Getting a Ride is Key

For some seniors the once-simple task of getting around becomes much more difficult. As vision and other faculties deteriorate with age, driving becomes more dangerous, and eventually driving rights may need to be forfeited completely.

Finding a way to get to doctors appointments or physical theory cane be difficult but there are options. If you live in a urban or populated area, public transportation or taxis are good options. Many cities have free or reduced rates for seniors. Taxis can be called ahead of time and can provide door-to-door service. The downside to taxis is that to cost can build up and might only provide one way transportation.

If those are not an option some non-profits and church groups provide services for seniors that need rides to doctors visits. These sorts of services can be very helpful for seniors that are having trouble getting around. They provide a flexible alternative to public transportation. With non profit senior transpiration seniors will have the benefit of having a familiar driver and a comfortable ride.

Saving Money by Bundling Care

A few months ago my a member of my family had 3 extended stays in the hospital. I had Appendicitis in graduate school, so I had a scene of how messed up the medical billing system had become. But I was not prepared for the sheer number of bills for doctors, specialists, sub contractors, hospitals, laps, other tabs that were the result of nearly a month in the hospital.

One of the things that have lead to the increased cost of medical care in the United States has been the overhead realated to record keeping and billing. A new pilot program by Department of Health and Human Services aims at streamlining this process. This program will offer "bundled" care. Patents would pay a single flat fee that would cover for an episode of treatment. From kaiserhealthnews.org

On Tuesday, the Department of Health and Human Services unveiled a Medicare pilot program that will pay participating hospitals, doctors and other health providers one, “bundled,” payment to treat a patient for a single episode of care. The program starts in 2012. To participate, providers will have to bid less, in total, than what Medicare would pay each provider separately. The traditional Medicare program pays each hospital and doctor a separate fee for its services, which critics say leads to uncoordinated care and incentives to drive up Medicare bills.

By reducing inefficiencies and waste, health care organizations will be able to reduce the cost of providing care.

Until Next Time,
Mike
Healthcare Software

Why the recession increased access to health care

The Washington Post's Sarah Kliff has an interesting post on her blog:

One unexpected side effect of the recession: Access to health care has increased. A studypublished today by the Center for Studying Health Change tracks issues related to accessing health care from 2007 through 2010. It finds that fewer Americans are experiencing unmet health needs or delaying medical care. As the above chart shows, this is true for both those with and without health insurance.

As it becomes more difficult for people to pay for treatment the demand for treatment drops and along with it the cost. This is clearly a double edged sword. The fact that people are not seeking treatment means a larger burden on the healthcare system in the short and long term. Delaying care can lead to an experimental growth health issues. In times of recession, however, healthcare organizations are able to reduce in inefficiencies that are a inevitable result in an over-stressed system. Studies by the Kaiser Family Foundation believes wasteful spending accounts for 30% of medical costs.

One way that health care organizations are cutting down on waste is by using electronic medial records and tracking tools to manage the work flow within in a doctor's office or hospital. This reduces mistakes and oversights on the part of the staff. Patients get healthy faster and fewer mistakes mean less liability for the hospital.



Until Next Time
Mike,
Healthcare software

It was only a matter of time before someone wrote this story:

Baby boomers heading into what used to be called retirement age are providing a 70 million-member strong market for legions of companies, entrepreneurs and cosmetic surgeons eager to capitalize on their "forever young" mindset, whether it's through wrinkle creams, face-lifts or workout regimens.

A study from Global Industry Analysts estimates that baby-boomers will spend $114 Billion on anti-aging products by 2015. Public health professionals are quick to disregard nearly ever aspect of the anti-aging push. They aruge that it is all marketing.  S. Jay Olshansky, a professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago's School of Public Health told the AP, "It's always the same message: 'Aging is your fault and we've got the cure. Invest in yourself, in the simple things we know work. Get a good pair of running or walking shoes and a health club membership, and eat more fruits and vegetables."

That message falls on deaf ears. Everything from plastic surgery to unregulated health supplements  are sold as quick fixes to stop aging. Because so much of the market remains unregulated, there is little protection for people negatively effected.

What is overlooked in the race to stop aging is to root cause of health problems. Someone might go right for the botox to remove wrinkles, but still spends 1000s of dollars on makeup that drys out the skin. It is easy to get plastic surgery, but harder to change ones diet. Cutting back on red meat carbs and increasing veggies and fish can go a long way to increasing health and reducing risk of long term illness.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NntPPB6htxk&w=420&h=345]

Until Next Time
Mike
Chicago Home Care 

Two-Thirds of Californians Unprepared for Costs of Elder Care

A scary study out of California today:

Two-thirds of middle-aged Californians – across party lines – worry that they won’t be able to cover the enormous cost of nursing home care – now over $70,000 a year – and Latinos in particular feel vulnerable, according to a report released Tuesday.

The study was conducted by the SCAN Foundation and UCLA's Center for Health Policy Research. They asked middle aged voters how they are preparing for life after retirement. According to the report the number of people over 60 will double to 12 million during the next 25 years.

These sorts of numbers are pretty terrifying. The increase in seniors is going to put stress of any number of public and private institutions that help support older Americans. Despite the advances in health care and prevention many people will still have to use short-term nursing homes or home care.

UCLA center’s Steven P. Wallace says, "Most Californians will need it during their life, yet unfortunately, most Californians are not planning for it and the government is cutting back on affordable options that could help."

Resent budget cuts in the state will reduce access to esscenale services for the elderly. Transportation, health and personal services are all effected.

Until Next Time,
Mike
Chicago Home Care

Support in Co-Living

From the Old New Age Blog:

“My every need was taken care of,” said Ms. Edwards, who has lived in ElderSpirit since its inception five years ago. “That’s the kind of care you can’t get from places that are professionally run.” They see senior cohousing as a low-cost alternative that allows them to remain independent while living in a community where neighbors know one another, share weekly meals and help in times of need.

Until Next Time,
Mike
Physical Therapy Recruiting

Don't Let Incontinence Diminish Quality of Life

A Great blog post from the folks at CMSS today. In there most resent blog post, they talk about issues related to incontinence and its impact on the lives of seniors. As one grows older, the body begins to have trouble maintaining control. Something as simple as a hard belly laugh can cause leakage. At the more extreme end, the bladder and no longer function correctly or will not completely empty.

Treatment can be tricky. Many adults do not want to ware adult dipers, In the long run incontinence can cause depression and social isolation as it becomes more difficult to get out of the house.

There are other treatments. The most simple is Kegel exercises. Strengthening pelvic muscles can help prevent minor leakages and help fully empty the bladder. There are several medications on the market that help control the bladder functions. There are also electronic devices that can notify the user when badder muscles are active. Finally, there are some surgical options available. This procedure can help take pressure off the bladder.

Until Next Time,
Mike
Chicago In-Home Care