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Elder Rights: United States
Archives 2005
Trade Unions and
Elder Rights Issues
Reports
Articles
Reports
A Profile of Older Americans
(2005)
This 2005 report draws a profile of the 36.3 million older Americans.
Several topics are considered such as poverty, income, racial and ethnic
composition, marital status, living arrangements, to name a few.
Occupational Composition of the Elder
Care Industries (May 2005)
The aging “wave” of the US population will affect US elder care
industries dramatically. Looking at four industries, home health care
services, nursing care services, community care facilities for the
elderly and services for the elderly and disabled, this publication
gives readers a glimpse into the occupational composition of such
industries.
The Public's Views on Long-Term Care (May/June 2005)
The Kaiser Family Foundation has published a report on “The Public’s Views on Long-Term Care.” 28% adults polled are “very” worried that they are unable to pay for nursing home and home care services, and 26% claim they have given “a lot” of thought as to how they will pay for long-term care, with the percentage increasing with age. While 53% of the public agrees that nursing homes provide affordable care for people, 39% disagree, including 21% who “strongly” disagree. Likewise, while 46% of the public agree that nursing homes provide high-quality services, just as many (42%) disagree. But perhaps the most surprising finding is that Americans ranked nursing homes (35%) below pharmaceutical companies (43%) and just a little above health insurance companies (34%) and HMOs (30%) as doing a “good job” serving consumers! Check out the report!
The Distribution of Assets in the Elderly Population Living the Community (June 2005)
A Kaiser Family Foundation report about the assets of the elderly living in the communities has shed important information. When frail elderly go to nursing homes, Medicare covers the costs for the first 90 days. After that, individuals have to pay. However, the report figured out that of the one million elderly at high risk for nursing home use, only 16% have asset levels that could cover the cost of nursing home care for one year. This means that Medicaid needs to pay the cost of the rest of nursing home residents. But as the elderly population increases, more people will need nursing care so that the budget for Medicaid will skyrocket and tax payers will have to pay more for Medicaid. How can nursing home care be affordable for everyone who needs it?
Insured But Not Protected: How Many Adults Are Underinsured? (June 14, 2005)
The Commonwealth Fund released a new report regarding underinsured persons. The study finds 12 % of adults, nearly 16 million people ages 19 to 64 in the US, had either no insurance, sporadic coverage, or insurance that exposed them to catastrophic medical costs during 2003. Half of the underinsured (54%) and uninsured (59%) didn’t go to see a doctor for at least one of four needed medical services. The study warns that current private market policies rarely adjust cost-sharing relative to income. Also, if young to middle aged people do not receive appropriate medical care when they sick, they will suffer poor health and high health costs when they get old! Or, their lives will be prematurely shortened. GAA supports Universal Public Health Care in the USA now!
The State of 50+, 2005
(April, 2005)
AARP released the second annual report on the quality of life of Americans
age 50 and older. They asked about relationships with their family
members, how healthy they are and how the health system is serving them in
terms of insurance coverage, access and cost, and so on. The survey finds
some signs of improvement in health and economic welfare over the past
decade, but reveals lower real income compared with the late 1990s,
greater dependence on Social Security, and reductions in retiree health
benefits.
Policy Challenges and Opportunities in Closing the Racial/Ethnic Divide in Health Care (March 2005)
Kaiser Family Foundation released a new report regarding the racial/ethnic divide in health care in the United States. Currently, about 1 in 3 residents of the U.S. are considered “minorities” such as African American, Latino, Asians, and American Indians/Alaskan Natives. However, by 2050, nearly 50% of the U.S. total population will be contained by those minorities. Although attention to racial/ethnic disparities in health care has increased among policy makers, there is still little consensus on what can or should be done to reduce these disparities. In this report, authors introduce the statistics such as racial/ethnic difference in cardiac care, public perceptions of quality of care others receive compared with whites, and difficulty in communicating with doctors or other health care providers because of language barriers. See how discrimination can work.
Demography
is Not Destiny, Revisited (March 2005)
Robert B. Friedland and Laura Summer, the Center on an Aging Society,
Georgetown University, released a report supported by the Commonwealth
Fund. The authors say insuring the productivity of future workers,
regardless of age, takes precedence in an “aging society.” Also, they
point out that education, basic research, and the application of promising
technologies enhance the well-being of current and future generations of
older people. Public policy should focus on these areas. Chapters on the
demographic imperative, economic growth matters, the financial outlook,
future health and long-term care needs, and policy choices matter, contain
many graphs to help readers understand their arguments.
Women
at Risk: the Health of Women in New York City (March 2005)
A new reports shows that New York City women face health issues distinctly
their own, and often face unique challenges in accessing health care. The
Health Department of the City of New York reveals how New York City older
women experience significant and pervasive health problems. Also,
disparities in health behaviors, health outcomes, and access to care exist
among economic and racial/ethnic subgroups of women. The report uses many
graphs and tables that help the reader understand the situation. This
report has the potential to mobilize New Yorkers to reduce inequalities
and improve older women’s health.
The
Commonwealth Fund Quarterly Volume 10, Issue 4 (Winter 2005)
The Commonwealth Fund released its quarterly report! Case studies and an
analysis of the individual health insurance market, a report on Maine’s
ambitious health reforms, and Karen Davis’s 10-point plan for
“transforming” the U.S. health system are introduced in the report.
Particularly, an interview with Stephen Shields who is one of the pioneers
of the nursing home “culture change” movements is interesting. Please
check it out!
Health
Poll Report by the Kaiser Family Foundation (January/ February 2005)
Sixty-five (65%) of the US public says there should be more government
regulation of prescription drug prices. The Kaiser Family Foundation
released a report examining the public’s attitudes towards prescription
drugs and pharmaceutical companies. According to the report, most agree
that prescription drugs have a positive value to society and they have
positive images of the pharmaceutical industry. Read the views on
prescription drug safety, drug advertisement effects, and opinions regarding
buying prescription drugs from Canada, and more.
Health Care At The Crossroads: Strategies for Improving the Medical Liability System and Preventing Patient Injury (February 2005)
A Joint Commission report urges three public policy initiatives. First, health care professionals must watch carefully to protect patients’ safety and avoid medical injury, Also professionals have to communicate better between patients and practitioners. Finally, a medical liability system should compensate injured patients. Health care providers and practitioners must report their errors, learn from their mistakes, and act in order to prevent more accidents. How will these policy initiatives be put into practice or enforced?
The New Medicare
Prescription Drug Law: Issues for Enrolling Dual Eligibles into Drug Plans
(January 2005)
Kaiser Foundation published a new report regarding the new Medicare
prescription drug law. The new Medicare law has relevance for the 6
million low-income Medicare beneficiaries also enrolled in Medicaid. This
category, called “dual eligibles” whose income is typically less than
$10,000 a year and who often face serious health challenges such as
diabetes, heart disease, dementia or a severe mental illness. Dual
eligibles will have access to the universal Medicare prescription drug
benefit; however, Medicaid will no longer pay for prescription drugs for
dual eligibles as of January 1, 2006. But are dual eligibles able to
purchase Medicare prescription drugs? Kaiser Foundation discusses this
issue about poor and sick people in this report.
Articles
White House Conference on Aging Rips
Drug Plan, Backs Services Bill (December 15, 2005)
Thousands of Americans were in Washington DC last week to participate in
the White House Conference on Aging (WHCoA), an event convened once every
ten years. The WHCoA is meant to gather public policy suggestions for
lawmakers to impact the daily lives of older Americans. Delegates
discussed retirement security, health care, transportation, disability
access, rural aging, prescription drugs, long-term care and workforce
participation. Delegates from 50 states voted on a series of resolutions
to serve as a checklist of goals for lawmakers at the state and federal
level. Delegates said they wanted to trade in the privately administered
Medicare Part D prescription drug program for a single plan that enables
the government to negotiate lower drug costs.
Protesters
Against U.S. Budget Cuts Arrested (December 14, 2005)
Faith-based organizations took to the streets to protest proposed cuts to
social welfare programs. Over 100 people came out on Capitol Hill to
express their disapproval for measures such as Medicaid cuts on the basis
of morality. A nationwide network of church organizations was planning
prayer vigils in 32 states to raise awareness about the impact of budget
cuts on the neediest Americans, including older citizens.
It's Gee-Whiz for the Golden
Years (December 13, 2005)
To keep pace with the growing number of baby boomers, researchers now say
that technology is not just for the young. University researchers have
assembled several inventions that may aid the elderly with their daily
tasks. For example, Chester the Talking Pill, a wall-mounted LCD panel is
programmed to tell patients about prescription medications; games to keep
the minds of the elderly alert and several monitoring devices to alert
family and prevent from something happening. These inventions were
displayed at the recent White House Conference on Aging.
Arrests
of Elderly Rising in Prescription Drug Sales (December 13, 2005)
In Appalachian Kentucky, one of the poorest areas in the US, more than 40
people who are 60 or older have been charged since April 2004 for selling
drug prescriptions and painkillers to addicts. Some of them have even been
sent to jail. "Seniors justify it because they're having a
hard time financially," says the Rev. Doug Abner, pastor of Community
Church in Manchester and an anti-drug crusader, adding that these old
people may not have understood the seriousness of their actions.
GAO Chief Urges Restructuring of Elderly Programs (December 13, 2005)
The head of the US Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) said at the
White House Conference on Aging that the "demographic tidal
wave" of retirement should greatly impact tax levels in the coming
years unless the Congress restructures some of the entitlement programs.
He warned the delegates such
changes will be far more difficult to enact in the future, when older
citizens become a larger proportion of the voting population. He also said
that the government should consider raising the age of eligibility for
Medicare to sustain the programs in the future. He suggested raising
taxes as one possible way to meet the program needs in the years ahead.
About The White House
Conference on Aging (December 12, 2005)
White House Conferences on Aging (WHCoA) are decennial events designed to
develop recommendations for additional research and action in the field of
aging. The 2005 White House Conference on Aging occurs as the first wave
of the baby boomer generation prepares for retirement, creating an
important opportunity to creatively reassess aging in America and focus on
the lives of older Americans.
Seniors on Santa's List
(December 12, 2005)
For the second time, a Pennsylvania charity is organizing a Christmas
gift-donation drive for about 300 local needy senior citizens. The most
common items are blankets, gloves and gift certificates for prescription
drugs on the donation lists. "We do want to bring a little cheer into
their lives," says Shawn McConville, one of the charity volunteers.
They try to give a "human touch" or conversation, along with a
gift, to the seniors who rarely have visitors.
New Strategies
Combat Old Ideas of Aging (November 29, 2005)
A commission in Long Island, New York, plans to publicize a more positive
way to think about aging that embodies a more accurate view of growing
old. Retirement can be about balancing work, leisure and public service,
rather than an end to any of these activities. This view of aging
recognizes that older persons can still develop new skills and be involved
with the community and people of all different ages. The commission sees
educating young people about the richness of life in older age as an
important step in changing mindsets, as well as reducing the anxiety
experienced by people as they grow older. Besides education campaigns, the
commission is working to promote the employment of older people.
Boomers need new investment
ideas (November 16, 2005)
Rising life expectancies means that people may have to work to older ages.
This means that the next generation of seniors will need to build greater
savings with which to retire. But this is not only an individual
responsibility. Financial planners and the financial planning industry
must adopt new instruments that respond to the changing needs of the
population.
College-linked housing gets `A' in
growth (November 14, 2005)
The ongoing trend of building retirement projects on college campuses
shows no sign of slowdown. Developers seem to have hit on a winning
formula. Retirees enjoy the energy of campus life while school
administrators are able to offer their retired faculty and older alums a
way to stay connected to the school. Many college towns have a lower cost
of living than big cities and university towns also tend to have top-notch
medical facilities.
Old
Age is No Bar to Sharp Mind' (November 14, 2005)
US Scientists
have found that older animals store memories in a different way than
younger ones. The study found that the older rats that had preserved
cognitive abilities did not use the same machinery in their brains to
store information. If generally applied, the findings could show that
resistance to mental ageing shown by some people has a biochemical basis.
This in turn could lead to the development of drugs to reduce the effect
of aging on brain function.
Senior Citizen
Bloggers Defy Stereotypes (November 10, 2005)
More and more seniors are becoming computer savvy in an increasingly
technology-driven society. Many have started their own 'blogs,' which are
online journals. The topics include anything and everything that interests
a blogger. Many are topical, and bloggers receive comments from global
readers. Elderly bloggers say that their hobby keeps them in touch with
current events and gives them a voice, as well as providing an opportunity
to meet new people from around the world.
The
Conversation: Talking With Your Aging Parents About Medicare and Other
Health Issues (November 2005)
The American Federation of State,
County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) represents 200,000 retirees across
the country. AFSCME produced a guide book of tips to help today's Baby
Boomers guide their aging parents through the confusing choices they have
to make regarding everything from health care to home delivered meals.
Interview of Estelle Strongin (November
2005)
“I think every decade brings changes, but I was never one of the people
to be horrified as the decades passed. At 30, I was delighted. I felt that
I had grown so much from 20. At 40, my children were at a different stage.
I was at a different stage. I thought 40 was perfect. I'm afraid I thought
50 was perfect. I'm afraid I thought every decade had wonderful rewards,
except I have to admit that 90 was a little intimidating. I thought 90
meant the end, and I'm a little surprised that it hasn't.” Estelle
Strongin, 94 at the time of this interview, was still working as a
stockbroker. Three months later, she passed away. This interview gives you
a view of an exceptional older person.
For Men, Aging's a Type-A War Zone (November
30, 2005)
In the last few years, while no one under 50 was paying much attention,
America's elders have become a "somewhat divided continent," the
journalist explains. On one side are "contented Medicare
beneficiaries whose retirement nirvana includes volunteer work, playing
with grandchildren" and the others, who work. It's a battle that
echoes the emotional intensity of the mommy wars, the clash between
stay-at-home moms and working mothers. "Grandfathers are no longer
waiting to baby sit," the journalist says.
US: Speed dating: Now Seniors are Addicted, Too
(November 28, 2005)
(Article in French)
Seniors in the US use "speed dating," a brand new fast way to
meet new friends or even find your beloved. In Maryland seniors who don't
want "old" to mean "out of touch" are stepping up for
speed dating parties. Speed dating blogs and websites say seniors were not
their prior targets. But they acknowledge a huge increase in the
number of senior subscriptions over the past four years.
Gay Retirees Finding Place to
Call Home, Be Themselves (November 29, 2005)
Retirement communities in the U.S. are catering increasingly to specific
niches. A new community outside Santa Fe will soon open to cater to gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgendered retirees. One of the creators, Joy
Silver, says that it represents a place where people can be themselves
after years of struggle for gay rights. It also provides a place for
retirees to share the stories of their lives in a safe environment.
Studies have shown that sharing memories becomes increasingly important as
people age. While other gay retirement villages have been built by
residents themselves, this is the first in the U.S. to be built entirely
with investors' money.
Wizened, Yes, but Not Always Wiser (November 6,
2005)
Does age bring wisdom? Or is it a myth? The ability to learn as well as
short-term memory skills are at their peak before the age of 20 and slowly
decline thereafter, only to plummet after age 70 or 80. However,
psychologists have found some interesting differences between young and
old minds. Studies have shown that the older people are more able to
regulate and control their emotions. Other studies have shown that older
people have better judgment in difficult situations. It seems to make
sense that experience teaches wisdom. Studs Terkel, who at 93 just
published his 16th book, "And They All Sang," says,
"there's going to be memories you have that set a pattern for what to
avoid and eliminate" in your life.
White House Ponders Aging (October 26, 2005)
The fifth White House Conference on Aging in Washington, D.C. will be held
in December this year. The first was held in 1961 and is remembered as the
birthplace of Medicare, Medicaid and the federal Agency on Aging.
Delegates have been consulting with seniors and social service providers
across the state and will come to the conference with various suggestions
for aging policies. The conference will discuss the impact of the aging
baby boomer generation, which totals about 78 million, on the way
Americans view aging. Will topics such as scrapped company pensions and
confusing Medicare Part D make it onto the agenda?
Bill Would Ensure All Nursing Homes Have Sprinkler
Systems (October 24, 2005)
Despite the fact that nursing homes must be built with sprinkler systems
for fire safety, loopholes in the law allow thousands of older nursing
homes to continue to operate without sprinklers. Eighteen of the worst
nursing home fires since 1970 all occurred in homes without adequate
sprinklers installed. Members of Congress, patients' advocates and the
nursing home industry itself are supporting proposed changes in
regulations that would require all nursing homes to install sprinkler
systems. GAA agrees!
Grandmom Lobbies For Child-Raising Help (October
14, 2005)
More grandparents in the United States are solely responsible for raising
their grandchildren. Older Americans, many of whom are women, are speaking
out about the necessity to develop more resources to support the growing
challenges and changes in modern day grandparenting. Read this story about
a Grand-Mom who rallied with others in Washington, DC, to demand more help
with this important child care task.
Researchers: Technology Can Help Elderly
(October 21, 2005)
Many studies in the past have sought to find ways for the elderly to
utilize technology to enhance their quality of life and keep them
independent. A group of academics, business leaders and residents are
meeting this week to explore ways to make technology more accessible to
older persons. "Older adults are very accepting of technology, as
long as it is intuitive to use and reliable," says Judith Tabolt
Matthews, one of the organizer's of the meeting.
State
Sued in Probes of Care Homes (October 19, 2005)
The relatives of two deceased nursing home residents, together with an
advocacy group, are suing the state of California for delays in their
investigations into complaints filed against the nursing homes. The
plaintiffs allege that the delays caused a continued risk of abuse and
neglect for elderly patients. Before the suit was filed, a California
health official said that the state often missed the 10-day deadline for
investigating a complaint, which is required by law. She cited a lack of
state funding and inspectors as the reason for delays. The Department of
Health Services maintains that investigations into 96% of the most serious
complaints, involving a risk of death or serious bodily harm, commence
within 24 hours. In other cases, they estimate that about 40% of the
investigations begin within the 10-day limit. Complaints in Calfornnia
against nursing homes has almost doubled in four years. Who can be held
responsible? The Governor?
Legislators Consider Nursing Home Regulations
(October 19, 2005)
Large chains have begun purchasing nursing homes across the United States,
a development that prompted legislators in Mississippi to consider whether
current state regulation of nursing homes is sufficient. Rep. Jamie Franks
of Mooreville says he is concerned that the current law allows a company
to operate a nursing home without the state's conducting an adequate
investigation of the company. He emphasized the importance of protecting
elderly and vulnerable citizens. In Arkansas, similar hearings were
abruptly ended when many of the legislators decided not to continue
because of the negative publicity for the company involved and the
potential impact on the sale of the operating license. Hmmm. Which side
were the legislators on? The public interest? Or private gain?
Grandmothers Arrested in Times Sq (October 17, 2005)
Members of the anti-war group, "Grandmothers Against the War"
were arrested in
Times Square
,
New York
this week. The women were attempting to enlist at the Times Square Armed
Forces Recruiting Station. A spokeswoman for the group, Joan Wile said
"people are dying in this awful war every day. If someone has to die,
I would rather it be somebody like me - who has had the opportunity to
live a long life - instead of some young person."
Boat That Sank, Killing 20, Lacked a 2nd Crewman,
Officials Say (October 4, 2005)
A tour boat, capsized in Lake George, New York, sank and killed 20 elderly
tourists on Oct. 3rd. The boat was carrying 47 passengers and one crew
member. According to Wendy Gibson, a spokeswoman for the state's Office of
Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation, if a boat carries more than 21
passengers, at least two crew members should be on board. The article
argued whether the second crew member could have prevented this tragedy.
Why wasn't the State of New York making sure that all commercial companies
operating boats, trains, vehicles, and airplanes are following security
regulations?
High Court Clashes Over
Assisted Suicide (October 5, 2005)
The Supreme Court must decide whether the federal government or states
have the final say on euthanasia laws. The Bush administration appealed a
decision granting Oregon the final say on such laws within the state. The
court appears markedly divided on the issue, especially given that many
justices have suffered from the effects of cancer. The looming
replacement of retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who appears
supportive of the Oregon law, makes it difficult to predict the outcome of
the appeal. New Chief Justice John Roberts appears adamant in his support
of the federal government's authority in the issue.
Older Workers in Direct
Care: A Labor Force Expansion Study (September 2005)
Two issues are starting to converge in US society: a labor shortage in
long-term care and a graying America that faces economic problems. To
address these issues this study wanted "to develop a deeper
understanding of the needs, wants and concerns confronting older workers'
choices about working or not, particularly within the context of long term
care." This study has outlined eight key findings, along with
recommendations for employment and training organizations and policy
makers.
As
Prisoners Age, Terminally Ill Raise Tough Questions (September 29, 2005)
According to the American Correctional Association, inmates'
health-care costs have been skyrocketing as prisoners age. The medical
cost in Illinois reached $101.5 million as of Aug.26, compared with $66.8
million in 2000. Mr. Johnson, 58 years old, who had killed a prison guard,
was sentenced to 45 to 100 years. But in August 2004, he found a lump on
the right neck, which became cancerous. Doctors said he has two years to
live at best. However, he has been denied parole 19 times by the state's
prisoner review board. Now, his wife is asking the board to release him as
an act of compassion to let him die in peace. But a former legislator
refused because "he killed a police officer and I will not vote to
parole people who have killed police officers." Do you think
terminally ill prisoners should be released as an act of compassion?
Older Workers in Direct Care:
A Labor Force Expansion Study (September 2005)
Two issues are starting to converge in US society: a labor shortage in long-term care and a graying America that faces economic problems. To address these issues this study wanted "to develop a deeper understanding of the needs, wants and concerns confronting older workers' choices about working or not, particularly within the context of long term care." This study has outlined eight key findings, along with recommendations for employment and training organizations and policy
makers.
Statistical
Profile of Hispanic Senior Citizens Published (September 22, 2005)
According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, older Hispanics are
dramatically increasing in the population. In 2004, the population of
Hispanic elderly was 2.2 million, only 6% of the older population. By
2050, surprisingly, the number is expected to grow to over 15 million,
17.5% of the older population. Even by 2028, the Hispanic population aged
65 and older will be the largest racial/ethnic minority in this age group.
However, Hispanic elderly shows some disadvantages: in 2004, about 38% of
the Hispanic elderly finished high school while about 73% of the total
older population; the poverty rate in 2004 for Hispanic elderly was 18.7%
while the one for the total older population was just 9.8%. Will
governments and communities support this fast-growing minority group?
Program Targets
Senior Safety (September 21, 2005)
After the miserable tragedy at St. Rita's nursing home where 34 elderly
patients drowned, Maryann Madsen, a registered nurse and police officer,
has established a business that provides caregiving and support services
to the elderly. There's "a lot seniors can do that they may not be
aware of," she said. Rescue Ready is a database that includes the
names, addresses, emergency phone numbers and medical conditions for
county seniors, and in emergency, Comfort Keepers Rescue Ready volunteers
will call the senor to verify he or she is safe. If necessary, the
volunteers will notify emergency services, such as police or fire, of the
senior's location and special needs. Especially for seniors who live
alone, Rescue Ready is a very needed service, isn't it?
Older
People Are the Worst Drivers (September 20, 2005)
On America's roadways, it has been long known that slow older drivers and
lead-footed teenagers are the groups causing the most accidents, according
to the author. Some studies show that drivers younger than 20 are 4 times
likely to crash as the elderly. But accidents cased by drivers older than
75 are more often fatal, for those behind the wheel and for their elderly
passengers. The large difference between the two groups is risk taking.
Young drivers are more likely to speed, drive dangerously because
teenagers tend to underestimate the seriousness of hazards. On the other
hand, the elderly drivers cause crashes due to disorientation or slow
reactions. Sadly, most of their accidents occur at intersections and
involve merging or yielding.
Elderly,
Disabled Refugees Cite Hardship (September 19, 2005)
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has put tighter
restrictions on disabled and elderly immigrants causing much hardship. The
delay applications for citizens due to lengthy background checks, and
increased rejection of medical certificates that would allow some
applicants to avoid interviews in English and the citizenship exam. Local
agencies claim that the Citizenship and Immigration Services has put
disabled and elderly refugee applicants at risk of losing some government
benefits, because in order to be eligible for those benefits, they have to
meet a deadline to become citizens.
Korean
Senior Citizens Taking Advantages of New Program to Learn (September 18,
2005)
Immigrants who come to the U.S. when they get old have to work to make
money to live. Also, unlike young people, it is tough for some older
people to learn while using a second language. But in Tennessee, there are
programs designed especially for Korean immigrants age 60 and over at the
University of Nashville Korean American Senior Citizens, that opened this
week. More than 30 people showed up at the Nashville Korean United
Methodist Church, to take upcoming classes such as health care and
psychology of the elderly to yoga. Rev. Sang Chun, one of the organizers
said "there is no program for Korean-Americans here, so we're
offering some kind of an excuse for them to come together." He also
added that if the program takes off, it would expand to daily meetings for
the elderly and branch out to include other ethnic groups.
'Police Academy' for
Senior Citizens Starts Friday (September 8, 2005)
In Sussex County, New Jersey, the police department holds a free 10-week
training session for its senior citizens. Designed to educate seniors
about personal safety and organizing neighborhood crime watches, it will
include demonstrations on the various law-enforcement programs and other
services available in the county. "Seniors have a lot of time on
their hands, and we want them to be vigilant in their neighborhoods,"
said Mary McCutcheon, the director of the Sussex County Office on Aging.
After completing the program, the seniors receive certificates identifying
them as Triad members. The free sessions are open to all county residents
age 55 or older. This is a good opportunity to serve for the community,
isn't it?
Heat
Costs a Big Chill for Elderly (September 4, 2005)
Recently, the price of gas has skyrocketed. Many senior citizens depend on
oil-fueled heating in the winter. Because of fixed incomes, some elderly
may face extreme financial and potentially health-related circumstances.
An anonymous senior at the South Side Senior Center said, "the cost
of heating my house has taken first priority during the winter months,
forcing me to cut back on shopping, medications, and whatever else comes
second to staying warm." But is it a good thing to cut back on
medications and food for the elderly? Shouldn't heat be guaranteed because
it directly affects on human's health? Or, are there public efforts to
bring vulnerable elderly into congregant living and share the heat?
How Tough
Are Nursing Home Inspectors? (August 24, 2005)
Experts don’t know whether trends seen in the federal database of
state nursing home inspection reports reflect actual changes in the
quality of care, or differences in how states inspect the data. The number
of US care facilities cited for infractions that could put residents in
harm's way has declined, from 30% in 1998 to 15.5 % in 2004, according to
an August report conducted by Charlene Harrington, University of
California-San Francisco researcher and national expert on nursing home
deficiencies. However, the numbers do not necessarily prove that quality
of care has actually improved. Harrington believes that states are, in
reality, reporting fewer violations, as the number of residents with
pressure or bed sores have increased.
Oregon's Elder Suicide Rate Tops National Average, Study Says (August 24, 2005)
The Oregon Department of Human Services recently conducted an 18-month study, which reveals that the state's elder suicide rate is consistently higher than the national average. National suicide rates among those 65 years and older is about 15 to 20 per 100,000 since 1990. Oregon's rates, on the other hand, are roughly 20 to 30 per 100,000. Lisa Millet, injury and violence prevention manager with the Department of Human Services, notes that nearly all elderly persons who die by suicide were dealing with other health concerns during their time of death. This proves that a greater focus must be placed on training primary-care physicians to recognize and treat the early warning signs of suicide in the elderly.
If You Know An Elderly Person Living Alone (August 22, 2005)
The elderly need your help. If you know an elderly person who is living at home alone, refer to this article for a list of things you should check for to ensure his/her safety. Suggestions include daily check-ins, monitoring the retrieval of newspapers/ mail and ensuring that the refrigerator and cupboards are well stocked. Assisting with some of the hassles of daily life is a great way to give back to the
elderly
Agenda Taking Shape for White House Conference on Aging
(August 24, 2005)
The 2005 White House Conference on Aging (WHCoA) will be held December 11-14, 2005 in Washington, D.C. This conference occurs every ten years to make aging policy recommendations to the President and Congress, in order to ensure that proper assistance can be made in the public and private sectors to promote dignity, health, independence and economic security of current and future generations of older persons. A recent release of the draft agenda shows the conferences plans to focus on six areas: retirement planning, working in later life, livable communities for older Americans, health and long-term care, social involvement and the change in the marketplace for seniors.
A Little-Known Reprieve From Providing Care (August 20, 2005)
Adult day programs are estimated to help about 150,000 Americans receive social, intellectual and physical stimulation while living at home. Average costs are 56 dollars a day, according to a 2002 study conducted by the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, compared to 179 dollars a day for a private room in a nursing home and 149 dollars a day for eight hours of a home health aide, according to a different study from Genworth Financial. These adult day programs vary in the services they provide for the elderly – some are social, some medical and some are even oriented to dementia patients. Many seniors find these day programs very useful, as they are able to socialize and engage in activities with other seniors.
Ruling Restores Lost Benefits to Immigrants (August 19, 2005)
The New York State Supreme Court has ruled that New York State cannot cut off benefit money to blind and disabled people, in addition to low-income elderly, solely because they are immigrants, even if the federal government has stopped paying its share. The decision restores higher aid payments to thousands of disabled legal immigrants, many of whom are elderly refugees. These seniors were on the verge of being evicted from their homes after the state and the federal government halted their disability benefits because they had not become US citizens within the required seven-year period. New York State, however, plans to appeal the decision due to the severe fiscal impact the ruling will have on the state budget.
New Devices Help Monitor Health of the Elderly from Home (August 15, 2005)
“Health Buddy, developed by Health Hero Network Inc. in Mountain View, Calif., is a small, interactive box that transmits through a telephone line questions and health information for specific chronic conditions, such as diabetes or congestive heart failure.”
The Health Buddy system helps patients monitor their own health and well-being. A patient responds to a series of questions, and if the system does not receive a response in a timely manner, a social worker will be alerted. The Health Buddy program is one of many programs and services that are being tested by the federal government. If these devices prove successful and save money by keeping patients healthier and out of hospitals or nursing facilities, they may even be covered by Medicare.
Nursing Home Shift Into Rehab Services (August 15, 2005)
Patients come to nursing homes, and usually have the intention of staying until the end of their lives. But according to the Massachusetts Extended Care Federation, “55 percent of those admitted to nursing homes stay less than a month, and more than 70 percent stay less than three months.” With an increasing number of elderly persons requiring rehabilitation services, and new government rules trying to hold down medical costs, more and more patients are staying at nursing homes for shorter periods of time. This shift in care in nursing homes actually got its initial push from organizational bodies
high up in the healthcare chain. Due to pressure from insurance companies, hospitals started the practice of discharging patients sooner – before these patients were ready to go home. As a result, these patients turned to nursing homes for care. With the rise in short-stay patients, nursing homes are forced to make adjustments to accommodate for these people, needing more nurses with different skills and more administrators to deal with the frequent discharges.
NH Grapples With Elder Abuse As Reports Soar (August 14, 2005)
An upsurge in the number of reports on elder abuse in New Hampshire has prompted legislators to toughen state legislation. Laws
are now in place to protect one of the most vulnerable groups in the population – seniors. In the 2005 fiscal year alone, 1,450 reported cases of elderly abuse (which includes neglect, physical or emotional abuse, and exploitation), were filed with the state Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services. Four bills of particular interest to advocates of the elderly were filed
during the last congressional session.
Books, Not
Tales, Get Taller Before Baby Boomers' Eyes (August 12, 2005)
As baby boomers near retirement, they are finding it increasingly
difficult to read the small type of mass-market paperbacks. Faced with
declining sales, the Penguin Group and Simon & Schuster (two of the
biggest publishers of mass-market titles) have started printing new
paperback versions of some of their most popular authors in a larger type
with more spacing between the lines. While the responses to the changes
have been mixed, these larger-font texts should allow the elder readers a
chance to enjoy a good book.
Nursing Home Improves Care (August 9, 2005)
Beverly Healthcare, an Arkansas-based national nursing home chain, has hired staff and made improvements to its Spotsylvania County nursing home in Virginia. This has come about as the result of a settlement made with the US attorney's office. The nursing home company signed the agreement in April 2004, due to complaints of poor care, and has until October to make the changes to improve care. This
shows that improvements in nursing homes can be made after all.
Food Stamp Program to Help Working Poor (August 9, 2005)
Tennessee will take part in a pilot Department of Human Services program to reach low-income people who may not realize they are eligible for food stamps. Arizona, Maryland, Minnesota, Michigan, and New York are among the other states also participating in the program. The federal government has granted a total of 5 million dollars to these states to improve on their Food Stamp program, with the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) being awarded $800,000. The changes are intended to target seniors, working parents and pregnant women. DHS caseworkers will also seek out potential Food Stamp recipients at their homes, places of work and community events. The US Department of Agriculture estimates that only 30 percent of eligible elderly people and about 50 percent of eligible disabled adults apply for Food Stamps.
State Bus Will Roll For Voter IDs (August 9, 2005)
“Under attack for Georgia's new voter ID law, state officials are putting a bus on the road to issue photo identification cards to low-income people.” The bus starts running on September 1, with the intent of helping poor, elderly and minority Georgians meet the
photo ID requirement at the voting polls. Georgians who do not have a valid driver's license or state identification card can obtain a free ID card if they cannot afford the $20 fee. It’s every citizen’s right to vote,
therefore, everyone should be entitled to an ID card.
Crisis In State's Nursing Homes (August 8, 2005)
Recent nursing home data shows that the California Department of Health Services is performing fewer inspections. This has resulted in fewer written reports of aides giving the wrong medication to patients, physical abuse or delay in proper medical treatment. This reduction of inspections cannot come at a more inappropriate time, as the state has received 23 percent more complaints about nursing homes in the past four years. Why does this problem occur? State agencies claim budget cuts have caused them to reduce quality of services. Therefore, they must choose between abiding federal
laws or enforcing state laws. Read the article to learn more.
Group to Examine Lax Nursing Home Regulations (August 8, 2005)
According to the latest statistics, Louisiana nursing homes are less likely to be fined for violations than nursing homes in other Southern states. This is the case, despite the low rankings of state care facilities, judging by national quality indicators. Many claim the state is not enforcing the federal regulations for nursing homes. A group of about 20 people in and out of the state government has been set up to compare Louisiana's regulatory system to those of other states, and determine the changes that need to be made.
Bill Sets Up Office to Help Seniors Navigate Government Programs (August 8, 2005)
The Senate has passed a bill to establish an interagency office to assist American seniors navigate the many government programs in various agencies. The Interagency Council on Meeting the Housing and Service Needs of Seniors will be monitored by the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.
Home Care Business Leaves Clients In the Lurch (August 8, 2005)
Today, an estimated 2 million Floridians participate in discount medical plans. Suncoast Home Care Inc. is a company that offered such plans to their
customers. However, these discount medical plans are not insurance proposals. “Suncoast often hired other home care companies to provide in-home services, then paid them the difference between their regular rates and the discounts the customers paid.” Now that Suncoast has been dissolved, many of its Southwest Floridian clients and businesses
have been left to pay for the medical bills.
'Break the Silence' Is Key to Stopping Elder Abuse (August 8, 2005)
Abuse to the elderly is a severely under-reported crime. According to Illinois state statistics, almost half of all abuse cases that do get reported involve a caregiver to the elderly victim and the most common type of abuse is financial exploitation. What makes such cases especially frustrating for prosecutors and social service workers is that the elderly person is frequently legally competent and able to make that decision. Unless there is a firm criminal complaint, there is a limit to what can be done without the elderly person's consent. Social service workers further suggest people should not be embarrassed to come forward if they have been the victim of financial exploitation or other abuse. Better communication would lead to better resolution- particularly in cases where the elderly person is reluctant to admit to the problem.
What Are We Going to Do With Dad? (August 7, 2005)
As more and more Americans grow older, the truth is that no policy exists for long-term elder care. The elderly, especially the “old old,” those over age 85, will become increasingly more dependent on the younger generation and government to care for them. What are people going to do about their elderly loved ones as they grow older and frailer? Jerald Winakur has been the medical director of his hospital’s skilled nursing unit for nine years. Although Dr. Winakur is a skilled geriatrician, he is not sure what he can do for his own “old old” father, as a son or as a physician. Read on for his narrative.
Reports of Elder Abuse, Neglect Rise: Most Cases Thought To Be Unintentional (August 5, 2005)
Reports of abuse and neglect of elderly people are on the rise in New Hampshire, as healthcare workers, communities and families struggle to meet the needs of a rapidly
growing aging population. Last year, NH received 2,221 reports of mistreated adults, compared to 1,424 in 2000. While the numbers have grown, officials say more reports of abuse and neglect are being reported because more people are aware of the signs of
abuse. New Hampshire’s elderly population has also risen. Physical abuse and financial exploitation are usually the most common reports of elder abuse, but officials believe most cases are more subtle- involving unintentional neglect by family members or friends. The state health department recently formed a group of social workers, lawmakers and nurses who will spend the next year devising a plan to prevent elder abuse from growing along with the senior population.
Bus Woes May Strand Seniors: 200,000 Riders Could See Transportation Service Vanish (August 4, 2005)
Somerville Cambridge Medford Community (SCM) Transportation offers rides to more than 200,000 seniors and disabled people in the three Massachusetts communities so they can reach doctors’ offices, grocery stores, shopping centers, and senior day-care facilities. SCM has been in existence for over 20 years, but is now facing serious financial issues and may be forced to shut down. SCM interim Executive Director, Reed Cochran, says that many people rely on SCM’s services, and if SCM is forced to terminate its services, countless seniors and disabled residents will have difficulty maintaining their accustomed lifestyles. SCM’s shutdown may even force the elderly to leave their homes and relocate to nursing homes or assisted-living facilities. State Rep. Alice Wolf and other legislators from the Somerville, Cambridge, and Medford areas are working to secure emergency funding for
SCM. Hopefully SCM will get the money it needs to continue providing transportation services to older persons.
Speedy Release Sought of Nursing-Home Reports (August 3, 2005)
The Rhode Island Health Department, like other state health departments, conducts annual nursing home inspections. But in RI, these inspection reports can take up to a month to process before becoming available to the public. If a nursing facility challenges the report findings, the documents can take even longer before they are made available. Rhode Island’s new Health Department director, Dr. David R. Gifford, says he will advocate for quicker release of these inspection reports to the public. Why should delays stymie reports that are essential to families making a good choice among nursing homes? Does the State Government serve the nursing home industry or its citizens?
Program Helps Seniors Learn Needed Work Skills (August 3, 2005)
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services has granted $329,636 to Advocap and its Wisconsin Senior Employment (WISE) program. The money will be used “to continue providing part-time paid work experience in community services to seniors age 55 and older.” The WISE program has helped many Wisconsin seniors to be economically self-sufficient and to acquire the needed skills to join the workforce. Why aren’t there more programs like this in the US?
Scammers Who Bilked Senior Citizens Banned from Telemarketing By FTC (August 2, 2005)
In November 2004, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charged three “Canada-based companies and their principals with violating US federal laws by making false or fraudulent statements to obtain financial information about another person.” These telemarketers pretended to be Social Security or Medicare representatives and claimed that, due to a computer glitch, the clients’ personal information had been erased from the Social Security Administration system. Seniors were told they needed to provide their bank accounts and routing information to the companies in order to correct the problem. Under a settlement with the FTC, these telemarketers will no longer be allowed to engage in any telemarketing business. Serves them right.
Aging: Small Is Beautiful (August 1, 2005)
Long-term caring is changing for older Americans. “From upscale residences in California to family-size nursing homes in Mississippi, living facilities for the elderly are undergoing an architectural and cultural makeover.” The elderly no longer need to live in impersonal nursing homes, with dreary hallways and strict rules; seniors can choose to stay in small, homey environments where they feel they belong. And the need has never been greater. With 35 million Americans today over 65, and that number expected to double by 2030, there is greater demand for better nursing facilities. In fact, residents in these care facilities are often more satisfied and are in better physical condition than those who are in normal nursing homes.
Doors Close for Seniors Seeking Housing (August 1, 2005)
In Connecticut, demand for subsidized senior housing is so great that waiting lists are often long or closed off to elders for years. Some seniors are desperate to find housing, but there are may not be any vacancies. Some may even die waiting for availability. Something needs to be done to increase affordable housing for the elderly.
Women Outlive Men, Should Plan Accordingly (August 1, 2005)
Presently, the average man lives to age 74 and the average woman lives to age 80. By 2030, the average man life’s expectancy will be 78 and the average woman’s 84. Statistically women have outlived men and this trend is expected to continue. This means more elderly women need to start planning for their future, making sure they have enough resources to support themselves through old age. Many elderly women may spend their savings on their husbands' care, but then live alone for another 15 to 20 years, with hardly enough resources. Women need to prepare for their own health and financial needs as well.
Study Finds Sex Offenders Living in Nursing Homes (July 31, 2005)
A Perfect Cause, a nursing home watchdog group, reports that there are nearly 800 registered sex offenders living in nursing facilities across the country.
The organization matched online sex-offender registries in 36 states with the addresses of nursing homes, assisted living centers, residential care homes and other long-term care facilities. How is one to know if there’s been any rehabilitation? Or whether there’s risk of repeated
sexual abuse?
Robot Nurse Escorts and Schmoozes the Elderly (July 31, 2005)
Pearl reminds her elder patients to eat, drink, take medicine, or use the bathroom. She also guides her patients from room to room and assists them with activities of daily living. She is very friendly, and the seniors at the retirement home seem to like her. But Pearl isn’t your normal nurse; she is a robot nurse! Researchers are field-testing Pearl at the Longwood Retirement Community in Oakmont, PA this summer. While these nursebots won’t be appearing in mass anytime soon, research is undergoing to develop such technology in the home-care sector. Could this be the future of elderly care?
Elderly Americans Lose Millions to Internet Scams (July 28, 2005)
Elderly Americans have lost $152 million due to Internet scams, identity theft, lottery and sweepstakes frauds, US officials reported to a Senate panel on Wednesday, July 27, 2005. According to Lois Greisman of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) consumer protection division, Internet scams have grown to account for 41 percent of fraud complaints the FTC receives from people over age 50, and lottery and sweepstakes frauds alone have cost older Americans $35 million last year. The "frail and lonely" seniors are not the only unsuspecting scam victims; even active members of the community can fall prey to con artists.
Officials Say Move Will Strengthen Commission on Aging (July 28, 2005)
Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell was signed a bill on July 26, 2005, that will move the Commission on Aging from the executive branch of the state government to the legislative branch. State Senator Jonathan Harris of West Hartford, who introduced the bill, states that "this bill will help make the Commission on Aging stronger and more independent so that they will be better able to assess the needs of our senior citizens and develop ways to meet those needs.” Hopefully so.
Sixty Percent of Americans Believe “Old” is Age 71 (July 27, 2005)
MetLife Mature Market Institute(R), issued a poll revealing that 60% of Americans think "old" refers to someone 71 years and up, but 65% also wish they were under 40. Sandra
Timmermann, Ed.D., director of the Institute, says, "since the population is aging and there are more people in middle age than ever before, the idea that old begins at 30 is outdated and people are not considered old until much later in life." Younger people, between the ages of 18 and 24, have also changed their ideas of “old” as someone over age 60. While many older people wish they were younger, a significant number of seniors are content with their current age. As if they could change it!
House Passes Bill to Toughen Penalties for
Meth-Related Crimes (July 27, 2005)
Oregon passed a bill on Wednesday, July 27, 2005, that will increase penalties for
methamphetamine-related crimes. Governor Ted Kulongoski will need to sign the bill to put the legislation into effect. In addition to toughening penalties for those caught with
methamphetamine, meth abusers will also be punished for exposing others to the dangerous drug. Those who expose children or elderly to methamphetamine could be charged with criminal mistreatment or child neglect.
Views: Legal Issues Faced By LGBT Seniors (July 27, 2005)
Seniors already face many issues, but lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered
(LGBT) elders confront even more problems. The LGBT older person often deals with unique issues of discrimination and abuse due to their sexual preference. And unfortunately, many of these seniors are unable to report or stop this kind of mistreatment. In fact oftentimes they will endure this kind of abuse for fear of losing what they already have – their jobs, their homes, or even their services. LGBT seniors also are not granted the same rights as heterosexual couples, and that creates many legal issues. LGBT seniors often become isolated and are forced to hide their true sexuality.
Elderly Care Program (July 26, 2005)
Dispatch centers usually just receive emergency calls; however, in Greenville, SC, they also make house calls to the elderly. Senior citizens can sign up for a program called "Elderly Care" and their numbers go into an automated system. Everyday, the senior receives a phone call. If the elderly person and his/her contacts are unable to be reached, then a police officer will show up at the door to check on the elder. How fantastic!
ADA Turns 15 (July 26, 2005)
July 26, 2005, marks the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The legislation has not only improved accessibility for the disabled; it has also helped the elderly and families using strollers. “While the law has improved access for people with disabilities, it has not eradicated discrimination.” Hopefully more will be done so that everybody can be able to be a part of this society.
State Legislator Seeks to Stamp Out Elder Fraud (July 22, 2005)
Ohio recently passed legislation increasing the penalty for people convicted of committing identity theft when the victim is 65 or older or disabled. Seniors spend their entire lives saving up, so when fraud occurs, the impact is especially devastating. And because of their age, elders do not always have another chance to recover their losses. But will other states do the same?
Solano Mulls Team to Review Elder Deaths (July 20, 2005)
Local advocates in Solano County, CA are pushing for the formation of an elder death review team. More elderly die from causes due to neglect and abuse than is reported, and so the creation of an elder death review team would help to investigate and perhaps prevent future unwarranted deaths. Five counties in California already have such teams.
The Final Indignity (July 19, 2005)
The National Center on Elder Abuse contends that there are about 5 million cases of elder financial exploitation each year; many of these cases go unreported because these unsuspecting seniors are either too ashamed about being scammed or unaware that the theft is happening. Many elders have financial assets; in fact, people over the age of 50 control 70 percent of the nation’s wealth, and the number of elderly is expected to surge to 71.5 million people by the year 2030, according to the U.S. Administration. Corrupt telemarketers, lottery scammers, and even deceitful friends and family members target vulnerable seniors. Senators Orrin Hatch, Republican of Utah, and Blanche Lincoln, Democrat of Arkansas, are proposing the Elder Justice Act for the next Congress to treat crimes against the elderly equal to crimes against women and children. If the federal government does not figure out a way to stop elder financial exploitation, bankrupt seniors will end up depending on government support programs.
Two Former Executives of Southern California HMO Charged with Fraud (July 19, 2005)
Two former executives of the now defunct Tower Health health management organization are charged with “siphoning more than $2 million in
Medi-Cal reimbursements intended for physicians.” Attorney General Bill Lockyer states these officials stole taxpayers’ money during a time when the state could not afford to lose any money providing care for seniors and others in need. The HMO was the largest provider of
Medi-Cal services in Riverside and San Bernardino counties in California, and also covered 6,200 people in southern Nevada before filing for bankruptcy in 2001. What injustice!
Elderly and Disabled Refugees Call on Congress to Stop Cutoff of Critical Aid (July 18, 2005)
Many low-income elderly or disabled refugees are losing their Supplemental Security Income
(SSI), their means of financial support, because they cannot meet the deadline for becoming
US citizens. Newly arriving "humanitarian immigrants" must become citizens within seven years or they will lose their SSI benefits. Many seniors and disabled refugees, however, are unable to meet this deadline for various reasons. Gideon
Aronoff, vice president for government relations and public policy at the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, contends that "because of age or disability, they aren't able to work. For the United States to turn its back on them is totally inconsistent with our country's humanitarian tradition."
Negative Attitudes on TV Toward Aging Affect Elderly (July 16, 2005)
According to a recent study conducted by Yale University, “the more elderly people watch television, the worse they feel about aging.” TV programs often portray the elderly unpleasantly, such as being forgetful and bad-tempered. These kinds of negative attitudes might actually have an impact on the physical resiliency of the aging, says Becca R. Levy, associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Yale School of Medicine. These results are disturbing because the elderly watch more TV than any other age groups, averaging 3 hours a day.
Financial Elder Abuse Legislation Closer to Approval (July 15, 2005)
California State Assembly has just voted to pass legislation on July 13, 2005, forcing banks and credit unions to report financial abuse of the elderly. Seniors are targets for swindlers due to their old age and accumulated assets. These companies will be required to report to local law enforcement if they are aware of or highly suspect financial exploitation of the elderly that is occurring, so that investigators can intervene and stop any financial loss. It’s about time this issue gets addressed!
Gay Old People's Home Opens Its Doors (July 13, 2005)
Los Angeles will celebrate the opening of Encore Hall on July 14, 2005, making it America’s, as well as one of the world’s first low-income housing facility for the older LGBT community. Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that helped to develop Encore Hall, received requests from seniors all over the country. In fact, there is such a demand that the organization intends to set up another facility in Palm Springs. While some elderly LGBT can afford the costs of normal nursing homes, they are forced to choose between hiding their sexual orientation or risking discrimination. Hopefully this will start a trend!
Report:
Bank of America to Offer Refunds on Annuities (July 13, 2005)
Bank of America Corp. has conceded to Massachusetts regulators and “will
offer refunds to elderly customers who bought variable annuities over the
last two years,” reports the Boston Globe. This agreement will affect
thousands of senior citizens. Secretary of State William Galvin believes
banks purposely targeted the elderly and sold inappropriate investments to
seniors. Galvin notes the Bank of America's decision will set the standard
for the entire banking industry.
Boomers Willing to Pay for Technology That Allows Parents More Independent Living (July 13, 2005)
Most people agree that good health and personal, as well as financial, independence are important. In a study conducted with people ages 50 to 65 by the Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST), it is found that baby boomers are willing to spend up to $100 each month on technology that guarantees healthier living and independence for their aging parents and themselves. Could there
be a potential market for technological advancements that help “improve aging” for the elderly?
Directors
Push to Keep State Veterans Nursing Homes Open (July 12, 2005)
President Bush is proposing a budget plan that may force thousands of
military veterans out of state nursing homes. This proposition causes new
concerns, in addition to recent shortfalls in the Veterans Affairs (VA)
budget. The House and Senate are still trying to work out a budget plan
for the shortfall. New eligibility rules will be applied for veterans to
use state nursing homes. Bush had even “proposed restricting the VA's
long-term care services to those veterans injured or disabled while on
active duty, those with severe disabilities, those in need of care after a
hospital stay and those requiring hospice or respite care.” Nursing home
operators say nursing facilities cannot survive these cutbacks, with the
VA incurring a $1.5 billion deficit this year and a greater one next year,
they fear the changes may find new support. The planned cuts come as there
is a growing number of aging veterans and an increased demand for
long-term care.
Bill Targets Scams Against Seniors (July 10, 2005)
Insurance fraud against seniors is widespread in California. In fact, officials say these scams make up 25% of the 2,500 annual complaints to the Department of Insurance. Vulnerable seniors are tricked into buying annuities, “which are investment contracts that guarantee a stream of income,” not realizing they are unable to benefit until many years later. Oftentimes, these elderly investors can be left destitute for their remaining years. State Sen. Jack Scott (D-Altadena) has introduced a new bill, SB 192, which would force insurers to set standards for when to sell annuities to buyers 65 years and older, as well as “reject contracts that would hurt seniors.” Opponents in the insurance industry, however, portray the bill as anti-business.
Some Elderly, Disabled Challenged by System (July 9, 2005)
Starting July 1, 2005, The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) will change its ACCESS program, which is highly used by elderly and disabled riders. Only those living within three-quarters of a mile to a bus route can utilize the system. OCTA officials state that the ACCESS program grew too costly as the county's population aged. “The new policy affects 305 riders out of 25,569, or 1.2 percent.” Transportation officials argue without cuts, the agency would need to cut regular bus services. Surely the government can come up with a way to extend this basic necessary service to seniors and disabled persons.
Program Pays Families to House Seniors (July 8, 2005)
According to an AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving survey conducted last year, more than 8 million Americans are providing unpaid care for family members 50 years and older living within their household. Massachusetts has recently implemented a program that reimburses family members who house and care for aging relatives in order to curtail admissions to nursing homes and reduce state spending. The program pays $1,500 per month to caregivers so that they have sufficient finances to provide such care. Some critics, however, disapprove of the program because they think caring for elderly family members is a personal responsibility and does not need compensation.
Criminal Checks Protect Elderly (July 5, 2005)
The New York Department of Health has passed a new regulation, mandating nursing homes and home health care agencies to conduct criminal background checks on nonlicensed personnel who work directly with patients. Certain states have already implemented such standards. The rule prevents convicted felons from getting a job in the health care industry, while less serious offenders are barred for 10 years after conviction. But there are difficulties around complete checks that can run $37 each as opposed to local checks that are not comprehensive for as little as $7 each. Can the regulation stop elderly abuse?
Are
Crimes Against the Elderly Rising? (July 3, 2005)
According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, people ages 65 or
older, “generally experienced victimizations at much lower rates than
younger groups of people from 1993 through 2002.” While the elderly were
less likely to be victimized, they were most often victims of theft.
“Property crimes accounted for 92% of victimizations affecting persons
or households headed by someone 65 or older.” Even though the elderly
are less likely to be victims of violence, when they are victimized, older
people still suffer equally or more so than other age groups. Take a look
at the statistics!
Movin’ on Down (July 3, 2005)
As Beverly Goldberg, vice president of the Century Foundation, asks “When did we become a nation where if you somehow manage to… rise to the middle and even upper middle class through hard work, you are in great danger of sliding back down the ladder of success as you grow older?” It has become difficult for older Americans to keep their financial assets in today’s economy. Americans 45 and older only consist of 14% of the labor force; however, they make up 37% of the long-term unemployed. The older unemployed desperately search for work, as their finances become insecure. Those seniors who do find new jobs are usually paid less than their old jobs. Some go back to school, hoping a degree will help them find a job: often they are the last to be hired.
Laws Offer More Patient Protection in Nursing Homes (July 3, 2005)
The General Assembly of Rhode Island passed the Long Term Reform Act
which will affect the state’s approximately 100 nursing homes. Governor
Carcieri is expected to sign the legislation on Tuesday, July 5, 2005.
Consisting of 5 bills, one of which is the Germaine Morsilli Act, named
after an 87-year-old woman whose “bedsore deepened into a bloody
crater” while staying at the
Providence
,
RI
,
Hillside
Health
Center
. The Health Department had only reprimanded
Hillside
for not meeting standards of care, but the nursing home has since been
shut down. With the legislation, the state will be less tolerant of poor
inspections or financial problems nursing homes may have. Some advocates
for the elderly, however, are unconvinced that the bills will do much to
help the situation. Sen. Elizabeth H.
Roberts, D-Cranston, co-chairwoman of the Joint Committee on Health Care
Oversight, states "Our intention is to guarantee that every person
who lives in a Rhode Island nursing home is getting the care that he or
she needs."
US: The Hispanic Elderly: The Poor in New York (June 28, 2005)
(Article in Spanish)
A new report reveals that 60% of the Hispanic elderly in New York are living below the poverty line as they struggle with low income, language barriers, and poor services. Out of the 340 government assistance centers in the US, only 20 of them focus on helping the Hispanic elderly even though proportionally, there should be at least 85 centers available to them.
Keeping Seniors Moving (June 23, 2005)
In suburban communities, where driving is the key to being independent, seniors can become isolated as they grow older and more frail. In order to help homebound seniors who are unable to drive cars, Neighbor Ride, a newly established nonprofit organization in Howard, Maryland, has been providing door-to-door trips by using volunteers. “People are coming up with very creative and exciting ways to use our services,” said Colleen
Konstanzer, the program director of Neighbor Ride. But one concern is the number of volunteers has grown more slowly than the number of calls for help. The number of users who can get a ride may be limited in the near future. If you can drive, will you think about volunteering for a local transportation service for the homebound elderly?
Active-Adult Havens for a New Breed of (Not Quite) Retirees (June 27, 2005) These days, the biggest growth in active adult communities is in snow-belt cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland. As the first baby boomers hit retirement age, they're already doing many things differently. Many more are continuing to work, looking for educational opportunities, or shifting their energies to nonprofit activities. Marc Freedman, president of Civic Ventures, says that this generation "looks at retirement more as a transition than as a destination." Rather than focusing on retirement as liberation from labor, or "a long-awaited vacation," many retirees are looking at retirement as "freedom to work," says Freedman.
Helping Senior Citizens Get Around (June 21, 2005)
In Westchester, NY, local agencies and people try to make roads safer for senior citizen drivers, and to help them drive longer and more safely. Jon
Burkhardt, a senior study director with WESTAT, expects that more senior citizens will be interested in riding buses when improvements are made to
insure the reliability of schedules, boarding assistance, information and driver courtesy. Also, Jonathan
Rubell, coordinating mobility services at The Kennedy Center, points out that social service agencies should show how comfortable buses can be to their clients. But some people aren’t optimistic about what life would
be like if they have to give up driving someday. One older woman says, “The buses may come on time, but we need transportation to the bus routes. What good is having good bus routes if we can’t get to them?”
Care for Elderly Caught in Legal Bind (June 20, 2005)
The increase of the number of frail elderly requires that state and local governments
spend more money to provide efficient care for those who need help, especially for Medicaid recipients. But if government does not pay enough, what will happen? In April, Home Care Association of New Hampshire sued the state on behalf of its 38 members to get the state to abide by a law requiring it to pay them more. They insist that their members lost more than $5.5 million last year by serving clients of Medicaid, state-federal health care for the poor and disabled. For example, it costs the agency $128 per hour to send a nurse to a home, but the state pays only $76. Because of that, ironically, agencies increase their deficits if they provide more services to needy elderly. The alternative: Decreasing the services to the frail elderly! Not a good option!
Finding Community is Key to Battling
Depression (June 18, 2005)
This article
underlines how depression and low self-esteem can affect senior members
of the Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Community (GLBT). The
reality is that senior GLBT members grew up in a less tolerant time than
today and many gays and lesbians understood their sexuality as an illness
because of social intolerance.
A Safe Haven for Abused Seniors (June 12, 2005)
Weinberg Center for Elder Abuse Prevention in the first shelter in New York State dedicated to elderly victims of mental, physical, financial or sexual abuse, and one of only a few such shelters across the country. An estimated 550,000 people of age 65 or older were abused in 1996 across the country, according to the first National Elder Abuse Incidence Study. The exact rates are unclear because many victims don't seek help and there is no mandatory reporting of elder abuse, as there is with spousal or child abuse. This has become a growing problem. Reported cases are likely a fraction of the actual incidence of abuse.
Scientist Study Older Athletes (June 9, 2005)
Despite the rapid elderly population growth, there have not been many efforts at collecting data from senior athletes. But “seniors no longer want to just live longer, they want to live independently and live a more quality life,” said Dr. Peter Z. Cohen, the founding director of UPMC’s senior sports and fitness initiatives. According to the 2001 data, physical and mental health of the older athletes was significantly superior to sedentary people of the same age. While most athletes decline slowly during the years past 50, once they hit 75, the decline is sizable. “I know for a fact I can outlast and outply co-workers who are half my age,” Elizabeth
Koenemun, a 58-year-old who played softball said. Let’s get some exercise and maintain a healthy life!
Remarriage After Retirement (June 8, 2005)
When their parents remarry later in life, many adult offspring experience a wide range of emotions - from joy to deep unhappiness. But remarriage is a reality today with 500,000 Americans over the age of 65 who remarry every year plus 266,600 couples in the 65-plus age group who chose to cohabit in 2000 for instance. New books explore some of the psychological and financial landmines and offer advice about how to create a positive relationship with the new step-parents.
Some Immigrants Are Offering Social Security Numbers for Rent (June 7, 2005)
Every US citizen as well as immigrants who are authorized to work in the US have Social Security numbers. But also, many illegal immigrants have them, too. Why? There are people who lend their Social Security numbers. This article introduces a “supply-and-demand” market for Social Security numbers and how it has happened. Isn’t something wrong to pay Social Security for people who lend their numbers to illegal immigrants—don’t forget that people who borrow the number will never receive retirement income despite the fact that they have worked very hard in the US!
Coming Clean (June 6, 2005)
There are several kinds of germs in hospitals—but this is to be expected. Hospitals are the place to cure people who are infected
by these germs. But if hospitals fail to prevent infections among their patients, aren’t they responsible? According to the article, one out of every 20 patients contracts an infection during a US hospital stay. Hospital infections kill an estimated 103,000 people each year, as many as AIDS, breast cancer and auto accident combined. How can hospitals prevent infections? Improve the level of hygiene! Doctors and nurses should wash their hands before they see each patient. They should wear clean uniforms. Don’t forget that germs can easily infect people.
Financial Abuse of Elderly Subject of Radio Series (June 2, 2005)
National Public Radio (NPR) featured a two-part series on financial abuse of the elderly. According to NPR, there are up to 5 million instances of financial abuse of the elderly each year. But many cases are not reported because an abuser is usually a trusted relative or friend of the elderly so that elders are reluctant to turn the person over to the authorities. The first report that NPR broadcast revealed the case of a mentally impaired senior who lost nearly $700,000 to his closest friend. To listen to the NPR reports and read a list of signs of elder financial abuse, go to:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4667720
Aging Latinos Face Own Problems (June 1, 2005)
In California, a wave of aging Latinos are bringing their health problems such as chronic health disease into the state health system. However, they face heavy barriers due to poverty and discrimination experts say. According to the last California Health Interview Survey Latinos show symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease 7 years earlier than non-Latino whites, Latinos have strokes at younger ages and their incidence of diabetes is 44% higher, and nearly 45% of older Latinos rate their health as fair or poor compared with about 25% of non-Latino-whites. Additionally, most medical doctors do not speak Spanish (nor are they required to learn Spanish) and rely on secondary evidence from family members or translators who may not understand medical terms. What steps can the state and community take to offer better health care to Latino elderly?
Deaf Elders Find a Home of Their Own
(May/June 2005)
Imagine living in a nursing home where no one speaks your language. How can you communicate with other residents in the cafeteria? How will you explain your ailment to the nurse? How can you play bingo?
Most elderly Deaf Americans feel this dilemma when they are placed in a hearing nursing home. Deaf Americans communicate through American Sign Language (ASL) and usually would not understand spoken English. This language barrier affects an elderly Deaf person’s social, health, and spiritual experience. This article explores how the New England Homes for the Deaf solves this serious obstacle with a positive and effective solution for elderly Deaf Americans.
Which States Most Popular with Senior Citizens (May 31, 2005)
The States with the highest percentage of senior citizens (65+) might surprise you. Well, not Florida, we all know it is number one. But, the next ten are not exactly your easy living, soak up the sun and surf type States.
Golden Years Tarnished by Abuse (May 31, 2005)
According to the California Department of Social Services, there are more than 300 reports of alleged elder abuse received at the 58 counties’ Adult Protective Services agencies on an average day. But these reported cases are only a part of the total cases. “Elder abuse remains hidden—often of the shame, guilt, isolation or mental impairment of the victim,” said Peggy Osborn f the attorney general’s office. Also as Sen. Joe
Simitian, D-Palo Alto, warns, “a lot of folks have gotten asset rich, even if they’re cash poor. What makes these cases all the more tragic is the very people who you would hope would love and protect their elders are often the worst sources of abuse: family members, caregivers and financial professionals.” How
can we prevent the growing problem of elder abuse?
Immigration Breeds Unique Problems (May 31, 2005)
Senior citizens emigrating to the U.S. experience from India, with its very strong social and cultural moorings, confront a “set of unique problems” after arrival. According to a group of four senior citizens from India, “In some cases, this could produce sense of isolation, mental depression and even falling ill.” The report, “Towards Fostering Family Values in Immigrant Community,” says that transition problems are acute for immigrants from cultures in which family ties are strong, such as India. In Milpitas and Sunnyvale in California, the Indian community centers have begun to organize programs for Indian seniors such as yoga, philosophical and religious discussions, awareness programs on current events, medical and health awareness and check-ups in order to help Indian seniors. Don’t let elder immigrants be left out of their new society!
Elderly Often Afraid to Report Abuse (May 30, 2005)
For the elderly, it is difficult to report abuse. They fear being placed in a nursing home, they are afraid of their attackers, or they too proud to admit they can’t defend themselves. John
Judisch, a Polk county prosecutor who specializes in adult abuse and neglect cases said, “It’s amazing how those things have such an immense control over these victims. It creates a huge barrier between them and help.” In the article three abuse cases are described, being true stones. Davidson, a disabled young woman who was abused by a caregiver, and her parents say there is no shame in seeking out help, that there is nothing wrong in protecting your dignity.
Another Case of Abuse in Elder’s Home (May 30, 2005)
This article introduces an elder abuse crime that occurred in 2003. Tom
Scovill, who is living in San Francisco, found out something was wrong in his neighbor’s house which was owned by an elderly woman named Mary
Basera. Basera provided a makeshift living space for Lena Bianco, and as time passed she noticed that Bianco started to wear expensive jewelry and a nice new leather jacket as well as drive a new car. Scoville barely saw Basera near her house. After Scoville’s effort, police figured out that Bianco overtook Basera’s house and allowed gangs to use her house. They arrested more than 60 people near and at her house, and found a bag filled with black-tar heroin. “If the neighbors had not alerted us and worked with us as closely as they did, we may have never figured out what happened with Mary,” Detective Cathy Pickard said. If you realize something is awry with your elderly neighbors, alert the authorities!
Caring for Senior Citizens Requires the Help of All Family Members (May 26, 2005)
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, nearly 25% of households in the United States are involved in caregiving to individuals age 50 and older. “The care of an aging family member shouldn’t rest on the shoulders of one family member. This leads to stress, not only for the family, but the caregiver as well,” said Vladimir
Zarkhin, owner of the Right at Home Boston metro west office. Zarkhin suggests tips or elderly care such as; divide responsibilities among the family, establish regular communication via meetings, hold conference calls or group e-mails, and give the primary caregiver a break as often as possible. Also, the article recommends that a family member should contact elderly care professionals. Yes, it helps because they know how to take care of the elderly!
Salesman Charged in Exploitation of Elderly (May 26, 2005)
Scott Heyder, 36, sold 11 organs in 18 months to an 79-year-old woman suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Even though her family pleaded with him to stop selling her organs, he continued to introduce expensive instruments and sell them to the woman. She spent about $25,000 on organs, but ended up with one worth only about half that, said sheriff’s spokesman Kevin Doll. He adds, “I think it’s unconscionable, especially after the family confronted this salesperson and said ‘Our mother has mental failings due to Alzheimer’s, she doesn’t know what she’s doing.”
Elder Abuse Common in California (May 22, 2005)
In March, Kathleen Wilson, 79, was found dead and partially mummified lying on the kitchen floor of her home. Since then, the tragedy continues. According to a recent County Welfare Directors Association report, some 327 calls related to abuse and neglect of California’s elderly and dependent adults came into the State last March. A social worker summarized, “it is estimated that only one of 14 incidents of abuse and/or neglect is actually reported.” But Linda Watts, deputy director for Solano County’s services to older and disabled adults, said the Wilson case may allow more others to be aware of elder abuse. Awareness is the first step to prevent elder abuse and neglect!
The Growing Pains of Assisted Living (May 22, 2005)
Almost four years ago a mentally impaired patient attacked Mary P. Marocchi, 84, who could not walk and lived in the Sunrise of Warrenton assisted living home. She died two days later. “I have to say that the error in judgment was in admitting someone with Huntington’s disease (and putting him) in the middle of a group of helpless elderly people,” John
Marocchi, Mary’s husband, cried. Robert T. Hall, an attorney who argued Marocchi’s civil suit, claimed that an assisted living facility can sacrifice patients’ safety to fill beds to meet their minimum percentage of occupancy. Where does adequate safety for helpless persons intersect with the bottom line?
It’s No Secret Why Elderly Are Scam Targets (May 21, 2005)
How much money do elderly Americans put into fraudulent investments? It’s impossible to calculate. Victims don’t want to admit they’ve been scammed to law enforcement officials as well as family members. That’s why so-called “reload” scams are so successful. These cons seek out people who have been swindled by an investment adviser and say they will help recover the money for a fee—this results in even bigger losses. But if an investment advisor recommends to seniors who can not tolerate the risks or expenses involved, isn’t it unethical? Most seniors believe that the money they have in the bank is absolutely safe and secure. Be sure that you are only the person who protects your money!
Helping Aging Baby Boomers to Help Themselves (May 17, 2005)
The Bush Administration announced that the goal in the upcoming reauthorization of the Older Americans Act is modernizing long-term care for the Baby Boomer generation. However, Bush wants more individual responsibility for financial planning, greater emphasis on managing one’s health, and fostering home- and community- based care to reduce the costs of nursing home care. Assistant HHS Secretary for Aging Josefina Carbonell told that “This will require that those who are not old should plan for their own long-term care. It will require the elderly who are not poor to make creative use of their existing resources to finance and support their care.” But if there is no resource such as affordable health care insurance, how can Americans be creative?
No, You Can't Just Dodder (May 15, 2005)
When we see Rolling Stones starting a new world tour at 62-year-old, we could think that it’s uncommon. However, older persons are more and more active now. These days, older people are not supposed to be sitting in a rocking chair, but doing things like younger persons: sports, travel, study… They are sometimes subject to a kind of pressure: contemplation and inactivity are not the modern value, and everybody has to be busy. Older persons “cannot just be retired, they must be super retired.”
State Office Warns Elderly of Abuse
(May 5, 2005)
In California, the number of victims of elder and dependent-adult abuse is more
than 225,000 each year. Sadly, according to officials, more than two-thirds of
abusers are family members. Last week, the California Attorney General’s
Office warned the elderly regarding the growing number of financial fraud
schemes targeting seniors. “By raising awareness, we are helping to empower
seniors not to become victims,” said Peggy Osborn, program manager for elder
abuse prevention in the Attorney General’s Office. Elder abuse, the fastest
growing type of crime, must get attention from state and local government but
also communities to protect the elderly!
Older
Americans Month, 2005 (May 3, 2005)
This year we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Older Americans Act of 1965,
created to improve the welfare of senior citizens. The White House released
President Bush’s proclamation that addresses “By treating older Americans
with the dignity and respect they deserve, we honor their legacy and
contributions to out Nation.” Well, does this mean that the President promises
us affordable health care and a stable social security?
As Medical
Airlifts Proliferate, the Public Price Tag Is Rising (May 3, 2005)
In rural areas, medical helicopters provide useful as well as necessary
transport for patients or injured persons to a hospital. Currently, an estimated
700 medical helicopters operate nationally, about twice the number flying a
decade ago. The price of an airlift ranges from $5,000 to $10,000, 5 to 10 times
higher than a ground ambulance. However, Medicare will cover the cost. If you
join Air Evac Lifeteam, you can call for an emergency airlift without any
out-of-pocket cost. But is this needed? Will membership cancel out swift
transport by another means? The article explores the fast sales jobs and
competitive environment of the air ambulance services.
Elder Abuse:
Remember to Always Ignore the Men (May 2, 2005)
When people talk about “elder abuse,” do you think a victim is a male or a
female? Well, elder abuse happens to both men and women. However, even
professionals focus on elderly women as victims of elder abuse. For example, the
office for Victims of Crime (OVC) offers a $350,000 grant to develop a series of
videotapes concerning the issue of domestic violence and/or assault against
older women. But why ignore older men?
Seniors
Living Large on Mortgage of Last Resort (May 2, 2005)
As the number of the elder Americans increase, the mortgage industry has focused
on older people. Called a reverse mortgage instrument, it allows homeowners 62
or older to essentially sell their house back to the bank in exchange for
monthly payments. By using a reverse mortgage, some people buy airplanes and
some rent a cozy apartment in Paris. But there are serious risks if the US
economy sinks and the elderly have no savings. They risk being
without a home.
Families
Forced to Search as Nursing Homes Fill Up (May 1, 2005)
In Connecticut, 33 nursing homes with 2,800 beds have closed since 1995. Health
care professionals blame rising care costs and inadequate Medicaid reimbursement
rates. U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the elderly population will be
increasing to 46% between 2000 and 2025; however, there are 29,800 beds in
nursing homes in Connecticut and 28,000 were already occupied as of February,
according to the state Social Services Department. In the near future, all
nursing beds will be filled up. How will local and state governments deal with
this issue?
Local
Classes Help Senior Citizens Get Connected (April 26, 2005)
86 year-old Kathryn Stevenson learned how to use a computer five years ago when
her daughter moved overseas. Since then, she emails her friends and four
children. According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project survey,
about 26% of Americans age 65 and older use the Internet, up from 22% last year.
“Once (the elderly) understand the technology on their terms, with the help of
instruction, they are never off of the computer,” Kevin Kramer, of Web Wise
Seniors says. If you want to know more about the internet, apply for a course to
learn the Internet!
Wards
of the State: A National Study of Public Guardianship (April 2005)
A new report by the University of
Kentucky and the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging is the
first nationwide examination of public guardianship since 1981. The study shows
that despite the considerable improvement of legal safeguards in recent years,
substantial inefficiencies remain; these include a lack of verification that
incapacitated adults receive appropriate care, minimal use of technology, lack
of guardian training, and poor funding. (Also see the Executive
Summary).
Elderly Pink Living Society (April 27, 2005)
Two gays are attempting to set up a 'pink living society', to enable gay people to grow old together in a shared apartment
building in The Hague. They believe that a place where elderly homosexuals can live together would be a great idea, since many gay people feel like outsiders most of their lives; when growing old, this feeling only increases. Elderly gays who don't have children or other relatives are often quite lonely.
2030 Forecast: Mostly Gray (April 21, 2005)
Population projections released by the Census Bureau indicate that the growth in the 65-and-older population will be about 3½ times the growth of the nation as a whole. The boom in the number of elderly portends dramatic shifts in political dynamics as competition intensifies for tax dollars to finance programs for the old and the young.
Survey Finds Four in 10 Seniors Do Not Take Medications As
Prescribed (April 19, 2005)
According to a new survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the Commonwealth Fund and Tufts-New England Medical Center, four in 10 seniors haven’t taken all the drugs that their doctors prescribed in the past year. This is because the costs were too high, they didn’t think the drugs helped them, or they didn’t think they needed the drugs. Nationally, about 27% of seniors reported that they didn’t have any prescription drug coverage at the time of the survey. “There is a opportunity to improve patient care both by urging doctors and patients to talk more about these issues and by developing systems to monitor quality and safely,” Commonweath Fund President Karen Davis, Ph.D. said, noting that these will be an important complement to the new Medicare prescription drug benefit.
Disabled at Work: Hidden Cost of Jobs for Older Americans (April 19, 2005)
About one-third of all disabled Americans in their 50s became disabled because of their jobs, a study conducted by economists Robert Recille at the RAND Corporation Institute for Civil Justice and Robert Schoeni at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research reveals. According to the research, 20.5% of the population aged 51-61, both men and women, had a health problem that limits the amount or kind of work they can do. The rates are much higher for Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks. “Workplace injuries not only affect the lives of injured workers but translate into higher costs to government programs such as Medicare and Social Security Disability Insurance,” said
Schoeni. The researchers estimate more than $33 billion costs can be traced to workplace injuries.
Older Adults Underserved, S.D. Health Experts Say (April 19, 2005)
In San Diego County, the community must reach out to the older adults who need service, experts in the mental health field say. Older people, who tend to be isolated and are especially vulnaerable to depression, are among the most underserved people. “Our big concern is for the people who stop socializing, stop connecting, stop even going to church.” said Denise
Nelesen, a spokeswoman for the county Aging and Independence Service Department. In the US, local government is not able to count the number of elderly except using the US Census data. How can that information help service agencies to identify isolated and needy elderly persons, especially in urban areas?
Patient Held in Lockup in Suing (April 19, 2005)
In Florida, a 76-year-old man was locked up in a psychiatric unit! Charles Miller and his wife, Jean Miller, sued Florida Medical in Broward Circuit Court alleging 12 crimes of negligence, false imprisonment, battery, civil conspiracy, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. According to them, Mr. Millers was locked in the psychiatric unit for one week and officials refused to let his wife to see him. The lawsuit
states, the hospital’s “medical documentation clearly indicates that Mr. Miller was never dangerous in any conceivable way and in no way met criteria as established by Florida law to be held against his will.” Why was
this man locked up? The judge should disclose what happened.
Aging Work Force Suggests Crisis Waiting in the Wings (April 14, 2005)
About 76 million baby boomers in the US will retire between 2008 and 2030, while only 48 million new workers will be available to take their positions. But many small business owners are not yet dealing with this issue. David
DeLong, a research fellow at MIT’s AgeLab and wrote a book “Lost Knowledge: Confronting the Treat of an Aging Workforce,” also
warns “all the traditional sectors that have been around for decades—manufacturing, aerospace, the oil and gas industry—will face a tremendous loss of brainpower in the next five to 10 years.” It makes good sense for companies to look for part-time older workers.
Recline Yourself, Resign Yourself, You're Through (April 13, 2005) and My Mother and Her Nursing Home: 4 Letters (April 15, 2005)
As the number of elderly increase, more family members face the reality of nursing care. Some are happy to take care of their old relatives. Others get frustrated because they have to ask nursing homes to take care of their loved ones. When families see poor nursing care, they often feel helpless and guilty. The New York Times published 4 letters from readers regarding their experience with nursing homes based on the Maureen Dowd’s column on April 13. GAA has posted both the column and the letters.
CMS Charts New Three-Year Journey Toward Quality Improvement (April 13, 2005)
The new “billion-dollar program,” which sets goals for Medicare Quality Improvement Organizations
(QIO), is starting in August. Nursing homes, hospitals, and home health care providers are asked to report specific performance measures to
QIOs, which help providers retool systems of care. The program aims at reducing the number of bed sores suffered by nursing home patients and helping doctors’ offices use electronic medical records and electronic prescribing to improve the delivery of care. Also, preventing and treating depression in nursing homes is another program goal. For the frail elderly, nursing care is very crucial. We much check to learn whether the program truly improves nursing care!
A Good Life, 2: Indy (April 2005)
GAA’s consulting student, Miri Mizrahi, displayed her product design,
Indy, a handless walker for disabled and/or older persons at the Annual Show
at Parson School of Design. The
shiny dark aqua blue walker with perky orange wheels sits prominently in the
Gallery’s large window opening onto
Fifth Avenue
at
13th Street
in
New York
. The Gallery Show, featuring
product designs that address issues of not for profit organizations in
New York
, opened on April 13 and will run until April 22, 2005.
Elderly Vets Face Uncertain Future (April 12, 2005)
GAA reported last week on the increase in the number of homeless veterans in Michigan. This article describes budget cut for veteran’s nursing care. Currently, more than 40,000 veterans live in nursing homes run by states and the federal Veterans Affairs Department. However, President Bush’s proposed 2006 budget would cut financial support dramatically, and about 80% of the veterans would no longer qualify for the VA daily support grants if the Bush proposal is approved. According to Lourdes E. Alvarado-Ramos, of the Washington Office of Veterans Affairs, the number of veterans age 75 and older will double in the next 10 years and they will need more care. But the VA and states do not have enough money at present to support them.
For Some, Care of Elderly Better at Home (April 11, 2005)
As people live longer, more elderly take care of their older relatives. Verlean Floyd, 81, has been a primary caregiver for her mother, Eliza Harper who just turned 100, for the last 13 years. In 1992, when her mother’s diabetes got worse, Floyd decided to retire from her job as a nurse and return to Alabama to care her mother. However, because her age, it is not easy for Floyd to take care of her mother. The West Alabama Regional Commission’s Area Agency on Aging has a respite program for caregivers, who are caring their loved ones for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Floyd says, “if people would care for their parents and not just drop them in a nursing home, it will make them feel better.” But taking care of the elderly at home is not easy if there is no help. Respite programs help caregivers survive—but they need funding form local governments and communities.
Pressures of Eldercare Often Exacerbated by a Lack of Support in the Workplace (April 10, 2005)
According to Boston-based Veritude, a human resources consulting firm, 140 executives nationwide rank “availability of eldercare” last in a list of components of an ideal workplace. Unfortunately, too many workers experiencing the stress of eldercare also face an underserved burden. Pamela Thornton, who is caring for her 80-year-old mother, for example, decided to quit her elder services agency job. Why? Her boss did not allow her to call her mother’s surgeon because she was on the clock. Her experience is not unusual at all. Many employers still do not understand eldercare and other work-family productivity concerns are bottom-line matters. But according to the Boston College Center for Work & Family, flexible work is linked to higher productivity and commitment. Why can’t employers be more flexible and humane?
A Hidden Problem- Elder Abuse (April 7, 2005)
Most of the elder abuse cases, victims are the
elderly who are dependent and receive care, and abusers can be family members,
health workers, and friends. However, we also should remind that there is
another case of abuse- an abuser is an elderly who receive care, and a victim is
a caregiver. Rose age 64 has taken care of her husband, age 65 who was suffering
from Alzheimer’s. Rose has begun to look weary and had a broken wrist and a
broke shoulder. In each instance, she said she had fallen. However, one day
finally Rose called the police for protection because her husband slapped her
away and pushed her to the floor. This is not because Rose took care of him
badly nor her husband was Alzheimer’s—both of them just need professional
assistance. Please don’t hesitate to talk to professionals when you want help.
They are there!
CARE Targets Consumer Fraud (April 3, 2005)
Consumer fraud, a skyrocketing crime, targets senior citizens. Margo Hamilton, a regional manager for the Riverside County’s Curtailing Abuse Related to the Elderly (CARE) program, said “one reason they are targeted is because they have money. They have saved.” Hamilton added, “And they are usually at home.” Hamilton said statistics show that Americans lose about $40 billion a year as a result of telemarketing fraud, and half of victims are at least 50 years old. The CARE programs trains older persons on how to recognize consumer fraud before it happens. Why not ask your local governments/nonprofits to provide some seminars about protecting your assets from telephone fraud? Why get sold a bill of goods?
CMS Unveils Web Site Comparing Hospital Quality (April 1, 2005)
You can check your local hospitals’ quality performance! The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services introduces quality performance data for “nearly all” the nation’s hospitals on its website. About 4,200 hospitals have reported data. You can compare hospitals based on the care they give for heart attacks, heart failure, and pneumonia. Also, the data is available on Medicare’s main website or by calling 1-800-Medicare.
Justice Give Older Workers More Leeway in Alleging Bias (March 31, 2005)
The Supreme Court’s recent decisions give workers age 40 and older rights to sue an employer for age discrimination, even though there was no evidence to show there is an intentional bias. Justice John Paul Stevens, who turns 85 in April, said older workers should be allowed to sue if they can point to a “specific test, requirement or practice… that has an adverse impact on them.” This “disparate effect” ruling may help older persons stay on the job longer.
Many Seniors are at Risk of Running Out of Money (March 31, 2005)
According to a team of University of Minnesota researchers, one in four Minnesotans who are between the age of 40 and 69 today are likely to become at “very high risk” of running out of money during their retirement years. Because people have fewer children who can help care for them in their later life, the elderly need more money to take care of themselves. Firms are dropping their pension plans. Also, more people have children later in life, leading to competition between retirement accounts and college bills. As the research team mentioned, public awareness campaigns urging greater savings are needed not only in Minnesota but also in the whole nation! Others say that wages are too low to allow saving.
Some Agencies Report Increase in Homeless Michigan Veterans (March 31, 2005)
Some agencies serving the homeless say that the number of military veterans seeking help has been increasing. “I’ve got 500 guys on our list for food every month right now,” said Vince
Berna, founder of Veteran’s Haven in Wayne. According to Berna, homeless veterans increased by 20% last year. About 40 percent of the homeless were close to the US old age marker: 65 years. Older homeless have very difficult prospects and complaints about the Veterans Administration’s service.
States Debate Photo IDs at Polls (March 31, 2005)
Legislation that would require voters to show photo identification in Georgia and Indiana before casting ballots has touched off fierce debate in three states, with opponents complaining the measures represent a return to the days of poll taxes and Jim Crow.
Supreme Court Removes Hurdle to Age Bias Suits (March 31, 2005)
The Supreme Court made it easier on March 30, 2005, for any worker over 40 to allege age discrimination, ruling that employers can be held liable even if they never intended harm. Older workers now have less of a burden to raise their claim in court when suing under federal law, although ultimately it may still be hard for them to win.
Screening Target Population at Risk for Alcohol Abuse: the Elderly (March 29, 2005)
April 7th is the National Alcohol Screening Day. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says that men 65 and older should have no more than one drink a day, and that women in that age group should drink even less. However, about 15 % of men and 12% of women regularly exceed those guidelines. But older people are likely to have problems because they have less body water than young people, leading greater concentrations of alcohol in the blood, according to experts. Also, some symptoms of excessive alcohol use, such as falls and impaired memory or speech may be regarded as the signs of aging. Don’t miss these symptoms if you drink more than the guidelines!
Where Age and Power Go Together (March 29, 2005)
Among the ranks of the Fortune 500, just 11 corporate chief executives have remained in their jobs past the age of 70. Of the 100 members of the U.S. Senate, by contrast, 22 have reached septuagenarian status -- and seven of them are either older than 80 or will be before their terms expire. What procedures should be put in place to assure that a person has the physical and mental capacity to continue? Is self-regulation sufficient?
Women, 87, Left Overnight in Cold Van (March 24, 2005)
In Baltimore, an old lady who was transported from Raven’s Medical Adult Day Care Center was left overnight in a van! According to Dr. Peter L.
Beilenson, City Health Commissioner, the van left the Center at 5:30 pm with several elderly passengers – including the woman who was believed to have fallen asleep in the back. The driver parked the van at his home and didn’t see her until next morning. “She is very old and couldn’t talk, but she appeared to be OK,” Beileson said. Why the driver didn’t check to fine out whether a passenger was on board? It should be a basic task for a driver to count the passengers—boarding and getting off.
Elderly
Ignore Age and Arthritis and Take on the Ski Slopes (March 16, 2005)
Do you know about New England Master Skiing, Inc.? This nonprofit
organization promotes participation in amateur alpine ski racing. They
hold annual ski racing events in the United States and Canada. Despite
their seriousness, the participants seem very relaxed because many of them
have been skiing for several decades. Bob McGrath, 69, has been racing
against his friends for more than 50 years, Alice Pepper, 76, loves the
giant slalom although she has arthritis in both knees.
Hispanic
Families Struggle to Keep Relatives Close Despite Alzheimer’s (March 15,
2005)
Taking care of Alzheimer patients is tough. However, Hispanic families try
to care for their older relatives due to the strong cultural value of
family responsibility. Additionally, Hispanic caregivers generally don’t
seek help for themselves or join a support group. “They don’t like to
share information about their family problems with others,” said Larry
Powell of the Florida Alzheimer’s Association. The report,
“Alzheimer’s Disease among the Hispanic Population,” says that
Hispanics with Alzheimer’s and related dementias are expected to
increase six-fold. Why? Hispanics use less medical services than others in
the US population and have greater risk factors such as diabetes and
vascular diseases.
Senior
Citizens Lack Dental Care Because They Can’t Afford It. (March 13, 2005)
According to researchers at the University of Buffalo’s School of Dental
Medicine, the most serious barrier to dental care for elderly is cost!
Among 415 participants, 402 reported having no dental insurance. Kimberley
Zittel-Palamara, director of the Dental School’s counseling program,
said “denture wearers need to be checked for periodontal disease, which
we now know is a risk factor for heart disease, and for cancerous
lesions.” -- But how can senior citizens with fixed-income afford dental
care? The USA needs a public health system now!
Online
Resources for Long Term Care (March 15, 2005)
Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program re-launched its website and
offers Floridians a convenient network of information regarding
residents’ rights and other issues for residents in nursing homes,
assisted livings, and adult family care homes. Some consider Florida as
the State for the elderly due to its mild climate. The new website
contains three main sections; ombudsman services, residents’ rights and
find an ombudsman council, for various groups such as long-term care
residents and families, facility staff and administrators, and ombudsmen.
Though this website itself is for Floridians, you will find useful
information!
Elder
Abuse Prevention Campaign Raises Awareness Throughout Country, Metro Area
(March 10, 2005)
The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) has launched an elder abuse
awareness campaign. Verizon Wireless, which partnered with MARC, developed
two posters printed with the messages “Abuse ignores age” and “Only
one in five cases of elder abuse gets reported,” with a 24-hour elder
abuse hotline numbers for Kansas and Missouri. “In too many instances
the person who is abusing or taking advantages of the older person is a
family member or someone they trust,” Jaquiline Moore, MARC director of
aging services said.
It Will Take All Our Energy to Stand Still (March 8, 2005)
It’s not just young women that Bush and his administration hurt with their policy about abortion and their opposition to the Beijing platform for action. All women, all around the world, younger and older, are concerned. Every families are affected. When the first presidential act of Bush reinstated the global gag rule, every “organizations in the world that received any US funding were banned from providing abortion services.” It affected many persons, and not only in the US: the rule has forced family planning organisations to close clinics, cut services and increase fees. One more social disaster from the Bush administration! In a small victory for women, international pressure forced the US to withdraw its amendment described in this article. However, as the UN Commission on Women nears its conclusion, there may be more tricks in the US diplomats’ pockets.
It Will Take All Our Energy to Stand Still
(March 8, 2005)
It’s not just young women that Bush and his administration hurt with
their policy about abortion and their opposition to the Beijing platform
for action. All women, all around the world, younger and older, are
concerned. Every family is affected. When the first presidential act of
Bush reinstated the global gag rule, every “organizations in the world
that received any US funding were banned from providing abortion
services.” It affected many persons, and not only in the US : the rule
has forced family planning organizations to close clinics, cut services
and increase fees. One more social disaster from the Bush administration!
In a small victory for women, international pressure forced the US to
withdraw its amendment described in this article. However, as the UN
Commission on Women nears its conclusion, there may be more tricks in the
US diplomats’ pockets.
Elderly Help Themselves and Others (March 8, 2005)
In rural towns across the United States, seniors are relying more on each other to keep living at home. In Traverse County,
Minn, more than 25% of its residents are older than 65. Thus, a “phone mate” program that pairs of elderly or disabled call each other at a prescribed time each day is helpful for those who are living alone. According to the National Family Caregivers Association, more than 27 million people, usually family members, provide care for others. The market value of those unpaid services is about $257 billion a year, the group said. Especially in rural areas, where the population often is older, “a great many people who are caregivers are people who might need the services of a caregiver themselves,” Andrew
Zovko, a director at the caregivers association said.
Elderly Prison Population Growing, Becoming More Costly (March 6, 2005)
Among the U.S. prison population, inmates ages 50 and older are the fastest-growing age group. The cost for an inmate who needs 24-hour nursing care is about $62,000 a year, nearly three times higher than a regular prisoner. As aging population is growing, more elderly prisoners will be increased. Ronald
Aday, a professor at Middle Tennessee State University, and other experts are pointing out the current criminal justice system in terms of the length of punishments. Also, even though elderly prisoners are released, most of them do not have family members. Thus, who will take them in or offer the resources to pay for their own care if they are released?
Amazing Medicaid Facts (March 3, 2005)
At a press briefing sponsored by AARP, former Indiana Medicaid director, Kathleen D. Gifford, pointed out mysteries of Medicaid. First of all, Medicaid is the biggest health insurer in the United States. Fiscal 2005 Medicaid spending is expected $329 billion, compared with $309 billion for Medicare, which covers all senior citizens. But even though it is a public-funded health insurance, all low-income people are not eligible—they must fall into one of more than two-dozen categories. You may find more Medicaid facts through the article. Please check it out!
More Employers Reduce Benefits for Dependents of Retirees, Workers (March 3, 2005)
More employers are reducing health care benefits for current dependents of retirees and workers, and eliminating the coverage offered to new dependents, according to a December 2004 Kaiser Family Foundation report. They documented that IBM now prohibits workers with a retirement date on or after Jan 1st from adding new dependents to the company’s health care benefits when they retire. Lucent Technologies eliminated health care benefits as of Jan 1st for dependents of management retirees. This means if a former IBM or Lucent Technology employee gets married after retirement, his/her new spouse or new-born baby is not covered by the company’s health care insurance. Lacking health care coverage will they enroll in Medicaid? When will the US adopt public health care?
Taking Care of Elders Part of Culture for Many (February 28, 2005)
In Hawaii, the Japanese Cultural Center held a forum, “Okage Sama De: Challenges, Sacrifice and Satisfaction in Elder Care in Hawaii’s Japanese-American Community.” About 150 people attended the forum, and most participants agreed that the intergenerational support is needed. According to Karen Miyake, the county executive on aging for Honolulu’s Elderly Affairs division, 14 to 20 % of Hawaiians provide assistance for their aging relatives. But this is not just a Japanese idea. In the U.S., families of Asia, black and Latino heritage believe that they have a responsibility to take care of their elder family members. Hawaii’s
lawmakers are considering giving qualified caregivers a $500 tax reimbursement.
Lottery Scheme Targets Elderly (February 28, 2005)
In Michigan, four elderly people have lost thousands of dollars through an apparent fraud. The victims received phone calls or certified letters that told they have won the Nigerian lottery. However, they are also asked to pay $2,500 first in order to send their prize of $100,000 to $200,000 through Western union. Once they sent money, it bounces all around the world before ending up in Nigeria. Michigan police and the U.S. Treasury Department are now investigating the Nigerian Lottery scheme.
States Try Offering More Choice in Long-term Care (February 24, 2005)
Don’ t you want to receive personal care from a person who you know well? Traditionally, State Medicaid programs have chosen home-care workers for you to support your daily activities such as bathing, eating, and dressing. However, since 1990s, Arkansas, Florida and New Jersey have tried “cash-and-counseling” programs that allow consumers to choose care workers and counselors. In Arkansas, the first state to try this program, about 75% of participants hired family members to provide care, and others hired friends, neighbors, or acquaintances. 11 more states such as Alabama, Iowa, and Kentucky, started this program last October. With traditional Medicaid personal care, many recipients end up in hospital or nursing homes because of worker shortage. Why don’t all states introduce this program?
Seniors and the Disabled are Pushing the Program to the Breaking Point (February 21, 2005)
Medicaid was founded in 1965 as a safety net for poor mothers and their children. This concept is still kept: 40 million of the program’s 53 million participants are low-income families and young adults. However, more than 60% of Medicaid funds are now spent on seniors and the disabled, mostly for long-term nursing care. But as the 40 million baby boomers age, more seniors will join Medicaid in order to pay their long-term care. Additionally, governors are also struggling with another troubling trend: low-wage workers, such as Wall Mart employees, are applying for Medicaid because their employers do not provide medical insurance. But health insurance and long-term care are necessary. Why not a national health care insurance in order to give equal and fare medical and nursing support for everybody in the US? If Europe and Japan can have such programs, why not US citizens?
State must Become a Leader in Care for the Elderly (February 16, 2005)
According to the US National Center on Elder Abuse statistics, one in 14 people older than the age of 60 is likely to be abused, In most cases, family members abuse the older person. But how can the community help prevent elder abuse? The report of the first-ever New York State Summit on Elder Abuse offers some practical first steps for defining, publicizing and preventing elder abuse. Although solving the problem requires great effort, the Summit’s action plan is definitely the first step.
Elderly or Children? Study Questions Who Gets Priority on Flu Shots (February 15, 2005)
Resembling the debate about distributing last year’s scarce flu vaccine, public health officials now debate the priority between young and old to receive flu shots. The National Institutes of Health suggest that children should receive flu shots first because they spread the virus. However, the Center for Disease Control and Dr. Richard Blum of Wilkes-Barre say the elderly should come first. “They become weak, they fall, they fracture their hips, they become immobilized, they’re unable to eat, they die of pulmonary embolism, clot problems that come about as a result of immobilization,” Dr. Blum said. Why not produce enough vaccine for everyone?
Just Listening can Make Elderly Happy (February 10, 2005)
Imagine that you are 90 years old and live alone. Do you think it would be easy to make a new friend? Friendly Visitor Programs are generally designed to provide a social outlet to homebound seniors who want to maintain their independence. Visitors, usually volunteers, stop by a senior’s house to talk, many times listen, to seniors for only 30 minutes or an hour. But regular visiting makes a big impact on a senior’s life. Think about registering with a senior center as a “friendly” visitor!
Spouse Caregivers More Likely to Scream at Patients (February 9, 2005)
According to the study conducted by Dr. Scott R. Beach, University of Pittsburgh, about one in four patients said that they were subjected to potentially harmful behavior such as screaming, swearing, or using a harsh tone of voice. Especially, when a caregiver is the spouse, the likelihood that such potentially behavior would be exhibited is 8 times higher than when a caregiver is not married to the patient. Elder caregivers are also “the elderly” whose cognition, physical strength, and emotion decline. “Get help,” Dr. Beach emphasizes. “Don’t try to do it all by yourself, especially if you feel yourself getting sick or stressed.”
Mental Illness & the Elderly (February 9, 2005)
When people get old, the risk of developing a mental illness gets higher. “Depression is probably one of the most under-diagnosed, under-treated and under-recognized illness in the elderly,” Nurse Practitioner Randy Vawdrey said. He also added getting old is one of the toughest challenges you and your family face- forgetting little things, increasing physical problems, and most of all, not being able to do day-to-day activities. Remember that there are professionals who know how to deal with mental illness. Trying to handle the care-giving on your own can go awry.
The Age of Discrimination (February 8, 2005)
We speak a lot about discrimination toward women and young people at work but we often forget discrimination of the elderly. However, employers and other employees believe that when you are past 60 and even sometimes 50 you become obsolete, inefficient. This type of subtle and psychological discrimination makes its victims feel slow and less productive than younger persons.
Uninsured
Americans Tell Their Stories (February 2005)
The number of uninsured Americans continues to mount, reaching 45 million in
2003. Millions of others also face erosion in their coverage, higher
deductibles, and periods without insurance. There is intense debate over what to
do about the 45 million Americans shown by U.S. Census data to lack health
insurance. But the human face of the problem is often lost in the discussion.
The Commonwealth Fund conducted a survey in 2003 with 120 uninsured men and
women in Idaho, Texas, Mississippi, Illinois, and Massachusetts and it is
introducing 6 people’s profiles on the website. Can you be confident that you
will always have health insurance? Not if you live in the USA!
Social
Programs Face Cuts in Bush Budget (February 7, 2005)
Who should support the poor, elderly and disadvantaged if the federal government
throws them out? Bush administration announced the budget for the coming fiscal
year. Medicaid, education, food stamps and veterans health program face big
cuts. Although administration officials said that they will give more money to
fight AIDS, expanding No Child Left Behind in high schools and providing health
care to the uninsured, advocacy groups said that the president’s proposals
would undercut programs for children and the poor to pay for Bush’s 10- year,
$1.8 trillion tax cut. But why should this extraordinarily lavish tax cut for
the very rich be paid for by the poor? Some have no food while others gorge in
princely style!
Study
Finds Half of All Bankruptcies Times to Illness or Injury (February 4, 2005)
Harvard Medical School found high medical bills were a major reason to the
growth in the number of individuals seeking federal bankruptcy protection. Most
bankruptcies were middle-class workers who had health insurance at the onset of
their medical difficulties. Medical debtors were 42% more likely than other
debtors to experience lapses in coverage. Further more, medical and job problems
often came together. Once a person gets serious sick and hospitalized, it takes
time to recover from it. Though the individual is released from a hospital, it
does not guarantee employment. Moreover, this person is in danger of losing
employer-based health insurance because of preexisting conditions. When will US
citizens demand universal publicly financed health care?
In This New
Genre, No Heroine can be Younger Than 48 (February 2, 2005)
When you think about “heroine,” what age is she? Joan Medlicott wrote books
regarding romance of older women. Of course, heroines are all over 48 years old.
The titles of these books are catchy such as “The Hot Flash Club,” “Julie
and Romeo,” and “The Red Hat Club.” Despite the fact that her writings
were beautiful, 14 out of 15 publishers rejected because “nobody cares about
older people.” But when St. Martin’s Press published her book, readers
responded enthusiastically. In her novels, she wrote: “It’s never too late,
in fiction or in life, to revise,” “it’s never too late to make new
friends.” – these words are true, aren’t they?
Lawyers Brace for Flood of
Elderly (February 1, 2005)
As elderly’s numbers increase, the demand for lawyers familiar goes
up. Sally Hure, a consumer protection attorney at the AARP Washington
headquarters, said “with increasing age comes dementia, issues of
capacity, appointments of guardians—the courts should expect a
significant increase in their caseloads.” The National Center for State
Courts’ reports that the legal system will have more cases in probate,
retirement and pension plan litigation, as well as increased emphasis on
Americans with Disabilities Act compliance for the elderly, and a likely
jump in traffic accidents involving the elderly, in their report.
Certainly, it is good news to have more specialized legal resources in the
elderly field.
Labour
Health Guru Accused of Care Home Neglect (January 31, 2005)
The chief executive of the Priory chain of alcohol and drug
rehabilitation clinics, whose celebrity clientele includes Kate Moss, Paul
Gascoigne and Ronnie Wood, was today accused of running a care home where
elderly patients were routinely mistreated.
Bad communication, Lack of
Accountability Lead to Medical Errors (January 26, 2005)
Medical errors shouldn’t happen. However, a national study found
that poor communication and collaboration among health professionals as
well as a lack of adequate support systems, skills, and personal
accountability cause dangerous medical errors. The study collected data
from 1,700 health workers including administration staff, and
surprisingly, 84% of physicians and 62% of nurses and other health
professionals have seen co-workers taking shortcuts that could harm to
patients. Also, 88% of physicians work with people who show poor clinical
judgment.
Sharp Increase in Medicaid
Enrollment Fuels Spending Growth (January 26, 2005)
According to a new Health Affairs journal report, Medicaid spending
increased 10.2% annually between fiscal 2000 and fiscal 2003. About 90%
Medicaid’s total enrollment growth came from low-income families, or 8.4
million, while only 10% from elderly and disabled. The study’s author,
John Holahan, Urban Institute, said Medicaid is a safety net for
individuals who have lost their employer-sponsored health insurance or
experienced financial crisis while U.S. economy was bad. While the
majority of Medicaid beneficiaries are young adults and children, about
70% of Medicaid expenditures go toward elderly and disabled. But if the
need for Medicaid continues to increase, how can President Bush reduce the
States’ budget for Medicaid? Why not adopt public universal health
care—at a much lower cost—for everyone? The Europeans have such
systems that work well; why can’t US citizens have the same?
Older Workers Impact Hoosier Companies (January 25, 2005)
As baby boomers reach retirement age, the decline in America’s skilled work force poses an urgent challenge for employers. And as life expectancies increase, many employees want or need to continue working beyond the standard retirement age.
The 19-year-old is Accused of Beating and Raping 2 Elderly Women (January 19, 2005)
A 19-year-old man was arrested on a charge of armed sexual battery in the Orange County, Florida. Victims are both women over 70 years old living alone in an area of northwest of Orlando. One of them is a frail, 100-pound woman, who was shot in the face and then raped. And the other victim uses a walker. As the elderly population grows, crimes targeted to the frail elderly may also increase. Especially for those who live alone in rural areas have difficulty getting help. How can a society protect homebound single elderly?
Study: Elderly Gamblers may Bet Too High (January 19, 2005)
Casino trips are popular among senior citizens. Some claim that the socialization opportunity around gambling is good for senior’s health. However, a new study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania and the Penn State college of Medicine found out that “at-risk” gamblers who spend more than they can afford to lose, plunk down more than $100 in a single bet, or both, are likely to be minorities, binge drinkers, or suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, they may be less likely to seek help. According to this study, the population of “at-risk” gamblers is about 11%. But Terry
Elman, of the Council of Compulsive Gabling of New Jersey, said the percentage of at-risk gamblers might be much higher. Surely there are better alternatives!
Older Addicts Face Uncertain Twilight (January 18, 2005)
Substance abuse is a not a problem for only young adults but for the elderly, too. Especially, as baby boomers, the first generation in which recreational drug use was widespread, reach old age, the number of old substance abusers will be increase. According to Margaret Anne Lane, a counselor at Sentara Williamsburg Community Hospital, the elderly have more free time, no small children or bosses to be accountable for, they have
the chance to become drug/alcohol addicts. Fortunately, elderly addicts often
quit drugs and/or alcohol because they are highly motivated and keep appointments for treatments. Lane just began a substance abuse counseling program for people older than 60. Hopefully, there are more professionals who are deal with senior substance abusers.
Personal care Program for Elderly and Disabled More Popular than Expected (January
18, 2005)
In Louisiana, a new state program providing home care services for the elderly and disabled has proven more popular than state officials expected. At first, the state estimated 2,300 applicants; however, by the end of December, the agency received 7,200 requests for services. About half of them were deemed eligible, and about 3,000 people received services by December 31. In many developed countries such as England and Japan, home care is the main service for elderly and disabled people. This service permits them to live in a community and, if operations are centralized and well-managed, the cost of home care is much lower than it is at nursing homes and hospitals. The Louisiana government has learned that the demand of home care is pretty high and it may well result in better care.
e-Health and the Elderly: How Seniors Use the Internet for Health Information (January 12, 2005)
The Kaiser Family Foundation conducted a new national survey of older Americans that revealed only 31% of seniors age 65 and older have gone online. However, 70% of the next generation of seniors (50-65 years old) have done so. The next generation of seniors tends to use the Internet to look up health information and 58% of them trust the Internet. On the other hand, only 21% of seniors use the Internet in order to look for health information, and 26% of seniors trust the Internet. Also, the survey showed that these income and education levels affected these numbers. For those who live in rural areas, the Internet is the great source of getting health information. “It’s time for a national discussion on how to get seniors online,” Drew Altman, President and CEO, Kaiser Family Foundation, said.
Americans Favor Malpractice Reform and Drug importation, but Rank Them Low on Health Priority List for the Congress and President (January 11, 2005)
In a national survey last year, Kaiser Family Foundation found out that 63% of American adults cite lowering the costs of health care and health insurance as a top priority for the President and
Congress. Also, about 80% say that they are in favor of changing the law to give power to the federal government to negotiate with drug companies in order to get lower prices. However, when we look up overall results, fewer Americans cite health care issues (10%) than the war in Iraq (27%) or economic issues (17%). In this article, Kaiser explains the survey results clearly. Please check it out!
Hospital Worker Pleads Guilty in Elderly Scam (January 10, 2005)
Elizabeth Manzanares, 44 years old, had been a close friend of the Armeit family. When Rose Armeit went to St. Mary’s Hospital for her husband’s treatment, Manzanares was working there and helped her. After her husband died, Rose asked Manzanares to help her with her personal bookkeeping. But Rose was told by her bank that Manzares had stolen $47,000. Unfortunately, this is just one of an increasing number of elder financial abuse cases, most often perpetrated by family members.
Driving Old (January 10, 2005)
In the United State of America, a car serves as people’s feet to go anywhere. Especially for senior citizens in rural areas, a car is the most necessity item to live independently. However, is it safe for the elderly to drive a car? In 2000, AAA estimated that a third of drivers were over 55 years old, but driving skills such as vision, reflexes, flexibility, and hearing, start to deteriorate around age 50. The University of Virginia developed a new program and you may take it at the Virginia Driving Safety Laboratory. Though the program costs $300, it shows a clear picture of a participant’s motoring ability. For your safety, please don’t be shy to take an exam!
Older, and Living in Manhattan (January 9, 2005)
Contrary to what many people might assume, the warm climates of Florida and the Southwest are not the only appealing places to grow old. For many retired people, Manhattan is a wonderland. The priorities for older persons living have changed: now, they want more "independent living," "assisted living," more than sunshine and calm.
“Not One Damn Dime Day” - Jan 20, 2005 (January 6, 2005)
Inauguration Day, Thursday, January 20th, 2005 is "Not One Damn Dime Day" in America. Organizers and many older activists want to remind elected officials that they don’t work for the international corporations or K Street lobbyists. This national effort critiques the ongoing war in Iraq. It’s a “24-hour national boycott of all forms of consumer spending.” No more money for fast-food, gasoline, the mall or the local convenience store during this day.
California Gives Gay, Elderly Couples Marriage-Like Benefits
(January 2, 2005)
On Jan 1st, California introduced a new law that gave gay couples and heterosexual elderly couples who register as domestic partners nearly the same responsibilities and benefits as a married couple. Although gay couple advocates are still not fully satisfied with this law, “a start’s a start, progress is progress,” said Brian Cornell who has a 27 year relationship with his partner. The law opens a door for homosexual couples to have automatic parental status over children born during the relationship as well as responsibility for each other’s debts.
Former Judge in Ironic Situation (January 1, 2005)
A federal judge, Bruce Van Sickle, made a ruling that led to the release of hundreds of people with mental illness in North Dakota 20 years ago. In his 1982 ruling, Van Sickle said that more than 1,000 retarded residents were being warehoused, without regarded to their ability to take care of themselves. This great lawyer is now suffering from dementia, and his son, David, is fighting a court ruling that has kept his father in a nursing home for months. Not only people with mental illness but also people with dementia are able to live in a community if there are appropriate care and support for them. Don’t institutionalize!
TRADE UNIONS AND ELDER RIGHTS ISSUES
Health
Care Workers Protest Pataki’s Proposed Budget (March 9, 2005)
About 2,000 health care workers in New York rallied to protest Gov.
Pataki’s proposed budget, which would cut budget for services at
hospitals and nursing homes. According to the New York Association of
Homes & Services for the Aging, Pataki’s proposed budget would
increase nursing home operating losses from $128 million two years ago to
almost $500 million. Gov. Pataki also requests hospitals and nursing homes
to pay higher taxes and receive lower reimbursement rates in order to fill
the budget gap. However, these ideas will be to end up higher medical
costs for consumers, won’t they? Not only health care workers but also
consumers should pay attention to Pataki’s proposal! Perhaps lobby for
public health care?
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