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Ideas & Checklists for New Years Resolutions - for Caregivers and Seniors

UPDATED: This article is updated from an article that appeared on HelpingYouCare® on December 31, 2014. Happy New Year! Now is the exhilarating time for a new beginning — the time to make New Years resolutions for the coming . . . → Read More: Ideas & Checklists for New Years Resolutions – for Caregivers and Seniors

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10 Warning Signs Your Senior Family Member May Need Help, Issued by HHS Eldercare Locator

The Eldercare Locator, a service of the Administration on Aging, part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), has issued a list of 10 Warning Signs Your Older Family Member May Need Help in the home. . . . → Read More: 10 Warning Signs Your Senior Family Member May Need Help, Issued by HHS Eldercare Locator

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HHS Agreement Now in Effect: Medicare Will Cover Skilled Maintenance Care Even Without Patient Improvement

A U.S. Federal District Court in Vermont on January 24 approved a settlement agreement reached between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and plaintiffs in a pending litigation matter, which may help all Medicare patients with . . . → Read More: HHS Agreement Now in Effect: Medicare Will Cover Skilled Maintenance Care Even Without Patient Improvement

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US Govt Does More than Honor Veterans for Veterans Day

In observance of Veterans Day, Secretary of Health & Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, issued a Statement on Friday, in which she said, “This Veterans Day, we honor all those who have served in our nation’s armed forces and are . . . → Read More: US Govt Does More than Honor Veterans for Veterans Day

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Planning Ahead for Long-Term Care

November has been designated as Long-Term Care Awareness Month. As part of this observance, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services issued a release yesterday, containing useful information on long-term care for seniors and their family caregivers. The . . . → Read More: Planning Ahead for Long-Term Care

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HHS Agrees to End Practice of Denying Medicare Coverage for Skilled Care & Related Home Health & Therapy Due to Lack of Patient Improvement

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has entered into a proposed settlement of a lawsuit in which HHS agreed to revise portions of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual to stop the long-standing practice of denying Medicare . . . → Read More: HHS Agrees to End Practice of Denying Medicare Coverage for Skilled Care & Related Home Health & Therapy Due to Lack of Patient Improvement

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New Resources to Help Seniors & Those With Disabilities Stay Independent Provided under Affordable Care Act

Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius announced that $12.5 million in awards funded by the Affordable Care Act and the Older Americans Act will be made to local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) to help . . . → Read More: New Resources to Help Seniors & Those With Disabilities Stay Independent Provided under Affordable Care Act

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Medicare Announces Redesigned Website to Better Serve Medicare Beneficiaries & Their Families

The U.S. centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on August 21 that it has launched a redesign of its Medicare.gov website, in order to better serve Medicare Beneficiaries and their families. The redesign, CMS said, “mak[es] content . . . → Read More: Medicare Announces Redesigned Website to Better Serve Medicare Beneficiaries & Their Families

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New Resources on Hospital to Home Transition Featured on National Library of Medicine Site

“Many older adults do not successfully make the transition home well and end up returning to the hospital. In fact, one in five Medicare patients are readmitted to a hospital within 30 days after discharge,” according to a new . . . → Read More: New Resources on Hospital to Home Transition Featured on National Library of Medicine Site

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In-Home Care Coordination Helps Those with Dementia Stay at Home & Improves Care, Johns Hopkins Study Finds

A new study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that an in-home care coordination program for people with dementia improved their quality of care, quality of life, and ability to remain in home. The study, which was presented . . . → Read More: In-Home Care Coordination Helps Those with Dementia Stay at Home & Improves Care, Johns Hopkins Study Finds

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Health Affairs Conference Focused on the Care Span for Elderly & Disabled

At a June 5 conference sponsored by the journal Health Affairs, in Washington D.C., experts in care for the elderly and disabled presented findings on how better coordination of care across the “Care Span” for the elderly and disabled . . . → Read More: Health Affairs Conference Focused on the Care Span for Elderly & Disabled

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Harvard Health Publishes Caregiver's Handbook

Harvard Health Publications of Harvard Medical School has published Caregiver’s Handbook: A guide to caring for the ill, elderly, disabled … and yourself, a basic introductory handbook to some of the topics and concerns faced by family caregivers. In . . . → Read More: Harvard Health Publishes Caregiver’s Handbook

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HHS Announces 3 New Home & Community-Based Care Options under Affordable Care Act

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced yesterday three new programs made possible under the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (the “Affordable Care Act,” which some call “Obamacare”) to help Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries receive . . . → Read More: HHS Announces 3 New Home & Community-Based Care Options under Affordable Care Act

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Medicare Announces Inclusion of Patient Survey Data in Home Health Compare Tool

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on April 19 that the results of its ongoing survey of patients regarding their experiences with and ratings of Medicare-certified home health agencies, will now be available to consumers . . . → Read More: Medicare Announces Inclusion of Patient Survey Data in Home Health Compare Tool

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HHS Announces New Administration on Community Living to Help Seniors & Disabled Live At Home

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced Monday that it has established a new Administration on Community Living under HHS, which will be dedicated to “enhancing and improving the broad range of supports that individuals with . . . → Read More: HHS Announces New Administration on Community Living to Help Seniors & Disabled Live At Home

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National Home Care & Hospice March on Washington & Law Symposium, March 25-28, 2012

website. “Connect with your members of Congress and make them understand your patients’ needs. Tell them how home care can cut costs and right a health care system that’s run off the tracks. A train wreck will occur if . . . → Read More: National Home Care & Hospice March on Washington & Law Symposium, March 25-28, 2012

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Medicare to Provide Expanded Primary Care At Home for Seniors under New Affordable Care Act Initiative

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on December 20, a new demonstration program under the Affordable Care Act under which doctors and nurses will provide expanded primary care at home for Seniors on Medicare. The new . . . → Read More: Medicare to Provide Expanded Primary Care At Home for Seniors under New Affordable Care Act Initiative

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How the Administration On Aging Works at the Federal Level

Gregory Bator from GracefulAging interviews Kathy Greenlee, the Assistant Secretary of Aging, at the Chicago Aging In America Conference. She explains how America’s aging network works at the Federal level, giving money to States, which in turn gives money . . . → Read More: How the Administration On Aging Works at the Federal Level

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What to do When Medicare Will Not Cover the Costs of a Needed Rehabilitative or Skilled Care Facility

Here is a wake-up call: Medicare may cover costs of a needed rehabilitative or skilled nursing care facility after a hospitalization of at least three nights — but only to a limited extent. As explained by the Centers for . . . → Read More: What to do When Medicare Will Not Cover the Costs of a Needed Rehabilitative or Skilled Care Facility

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Caregiverlist - Search Tool to Find & Compare Nursing Homes & Their Costs

Caregiverlist.com offers a Nursing Home search tool combined with a “Star Rating Service” for family caregivers, which allows you to search for nursing homes by State and County, by zip code, or by name, and find a list with . . . → Read More: Caregiverlist – Search Tool to Find & Compare Nursing Homes & Their Costs

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Home Health Compare – by Medicare.gov

This important finder tool, provided by the U.S. Government, Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS), has detailed information about every Medicare-certified home health agency in the country. The data contained in this data . . . → Read More: Home Health Compare – by Medicare.gov

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American Red Cross Offers Free Family Caregiver Classes

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a series of Classes for Family caregivers, which include eight one-hour modules of instruction on topics intended “to help participants gain an understanding of what is involved in caring for a loved one.” . . . → Read More: American Red Cross Offers Free Family Caregiver Classes

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New Trend: Hospital Care At Home? Study Finds Home X-Rays Beneficial for Elderly

At a time of widely reported rising risks from widespread hospital errors and hospital-acquired infections, doctors in Italy have conducted a pilot study that showed that at least some hospital care (routine X-rays) can better be delivered to elderly . . . → Read More: New Trend: Hospital Care At Home? Study Finds Home X-Rays Beneficial for Elderly

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Medicare Adds New Online Tools to Help Health Care Consumers

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), announced on Friday that they have launched new online tools for patients and caregivers to “empower consumers to make informed choices about their health care,” as well as other initiatives . . . → Read More: Medicare Adds New Online Tools to Help Health Care Consumers

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States Slash Home Health Care & Adult Day Care Services for the Neediest; Likely to Increase Costs

Several reports recently have noted that across the nation, U.S. states are slashing Medicaid dollars for home health care services and adult day care services that help keep the elderly and disabled out of nursing homes. State lawmakers cite . . . → Read More: States Slash Home Health Care & Adult Day Care Services for the Neediest; Likely to Increase Costs

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High-Tech Increasingly Used to Allow Seniors to Age in Place

Several pilot programs are being conducted by the Oregon Center for Aging & Technology to test motion sensors, skype-like video monitors, robots and other high-tech equipment, as a means of constantly monitoring the well-being of seniors in their own . . . → Read More: High-Tech Increasingly Used to Allow Seniors to Age in Place

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New Virtual Assisted Living Model: Technology + Paid Staff and Volunteers Enable Seniors to Remain in Their Own Homes

Allen “Chip” Teel, MD, a family physician in Maine, is pioneering a new model for virtual assisted living at home. Use of technology plus a combination of paid staff and volunteers to check on seniors living in their own . . . → Read More: New Virtual Assisted Living Model: Technology + Paid Staff and Volunteers Enable Seniors to Remain in Their Own Homes

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End-of-Life Care Expense

End-of-life health-care costs are for the most part underestimated–the biggest expense being in-home care. While not a pleasant topic to address, issues such as power of attorney, spelling out any wishes beyond what’s in the will,  the fine print . . . → Read More: End-of-Life Care Expense

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Wanted: A National Respite System - NYTimes.com

Over 28 million people in the United States provide care for someone age 75 or older.  A 2009 study by the National Alliance for Caregiving/AARP found that 88% of family caregivers never get a break from this full-time job. . . . → Read More: Wanted: A National Respite System – NYTimes.com

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Home Care Services

From MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. A comprehensive source of information on home health care, and what it includes: Personal care: bathing, washing . . . → Read More: Home Care Services

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Understanding Home Care Agency Options

Here is an excellent introduction to the home care industry and the types of agencies, options and resources available. This 16 page booklet, part of the “Since You Care” series by MetLife in cooperation with the National Alliance for . . . → Read More: Understanding Home Care Agency Options

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Growing Trend: Paying a Relative to Take Care of Mom

Read more in WSJ.com about a growing trend for families to compensate adult children or relatives who serve as caregivers to elders.  This trend may be fueled by a recognition of the financial sacrifices that family caregivers often make — frequently finding it . . . → Read More: Growing Trend: Paying a Relative to Take Care of Mom

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Home care services: Questions to ask

If you’re considering home care services, here are some questions to ask regarding Qualifications, Quality of care, Costs, Understanding services, and Monitor your home care services From the Mayo Clinic staff

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Find Home Care and Home Health Care Providers – Search Tool from SNAPforSeniors

A search tool to Find Home Health Care providers near you, along with links to information about Home Health Care and how to choose among providers, provided by SnapForSeniors. SnapForSeniors is an information and technology company that maintains databases of senior . . . → Read More: Find Home Care and Home Health Care Providers – Search Tool from SNAPforSeniors

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Adult Day Centers

a 12 page booklet, part of the “Since You Care” series by MetLife in cooperation with the National Alliance for Caregiving.  Helpful information about Adult Day Care centers, types of centers, how to locate the right one, how to . . . → Read More: Adult Day Centers

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There’s No Place Like Home—For Growing Old: Tips from the National Institute on Aging

National Institute On Aging, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. 6 page PDF document, providing tips for the family caregiver on how to help your older relatives stay in their home. Includes information on: . . . → Read More: There’s No Place Like Home—For Growing Old: Tips from the National Institute on Aging

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Helpful hints: If Care is Needed at Home

From MetLife Mature Market Institute. Assess your family member’s needs, seek the advise of a professional if needed, selecting a care provider, make sure to check references, make sure the care provider is aware of any special care needs, . . . → Read More: Helpful hints: If Care is Needed at Home

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Hiring an Independent Caregiver

A 12 page booklet by MetLife in cooperation with the National Alliance for Caregiving, above, under Selecting a Home Health Agency or Private Duty Aide…. Read more…

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Hiring Home Care Help

From National Caregivers Library A checklist for hiring help on your own Tips for interviewing with the prospective home care worker A checklist for once you have hired a home care worker »View Info

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Caregiver University: Working Successfully with Home Care Services

by Family Caregiver Alliance. Tips for the family caregiver on how to work with, monitor and manage home health care services, once contracted. »View Info

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Five Tips For Choosing A Non-Medical, Personal Care Provider

July 17, 2008, From Franchising.com. Five key, common sense tips for selecting home health care-help. »View Info

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Background Checks for Live In Caregivers, by Lincoln Nguyen

It is always a good idea to get a background check on individuals you plan to hire to take care of your elderly family member. Services such as Lexis-Nexus and Intelius provide criminal background checks for a minimal fee. . . . → Read More: Background Checks for Live In Caregivers, by Lincoln Nguyen

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How to Obtain a Background Check on an Applicant for a Caregiving Position?

If the applicant consents in writing, you can retain an independent company to perform a background check. Several private companies are in the business of providing such background checks. Here is one: »View Info Please let HelpingYouCare.com know of . . . → Read More: How to Obtain a Background Check on an Applicant for a Caregiving Position?

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5 Things you can do to prevent infection

Brochure by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Helpful tips for the family caregiver to be aware of and implement. In summary, these include: (1) Clean your hands with soap and warm water, (2) make sure health . . . → Read More: 5 Things you can do to prevent infection

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Patient Safety

From Medline Plus (a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health Tens of thousands of people die in U.S. hospitals each year as the result of lapses in patient safety Things you . . . → Read More: Patient Safety

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Older Consumers Safety Checklist

From the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Among adults 65 years and older, falls and fires are two leading causes of unintentional injuries and deaths. For a checklist on preventing falls and fire deaths and injuries… »View Info (pdf)

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Adult Day Care Centers: A Guide to Options and Selecting the Best Center for Your Needs

by HelpGuide.org. If you are caring for your elderly loved one at home, an adult day care center may provide an important resource, both for the stimulation and well-being of your elder and for needed respite for you. This . . . → Read More: Adult Day Care Centers: A Guide to Options and Selecting the Best Center for Your Needs

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So Far Away: Twenty Questions for Long-Distance Caregivers

By the National Institute on Aging, U.S. National Institutes of Health. A 48 page PDF document, providing answers to 20 key questions for long-distance caregivers, such as: How will I know if help is needed? What can I really . . . → Read More: So Far Away: Twenty Questions for Long-Distance Caregivers

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Caring From a Distance

Service Directories Where to get help Web and Phone-Based Helplines Eldercare Locator Geriatric Care Managers From Caring From a Distance (CFAD.org) »View Info

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Handbook for Long-Distance Caregivers

From Family Caregiver Alliance National Center on Caregiving: »View Info

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Long Distance Caregiving

a 20 page booklet, part of the “Since You Care” series by MetLife in cooperation with the National Alliance for Caregiving. Helpful information for long-distance caregivers. »View Info

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How Will I Know Mom and Dad are Okay? Staying “IN TOUCH” in Crisis Situations

A 6 page brochure by the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as re-published by the Senior Information and Assistance Service of Pierce County, Washington. This brochure outlines how families can stay in touch with . . . → Read More: How Will I Know Mom and Dad are Okay? Staying “IN TOUCH” in Crisis Situations

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The Joint Commission Selecting a Health Care Provider: Helping You Choose Quality Home Care and Hospice Services

by The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The Joint Commission is a non-profit organization which evaluates (by performance based standards) and accredits over 15,000 healthcare organizations in the U.S., including hospitals, home health care, hospice providers, nursing . . . → Read More: The Joint Commission Selecting a Health Care Provider: Helping You Choose Quality Home Care and Hospice Services

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Eldercare Locator Fact Sheet: What Is Home Health Care?

From the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. An introduction to the Home Health Care Industry, what services are provided, when is home health care appropriate, and tips for the caregiver on how to make sure that home . . . → Read More: Eldercare Locator Fact Sheet: What Is Home Health Care?

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How Do I Select the Right Home Care Provider?

Consumer Information from the National Association For Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), a primary industry association for the home health care industry. Provides “a checklist of questions to ask [potential home health care] providers and other individuals who may . . . → Read More: How Do I Select the Right Home Care Provider?

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Quality Check® search engine provided by the Joint Commission

The Joint Commission also provides a Quality Check® service, which is a search engine where you can find the Joint Commission’s evaluation of the healthcare organization you are considering. Accredited facilities are designated by the “Gold Seal” of the . . . → Read More: Quality Check® search engine provided by the Joint Commission

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Frequently Asked Questions About Home Health Care

Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan. Basic information about Home Health Care and the types of Home Health Care providers, including some questions you may want to ask a prospective home health care agency. »View Info

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Home care services: Questions to ask

From MayoClinic.com Questions to ask about an agency’s qualifications and about the quality of care it provides, such as: Are the caregivers bonded and insured? Questions about costs such as, Is the agency approved or accepted by your HMO . . . → Read More: Home care services: Questions to ask

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Medicare – Home Health Compare

Provided online by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services at medicare.gov, the official U.S. government site for people with Medicare. This tool provides you with information on how well the home health agencies in your area care . . . → Read More: Medicare – Home Health Compare

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How Do I Hire a Home Care Employee?

From the National Family Caregiver Support Program, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Determining the Type of Care You Need: Housekeepers or Chore Workers, A Homemaker, A Home Health Aide, Certified Nurse Assistant, Or Nurses Aide General Eligibility . . . → Read More: How Do I Hire a Home Care Employee?

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Hiring an Independent Caregiver

a 12 page booklet by MetLife in cooperation with the National Alliance for Caregiving. An excellent discussion of how to go about finding and hiring your own independent caregiver to care for your elder at home. Includes issues to . . . → Read More: Hiring an Independent Caregiver

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A checklist for interviewing caregivers

by Marsha Seff, Union Tribune, July 26, 2008, from SignOnSanDiego.com. A checklist of questions to ask health care agencies, and a separate checklist of questions to ask independent caregivers, when interviewing to hire care-help at home. »View Info

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Questions You Should Ask Before You Decide on a Private Duty Caregiver

From The National Private Duty Association (NPDA), a trade association for private duty home health agencies and workers. When selecting a home care agency, here are some questions you should ask, research and consider. Also includes links to information . . . → Read More: Questions You Should Ask Before You Decide on a Private Duty Caregiver

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Who Provides Home Care?

From the National Association For Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), a primary industry association for the home health care industry. Provides a good introduction to the home health care industry and the types of services and resources available. Includes . . . → Read More: Who Provides Home Care?

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Caring for your Parents Home Care

A 10 page pamphlet from the NY State Office for the Aging website, produced in connection with pbs.org/caringforyourparents, and by the WGBH Educational Foundation and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Provides introductory information on topics, such as: What is . . . → Read More: Caring for your Parents Home Care

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Services to Help Seniors Stay at Home: Tips for locating and choosing home care service providers

From Helpguide.org. Good basic information on topics such as: What is home care? Types of services available for seniors living at home, and Costs of home care. Also contains links to additional resources, including how to find home health . . . → Read More: Services to Help Seniors Stay at Home: Tips for locating and choosing home care service providers

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Home Health Care in Florida

Consumer Awareness Brochure by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), which is designated as the chief health policy and planning entity for the State [of Florida] and licenses and regulates health care facilities and health maintenance organizations . . . → Read More: Home Health Care in Florida

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Alternatives to Nursing Home Care: Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. “PACE is an optional benefit under both Medicare and Medicaid that focuses entirely on older people, who are frail enough to meet their State’s standards for nursing home care. It features comprehensive . . . → Read More: Alternatives to Nursing Home Care: Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

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Social Managed Care Plan

From U.S. Department of Health & Human Services As Alternatives to Nursing Home Care Medicare offers limited access to programs for beneficiaries who need a comprehensive medical and social service delivery system. A Social Managed Care Plan, available in . . . → Read More: Social Managed Care Plan

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States Facing Deficits Cut Home Care, Placing Elderly & Disabled at Greater Risk; May be Fiscally Short-Sited

Many states with severe budget shortfalls are cutting home-care services for the elderly or disabled.  These cuts are putting elderly and disabled at greater risk in the short run, and may cause increased budgetary strain for states in the long-run.  Home . . . → Read More: States Facing Deficits Cut Home Care, Placing Elderly & Disabled at Greater Risk; May be Fiscally Short-Sited

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