Make Time For Yourself Alzheimer's Caregivers

Make Time For Yourself

Alzheimer's Caregivers

By Robin Westen - Posted March 28, 2011 1:27 AM

The latest report of Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures confirms the heavy toll the disease is taking on the 15 million family members and friends who are the unpaid caregivers of those who suffer with the illness. The report also states that the majority of those who look after Alzheimer’s patients are women fifty-five years or older.

These caregivers total over 17 billion hours of assistance; the study estimates if they were being paid, the bill for the care they offer would be over $200 billion.

Not surprisingly, often the act of caring for a sick family member or friend takes precedence over the caregiver’s own health. More than three out of every five caregivers reports high to very high mental and/or physical stress. Sixty-five percent are classified as overweight or obese.

How can caregivers protect their own health? Experts recommend that you take ten minute mini-workouts throughout the day. Regular exercise not only keeps you fit, it releases endorphins that keep you happy. Ten minute sessions sprinkled over the course of the day are easier to block out than an hour away. Check out videos, websites and television shows that offer routines.

Eat a healthy diet. Try to stay away from fast-cooking processed foods and sugary treats. Instead eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Audits are 'overly aggressive,' says staffer for Finance Committee

Reporter's notebook

Audits are 'overly aggressive,' says staffer for Finance Committee

By Theresa Flaherty Managing Editor - 03.24.2011

WASHINGTON - Although HR 1041, the new bill to repeal competitive bidding, stole the spotlight at AAHomecare's Legislative Conference last week, other industry concerns were not forgotten. Here are a few key points to keep in mind when talking to lawmakers, either on Capitol Hill or back in their home districts: Audits run amok Audits are getting to be a "hot button" issue with Congress, Walt Gorski, vice president of government affairs for AAHomecare, told conference attendees. But it's not enough to say, "Don't audit us." Focus on the unintended consequences of those audits, he said. "What are we putting providers and beneficiaries through because of this?" said Gorski. "It's wasting taxpayer dollars. What is the return on investment?" The current audit process is both expensive and abusive, agreed speaker Dan Todd, a staffer to the Senate Finance Committee. "This is an overly aggressive government process that is in some cases getting in the way of providing for these patients," he said. Fraud and abuse? Absolutely not! It's all too easy for the government to point to the HME industry and cry fraud, and that's just plain wrong, Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., told attendees. "Allegations of fraud are destructive to the relationships of providers and patients," he said. "They think every single person in the chain of caring for the patients (is in it for the money). If you get comments from the Feds that make you feel like a criminal, we want to hear about it." Don't let lawmakers mistake the competitive bidding program for an anti-fraud tool, either, said Jay Witter, senior director of government affairs for AAHomecare. It's not. "Fraud is a completely different issue," he said. "Medicare fraud is done by criminals who don't care how much the equipment costs--they aren't providing it." Make it personal Above all, keep reminding lawmakers what it is you do, said provider Joel Marx, president of Cleveland-based Medical Service Co. and AAHomecare chairman. "We're the good guys," he said. "All we need to do is take care of patients. If you keep remembering why you do this, everything else is going to fall into place."

Repeal Bill Is Out of the Gate with 20 Cosponsors

The bipartisan House bill to repeal "competitive" bidding, H.R. 1041, gained a quick 20 cosponsors last week as a result of concerns expressed by providers and patients at the 2011 AAHomecare Washington Legislative Conference. The legislation was introduced by Congressmen Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) (pictured at right) and Jason Altmire (D-Pa.). The House members who have cosponsored so far represent a near-perfect balance of Republicans and Democrats, revealing the broad support for repealing the misguided and poorly designed bidding program. Urge your member of Congress to co-sponsor today!

Thursday, January 20, 2011 AAHomecare Asks Obama to Review “Patchwork” of Ineffective HME Regulations

Yesterday, the American Association for Homecare asked President Obama to review “onerous and outdated regulations that hamper job creation and threaten access to quality home medical equipment (HME) and services under the Medicare program.” AAHomecare sent Obama a letter in response to the President’s January 18 executive order, “Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,” which solicits examples of problematic regulations. View the executive order here.

The Association asked specifically that the President examine “policies related to competitive bidding for durable medical equipment, respiratory therapy…, power mobility devices, diabetes testing equipment and supplies, Medicare audits and anti-fraud and abuse initiatives.”

The full text of the letter follows.

The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I am writing on behalf of the American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) to express our keen interest in working with your Administration to review onerous and outdated regulations that hamper job creation and threaten access to quality home medical equipment (HME) and services under the Medicare program. We believe that in complying with your Executive Order, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, we should take a holistic approach to the Medicare HME benefit and specifically look at issues such as policies related to competitive bidding for durable medical equipment, respiratory therapy (including home oxygen and sleep devices), power mobility devices, diabetes testing equipment and supplies, Medicare audits and anti-fraud and abuse initiatives.

AAHomecare is the only national trade association representing every line of medical equipment and services within the homecare community. The Association represents health care providers and manufacturers who serve the medical needs of millions of Americans who require durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) such as home oxygen therapy, mobility assistive technologies, diabetes therapy and other supplies, sleep therapy technologies, inhalation drug therapy, home infusion, and other home medical equipment, therapies, services, and supplies in their homes. Our membership reflects a cross-section of the homecare community, including national, regional and local providers.

The Association believes that there are a number of regulations that relate to the HME sector that need close scrutiny. These regulations, created over a 25-year period, have created a patchwork of rules that could be better designed to improve the quality of care furnished by HME providers with the goal of caring for individuals in their homes rather than in more costly institutional settings like nursing homes and hospitals.

AAHomecare looks forward to working with you and your Administration to address ineffective and outdated rules and the hassle factor these regulations create on HME providers that inhibit job growth and quality of care. The Association will provide you with more detailed comments in the near future and I am available to meet with you or your staff to discuss these concerns further.

If you have questions about the Association’s concerns, please contact Jay Witter at (703) 535-1884 or jayw@aahomecare.org.

Sincerely,

Tyler J. Wilson
President

The Legend of St Patrick Celebrated on 17th March

Patrick was born in Britain in the year 387. His real name is Maewyn Succat. The name St. Patrick was given to him later in life by Pope Celestine. His parents, Calphurnius and Conchessa belonged to a high ranking Roman family. St. Patrick recorded most of the history of his life and his spiritual writings in the "Confessio" (Confession). St. Patrick also wrote letters to Coroticus. In this letter, he criticized a raid on Ireland conducted by Coroticus, a British chieftain. Several of Patrick's converts were killed during the raid. The letter also shows St.Patrick's resentment of the scornful attitude of British clergymen and nobility toward the Irish. When he was 16, he was captured by pagan Irish raiders and sold into slavery to a chieftain named Meliuc in Antrim , Ireland. He spent his teen years and time alone as a shepard to tend to his master's sheep. During this time, his spirituality awakened and his belief in God became strong. He would pray many times in a day. After 6 years being in slavery, he had a dream that he would find a ship to take him to freedom. He escaped to follow his dream. He had to travel about 200 miles before he found a ship ready to set sail. He managed to return to his family and home. Although Patrick was born a British, he considered himself an Irish because it was in Ireland that he discovered God. He had another vision. This vision would take him back to Ireland to preach the Gospel later. After his escape, he visited the St. Martin's monastry at Tours. He also visited the island sanctuary of Lerins. He placed himself under the guidance of a bishop named, St. Germain (Germanus). Patrick was promoted to priesthood later. He stayed in Britain for eighteen years. During those years, he was still haunted by memories of Ireland and would often speak of his experiences in Ireland with St. Germain. The Bishop, St. Germain recommended Patrick to the pope. Patrick requested to be sent to Ireland but was denied. Palladius was chosen instead. When Palladius died, Patrick was chosen to be sent to Ireland. He was called to Rome and made a Bishop by Pope Celestine in 432 before he went on his mission to Ireland. It was during that occasion that the name "Patercius" or "Patritius" was given to him. The name comes from two Latin words, "pater civium" meaning "the father of his people". He suffered many trials as a missionary in Ireland. St. Patrick was imprisoned by the Druids but managed to escape. There are also many legends which talks about the miracles and magical fights between him and the Druids. One of which is when he was confronted by a chieftain named Dichu. Dichu drew his sword to kill Patrick but could not do so because his arm became rigid until he declared himself obedient to St. Patrick. Dichu was overwhelmed by the miracle that he made a gift of a large sabhall (barn). This was the first sanctuary dedicated by St. Patrick. Another legend St. Patrick is most known for is driving the snakes from Ireland. Some tales tell that he stood on a hill and used a wooden staff to drive the snakes into the sea and banished them forever from Ireland. Another legend says that the snake resisted. St. Patrick then tricked it into entering a small box and cast it into the sea. It is true that Ireland has no snakes. However, he managed to win favor with the local kings later. He spent the next 28 years traveling across the countryside to spread the word of God. He could do this easily as he was fluent with the Celtic language. He succeeded in converting almost the entire population of the island. Legend has it that St. Patrick would use the shamrock to explain the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The word "shamrock" comes from the Gaelic word "seamrog" (In irish, it means "summer plant") meaning "trefoil" (three leafed) or "little clover". In Arabia, it is called shamrakh. It was a sacred emblem in Iran and to the Persian triads. It is also a sacred plant among the Druids. Shamrock is the national flower of Ireland. Many Irish people wear a shamrock on St. Patrick's Day. It is not the Irish national emblem. The harp has that honor. This explains the color green and shamrocks on St. Patrick's Day. Today, if you do not wear green on St. Patrick's Day, you will get pinched !! St. Patrick died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, on the 17 March, 461 A.D at the age of 76. He is believed to be buried in Downpatrick, County Down. This is why we celebrate St. Patrick's Day on the seventeenth of March. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. The first St. Patrick's Day celebration in the United States was held in Boston in 1737. The largest St. Patrick's Day parade is in New York City.

The Legend of St. Patrick

The Legend of St Patrick Celebrated on 17th March

Patrick was born in Britain in the year 387. His real name is Maewyn Succat. The name St. Patrick was given to him later in life by Pope Celestine. His parents, Calphurnius and Conchessa belonged to a high ranking Roman family. St. Patrick recorded most of the history of his life and his spiritual writings in the "Confessio" (Confession). St. Patrick also wrote letters to Coroticus. In this letter, he criticized a raid on Ireland conducted by Coroticus, a British chieftain. Several of Patrick's converts were killed during the raid. The letter also shows St.Patrick's resentment of the scornful attitude of British clergymen and nobility toward the Irish. When he was 16, he was captured by pagan Irish raiders and sold into slavery to a chieftain named Meliuc in Antrim , Ireland. He spent his teen years and time alone as a shepard to tend to his master's sheep. During this time, his spirituality awakened and his belief in God became strong. He would pray many times in a day. After 6 years being in slavery, he had a dream that he would find a ship to take him to freedom. He escaped to follow his dream. He had to travel about 200 miles before he found a ship ready to set sail. He managed to return to his family and home. Although Patrick was born a British, he considered himself an Irish because it was in Ireland that he discovered God. He had another vision. This vision would take him back to Ireland to preach the Gospel later. After his escape, he visited the St. Martin's monastry at Tours. He also visited the island sanctuary of Lerins. He placed himself under the guidance of a bishop named, St. Germain (Germanus). Patrick was promoted to priesthood later. He stayed in Britain for eighteen years. During those years, he was still haunted by memories of Ireland and would often speak of his experiences in Ireland with St. Germain. The Bishop, St. Germain recommended Patrick to the pope. Patrick requested to be sent to Ireland but was denied. Palladius was chosen instead. When Palladius died, Patrick was chosen to be sent to Ireland. He was called to Rome and made a Bishop by Pope Celestine in 432 before he went on his mission to Ireland. It was during that occasion that the name "Patercius" or "Patritius" was given to him. The name comes from two Latin words, "pater civium" meaning "the father of his people". He suffered many trials as a missionary in Ireland. St. Patrick was imprisoned by the Druids but managed to escape. There are also many legends which talks about the miracles and magical fights between him and the Druids. One of which is when he was confronted by a chieftain named Dichu. Dichu drew his sword to kill Patrick but could not do so because his arm became rigid until he declared himself obedient to St. Patrick. Dichu was overwhelmed by the miracle that he made a gift of a large sabhall (barn). This was the first sanctuary dedicated by St. Patrick. Another legend St. Patrick is most known for is driving the snakes from Ireland. Some tales tell that he stood on a hill and used a wooden staff to drive the snakes into the sea and banished them forever from Ireland. Another legend says that the snake resisted. St. Patrick then tricked it into entering a small box and cast it into the sea. It is true that Ireland has no snakes. However, he managed to win favor with the local kings later. He spent the next 28 years traveling across the countryside to spread the word of God. He could do this easily as he was fluent with the Celtic language. He succeeded in converting almost the entire population of the island. Legend has it that St. Patrick would use the shamrock to explain the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The word "shamrock" comes from the Gaelic word "seamrog" (In irish, it means "summer plant") meaning "trefoil" (three leafed) or "little clover". In Arabia, it is called shamrakh. It was a sacred emblem in Iran and to the Persian triads. It is also a sacred plant among the Druids. Shamrock is the national flower of Ireland. Many Irish people wear a shamrock on St. Patrick's Day. It is not the Irish national emblem. The harp has that honor. This explains the color green and shamrocks on St. Patrick's Day. Today, if you do not wear green on St. Patrick's Day, you will get pinched !! St. Patrick died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, on the 17 March, 461 A.D at the age of 76. He is believed to be buried in Downpatrick, County Down. This is why we celebrate St. Patrick's Day on the seventeenth of March. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. The first St. Patrick's Day celebration in the United States was held in Boston in 1737. The largest St. Patrick's Day parade is in New York City.

Home Medical Equipment Group Supports Bipartisan Bill to Repeal the Controversial Medicare “Competitive” Bidding Program for Homecare

Home Medical Equipment Group Supports Bipartisan Bill to Repeal the

Controversial Medicare “Competitive” Bidding Program for Homecare

Alpine Attends AAHomecare's Washington Legislative Conference

Jay Broadbent, President of Alpine Home Medical Equipment, and Scott Maughan, COO, are currently on their way to Washington to be a part of AAHomecare's Washington Legislative Conference.

Competitive bidding: A bill for the Hill

By Theresa Flaherty Managing Editor - 03.14.2011

WASHINGTON - When industry stakeholders convene here for AAHomecare's Washington Legislative Conference this week, they will be carrying an important piece of paper with them. On Friday, Pennsylivania Reps. Glenn Thompson, R, and Jason Altmire, D, introduced the Fairness in Medicare Bidding Act. They plan to hold a press conference Tuesday to discuss it. This year's annual event is expected to draw more than 250 providers to the Westin Washington. A previous bill to repeal the program, H.R. 3790, was supported by more than 250 representatives, a number AAHomecare would like surpass this time around. One thing is certain: With competitive bidding in effect in the first 10 competitive bidding areas, providers will have some real-life examples of problems created by the program. That's important, because CMS has been doing a "great job" with its PR, said Cara Bachenheimer. "They are saying everything is great," said Bachenheimer, senior vice president of government affairs for Invacare. "We need to make sure that every office on the Hill hears the real side of the story." With more than 60 freshman lawmakers, providers will have their work cut out for them getting everybody up to speed, but a March 2 briefing on the program that drew a standing room only crowd of Congressional staffers showed there is significant ongoing interest in the program, said Bachenheimer. "It's a very controversial program," she said. "They've got to do something, and the first thing to do is get rid of competitive bidding." On April 1, economist Peter Cramton plans to hold a "mock auction" to demonstrate how a well-designed auction could work, but Walt Gorski, vice president of government relations for AAHomecare, says only a full repeal of the program is acceptable. "We hate competitive bidding," he said. "It will not work for health care." For providers who can't make the trek to Washington this week, NAIMES will hold a "Virtual Fly-In" on Thursday in an effort to generate several thousand calls and e-mails to lawmakers. For more information: www.dmehelp.org.

Provider Speaks Out against Bid Program in Birmingham News

For Medicare patients in the Birmingham, Alabama area, the program means the elimination of approximately 90 percent of their choice in local providers, wrote Larry Snyder, branch manager for St. Vincent's Home Medical Services in Birmingham. His letter to the editor explained that the new Medicare competitive bidding program will cost Birmingham residents jobs and threaten small businesses, which make up 85 percent of home medical equipment companies.

"Contracting creates the likelihood that patients will be required to seek essential products and services from multiple providers; overwhelmed providers will be unable to deliver services at the levels beneficiaries have grown accustomed to. The program threatens access to quality care for those who rely on medically necessary equipment to keep them in the comfort of their home. Competitive bidding will lead to more hospital stays and emergency-room visits, costing Medicare more than what it claims to save with this program."

Read more of Snyder's letter to the editor by clicking here.

Maintaining Health After Retirement

By Robin Westen - Posted March 8, 2011 9:21 PM

Not long ago, doctors and other authorities warned that retirement would bring on ill health, depression and even early death. But luckily, the experts have taken a new look at the data and predicted that for most people retirement can be pleasant and rewarding.

For example, Dr. Valery A. Portnoi, a specialist in geriatric medicine at George Washing University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., cites a study of 9,000 retirees that contradicts the common belief that retirement creates stress leading to early death. He also notes a study of 257 retired persons that showed that 37 percent underwent no change in health after retirement, while the health of a whopping 40 percent actually improved.

How did the idea that retirement leads to poor health get started? Portnoi thinks that some experts fail to take into account the fact that many people who die shortly after retirement are in poor health when they retire. But if an individual’s health is good to begin with, it appears most people can look forward to retirement without fear.

All authorities now agree that there's one key way to a happy retirement: preparation. You should start planning for retirement at least ten years in advance; if possible, perhaps even as early as age fifty.

Here are some more tips for a fulfilling retirement:

What makes you happy? Is it taking up tennis? Going to an ashram in India? Biking in France or writing your life story? This is not a bucket list – this is living to the fullest!

Think of things you can do on an ongoing basis, beginning now, from developing a hobby that really engrosses you to, perhaps, training for a new career.

Keep your mind active and stimulated. Use it or lose it is true when it comes to the brain. Do the daily crossword puzzle, join a book group or take a continuing education course. Learn a new language. Check with your local colleges to see if they offer adult-education classes. Or take a course online.

Lend a helping hand. Studies show volunteering is a source of deep inner bliss. From volunteering in an after-school program, working at the library or a museum, to being a hospital helper, there are hundreds of opportunities. Choose something that sparks your interest and warms your heart.

Make new friends (and keep the old). The strength of a social network is a strong indicator of post-retirement happiness. Join community or religious groups and keep up your connection with long-time friends, neighbors and relatives.

Robin Westen is ThirdAge’s medical reporter. Check for her daily updates. She is the author of “The Big Book of Personality Quizzes for Women.”

Victim of Elder Abuse

Mickey Rooney: I Was a Victim of Elder Abuse

By Stephanie Sajor - Posted March 3, 2011 4:14 PM

Mickey Rooney and wife Jan arrive for the 80th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California on February 24, 2008.
Source: UPI Photo/Phil McCarten

Mickey Rooney is an entertainment legend, whose career spans nearly his entire lifetime. He catapulted to superstardom in the late 1980s, and since then has been the recipient of an honorary Oscar, a Golden Globe, and an Emmy Award.

Despite his prestige in Hollywood, Rooney revealed in a heartbreaking testimony on Wednesday, March 2nd, that he was a victim of elder abuse, proving that no matter who you are, elder abuse can still happen to you.

The devastating reality is that elder abuse is a problem in the United States, where every year, as many as 2 million Americans 65 and older are mistreated, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse.

“When it happens, you feel scared, disappointed, yes, and angry,” Rooney said during a testimony before the Senate Special Committee on Aging. “And you can’t believe that it’s happening to you. You feel overwhelmed.”

Rooney appeared at the hearing, entitled “Justice for All: Ending Elder Abuse, Neglect and Financial Exploitation,” to urge the Senate to push forward a law that will protect the elderly by making elder abuse a crime.

The committee chairman Senator Herb Kohl introduced the “Elder Abuse Victims Act,” legislation that establishes the Office of Elder Justice within the Department of Justice. The bill will empower law enforcement to fight against elder abuse.

“For years I suffered silently, I didn’t want to tell anybody. I couldn’t muster the courage,” Rooney said, emotional. “Even when I tried to speak up, I was told to shut up and be quiet […] It seemed that no one, no one wanted to believe me.”

Last month, Rooney was granted a temporary restraining order against his stepson, Christopher Aber, 52, the son of Rooney’s eighth wife Jan Chamberlin who he has been married to since 1978.

The actor alleged that Aber was verbally abusive towards him. According to court documents, Aber “threatens, intimidates, bullies and harasses” Rooney, who had become “a prisoner in his home.”

Aber also took away Rooney’s medication, food, passport and other forms of identification, as well as forcing him to sign financial documents without reading them and make personal appearances.

“And if it can happen to me, God-willing it and un-willing it, it can happen to anyone. I know what I’m talking about. And I’m not speaking just for myself or what I hope to be and what I was, what was taken from me,” Rooney continued.

“I’m asking you to stop this elderly abuse. I mean to stop it! Now! Not tomorrow, not next month, but now.”

The entire hearing can be seen at the Senate Special Committee on Aging website.

Watch segments of Rooney’s testimony in this video from CNN: