Ageism is as odious as racism and sexism. – Claude PepperAlzheimer’s Round-up
There has been a lot of useful information recently shared about Alzheimer’s disease. Here is a summary of some of the information.
The National Alzheimer’s Project Act has a new website address and new look.
Alzheimer’s Disease International issued the World Alzheimer Report 2015: The Global Impact of Dementia.
Justice in Aging posted a 5 paper series with an accompanying webinar,Training to Serve People with Dementia: Is our Health Care System Ready? It also posted a related blog, Justice in Aging finds Gaps in Dementia Training Standards in New 50-State Survey.
The National Institute on Aging posted The Alzheimer’s Disease Medications Fact Sheet (also available in Spanish) that includes information about treatments for different stages of Alzheimer’s, a table summarizing medications currently available, and explanations of dosages and side effects.
Alzlive posted an article, 15 Top Tips for Elder-Proofing a Home.
LTSS Reports
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published a report, Medicaid Expenditures for Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) in Fiscal Year 2013. The report is completed by Truven Health Analytics and published annually by CMS. It provides a detailed overview of Medicaid LTSS spending by the states for all populations utilizing LTSS. FY 2013 marks the first time home and community-based services (HCBS) exceeded institutional spending in terms of the total of Medicaid LTSS spending. While there are variations at the state level, out of the total of $146 billion in LTSS spending in FY 2013, HCBS costs accounted for slightly over 50 percent for the first time in Medicaid’s history and institutional costs accounted for about 49 percent.
NASUAD released its 2015 State of the States in Aging and Disabilityreport, which provides detailed information on each state’s long-term services and supports (LTSS) systems. The report also includes summary tables that outline specific information about each individual state agency and LTSS program.
Pennsylvania News
On June 1st, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) made a major announcement about a new initiative to pursue Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) in Pennsylvania. DHS issued a discussion document which provides an outline of the components DHS wants to include in its MLTSS system. (Please see the first article in the June edition and “Pennsylvania News” in the August edition of CARIE Connection for more background information.) Since this proposal will lead to a major system change in a short period of time, CARIE created a MLTSS fact sheet to help educate older adults about some of the changes and how they can participate in the planning process. Please help us educate consumers and their caregivers by distributing thisflyer.
DHS held its first Managed Long-Term Services and Supports Subcommittee meeting yesterday. The advisory committee is comprised of about half consumers and the other half providers and other stakeholders. Unfortunately, there are no Aging Waiver consumers on the committee. DHS has not kept its MLTSS website up to date. Please contact Kathy Cubit if you would like to receive a list of the committee membership. During the meeting it was announced that a concept paper will be released by September 15 for public comment. (It was originally announced that two documents would be released to the public, a concept paper and a “requirements” document.) The second meeting of the MLTSS subcommittee is scheduled for September 18 in Harrisburg. DHS’ plans to hold monthly webinars on the third Thursday each month. A webinar was held in August and it was reported that the webinar archive will be posted. During the webinar, it was announced that behavioral health will be carved out of the new system.
Governor Wolf and Secretary of State Pedro Cortés announced Pennsylvania has joined the 22 other states and District of Columbia that currently allow eligible citizens to register to vote online. Visit here to register. You can also click on the site for a Spanish version. “Before you begin, be sure to have your Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID card handy. If you don’t have one, there are other options. Once you submit your online application, it will be forwarded to the appropriate county voter registration office for processing.” The webpage also allows currently registered voters to update their voter record, such as an address or name change. Voters can also use the online form to ask for assistance with voting. October 5, 2015 is the last day to register before the November 3rd election.
The World Meeting of Families Congress will take place in Philadelphia from Tuesday, September 22 through Friday, September 25, 2015. This event will be followed by the Papal visit on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 2015. These events are expected to draw large numbers of visitors to the Philadelphia area. Advocates for elders in Philadelphia are encouraged to help older adults prepare for the Pope’s visit. Many service providers are trying to develop strategies to minimize service disruptions during this time. Seniors in affected areas should be encouraged to be prepared to shelter in place during the weekend of Sept. 25-27. Check SEPTA’s website for public transit travel information and the City’s website for other related information such as street closures. On Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, CCT (shared ride) will only be providing very limited service such as for those who need dialysis. On Monday, September 28, there will be no CCT service to and from PCA sponsored sites. Only rides for work, medical appointments and dialysis treatment will be provided. The Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter recommends: “If the individual with dementia is registered in the Alzheimer’s Association MedicAlert® + Safe Return® program, make sure they have their bracelet or necklace identification on their person. Contact MedicAlert® + Safe Return® to make sure contact information is up-to-date: 888.572.8566. If your loved one is not enrolled in the program, call the 24/7 Helpline to learn more on how to enroll them now: 800.272.3900.” You may also contact the hotline for other tips and resources.
Webinars and Videos
NBC Learn and the National Science Foundation in June released the “Mysteries of the Brain” video series. The eight-part series covers topics such as how the brain creates memories and controls emotions based on research uncovered from the White House Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative. For more information, visit www.NBCLearn.com.
The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), the ABA and the Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities announced The Fine Art of Balancing Protection with Self Determination webinar will be held on September 22, 2015 from 2-3:30 PM EDT.
SAGE has launched the first national initiative to address the LGBT older adult housing crisis. Here are two upcoming 90-minute webinars about this issue. Expanding Housing and Services for LGBT Older People on September 24, 2015 at 2:00 PM EST. Register Here. Making Senior Housing Policy LGBT-Friendly on November 5, 2015 at 2:00 PM EST. Register Here.
Just the Links
Merck announced that access to the consumer and professional versions of its Merck Manuals reference guides are available for free online.
The American Psychiatric Foundation released “Mental Health: A Guide for Faith Leaders” and “Quick Reference on Mental Health for Faith Leaders.” Both publications are resources for religious and spiritual leaders who want to eliminate stigma surrounding mental illness but may be helpful to all. For more information, visitwww.psychiatry.org/faith.
The American Public Health Association published a free article, Study aims to be largest, most in-depth look at LGBT health in US: Participants sought, describing a new study of LBBT health that some believe will be the most in-depth long-term study of the LGBT community’s health in U.S. history. To learn more about the study, visit www.pridestudy.org. To participate, text PRIDESTUDY to 74121 or search for “PRIDE Study” in the iTunes store.
The Commonwealth Fund released an interactive map that shows the correlation between Medicare quality and spending throughout the U.S. “Choose a health care setting, such as hospitals, and then a quality measure to view performance.”
The Pew Research Center released a map of the U.S. Where do the oldest Americans live? that shows the percentage of the population 65 and older by county.
CMS created a webpage to help increase public awareness of the Statewide Transition Plans (STPs) for implementation of the HCBS Settings Rule.
CMS’ Office of Minority Health (OMH) posted an Index of CMS Resources by Language.
The Kaiser Family Foundation posted a Long-Term Care in the United States: A Timeline starting in 1935.
Quality Improvement Organizations News posted the Top 10 Takeaways from the 2015 Healthy Aging Summit which was held for the first time at the end of July.
A report for the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission was posted,Spending in the Last Year of Life and the Impact of Hospice on Medicare Outlays.
The Los Angeles Times printed an Op Ed piece, How our healthcare system can be deadly to the elderly.
The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care released three new resources on nursing home transitions including a report that examines transitions nationwide, a guide to equip advocates to implement the report’s recommendations, and a consumer tip sheet. Click here to access all three resources.
The Health Research & Educational Trust and the Association for Community Health Improvement, in partnership with the Public Health Institute, conducted a nationwide survey of more than 1,400 hospitals and health care systems to assess the state of population health efforts in 2015. The full survey results are featured in this slide deck.
During National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Week, there is a free presentation, Working with Older Adults & The Graying of HIV, at Jefferson Alumni Hall Cafeteria on September 15 from noon – 2 PM. The panel includes: Terri Clark, MPH, ActionAIDS; Kate Clark, MPA, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging; and, CARIE’s Han Meadway, MSS. They will provide an introduction to the aging population, along with a specific overview of HIV and older adults. Lunch provided. Registration required.
Just for Fun
Enjoy this 5 minute WireTap farewell video, from CBC Radio One, that went viral about “How to Age Gracefully” featuring people from age 7 to 93 sharing advice to those younger than them. The video includes a 93-year-old who quips, “Dear 91-year-old, don’t listen to other people’s advice. Nobody knows what the hell they’re doing.”
CARIE News
Golden Games is scheduled for September 16, 2015 at Carousel House. Golden Games, originally known as Philadelphia Senior Olympics, started with four nursing homes participating. Today up to 15 nursing homes and LIFE programs from all over Philadelphia assist in planning, attending and participating in the event. Please contact Lori Walsh if you are interested in volunteering at this year’s event. Click here for aGolden Games Volunteer Fact Sheet.
The Standard Speaker wrote an article featuring DD Reddy, one of CARIE’s SMP long-time volunteers, who spoke at a local senior center about Medicare fraud.
CARIE Connection Archives
Are looking for a past issue of CARIE Connection? Click here to access past newsletters.
Public Policy Meeting Announcement
The next Dorothy S. Washburn Legislative Committee meeting will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at CARIE’s office at Two Penn Center – Suite 1500. Here is the agenda. All are welcome. Hope you can join us. Here are the remaining meeting dates for 2015: October 1, November 5, and December 3.
As always, please contact me if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Kathy
[email protected]
267-546-3438 or 1-800-356-3606, ext. 3438