New stuff is happening in the health care, senior services and disability/independence policy world. Here are some recent happenings: President Obama has reauthorized the Children's Health Insurance Program, expanding access to health care to an additional 4 million children. http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=138 "Mind-Body Medicine Practices in Complementary and Alternative Medicine" has been added to Research Results for the Pub... Read Full Story
Today I'm writing about something I mentioned in another POST--that information on the internet about long-term care and home and community-based services tends to be unavailable, overly technical, or geared toward financial risk planning tools for spouses and children. A fairly new example of this is LIFE FOUNDATION's Website at http://www.lifehappens.org/ Although I didn't read every word, it is a lively and inviting website with real-life stories and calculators to assess a... Read Full Story
On a recent vacation in Palm Springs, CA I had the pleasure of meeting with some delightful people involved with a Senior Center that welcoms gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (GLBT) folks. Being forever naive to life's twists and turns, I presumed incorrectly that aging and disability invoked somewhat universal issues across the board. I neglected to recognize that as people age and are disabled, there is still stereo-typing and ignorance to deal with in addition to seeking the sup... Read Full Story
I'm in Palm Springs as I write this post. One of my theories about those of us who survived the psychedelic 60s to reach our chronological 60s is that we definitely are going to put a new face on aging and with that, a new face on getting help when we need it...That is once we admit we need help. Palm Springs, being the mecca for snowbirds, golfers and the evening martini set, offers some unique examples of making what used to be hospital hardware into boutique items. For example, there ... Read Full Story
Ok, my last post left even me frustrated with its lack of specificity and helpful tips about planning services and supports at home. Today I reflect back on a visit I made with other state bureaucrats to some folks who were receiving services at home chosing independent living over living in a care facility. The folks we spoke to had spinal injuries, gun shot wounds, or other conditions which resulted in limited or no uses of arms and/or legs. I remember talking with a married couple who we... Read Full Story
In 1986 I made a career change (life happens!) from education to community organization and specifically, senior services. I wandered unaware into the world of long-term care facilities and supportive community services for seniors; meal programs, senior companions, etc. It wasn't long until I began asking all the questions that families ask when they are thrust into the long-term care services; how can I (or my loved one) stay at home and get services? what happened that send a person... Read Full Story
If there's one bit of information I'd pass along to seniors and people living with disabilities is ALWAYS ALWAYS ask for a doctor's order for home health services!!! when leaving the hospital. That at least opens the discussion. If you haven't seen the doctor, have the nurse put a note in your chart (or your loved one's chart) DO NOT DISCHARGE WITHOUT MD ORDER FOR HOME HEALTH AGENCY SERVICES. Whether you need services at home for a short time or for the long-term, home hea... Read Full Story
Much of what you can find on the internet is info about long-term care from attorneys and insurance agents. However hepful that is when you want to buy LTC insurance and/or set up a trust, it loads the discussion with a pressure not always helpful in a situation when you are trying to figure out how to keep yourself or someone you love comfortable and safe at home for as long as possible. LTC services for any one person are unique, requiring careful and neutral discussions about quality of li... Read Full Story
Not an easy question and no easy answers. Lots of people struggle with this every day. Some find they can arrange for services and supports and still carry on with their own daily life without much disruptions. On the other hand, many take leave from a career or family to provide care at home instead of admit an elderly relative or spouse to a nursing facility. What are the sacrifices and what are the rewards? When do you draw the line and step back into your life? What are the consider... Read Full Story
