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Medicare Rights Center (MRC) is the largest independent source of Medicare
information and assistance in the United States. MRC was founded in 1989,
and helps older adults and people with disabilities access high-quality,
affordable healthcare by:
- Providing a telephone hotline to individuals who need
answers to Medicare questions or helping them secure
coverage and the healthcare they need.
- Teaching both lay and professional people about
Medicare benefits and rights through their education
department.
- Bringing the consumer's voice to the national debate on
Medicare reform through MRC's public policy efforts.
- Working closely with local and national media outlets to
ensure public awareness and understanding of Medicare
issues.
To access MRC's hotline, visit
http://hiicap.state.ny.us/home/link08.htm#telephone
If you would like to learn more, visit www.medicarerights.org
California's groundbreaking paid family leave law went into full
effect on July 2004. Over 13 million California workers - nearly
10% of the U.S. workforce - now can receive income replacement (55%
of wages up to $728 a week) when they take leave to care for a seriously
ill family member or a new baby. Workers simply apply to a state-administered,
employee-funded insurance fund. A minimum wage earner, for example,
pays an estimated $11.23 a year, while the estimated average cost
is $27 per worker per year.
The law, which was introduced by California State Senator Sheila
Kuehl, was backed by a broad coalition of supporters, including
representatives for labor, women, seniors, communities of color,
children, parents, caregivers, the disabled, faith communities,
employers, and many, many others.
While this is a momentous day for Californians, it is also a day
of great promise for working families throughout the country; caregivers
will benefit when this new law proves itself sound, responsible,
and good for both workers and businesses.
To find out more about the law, go to
www.paidfamilyleave.org
To find out what other states of policy initiatives around paid
family and medical leave, see the state round-up at
www.nationalpartnership.org/content.cfm?L1=6
(Source: Alzheimer's Foundation of America) A new survey, commissioned by Novartis and the
Alzheimer's Foundation of America, has found that support groups, educational conferences
and better communication with physicians can lighten the burden for Alzheimer's caregivers.
The online survey found that for those respondents who participated in support groups,
the meetings improved their daily life. However, the vast majority of caregivers felt
overwhelmed by their loved one's condition at times and worried that there would be no
one to care for their family member if it were not for them.
Regarding treatment choices, caregivers said that they
were most interested in the efficacy of medication-more so than potential side effects
and dosages. Yet only half of those surveyed felt that their doctor explained treatments
"very well," and fewer than half believed they were told about all available medications.
For details, go to
http://www.agelessdesign.com/news-alz-July-04-SPECIAL-1.htm
This bill, sponsored by Senators Mikulski (D-MD) and Bond (R-MO) and Rep. Markey (D-MA), and introduced
on June 16, proposes to:
- Double funding for the National Family Caregiver
Support Program from its original appropriation of
$125 million to $250 million
- Double authorization for NIH Alzheimer's research
funding to $1.4 billion
- Increase access to respite care services for caregivers
by providing grants
to non-profit organizations
- Create a $3,000 tax credit for individuals with long-term
care needs or their caregivers
- Make long-term care insurance premiums deductible
for all taxpayers
The Healthy Families Act (S2520/HR4575) was also introduced. This bill, sponsored by
Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), provides full-time employees
with seven paid sick days a year for their own medical needs or to tend to the medical
needs of a child, spouse, or parent. Part-time employees receive a pro-rated share of
paid sick days.
For more information about these bills, go to
http://thomas.loc.gov and enter a bill number or bill title.
Chances are either you, or someone you know, will be faced someday with caring for an elderly
loved one at home-providing that care can be both rewarding and challenging. Family caregivers
must deal with difficult health, emotional, and financial issues, and learn many new skills. To
help family caregivers face these challenges, the American Geriatrics Society Foundation for
Health in Aging has released a large, free online guidebook. The book has chapters on nearly two
dozen physical, emotional and cognitive problems that caregivers might face, from dental problems
to dementia. It also has chapters on other issues such as dealing constructively with healthcare
providers, advance directives, and dying at home. To learn more about this resource, visit
www.healthinaging.org/public_education/eldercare
Recreation therapy is of great importance for both the institutionalized
and homebound elderly. Whether someone is in good health, suffering from
Alzheimer's disease, or very frail, therapeutic recreational activities
can enhance and maintain a sense of psychosocial well-being and prevent
social isolation. In-Home Therapeutic Recreation includes activities such
as exercises or arts & crafts. These activities are performed with the help
of a recreation therapist, certified nursing assistant, home health aide, or
family member/caregiver to promote independence as well as reduce or eliminate
the effects of illness or disability.
Studies have shown that the more active and engaged a person is, the longer he
or she can live. Recreation can also be used as a tool to redirect behaviors
associated with Alzheimer's disease or dementia such as verbal outbursts,
wandering, or physical aggression.
Professionals are now providing therapeutic recreation in the home for those
who are unable to attend a day program. Activity sessions last for one hour,
and the therapist provides all necessary materials. Before sessions begin, an
assessment is conducted to gather demographic and activity preference information.
A care plan is developed including goals and interventions. The fee for this type
of service ranges from $80-$125 per hour.
To learn more visit www.journeyforaday.com
or call (212) 725-6566.
Since 1976, SHARE, a not-for-profit organization, has offered peer-led
support to women with breast or ovarian cancer, their families and friends.
SHARE's model assures that no one need face breast or ovarian cancer alone.
The group has helped women cope with the many difficult medical choices and
emotional issues they confront in managing breast or ovarian cancer. SHARE
began with 12 women and one dedicated doctor. The organization currently
support thousands of women diagnosed with these cancers and welcomes family
members and friends who also need support.
SHARE is offering yoga classes to be held at the Jewish Community Center,
334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th Street, NYC, every THURSDAY in July from 6-7:30 PM.
This class is for women with breast and ovarian cancer. Gentle physical
exercise is combined with quiet music to help relax and increase energy.
Participants are asked to bring a towel. These are ongoing classes. The
instructor will be Roberta Schine, Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor and
SHARE participant.
If you would like further information about SHARE programs visit,
www.sharecancersupport.org
Knowledge is your strongest weapon when it comes to preventing and treating
stroke. Continuum Health Partners is working closely with the American
Stroke Association to increase public knowledge and help defend against
this major cause of death and disability among Americans.
If you, or another person, are experiencing a stroke, you can reduce its
impact by immediately seeking emergency help during the first critical hours
after stroke symptoms appear, and, over time, you can lower the possibility
of having a stroke by controlling key healthcare risk factors.
At Continuum Health Partners, stroke centers and emergency departments
are equipped to provide rapid diagnosis, expert treatment and rehabilitation
for stroke victims. We are available to help you to recognize, reduce, or even
eliminate certain stroke risk factors.
To learn more visit,
www.wehealnewyork.com/services/strokecenter/index.asp
The Continuum Cancer Center's mission is to deliver high-quality, comprehensive medical
care while maintaining the patients' quality of life. The center emphasizes the team
approach to cancer treatment by involving experts in radiation oncology, medical
oncology, and surgical oncology in all aspects of patient care.
Visit their website to find information:
- About Continuum Cancer Centers of New York's
programs, special services, physicians and other
healthcare professionals.
- To help patients understand their diagnosis and
treatment choices.
- To introduce patients to specialized programs that focus
on the best possible outcomes while maintaining
quality of life.
Click the link to watch cancer experts describe state-of-the-art treatments
on topics such as breast cancer, chemotherapy, and pain management.
www.wehealny.org/services/cancer/index.html
According to the June 23/30, 2004, Journal of the American Medical Association , older
women using estrogen-alone hormone therapy could be at a slightly greater risk of
developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), than women who do not use
any menopausal hormone therapy. According to a new report by scientists with the
Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS), estrogen alone did not prevent
cognitive decline in these older women. These findings can be reviewed at
www.alzheimers.org/nianews/nianews66.html
For more information on memory and Alzheimer's disease, go to
www.alzheimers.org the NIA's Alzheimer's
Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center website. The general public may
call the ADEAR Center at (800) 438-4380. General information on health and
aging may be viewed at www.nia.nih.gov
. If you are interested in ordering publications, go to
http://www.niapublications.org or call the NIA Information Center at (800) 222-2225.
Researchers from Columbia University in New York and the University of Nebraska
Medical Center (UNMC) report an encouraging advance in treating Parkinson's and
other degenerative brain diseases, claiming a vaccine prevents the death of brain
cells in mice. But will it work in humans?
Dr. Howard Gendelman, director of UNMC's Center for Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative
Disorders, told the Omaha World-Herald that the discovery "provides new ideas and new
hope for an age-old defense mechanism in the body called inflammation." To read more
about this vaccine go to
www.caregivershome.com/news/
article_2004_6_21_parkinsons_vaccine.htm
The S.2545 was introduced on June 17 by Senators Bill Nelson (FL) and Jay Rockefeller (WV).
This bill would encourage advance care planning for Medicare beneficiaries by covering a
consultation with their physician to discuss issues involved in the preparation of an
advance directive; provide for the portability of advance directives so that one legally
executed in any state would be honored in any other state, except in a case where the
stated wishes of the individual would violate the laws of the state in which it is
presented; and provide the Department of Health and Human Services with funds to
increase public awareness about advance directives.
Last Acts Partnership End-of-Life Care Action Center is urging you to contact your
U.S. Senators to cosponsor this needed legislation. To cosponsor the legislation,
http://capwiz.com/lastactspartnership/issues/alert/?alertid=6041606&type=CO or go to
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=108_cong_bills&docid=f:s2545is.txt.pdf
read the complete bill.
What do nursing homes offer, and what should I look for when choosing one?
The decision to enter a nursing home can be a difficult and often overwhelming
experience. Nowadays nursing homes will only admit people who need help with all
activities of daily living or those who have conditions that require skilled
nursing care on a daily basis. Nursing homes also provide such services as
dietary, therapeutic, personal, social, and recreational assistance, including
meals, laundry, housekeeping, and medical services.
The personal likes and dislikes of your loved one are important when choosing
a nursing home. As with any other service, people are advised to shop around,
and to visit four or five alternative homes. Oftentimes, the best way to begin
is to arrange an appointment to visit the home, especially during meal times,
to get a better sense of the atmosphere. Below is a list of questions for a
family to consider:
- Is the facility clean?
- Is there a permeating odor?
- Is there a permeating odor?
- Are the residents groomed and dressed?
- Are the rooms cheerful or depressing?
- Do individual rooms have residents'
personal possessions?
- Are there bathrooms in the individual bedrooms?
- Does the staff seem to be caring?
- How do they interact with the patients, especially those
with dementia?
- Are there aides in the dayrooms, or are the
patients unattended?
- If you observe a meal, does the food look appetizing?
- Are meal portions reasonable?
- Is there assistance with eating for those who need it?
- Are there musical or other recreational activities going
on during your visit?
- Are activity schedules posted? Can you observe
a program?
- What security measures are in place?
- Is there a special unit or program for dementia
patients?
- Has staff received special training to work with dementia
patients?
- Does the home have volunteers assisting staff?
- How do staff members handle agitated patients?
- Is there sufficient room for pacers to walk?
If your relative has been accepted as medically appropriate, and the facility
has placed him or her on a waiting list, it is up to you to keep in touch with
the admitting staff. Make follow up calls every 10 days.
The United Hospital Fund (UHF) publishes a guide to help you obtain the information
and guidance you need to choose the best and most appropriate nursing home available
in NYC. To read and print this guide, go to
www.uhfnyc.org/usr_doc/Nursing_Home_Guide_(02_04).pdf
You can also call Friends and Relatives of Institutionalized Aged (FRIA), 11 John Street, Suite 601, New York,
NY 10038, Helpline: (212) 732-4455 or visit their website at
www.fria.org
How can I manage to arrange a funeral when experiencing so many emotions?
The sudden or the unexpected death of a loved
one can be devastating to you and your family. Within a few hours after the death,
you will be asked to make a very important decision regarding funeral plans.
Arranging a funeral can be an extremely difficult job to handle. You will have
to take many things into consideration, including burial options
(internment or cremation). You will also need to choose the merchandise and
services for the body, such as the type of material used for the casket as well
as the preparations for the body. Most important, you have to find a funeral home
that meets your loved one's and your own needs. With so much to consider,
planning a funeral can be quite draining, especially during such an emotional
time. It is always best to pre-plan or pre-arrange a funeral if possible.
In pre-planning a funeral, you have the option of either paying for the funeral
services in advance or paying for the services after they are completed.
Depending on the funeral home, you may be allowed to set aside a trust for your
loved one, or you may want to have a bank account or a trustee's fund that states
specifically how the money will be used. This way, your loved one has an
opportunity to select the best services he/she prefers.
Every funeral home should provide customers with a general price list for their
services. The cost of a funeral depends on the services and merchandise selected
as well as the funeral home. Cremation is less expensive than burials. Some might
want to contact a medical school regarding body donation. Below are suggestions to
assist you when making your decision.
- Shop around. Large companies own many funeral
homes. Check out prices and
compare them at
different locations.
- Take another family member or friend (who may be
less involved and more able to ask questions) when
making final arrangements.
- Coffins are the most expensive item. Try to
purchase the coffin separately; the funeral home is
required to allow you to bring it in.
- If you pre-pay, make sure the funds are held in a
funeral trust account.
- Check out local memorial societies, sometimes
consumers can access help from these societies.
There are non-profit organizations whose volunteers can help you find reputable funeral directors in your area.
Look for a society near you on the internet or in the telephone directory.
Resources:
The New York State Department of Health has an excellent list of answers to frequently asked questions, at
www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/consumer/patient/funeral.htm
Better Business Bureau can also provide a helpful list of federal, state, and city requirements:
www.newyork.bbb.org/library/publications/subrep43.html
For veterans, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs:
245 West Houston Street, New York, NY 10014, (800) 827-1000,
(212) 807-4024 or visit their website at
www.va.gov
Have a question? Have caregiver news? Please contact
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