corrupt is the legislation that
it actually bans initiatives to lower drug prices.
SENIOR CENTERS SEEKS WAY TO BECOME RELEVANT
Malden Ma Senior Community Center scheduled opening December 2008
Boomers (50-60) Volunteering in Senior programs is a good way to become initially acquainted with the center
Outreach to older seniors, to their families to become involved
Outreach to and by the City Administration
Participation by our elected officials and appointed department heads.
Mayors Office
City councillors
Dept of human Services
All department Heads.
FACTS
“Baby Boomers “don’t like being called Seniors
Senior Centers making changes in programs to draw them in
Need convincing that the older elderly have been active in getting the facilities needed for aging in place and their should be mutual accommodation between recreation and health programs for all ages.
WE need expansion not change.
Calling it “Community Outreach and Resource Center” “Adult Resource Center” Should not change the mission.
Getting Old is nothing to fear
Face reality and face the “curve balls” health wise that may come your way.
Encourage volunteering
1. Tax work off program
2 House other community activities,
Food Pantry
Mentor Programs
Medical Facilities
Issues common ground with our older seniors 18,000 strong in Malden
Metro North MSAC
Goals For The Year
1.
Utilize resources for family care givers.
Expand senior services to under served rural communities
Lead public and private foundations and other nonprofit toward the concept of having elder-ready communities
Be more involved in city, county and community planning processes.
Develop a membership coordination center
As the Baby Boomers continue to enter retirement, the U.S. faces one of the most dramatic demographic shifts in its history. The baby boom ran from 1946 to 1960, during which time the fertility rate in the United States was nearly twice its 20th century average. Because a high proportion -- slightly under a quarter -- of the current population was born in that period, their age has a strong influence on the average of the population. Thus the U.S. is, on average, growing older because of the baby boomers. This shift has strong implications for factors that depend on the age distribution of the population, like per-person productivity, health care costs, the savings rate, and social security funding.
Delete
Cancel
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Aging in Place
Malden is facing the issue of a rapidly aging population. We are not prepared for in terms of housing and care, prompting a grassroots organization, Mass. Senior Action Metro North to start an initiative that allows seniors
to remain in their communities and age in place.
We would like Malden Business leaders and our legislators to look into starting" An aging in place" along
the lines of the Beacon Hill Village model .
Aging at home set ups are able to fill in the gap where some
traditional services can’t help people, particularly
in non-hospital, community settings.
The village structure gives people access to community information that allows them to stay local.
It’s one number to call for their needs, and it brings that vital peace of not being left alone to do things on your own, When it comes to seniors’ needs that can’t be met by the ordinary community member,
it’s important to have qualified providers available.
People are becoming more aware of the number of people aging. Just because there are so many people, there’s a greater demand on the range of long-term support services.
It’s going to take more than the government to handle that.
Get Involved Malden.
Massachusetts will have to take a look at the "Aging in Place" concept to protect Medicaid and get Seniors to remain independent by determining what they can provide. States are having to look at whatthey can provide, and what they may no longer be able to provide, and how are they are creatively going to come up with different ways of doing things.
We would look to Foundations in the State of Massachusetts to award
grants to villages across the state for senior housing needs.
Beacon Hill Village sprouted up ten years ago, founded by localseniors who preferred staying at home and getting their needs met through their community as they aged, rather than going to alternatives such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
In the city of Malden we have over 11,000 Seniors (and growing) over 65 years of age, with the majority Home Owners. So there are many potential Seniors who would benefit from services
In Malden our "village" typically would have at least 100 members and be run as a small non-profit, member driven organization.
Usually run with just a few staff members and a lot of volunteers. ,
A village compiles a list of trusted local service providers according to needs dictated by village members, and members pay entrance fees,
which can average of $350, in order to have access to that list, along with other membership perks, including social events and activities.
Fund villages, because we think they’re a new concept in how people could age in the community, which is people’s number ones desire–to live at home Villages provide a new model for doing that, that involves volunteering, community engages, and is consumer driven.In Malden and surrounding communities the Cities and towns are trying to control health care costs for employees.
Health and wellness and prevention tend to be at the top of the core services provided with managed care plans
There are relationships with home health agencies and health care providers
If a village member needs a higher level of care at home, and is seeking a home care provider or personal aid attendant, they will typically have those types of service providers on their vetted provider list. Right in line with controlling municipal and other health costs Villages typically enter into strategic alliances with businesses, which could range anywhere from contractors and financial
planners to home health agencies and reverse mortgage lenders.
Oftentimes, local businesses will offer their services at a discounted price for village members A model malden seniors aging in the neighborhood alone and with families will encourage shopping locally
Howard C. Mcgowan Malden Senior,,Former Veterans Administration
Voluntary Service officer Marine Corp League, VFW Mass Senior Action
Council Advocate Senior Issues, Member of the Malden Senior Community
Center Advisory Board, Mass Senior action Metro North Chapter Board
of Directors--
Howard McGowan
MaldenSenior
349 Pleasant Street
Malden. Ma 02148
781 324 8076
to remain in their communities and age in place.
We would like Malden Business leaders and our legislators to look into starting" An aging in place" along
the lines of the Beacon Hill Village model .
Aging at home set ups are able to fill in the gap where some
traditional services can’t help people, particularly
in non-hospital, community settings.
The village structure gives people access to community information that allows them to stay local.
It’s one number to call for their needs, and it brings that vital peace of not being left alone to do things on your own, When it comes to seniors’ needs that can’t be met by the ordinary community member,
it’s important to have qualified providers available.
People are becoming more aware of the number of people aging. Just because there are so many people, there’s a greater demand on the range of long-term support services.
It’s going to take more than the government to handle that.
Get Involved Malden.
Massachusetts will have to take a look at the "Aging in Place" concept to protect Medicaid and get Seniors to remain independent by determining what they can provide. States are having to look at whatthey can provide, and what they may no longer be able to provide, and how are they are creatively going to come up with different ways of doing things.
We would look to Foundations in the State of Massachusetts to award
grants to villages across the state for senior housing needs.
Beacon Hill Village sprouted up ten years ago, founded by localseniors who preferred staying at home and getting their needs met through their community as they aged, rather than going to alternatives such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
In the city of Malden we have over 11,000 Seniors (and growing) over 65 years of age, with the majority Home Owners. So there are many potential Seniors who would benefit from services
In Malden our "village" typically would have at least 100 members and be run as a small non-profit, member driven organization.
Usually run with just a few staff members and a lot of volunteers. ,
A village compiles a list of trusted local service providers according to needs dictated by village members, and members pay entrance fees,
which can average of $350, in order to have access to that list, along with other membership perks, including social events and activities.
Fund villages, because we think they’re a new concept in how people could age in the community, which is people’s number ones desire–to live at home Villages provide a new model for doing that, that involves volunteering, community engages, and is consumer driven.In Malden and surrounding communities the Cities and towns are trying to control health care costs for employees.
Health and wellness and prevention tend to be at the top of the core services provided with managed care plans
There are relationships with home health agencies and health care providers
If a village member needs a higher level of care at home, and is seeking a home care provider or personal aid attendant, they will typically have those types of service providers on their vetted provider list. Right in line with controlling municipal and other health costs Villages typically enter into strategic alliances with businesses, which could range anywhere from contractors and financial
planners to home health agencies and reverse mortgage lenders.
Oftentimes, local businesses will offer their services at a discounted price for village members A model malden seniors aging in the neighborhood alone and with families will encourage shopping locally
Howard C. Mcgowan Malden Senior,,Former Veterans Administration
Voluntary Service officer Marine Corp League, VFW Mass Senior Action
Council Advocate Senior Issues, Member of the Malden Senior Community
Center Advisory Board, Mass Senior action Metro North Chapter Board
of Directors--
Howard McGowan
MaldenSenior
349 Pleasant Street
Malden. Ma 02148
781 324 8076
Friday, November 18, 2011
Assistive technologies: mobility aids
By Guest Blogger Kathleen Kelly, MPA, Executive Director, Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving
As the demographics shift to reflect an aging population, innovation abounds in the area of developing new assistive technologies to make life tasks easier for an individual with disabilities or for a family caregiver. How does one find out about existing or new technologies? One answer is finding information on the Internet, and a recent online survey of caregivers provides some insight into this question.
Recently, the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in the Department of Health and Human Services embarked on a project entitled, “Accelerating Adoption of Assistive Technology to Reduce Physical Strain among Family Caregivers of the Chronically Disabled Elderly Living at Home.” A large title – and charge – to figure out the best ways to match assistive technologies to specific needs and then, get those technologies into the hands of family caregivers to use.
Some gaps in information remained after the literature search, particularly around how do family caregivers learn about and use assistive technologies. Some of the key questions for families were, “How do family caregivers learn about assistive technologies?” and when they do, “Who determines the need, how available is training on the use of assistive technologies and who pays for the technologies used?”
To this end, a brief survey was prepared by The Lewin Group to determine trend information on what types of assistive technologies are used to maintain independence and make life easier for the family caregiver, who paid for these technologies and some basic information about the caregiver filling out the survey. The survey was fielded online through the Aging and Disability Resource Centers, some Area Agencies on Aging and Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving. It was marketed for four months throughout the summer, and 421 surveys were started with 319 completed.
The survey responses yielded some interesting findings. 60 percent responded that they had used assistive technologies: mobility aids (93%); bathing aids (89%); technology for emergency calls for help (84%); medication management (75%); and toileting aids (73%). 31 percent had also used an online communication tool to facilitate the caregiving process. While a majority indicated that these technologies helped a lot, almost two-thirds of family members paid for them out-of- pocket. For those who said that they had never used technologies, the majority stated that they were not aware of assistive technology options.
Almost 60 percent of caregivers said that they have never had any training in device use, simplifying self-care tasks or techniques to minimize the risk of physical injury from caregiving tasks, while more than half reported moderate to heavy physical strain from such tasks. More than two-thirds indicated a need for more help or information about assistive technologies and half needed training in use of technologies. The Internet was the main source of information about technologies, home modifications or training for family caregivers.
The survey respondents were overwhelmingly female, in their mid-fifties and providing assistance to a relative or friend with an average age of 73. One caregiver’s comment summed it up, “I practically turned into an occupational therapist trying to find ways to accomplish all the various activities of daily living which changed, and changed, and changed again throughout my mother’s decline. I did a great deal of research online to educate myself and come up with practical solutions.”
What were the “take-away” messages from this survey? While assistive technologies and home modification to make daily care routines easier were the major activities, “smart technologies” are increasingly being investigated and used by family caregivers. And the cost for all technologies is largely borne by family caregivers followed by the person with disabilities. Large numbers of caregivers are not aware of useful technologies and even fewer caregivers get any training about their use. And those who are seeking information and training are turning to the Internet.
What is needed to provide family caregivers with access about assistive technologies? While databases of assistive technologies exist online, there needs to be better linkage between a problem identified and the possible technology solution. Just a database alone is not enough and is often overwhelming. Next, there needs to be training on the use of technologies online using quality production values and available in multiple languages. Training needs to include how to identify the problem, match the technology (or modify the home) and finally instructions on use of the device, program or modification made to the home.
In addition, there needs to be training of professionals and paraprofessionals in the community about assistive technologies and most importantly, where to refer family caregivers and adults with disabilities for additional assistance. The use of assistive technologies has proven to be successful in preventing injuries and alleviating stress in family caregivers. Now the task at hand is making sure families have access and support in using these technologies, so they may provide better care at a lower risk for themselves and for their loved ones
As the demographics shift to reflect an aging population, innovation abounds in the area of developing new assistive technologies to make life tasks easier for an individual with disabilities or for a family caregiver. How does one find out about existing or new technologies? One answer is finding information on the Internet, and a recent online survey of caregivers provides some insight into this question.
Recently, the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in the Department of Health and Human Services embarked on a project entitled, “Accelerating Adoption of Assistive Technology to Reduce Physical Strain among Family Caregivers of the Chronically Disabled Elderly Living at Home.” A large title – and charge – to figure out the best ways to match assistive technologies to specific needs and then, get those technologies into the hands of family caregivers to use.
Some gaps in information remained after the literature search, particularly around how do family caregivers learn about and use assistive technologies. Some of the key questions for families were, “How do family caregivers learn about assistive technologies?” and when they do, “Who determines the need, how available is training on the use of assistive technologies and who pays for the technologies used?”
To this end, a brief survey was prepared by The Lewin Group to determine trend information on what types of assistive technologies are used to maintain independence and make life easier for the family caregiver, who paid for these technologies and some basic information about the caregiver filling out the survey. The survey was fielded online through the Aging and Disability Resource Centers, some Area Agencies on Aging and Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving. It was marketed for four months throughout the summer, and 421 surveys were started with 319 completed.
The survey responses yielded some interesting findings. 60 percent responded that they had used assistive technologies: mobility aids (93%); bathing aids (89%); technology for emergency calls for help (84%); medication management (75%); and toileting aids (73%). 31 percent had also used an online communication tool to facilitate the caregiving process. While a majority indicated that these technologies helped a lot, almost two-thirds of family members paid for them out-of- pocket. For those who said that they had never used technologies, the majority stated that they were not aware of assistive technology options.
Almost 60 percent of caregivers said that they have never had any training in device use, simplifying self-care tasks or techniques to minimize the risk of physical injury from caregiving tasks, while more than half reported moderate to heavy physical strain from such tasks. More than two-thirds indicated a need for more help or information about assistive technologies and half needed training in use of technologies. The Internet was the main source of information about technologies, home modifications or training for family caregivers.
The survey respondents were overwhelmingly female, in their mid-fifties and providing assistance to a relative or friend with an average age of 73. One caregiver’s comment summed it up, “I practically turned into an occupational therapist trying to find ways to accomplish all the various activities of daily living which changed, and changed, and changed again throughout my mother’s decline. I did a great deal of research online to educate myself and come up with practical solutions.”
What were the “take-away” messages from this survey? While assistive technologies and home modification to make daily care routines easier were the major activities, “smart technologies” are increasingly being investigated and used by family caregivers. And the cost for all technologies is largely borne by family caregivers followed by the person with disabilities. Large numbers of caregivers are not aware of useful technologies and even fewer caregivers get any training about their use. And those who are seeking information and training are turning to the Internet.
What is needed to provide family caregivers with access about assistive technologies? While databases of assistive technologies exist online, there needs to be better linkage between a problem identified and the possible technology solution. Just a database alone is not enough and is often overwhelming. Next, there needs to be training on the use of technologies online using quality production values and available in multiple languages. Training needs to include how to identify the problem, match the technology (or modify the home) and finally instructions on use of the device, program or modification made to the home.
In addition, there needs to be training of professionals and paraprofessionals in the community about assistive technologies and most importantly, where to refer family caregivers and adults with disabilities for additional assistance. The use of assistive technologies has proven to be successful in preventing injuries and alleviating stress in family caregivers. Now the task at hand is making sure families have access and support in using these technologies, so they may provide better care at a lower risk for themselves and for their loved ones
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Community Care Access Centre
“It was really great, because the physiotherapist worked with Hank and showed him how to walk while a special wound nurse also attended to him and gave instructions how to care for his wound. When the Case Manager from the Community Care Access Centre came in and talked to us about Home First and arranged to have a nurse come to our home to care for his wound, we were so pleased and reassured.”
HOME FIRST, a philosophy that promotes safe and timely care, services and supports to meet health care needs of patients and families in the most appropriate setting, was first introduced to local health service providers in September 2010 as part of the LHIN’s Aging at Home strategy and is fully implemented in all fourteen acute care hospital sites in the Central East region.
It has resulted in stronger partnerships amongst the hospitals, the Central East Community Care Access Centre (CECCAC) and local Community Support Services (CSS) agencies as they work together to ensure that all patients entering a hospital in the Central East region have the ability to go Home First. With the leadership of the CECCAC, over 4,000 clients have been discharged home with enhanced services since last fall. This has helped to reduce emergency department wait times as patients can now be safely discharged, in a timely manner, by providing services in their home.
“It’s (Home First) so much more economical for the whole system,” Hank observes, “and is one of the smarter moves on the part of the health system. When most people talk about health care, they don’t think about receiving services in the home so that you don’t have to stay in the hospital occupying a bed.”
Did you know?
HOME FIRST, a philosophy that promotes safe and timely care, services and supports to meet health care needs of patients and families in the most appropriate setting, was first introduced to local health service providers in September 2010 as part of the LHIN’s Aging at Home strategy and is fully implemented in all fourteen acute care hospital sites in the Central East region.
It has resulted in stronger partnerships amongst the hospitals, the Central East Community Care Access Centre (CECCAC) and local Community Support Services (CSS) agencies as they work together to ensure that all patients entering a hospital in the Central East region have the ability to go Home First. With the leadership of the CECCAC, over 4,000 clients have been discharged home with enhanced services since last fall. This has helped to reduce emergency department wait times as patients can now be safely discharged, in a timely manner, by providing services in their home.
“It’s (Home First) so much more economical for the whole system,” Hank observes, “and is one of the smarter moves on the part of the health system. When most people talk about health care, they don’t think about receiving services in the home so that you don’t have to stay in the hospital occupying a bed.”
Did you know?
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Home Care
Home health services are an easy target for budget-cutters because they are not required by federal law, have been subject to fraud and don't have deep-pocketed special interests advocating for them. But steep cuts in these services eventually could cost states more money if they end up pushing more people out of their own houses and into nursing homes that would require taxpayer subsidies.
"Just because you cut the budget doesn't mean their needs go away," said Anita Bradberry, executive director of the Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice Inc.
Medicaid, the state-federal program that pays for medical and long-term care for the poor and disabled, is generally required to help fund nursing homes but not home care and community services.
The price of an adult day health centre is $67 a day on average, compared with $229 a day for a private room at a nursing home, according to a 2010 survey released by insurance company MetLife Inc.
Overall, Medicaid spending on nursing homes came to $46.5 billion in 2007, the latest figures available, while home health services cost $6.3 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Before the recession, U.S. states actually expanded home health programs because they are less costly. But now, with so many states facing billion-dollar deficits, lawmakers say they have no choice but to cut Medicaid spending, the second-biggest spending item for states behind education.
"Just because you cut the budget doesn't mean their needs go away," said Anita Bradberry, executive director of the Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice Inc.
Medicaid, the state-federal program that pays for medical and long-term care for the poor and disabled, is generally required to help fund nursing homes but not home care and community services.
The price of an adult day health centre is $67 a day on average, compared with $229 a day for a private room at a nursing home, according to a 2010 survey released by insurance company MetLife Inc.
Overall, Medicaid spending on nursing homes came to $46.5 billion in 2007, the latest figures available, while home health services cost $6.3 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Before the recession, U.S. states actually expanded home health programs because they are less costly. But now, with so many states facing billion-dollar deficits, lawmakers say they have no choice but to cut Medicaid spending, the second-biggest spending item for states behind education.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Veterans Long Term Care and assisted living
Veteran Financial Aid for Long-term Care and Home Healthcare
By Marlo Sollitto
Over 1.5 million wartime service veterans and their surviving spouses are eligible for billions of dollars a years in VA pensions to help pay for long-term care such as assisted living, nursing home and home care. The pensions are called "Aid and Attendance" and "Housebound." Many are not getting the benefits they are eligible for, because they lack the knowledge of what programs are available and don't know how to file for pension benefits.
Although many veterans are eligible for pensions, filling out the necessary forms and understanding the filing process can often be overwhelming and frustrating.
Author Joseph Scott McCarthy helps make the process easier with his book, "Checks for Vets." In addition to containing information about veteran pensions, the book contains samples of the forms veterans and their caregivers need, as well as tips for successfully filing a claim for an Aid and Attendance or Housebound pension.
In an interview with AgingCare.com, McCarthy answers some common questions about veteran pension and financial assistance.
Q. Can caregivers get any financial assistance for caring for a vet? Can they get paid for caregiving?
Yes, both professional caregivers and spouses or family members of veterans may get tax-free money for caring for veterans or surviving spouses. The VA program is called Aid and Attendance or Housebound pension and requires the claimant to meet eligibility to receive the money. A veteran with a dependent for example, may receive as much as $23,000/year to use to pay for un-reimbursed long-term care.
Q. Do VA benefits cover nursing homes or assisted living?
A. Yes, VA pension benefits can cover a portion of nursing home care if the veteran or surviving spouse is paying for the care out-of-pocket. Since with some exceptions, assisted living is un-reimbursed by insurance, the money from the VA pension can be the difference that allows the veteran or surviving spouse to afford the cost of assisted living.
When you add the social security income sources to the VA pension, many claimants can afford the monthly bill for assisted living. For example, if a veteran has $1,400 per month in social security and pensions and receives the maximum pension ($1,644 per month, with no dependent) the total money available is $3,044 per month and should cover most of the monthly bill from assisted living.
Q. Does it have to be a VA facility, or can the vet and/or caregivers choose any nursing home they want?
A. The vet can choose any assisted living, home care provider, or nursing home they want. It does not have to be a VA facility. The provider does not have to be VA certified and any physician can document the care-needs of the claimant.
Q. Do any vet programs cover the cost of home health care?
A. Yes, the Aid and Attendance and Housebound Pension is available in the home provided all eligibility criteria is met. The pension can pay for the care in the home, assisted living, independent living, and nursing homes.
Q. What is the difference between Aid and Attendance and Housebound pensions?
A. The care-needs and the rates of payment are the main difference. For an Aid and Attendance pension, the claimant must need activities of daily living such as dressing or bathing. For the Housebound pension, the claimant must be substantially confined to his or her immediate premises because of a permanent disability. For example, your sister, a veteran of the Korean War, is a widow, is confined to her home due to a permanent disability, but is able to provide her own activities of daily living care. Because of her disability, she requires oxygen therapy, has difficulty walking for which she uses a wheeled walker, and her physician ordered her driver's license taken away. She is paying out of pocket for transportation services in order to go food shopping and to keep doctors' appointments. Since her disability caused her to lose her driver's license, and she now needs transportation services to leave her home, she satisfies the care-needs qualification for Housebound benefits.
By Marlo Sollitto
Over 1.5 million wartime service veterans and their surviving spouses are eligible for billions of dollars a years in VA pensions to help pay for long-term care such as assisted living, nursing home and home care. The pensions are called "Aid and Attendance" and "Housebound." Many are not getting the benefits they are eligible for, because they lack the knowledge of what programs are available and don't know how to file for pension benefits.
Although many veterans are eligible for pensions, filling out the necessary forms and understanding the filing process can often be overwhelming and frustrating.
Author Joseph Scott McCarthy helps make the process easier with his book, "Checks for Vets." In addition to containing information about veteran pensions, the book contains samples of the forms veterans and their caregivers need, as well as tips for successfully filing a claim for an Aid and Attendance or Housebound pension.
In an interview with AgingCare.com, McCarthy answers some common questions about veteran pension and financial assistance.
Q. Can caregivers get any financial assistance for caring for a vet? Can they get paid for caregiving?
Yes, both professional caregivers and spouses or family members of veterans may get tax-free money for caring for veterans or surviving spouses. The VA program is called Aid and Attendance or Housebound pension and requires the claimant to meet eligibility to receive the money. A veteran with a dependent for example, may receive as much as $23,000/year to use to pay for un-reimbursed long-term care.
Q. Do VA benefits cover nursing homes or assisted living?
A. Yes, VA pension benefits can cover a portion of nursing home care if the veteran or surviving spouse is paying for the care out-of-pocket. Since with some exceptions, assisted living is un-reimbursed by insurance, the money from the VA pension can be the difference that allows the veteran or surviving spouse to afford the cost of assisted living.
When you add the social security income sources to the VA pension, many claimants can afford the monthly bill for assisted living. For example, if a veteran has $1,400 per month in social security and pensions and receives the maximum pension ($1,644 per month, with no dependent) the total money available is $3,044 per month and should cover most of the monthly bill from assisted living.
Q. Does it have to be a VA facility, or can the vet and/or caregivers choose any nursing home they want?
A. The vet can choose any assisted living, home care provider, or nursing home they want. It does not have to be a VA facility. The provider does not have to be VA certified and any physician can document the care-needs of the claimant.
Q. Do any vet programs cover the cost of home health care?
A. Yes, the Aid and Attendance and Housebound Pension is available in the home provided all eligibility criteria is met. The pension can pay for the care in the home, assisted living, independent living, and nursing homes.
Q. What is the difference between Aid and Attendance and Housebound pensions?
A. The care-needs and the rates of payment are the main difference. For an Aid and Attendance pension, the claimant must need activities of daily living such as dressing or bathing. For the Housebound pension, the claimant must be substantially confined to his or her immediate premises because of a permanent disability. For example, your sister, a veteran of the Korean War, is a widow, is confined to her home due to a permanent disability, but is able to provide her own activities of daily living care. Because of her disability, she requires oxygen therapy, has difficulty walking for which she uses a wheeled walker, and her physician ordered her driver's license taken away. She is paying out of pocket for transportation services in order to go food shopping and to keep doctors' appointments. Since her disability caused her to lose her driver's license, and she now needs transportation services to leave her home, she satisfies the care-needs qualification for Housebound benefits.
Monday, May 30, 2011
HOME CARE SAFETY FOR SENIORS
Mass Senior is sponsoring the issue of Home Safety by urging our City ,
State and Federal legislators
to remind all of our citizens of the obligation to ensure the Independence with a proclamation
Declaring July Home Safety Awareness Month
GIVE SENIORS THE CHOICE OF HOME OVER NURSING HOMES
One-third of all injuries in the United States happen accidentally, at home. Seniors over the age of 70
are among the highest risk group of unintentional home injury, both fatal and non-fatal.
“Seniors over the age of 80 are twenty times more likely (than the younger generation)
to have an accident at home turn deadly,
“Just like you baby proof your home for an infant, you must take extra
steps to provide a save home environment for your elderly loved one.
This isn’t difficult but often times it takes a trained eye to recognize
danger zones for the elderly; that’s how our caregivers can help.
Top Five Leading Causes of Senior, Accidental Home Injury Death are,
1. Falls; 2. Fire/Burn;3.Poisoning; 4. Natural/Environmental (such as extreme heat/cold or a natural disaster);5. Choking/Suffocation
Falls alone account for 52.5 percent of all home injury deaths for adults age 65-74.
That percentage spikes by more than 25 percent for seniors age 85 and older. Below
are some vital tips to follow to prevent your senior from taking a fall in or around the home:
n Have handrails on BOTH sides of stairs and grab bars in bathrooms.
n 1/3 of households in America with stairs DO NOT have banisters or handrails.
n Only 19 percent of households in America have grab bars in tubs/showers.
n Have a lot of light at the top and bottom of stairs. Also, keep hallways well lit.
n Paint the bottom basement step white to make it more visible.
n Secure rugs to the floor to prevent tripping.
n Outside – be sure to check steps and walkways for loose bricks, cement or stone.
Fire/Burn Prevention:
n Always stay in the kitchen while cooking. And, roll up your sleeves when cooking/baking.
n Keep things that can burn, such as dishtowels or curtains, at least three feet from the range.
n Test fire alarms monthly. Install fire alarms on every level of your home, specifically near or inside all bedrooms.
n Consider having a fire sprinkler system installed in your home.
n Keep outside grills at least 10 feet away from the house and any bushes.
n Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
n Have chimneys, fireplaces, stoves and central furnaces inspected once a year. Clean as needed
.Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace.
n Keep your water heater set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, seniors have
thinner skin than middle-aged adults and can burn more easily.
“Studies show that seniors would much rather live at home versus in a nursing home
, so home safety is the key to accident prevention,
. “Sometimes seniors may take offense if family members try to
safety proof their home.
That’s why it often makes sense to bring in a third party, like a professional caregiver,
to make changes so there are no hard feelings in the family.”
State and Federal legislators
to remind all of our citizens of the obligation to ensure the Independence with a proclamation
Declaring July Home Safety Awareness Month
GIVE SENIORS THE CHOICE OF HOME OVER NURSING HOMES
One-third of all injuries in the United States happen accidentally, at home. Seniors over the age of 70
are among the highest risk group of unintentional home injury, both fatal and non-fatal.
“Seniors over the age of 80 are twenty times more likely (than the younger generation)
to have an accident at home turn deadly,
“Just like you baby proof your home for an infant, you must take extra
steps to provide a save home environment for your elderly loved one.
This isn’t difficult but often times it takes a trained eye to recognize
danger zones for the elderly; that’s how our caregivers can help.
Top Five Leading Causes of Senior, Accidental Home Injury Death are,
1. Falls; 2. Fire/Burn;3.Poisoning; 4. Natural/Environmental (such as extreme heat/cold or a natural disaster);5. Choking/Suffocation
Falls alone account for 52.5 percent of all home injury deaths for adults age 65-74.
That percentage spikes by more than 25 percent for seniors age 85 and older. Below
are some vital tips to follow to prevent your senior from taking a fall in or around the home:
n Have handrails on BOTH sides of stairs and grab bars in bathrooms.
n 1/3 of households in America with stairs DO NOT have banisters or handrails.
n Only 19 percent of households in America have grab bars in tubs/showers.
n Have a lot of light at the top and bottom of stairs. Also, keep hallways well lit.
n Paint the bottom basement step white to make it more visible.
n Secure rugs to the floor to prevent tripping.
n Outside – be sure to check steps and walkways for loose bricks, cement or stone.
Fire/Burn Prevention:
n Always stay in the kitchen while cooking. And, roll up your sleeves when cooking/baking.
n Keep things that can burn, such as dishtowels or curtains, at least three feet from the range.
n Test fire alarms monthly. Install fire alarms on every level of your home, specifically near or inside all bedrooms.
n Consider having a fire sprinkler system installed in your home.
n Keep outside grills at least 10 feet away from the house and any bushes.
n Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
n Have chimneys, fireplaces, stoves and central furnaces inspected once a year. Clean as needed
.Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace.
n Keep your water heater set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, seniors have
thinner skin than middle-aged adults and can burn more easily.
“Studies show that seniors would much rather live at home versus in a nursing home
, so home safety is the key to accident prevention,
. “Sometimes seniors may take offense if family members try to
safety proof their home.
That’s why it often makes sense to bring in a third party, like a professional caregiver,
to make changes so there are no hard feelings in the family.”
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Assisted Living and Health Center for Elderly
Seniors Guide Online Unveils Social Media Resources For Seniors and Marketing Professionals
PRWeb Thu, 12 May 2011 06:13 AM PDT
Seniors Guide Online, the leading online and print resource for senior retirement housing options, home health care, senior products and services is now participating in several social media platforms. Baby boomers and seniors alike will find Seniors Guideâs Twitter @SeniorsGuide , Facebook.com/SeniorsGuideOnline and YouTube.com/SeniorsGuideOnline fun to follow and watch. (PRWeb May 12, 2011 ...
San Francisco Senior Center Receives Grant to Help Local Seniors
Marketwire Wed, 11 May 2011 14:09 PM PDT
SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - May 11, 2011) - As part of a $10,000 grant from The Home Instead Senior Care Foundation, San Francisco Senior Center will support its Homecoming Transitional Care Program (HTCP). Each year, the HTCP provides services to more than 200 low-income, isolated seniors and people with disabilities who need hospital-to-home transitional care that includes case management ...
See more health stories that match my keyword
PRWeb Thu, 12 May 2011 06:13 AM PDT
Seniors Guide Online, the leading online and print resource for senior retirement housing options, home health care, senior products and services is now participating in several social media platforms. Baby boomers and seniors alike will find Seniors Guideâs Twitter @SeniorsGuide , Facebook.com/SeniorsGuideOnline and YouTube.com/SeniorsGuideOnline fun to follow and watch. (PRWeb May 12, 2011 ...
San Francisco Senior Center Receives Grant to Help Local Seniors
Marketwire Wed, 11 May 2011 14:09 PM PDT
SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - May 11, 2011) - As part of a $10,000 grant from The Home Instead Senior Care Foundation, San Francisco Senior Center will support its Homecoming Transitional Care Program (HTCP). Each year, the HTCP provides services to more than 200 low-income, isolated seniors and people with disabilities who need hospital-to-home transitional care that includes case management ...
See more health stories that match my keyword
Thursday, April 14, 2011
fund raisers
Practical Tips to Put the Fun into Fundraising
By Leah Dobkin
If you’re like most nonprofit professionals in the field of aging, fundraisers are your least favorite activity. They fall way down on your “have-to” list.
But studies indicate that almost half of nonprofit organizations use fundraisers as a major source of revenue.
Fundraising events are not just about raising dollars. They’re also about raising supporters to strengthen your organization. They are great “friend-raisers.”
What Events Can Do for You
Let’s face it. There are many faster and easier ways to raise money. But fundraising events can lose money—or just break even—and still be successful because they generate publicity, visibility, and contacts for your organization.
Fundraisers also:
Provide cultural, social, and intergenerational opportunities for your community.
Improve community relations.
Lead to new partners.
Strengthen your relationship with business sponsors.
Recruit new volunteers and board members.
Allow you to recognize volunteers and supporters.
Inform the public about your services and impact.
Reach underserved or new target populations.
Fundraisers also can diversify and expand your funding base. They provide funds to address cutbacks, expand programming, and pilot test new services or new methods of delivering old services.
Fundraisers generate unrestricted dollars to cover “unsexy” expenditures like staff and volunteer education and training, overhead, research, and unexpected short-term emergency needs.
Because special events offer variety and flexibility, they’re also excellent for acquiring, retaining, and upgrading donors. If you’re serious about building a broad base of donors, you should conduct at least one special fundraising event each year.
Planning an Event
The good news is that you may not need to do more fundraisers—just better ones. Here are a few tips to help you plan your event successfully.
Determine your visibility quotient.
Of the people who should know about your organization, what percent actually do? This simple, but important question requires that you identify a list of key people and the best ways to reach and engage them in your fundraiser.
Market your impact while publicizing your event.
Too often, marketing and promotional materials talk about a nonprofit instead of its impact on the community or the values it embraces. Emphasize what your organization does and how it makes a difference—not how much money you need. If you don’t have public relations expertise in house, try contacting a firm that offers pro bono work.
Use volunteers to plan and implement the event.
Using volunteers tells people that you’re maximizing your efforts, which builds credibility. Also, peers asking peers is the most effective way to generate donations. People give to people—not just a cause. They also want to contribute to an effective organization.
Plan your events strategically.
Asking someone to volunteer for a short period is far easier than asking them to commit to a six-month campaign. Structure your fundraising events into modules that last 1-12 weeks. For example, have two short donor events each year—one to renew current donors and one to bring in new ones. Or conduct a five-week donor drive, with something happening each day. Mail personal letters from board members or key volunteers to invite their friends and colleagues to participate.
After an Event
What you do after a fundraising event is just as important—if not more important—than the planning itself. Follow-up with your guests, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and donors to turn your event into the start of something big. Start with these tips:
Send a personalized thank you.
You can never give out too much gratitude. Make it a priority to send supporters a timely, warm, and personalized letter or e-mail thanking them for their involvement. Tell them how much the event raised and how your organization will use the money. Include copies of any media coverage. Handwritten and hand-delivered thank you notes are a wonderful touch. Or make your thanks even more unique by hiring a local artist or asking a talented volunteer to create some form of recognition for volunteers and donors.
Welcome newcomers.
For guests who are new to your organization, add a combined welcome/follow-up letter. Include your newsletter, promotional materials, and past media coverage. Let them know about tours, educational and volunteer opportunities, and other events you’re planning.
Don’t forget the no-shows.
Remember people who were unable to attend the event but showed an interest, such as vendors or sponsors. Let them know what they missed and how successful the event was.
Give a report on your web site.
Post event photos, videos, and quotes; brag about how much you raised; and detail how the money will be spent. Ask visitors for their names and contact information if they want to be invited to the next event. Show people how they can continue to donate. If you have their permission, profile select donors.
Build up your sponsors.
List all corporate sponsors on your web site. Consider including links to their web sites, as well. Driving prospects to their site is a big plus for them.
Keep corporate relationships going.
After an event, maintain contact with your corporate sponsors. Host a workshop or brown bag lunch lecture at their workplace on topics of interest such as family caregiving or estate planning.
Follow up with media.
Send photos and a press release to your media list soon after the event. See if you can get on local radio or TV to talk about an event-related special interest story or about the impact the event had on your community. Use it as an opportunity to position you, or your executive director, as a “go-to” authority for information on your area of expertise. Consider hosting a thank you lunch for media who publicized or attended your event.
Thank advertisers.
If you have a journal or ad book associated with your event, send a copy to every advertiser who couldn’t attend, along with a thank you note. Better yet, get a group of volunteers to hand-deliver the ad book to thank supporters in person.
Fundraising events allow people to become involved with your organization and your mission. The more ways people can get involved, the stronger your organization will become.
And before you know it, fundraising events will become a “want-to” not a “have-to” on your to-do list. That’s when you start to put the fun into fundraising.
Leah Dobkin is a freelance writer and consultant with more than 30 years experience developing and managing innovative programs for older adults.
By Leah Dobkin
If you’re like most nonprofit professionals in the field of aging, fundraisers are your least favorite activity. They fall way down on your “have-to” list.
But studies indicate that almost half of nonprofit organizations use fundraisers as a major source of revenue.
Fundraising events are not just about raising dollars. They’re also about raising supporters to strengthen your organization. They are great “friend-raisers.”
What Events Can Do for You
Let’s face it. There are many faster and easier ways to raise money. But fundraising events can lose money—or just break even—and still be successful because they generate publicity, visibility, and contacts for your organization.
Fundraisers also:
Provide cultural, social, and intergenerational opportunities for your community.
Improve community relations.
Lead to new partners.
Strengthen your relationship with business sponsors.
Recruit new volunteers and board members.
Allow you to recognize volunteers and supporters.
Inform the public about your services and impact.
Reach underserved or new target populations.
Fundraisers also can diversify and expand your funding base. They provide funds to address cutbacks, expand programming, and pilot test new services or new methods of delivering old services.
Fundraisers generate unrestricted dollars to cover “unsexy” expenditures like staff and volunteer education and training, overhead, research, and unexpected short-term emergency needs.
Because special events offer variety and flexibility, they’re also excellent for acquiring, retaining, and upgrading donors. If you’re serious about building a broad base of donors, you should conduct at least one special fundraising event each year.
Planning an Event
The good news is that you may not need to do more fundraisers—just better ones. Here are a few tips to help you plan your event successfully.
Determine your visibility quotient.
Of the people who should know about your organization, what percent actually do? This simple, but important question requires that you identify a list of key people and the best ways to reach and engage them in your fundraiser.
Market your impact while publicizing your event.
Too often, marketing and promotional materials talk about a nonprofit instead of its impact on the community or the values it embraces. Emphasize what your organization does and how it makes a difference—not how much money you need. If you don’t have public relations expertise in house, try contacting a firm that offers pro bono work.
Use volunteers to plan and implement the event.
Using volunteers tells people that you’re maximizing your efforts, which builds credibility. Also, peers asking peers is the most effective way to generate donations. People give to people—not just a cause. They also want to contribute to an effective organization.
Plan your events strategically.
Asking someone to volunteer for a short period is far easier than asking them to commit to a six-month campaign. Structure your fundraising events into modules that last 1-12 weeks. For example, have two short donor events each year—one to renew current donors and one to bring in new ones. Or conduct a five-week donor drive, with something happening each day. Mail personal letters from board members or key volunteers to invite their friends and colleagues to participate.
After an Event
What you do after a fundraising event is just as important—if not more important—than the planning itself. Follow-up with your guests, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and donors to turn your event into the start of something big. Start with these tips:
Send a personalized thank you.
You can never give out too much gratitude. Make it a priority to send supporters a timely, warm, and personalized letter or e-mail thanking them for their involvement. Tell them how much the event raised and how your organization will use the money. Include copies of any media coverage. Handwritten and hand-delivered thank you notes are a wonderful touch. Or make your thanks even more unique by hiring a local artist or asking a talented volunteer to create some form of recognition for volunteers and donors.
Welcome newcomers.
For guests who are new to your organization, add a combined welcome/follow-up letter. Include your newsletter, promotional materials, and past media coverage. Let them know about tours, educational and volunteer opportunities, and other events you’re planning.
Don’t forget the no-shows.
Remember people who were unable to attend the event but showed an interest, such as vendors or sponsors. Let them know what they missed and how successful the event was.
Give a report on your web site.
Post event photos, videos, and quotes; brag about how much you raised; and detail how the money will be spent. Ask visitors for their names and contact information if they want to be invited to the next event. Show people how they can continue to donate. If you have their permission, profile select donors.
Build up your sponsors.
List all corporate sponsors on your web site. Consider including links to their web sites, as well. Driving prospects to their site is a big plus for them.
Keep corporate relationships going.
After an event, maintain contact with your corporate sponsors. Host a workshop or brown bag lunch lecture at their workplace on topics of interest such as family caregiving or estate planning.
Follow up with media.
Send photos and a press release to your media list soon after the event. See if you can get on local radio or TV to talk about an event-related special interest story or about the impact the event had on your community. Use it as an opportunity to position you, or your executive director, as a “go-to” authority for information on your area of expertise. Consider hosting a thank you lunch for media who publicized or attended your event.
Thank advertisers.
If you have a journal or ad book associated with your event, send a copy to every advertiser who couldn’t attend, along with a thank you note. Better yet, get a group of volunteers to hand-deliver the ad book to thank supporters in person.
Fundraising events allow people to become involved with your organization and your mission. The more ways people can get involved, the stronger your organization will become.
And before you know it, fundraising events will become a “want-to” not a “have-to” on your to-do list. That’s when you start to put the fun into fundraising.
Leah Dobkin is a freelance writer and consultant with more than 30 years experience developing and managing innovative programs for older adults.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Want Medicare To Pay For Home Care? See Your Doctor
By Phil Galewitz
Updated: 2 days ago
Starting next month, seniors getting health care in their homes will have to see a doctor to make sure they actually need the service. Otherwise Medicare won't pay.
Sounds logical, right?
Not so, says a coalition of health providers and consumer groups that complains the rule is overly burdensome on seniors and doctors.
Home health agencies, doctor and consumer groups say frail, homebound seniors won't be able to get to a doctor's office because of their health status or lack of doctors in rural areas.
They also worry that many doctors are either unaware of the new regulation or won't know how to comply with its documentation requirements that call on physicians to certify they or another health care provider, such as a nurse practitioner, have seen a patient for the specific reason of certifying the need for home health care.
"There is a lot of confusion out there, and patients may lose access to their care," said Nora Super, an AARP lobbyist.
Home health agency groups say they understand Medicare's need to reduce unnecessary care but the new rules are too onerous. "We want to make sure beneficiaries who really need the services are not denied it," said Peter Notarstefano, director of home and community based services at Leading Age, which represents nonprofit home health agencies.
The groups are calling for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to delay implementation of the new requirement until June.
Under the new rule, Medicare beneficiaries will have to see a doctor 90 days before or 30 days after starting home health services in order for the home health agency to get reimbursed.
The new requirementa provision in the health overhaul law intends to curb unnecessary Medicare spending and outright fraud. Home health care has been one of the fastest rising costs of the Medicare program, and spending varies dramatically around the country.
Under current law, a doctor must prescribe home health care for patients to receive services, but the physician doesn't have to see a patient to make that determination.
Meanwhile, Medicare advisers to Congress say the regulation doesn't go far enough to reduce waste and fraud because it allows patients to start getting home health services before first seeing a doctor to ensure they need it. "Such a large window ... does not ensure that beneficiaries receive an examination in a timely manner before home health care is delivered," the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission wrote in a report to Congress this month. Copyright 2011 Kaiser Health News. To see more, visit http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/.
Updated: 2 days ago
Starting next month, seniors getting health care in their homes will have to see a doctor to make sure they actually need the service. Otherwise Medicare won't pay.
Sounds logical, right?
Not so, says a coalition of health providers and consumer groups that complains the rule is overly burdensome on seniors and doctors.
Home health agencies, doctor and consumer groups say frail, homebound seniors won't be able to get to a doctor's office because of their health status or lack of doctors in rural areas.
They also worry that many doctors are either unaware of the new regulation or won't know how to comply with its documentation requirements that call on physicians to certify they or another health care provider, such as a nurse practitioner, have seen a patient for the specific reason of certifying the need for home health care.
"There is a lot of confusion out there, and patients may lose access to their care," said Nora Super, an AARP lobbyist.
Home health agency groups say they understand Medicare's need to reduce unnecessary care but the new rules are too onerous. "We want to make sure beneficiaries who really need the services are not denied it," said Peter Notarstefano, director of home and community based services at Leading Age, which represents nonprofit home health agencies.
The groups are calling for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to delay implementation of the new requirement until June.
Under the new rule, Medicare beneficiaries will have to see a doctor 90 days before or 30 days after starting home health services in order for the home health agency to get reimbursed.
The new requirementa provision in the health overhaul law intends to curb unnecessary Medicare spending and outright fraud. Home health care has been one of the fastest rising costs of the Medicare program, and spending varies dramatically around the country.
Under current law, a doctor must prescribe home health care for patients to receive services, but the physician doesn't have to see a patient to make that determination.
Meanwhile, Medicare advisers to Congress say the regulation doesn't go far enough to reduce waste and fraud because it allows patients to start getting home health services before first seeing a doctor to ensure they need it. "Such a large window ... does not ensure that beneficiaries receive an examination in a timely manner before home health care is delivered," the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission wrote in a report to Congress this month. Copyright 2011 Kaiser Health News. To see more, visit http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/.
A Longer, and Safer, Life
Published: March 25, 2011
To the Editor:
Re “Broken Trust” (editorial, March 17):
Elder abuse is a growing problem that demands attention and resources from Congress and the administration, as you urge in your editorial.
New research indicates that some six million older Americans fall prey to abuse, neglect or exploitation every year. But for every one case we see, another 24 go undetected. It’s a moral blight with a huge price tag. Victims often require costly acute and long-term care and services financed by Medicare, Medicaid and other programs, further depleting the already strained safety net. We can’t afford not to act.
The Elder Abuse Victims Act would create a new office at the Justice Department to respond. This high-impact low-cost measure would begin addressing a problem that blindsides millions of families and individuals — even Mickey Rooney, as we heard in his recent testimony to the Senate Special Committee on Aging.
We’ve spent billions to lengthen life. Now it’s time to make a serious investment in assuring safety and well-being in the years we’ve gained.
Marie-Therese Connolly
Washington, March 18, 2011
The writer is the director of the Life Long Justice initiative at Appleseed and a senior scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. She also testified at the Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing.
To the Editor:
Re “Broken Trust” (editorial, March 17):
Elder abuse is a growing problem that demands attention and resources from Congress and the administration, as you urge in your editorial.
New research indicates that some six million older Americans fall prey to abuse, neglect or exploitation every year. But for every one case we see, another 24 go undetected. It’s a moral blight with a huge price tag. Victims often require costly acute and long-term care and services financed by Medicare, Medicaid and other programs, further depleting the already strained safety net. We can’t afford not to act.
The Elder Abuse Victims Act would create a new office at the Justice Department to respond. This high-impact low-cost measure would begin addressing a problem that blindsides millions of families and individuals — even Mickey Rooney, as we heard in his recent testimony to the Senate Special Committee on Aging.
We’ve spent billions to lengthen life. Now it’s time to make a serious investment in assuring safety and well-being in the years we’ve gained.
Marie-Therese Connolly
Washington, March 18, 2011
The writer is the director of the Life Long Justice initiative at Appleseed and a senior scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. She also testified at the Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Remaining self-sufficient is a major retirement goal for most baby boomers.
Maintaining independence. Remaining self-sufficient is a major retirement goal for most baby boomers. But they also worry that they might eventually need help. Many Americans over 50 (41 percent) are focused on staying in their own residence as long as possible. However, almost as many seniors (39 percent) are exploring alternative housing options that require less personal upkeep or offer extra services and 94 percent say it's important to live in a place with long-term care services that allow aging in place. Some seniors (29 percent) are also concerned about their ability to continue driving as their health or vision deteriorates. In addition to providing for their own needs, some baby boomers need to provide care to aging parents, other relatives, or a spouse. Over half (52 percent) of those surveyed are worried about their ability to provide financial support for family members, while also supporting themselves.
Friday, March 11, 2011
HOMELESS VETERANS MASSACHUSETTS
New VA and HUD report finds 136,000 veterans spent a night in a homeless shelter during 2009.The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and VA have published the most authoritative analysis on the extent and nature of homelessness among our country’s veterans. “Veteran Homeless: A Supplemental Report to the 2009 Annual Homeless Assessment to Congress” details the study’s findings, released in February, in a first-ever collaborative report of its kind between two government agencies. The most noteworthy finding: nearly 76,000 veterans were homeless on a given night in 2009, and around 136,000 veterans spent at least one night in a shelter during that year.
The report also notes that veterans are 50 percent more likely to fall into homelessness, compared to the rest of the population. This ratio is even greater among impoverished and minority veterans.
Additionally, veterans contrast the overall homeless population in the demographics that comprise it. About 96 percent of homeless veterans are single adults and about 4 percent are veterans with families; the general homeless population claims 66 percent of its members as single, non-attached persons. The study also found that 10 percent of veterans in poverty became homeless at some point during the year, compared to just over 5 percent of adults living in poverty.
Outside of conducting studies, the two agencies provide direct support to homeless veterans. Through the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, HUD provides rental assistance for homeless veterans, while VA offers case management and clinical services. Since 2008, a total investment of $225 million has gone toward providing housing and supportive service for approximately 30,000 veterans who would otherwise be homeless.
The report also notes that veterans are 50 percent more likely to fall into homelessness, compared to the rest of the population. This ratio is even greater among impoverished and minority veterans.
Additionally, veterans contrast the overall homeless population in the demographics that comprise it. About 96 percent of homeless veterans are single adults and about 4 percent are veterans with families; the general homeless population claims 66 percent of its members as single, non-attached persons. The study also found that 10 percent of veterans in poverty became homeless at some point during the year, compared to just over 5 percent of adults living in poverty.
Outside of conducting studies, the two agencies provide direct support to homeless veterans. Through the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, HUD provides rental assistance for homeless veterans, while VA offers case management and clinical services. Since 2008, a total investment of $225 million has gone toward providing housing and supportive service for approximately 30,000 veterans who would otherwise be homeless.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Seniors' advocates push for home-based help.DMC Dynamic Rotating Banner - Requires JavaScript and Flash 8+
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Norwich ApartmentsNorwich AttorneysNorwich Auto DealersNorwich Auto PartsNorwich Auto RepairNorwich Beauty SalonsNorwich Car RentalNorwich DentistsNorwich DoctorsNorwich FlowersNorwich HotelsNorwich InsuranceNorwich LoansNorwich MortgagesNorwich MoversNorwich PizzaNorwich RealtorsNorwich RestaurantsNorwich StorageNorwich Tax PreparationNorwich Travel. By STEPHANIE REITZ
The Associated Press
Posted Feb 26, 2011 @ 09:41 PM
HARTFORD, Conn. — In decades of working with senior citizens, Marie Allen has never met any who told her they wanted to grow old in a nursing home or other institutional setting.
But their wish, to age at home with the right medical and social support programs, can depend heavily on whether Connecticut changes how it allocates its Medicaid payments for many of those long-term care services.
A legislative committee, seniors' groups and their advocates are hoping Connecticut starts serious work this year toward shifting more Medicaid dollars to community-based programs and away from traditional nursing facilities.
The home-based programs usually cost less than nursing homes, which officials say could help Connecticut slow its Medicaid spending. Seniors' advocates say it also gives aging and disabled residents what they want: independence for as long as possible.
"In all of the counseling I've done in 20 years, that is the number one question: 'How do I remain home?'" said Allen, executive director of the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging and Independent Living.
The Connecticut General Assembly's Aging Committee is considering a bill to set up a study group to help promote what's known as "aging in place." Allen was among several people who testified last week on the bill, which would require the full General Assembly's approval to go into effect.
If created, the study group would examine everything from rebalancing the Medicaid spending priorities to quality of life issues like better transportation options for non-drivers, more oversight of home care workers and ensuring elderly and disabled people living at home have access to healthy, fresh foods.
The goal: to suggest ways to change policies, improve programs and reallocate spending to make "aging in place" become the norm for those who are able to remain in their homes and do not want to live in nursing facilities.
"Th is is, I think, the new wave of the future in how we treat our elderly," said Connecticut state Rep. Joseph Serra, a Democrat from Middletown who is co-chairman of the legislature's aging committee. "There's potential for tremendous savings for the state of Connecticut in how services are provided, and the bottom line is that seniors want to stay in their home or apartment as long as possible.
"How we treat our seniors is a testimony to who we are as a people," Serra said.
Officials say that while there will always be a need for nursing homes and other kinds of congregate living for people who need more supervision and intensive care, many people who could stay home with proper help are ending up in nursing homes simply because that's what Medicaid pays for.
Connecticut spends 35 percent of its Medicaid money on community-based programs, close to the national average for the states. The rest goes for nursing home care and similar institutional-style living.< /P>
About a dozen states spend more than 50 percent of their Medicaid money on programs to help people age at home. Oregon, Washington and New Mexico spend the largest percentage - about three of every four dollars - on community-based programs to promote aging in place.
A survey released this week by the Connecticut chapter of the AARP shows four of every five people polled supported the idea of shifting more money to community-based services and away from traditional nursing home care.
The respondents, who were all 50 and older, also overwhelmingly said growing old in their own homes was extremely or very important to them.
The Center on Aging at the University of Connecticut said about 188,000 state residents needed long-term care as of 2008, the most recent figures immediately available. That was expected to reach at least 240,000 by 2030 as baby boomers age.
Many of the people surveyed for UConn's report said that as they age at home, they expec t to need help in everything from personal care to transportation, lawn maintenance, snow removal and handyman services.
Yet most also said they expect to have very little or no money to pay for it - and they wrongly assume Medicare, private insurance and Medicaid cover far more for at-home help than they actually do.
Yellow Pages
Find whatever you're looking for
with Totally Local Yellow Pages
Search provided by local.com
Featured Business »
Norwich ApartmentsNorwich AttorneysNorwich Auto DealersNorwich Auto PartsNorwich Auto RepairNorwich Beauty SalonsNorwich Car RentalNorwich DentistsNorwich DoctorsNorwich FlowersNorwich HotelsNorwich InsuranceNorwich LoansNorwich MortgagesNorwich MoversNorwich PizzaNorwich RealtorsNorwich RestaurantsNorwich StorageNorwich Tax PreparationNorwich Travel. By STEPHANIE REITZ
The Associated Press
Posted Feb 26, 2011 @ 09:41 PM
HARTFORD, Conn. — In decades of working with senior citizens, Marie Allen has never met any who told her they wanted to grow old in a nursing home or other institutional setting.
But their wish, to age at home with the right medical and social support programs, can depend heavily on whether Connecticut changes how it allocates its Medicaid payments for many of those long-term care services.
A legislative committee, seniors' groups and their advocates are hoping Connecticut starts serious work this year toward shifting more Medicaid dollars to community-based programs and away from traditional nursing facilities.
The home-based programs usually cost less than nursing homes, which officials say could help Connecticut slow its Medicaid spending. Seniors' advocates say it also gives aging and disabled residents what they want: independence for as long as possible.
"In all of the counseling I've done in 20 years, that is the number one question: 'How do I remain home?'" said Allen, executive director of the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging and Independent Living.
The Connecticut General Assembly's Aging Committee is considering a bill to set up a study group to help promote what's known as "aging in place." Allen was among several people who testified last week on the bill, which would require the full General Assembly's approval to go into effect.
If created, the study group would examine everything from rebalancing the Medicaid spending priorities to quality of life issues like better transportation options for non-drivers, more oversight of home care workers and ensuring elderly and disabled people living at home have access to healthy, fresh foods.
The goal: to suggest ways to change policies, improve programs and reallocate spending to make "aging in place" become the norm for those who are able to remain in their homes and do not want to live in nursing facilities.
"Th is is, I think, the new wave of the future in how we treat our elderly," said Connecticut state Rep. Joseph Serra, a Democrat from Middletown who is co-chairman of the legislature's aging committee. "There's potential for tremendous savings for the state of Connecticut in how services are provided, and the bottom line is that seniors want to stay in their home or apartment as long as possible.
"How we treat our seniors is a testimony to who we are as a people," Serra said.
Officials say that while there will always be a need for nursing homes and other kinds of congregate living for people who need more supervision and intensive care, many people who could stay home with proper help are ending up in nursing homes simply because that's what Medicaid pays for.
Connecticut spends 35 percent of its Medicaid money on community-based programs, close to the national average for the states. The rest goes for nursing home care and similar institutional-style living.< /P>
About a dozen states spend more than 50 percent of their Medicaid money on programs to help people age at home. Oregon, Washington and New Mexico spend the largest percentage - about three of every four dollars - on community-based programs to promote aging in place.
A survey released this week by the Connecticut chapter of the AARP shows four of every five people polled supported the idea of shifting more money to community-based services and away from traditional nursing home care.
The respondents, who were all 50 and older, also overwhelmingly said growing old in their own homes was extremely or very important to them.
The Center on Aging at the University of Connecticut said about 188,000 state residents needed long-term care as of 2008, the most recent figures immediately available. That was expected to reach at least 240,000 by 2030 as baby boomers age.
Many of the people surveyed for UConn's report said that as they age at home, they expec t to need help in everything from personal care to transportation, lawn maintenance, snow removal and handyman services.
Yet most also said they expect to have very little or no money to pay for it - and they wrongly assume Medicare, private insurance and Medicaid cover far more for at-home help than they actually do.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Shifting Medicaid Money to home care
HARTFORD, Conn. — In decades of working with senior citizens, Marie Allen has never met any who told her they wanted to grow old in a nursing home or other institutional setting.
But their wish, to age at home with the right medical and social support programs, can depend heavily on whether Connecticut changes how it allocates its Medicaid payments for many of those long-term care services.
A legislative committee, seniors' groups and their advocates are hoping Connecticut starts serious work this year toward shifting more Medicaid dollars to community-based programs and away from traditional nursing facilities.
The home-based programs usually cost less than nursing homes, which officials say could help Connecticut slow its Medicaid spending. Seniors' advocates say it also gives aging and disabled residents what they want: independence for as long as possible.
"In all of the counseling I've done in 20 years, that is the number one question: 'How do I remain home?'" said Allen, executive director of the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging and Independent Living.
The Connecticut General Assembly's Aging Committee is considering a bill to set up a study group to help promote what's known as "aging in place." Allen was among several people who testified last week on the bill, which would require the full General Assembly's approval to go into effect.
If created, the study group would examine everything from rebalancing the Medicaid spending priorities to quality of life issues like better transportation options for non-drivers, more oversight of home care workers and ensuring elderly and disabled people living at home have access to healthy, fresh foods.
The goal: to suggest ways to change policies, improve programs and reallocate spending to make "aging in place" become the norm for those who are able to remain in their homes and do not want to live in nursing facilities.
"Th is is, I think, the new wave of the future in how we treat our elderly," said Connecticut state Rep. Joseph Serra, a Democrat from Middletown who is co-chairman of the legislature's aging committee. "There's potential for tremendous savings for the state of Connecticut in how services are provided, and the bottom line is that seniors want to stay in their home or apartment as long as possible.
"How we treat our seniors is a testimony to who we are as a people," Serra said.
Officials say that while there will always be a need for nursing homes and other kinds of congregate living for people who need more supervision and intensive care, many people who could stay home with proper help are ending up in nursing homes simply because that's what Medicaid pays for.
Connecticut spends 35 percent of its Medicaid money on community-based programs, close to the national average for the states. The rest goes for nursing home care and similar institutional-style living.< /P>
About a dozen states spend more than 50 percent of their Medicaid money on programs to help people age at home. Oregon, Washington and New Mexico spend the largest percentage - about three of every four dollars - on community-based programs to promote aging in place.
A survey released this week by the Connecticut chapter of the AARP shows four of every five people polled supported the idea of shifting more money to community-based services and away from traditional nursing home care.
The respondents, who were all 50 and older, also overwhelmingly said growing old in their own homes was extremely or very important to them.
The Center on Aging at the University of Connecticut said about 188,000 state residents needed long-term care as of 2008, the most recent figures immediately available. That was expected to reach at least 240,000 by 2030 as baby boomers age.
Many of the people surveyed for UConn's report said that as they age at home, they expec t to need help in everything from personal care to transportation, lawn maintenance, snow removal and handyman services.
Yet most also said they expect to have very little or no money to pay for it - and they wrongly assume Medicare, private insurance and Medicaid cover far more for at-home help than they actually do.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed
Read more: Seniors' advocates push for home-based help - Norwich, CT - Norwich Bulletin http://www.norwichbulletin.com/archive/x742404268/Seniors-advocates-push-for-home-based-help#ixzz1FDFvleX0
But their wish, to age at home with the right medical and social support programs, can depend heavily on whether Connecticut changes how it allocates its Medicaid payments for many of those long-term care services.
A legislative committee, seniors' groups and their advocates are hoping Connecticut starts serious work this year toward shifting more Medicaid dollars to community-based programs and away from traditional nursing facilities.
The home-based programs usually cost less than nursing homes, which officials say could help Connecticut slow its Medicaid spending. Seniors' advocates say it also gives aging and disabled residents what they want: independence for as long as possible.
"In all of the counseling I've done in 20 years, that is the number one question: 'How do I remain home?'" said Allen, executive director of the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging and Independent Living.
The Connecticut General Assembly's Aging Committee is considering a bill to set up a study group to help promote what's known as "aging in place." Allen was among several people who testified last week on the bill, which would require the full General Assembly's approval to go into effect.
If created, the study group would examine everything from rebalancing the Medicaid spending priorities to quality of life issues like better transportation options for non-drivers, more oversight of home care workers and ensuring elderly and disabled people living at home have access to healthy, fresh foods.
The goal: to suggest ways to change policies, improve programs and reallocate spending to make "aging in place" become the norm for those who are able to remain in their homes and do not want to live in nursing facilities.
"Th is is, I think, the new wave of the future in how we treat our elderly," said Connecticut state Rep. Joseph Serra, a Democrat from Middletown who is co-chairman of the legislature's aging committee. "There's potential for tremendous savings for the state of Connecticut in how services are provided, and the bottom line is that seniors want to stay in their home or apartment as long as possible.
"How we treat our seniors is a testimony to who we are as a people," Serra said.
Officials say that while there will always be a need for nursing homes and other kinds of congregate living for people who need more supervision and intensive care, many people who could stay home with proper help are ending up in nursing homes simply because that's what Medicaid pays for.
Connecticut spends 35 percent of its Medicaid money on community-based programs, close to the national average for the states. The rest goes for nursing home care and similar institutional-style living.< /P>
About a dozen states spend more than 50 percent of their Medicaid money on programs to help people age at home. Oregon, Washington and New Mexico spend the largest percentage - about three of every four dollars - on community-based programs to promote aging in place.
A survey released this week by the Connecticut chapter of the AARP shows four of every five people polled supported the idea of shifting more money to community-based services and away from traditional nursing home care.
The respondents, who were all 50 and older, also overwhelmingly said growing old in their own homes was extremely or very important to them.
The Center on Aging at the University of Connecticut said about 188,000 state residents needed long-term care as of 2008, the most recent figures immediately available. That was expected to reach at least 240,000 by 2030 as baby boomers age.
Many of the people surveyed for UConn's report said that as they age at home, they expec t to need help in everything from personal care to transportation, lawn maintenance, snow removal and handyman services.
Yet most also said they expect to have very little or no money to pay for it - and they wrongly assume Medicare, private insurance and Medicaid cover far more for at-home help than they actually do.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed
Read more: Seniors' advocates push for home-based help - Norwich, CT - Norwich Bulletin http://www.norwichbulletin.com/archive/x742404268/Seniors-advocates-push-for-home-based-help#ixzz1FDFvleX0
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