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