Aging News Alert
New York
SUNY Researchers Examine Link between Frailty and Dementia
What is the relationship between frailty and dementia? Many studies acknowledge that frailty and dementia often coexist, but little research has been done on why that is the case.
Post-discharge Phone Calls May Reduce Hospital Readmissions
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has awarded the University at Buffalo School of Nursing a grant of $298,934 over a two-year period to create a pilot project whose goal is to work with primary care physician’s offices, their patients and families to see that patients get follow-up care very soon after leaving the hospital.
Nursing Home Benefits from Previous Resident
The Starr Foundation awards a $25 million challenge grant to Hebrew Home at Riverdale, a nursing home in the Bronx where foundation chair Maurice “Hank” Greenberg's mother lived until her death in 1994.
Donovan Eyed for Bloomberg Housing Offensive
HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan likely will depart soon to head a massive national affordable housing development initiative, sources tell us. The concept has been in the works for some time by ex-New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I), a close Donovan supporter who has been at the affordable housing forefront in the city throughout his 12-year tenure.
Senior Centers Connect Online for Xbox Bowling Competition
In a public/private partnership that builds upon the past success of the city’s very first Virtual Senior Center, created in 2010, the Department for the Aging (DFTA) and the Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications (DoITT) will team with Microsoft to launch the very first Kinect for Xbox virtual bowling match between two of DFTA’s Innovative Senior Centers (ISC) – The SAGE Center, the first LGBT senior center in the city, and Selfhelp, the city’s first virtual senior center.
Study to Examine Gambling Among Elderly Asian Americans
A University at Buffalo School of Social Work professor will take a methodical and multi-dimensional look into the growing incidence of gambling among Asian immigrant elders, hoping to find ways to enhance positive social effects while designing ways to prevent problems for those who cannot control their compulsion.
From the Files of the U.S. Justice Department
A quick roundup of Justice Department enforcement actions of interest to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
Nursing Home Consortium Spotlights New Developments at Rehab Center
Centers for Specialty Care Group, a consortium of nursing and rehabilitation centers in New York and New Jersey, is showcasing the newest developments at its Richmond Rehab Center based on Staten Island, NY.
Independent Living Community Planned for Westchester County, NY
Stone Ridge will offer seniors moderately priced maintenance-free apartment homes with community amenities and personal services, along with a complete continuum of care.
Nursing Center Enhances Brand via Unique Outreach Campaign
"We have been overwhelmed by the response to our program," says Mark Salamon, administrator at Gold Crest.
HUD Honcho Donovan to Spearhead Disaster Relief in New York
New York's storm-ravaged properties include 334 public housing projects, many of which house the elderly and disabled.
New York State Expected to Save $425 Million in Medicaid Costs During 2012
Saving money on prescription drugs is a good thing -- especially for New York's low-income seniors. But the svaings could have been greater -- except that Gov. Andrew Cuomo last year signed a measure sharply restricting use of mail-order pharmacies in New York, and that limited the amount of savings the state's Medicaid program saw.
Content Tool Helps Wave Hill Public Garden Reach Audience
Wave Hill, New York's unique, 28-acre public garden and cultural center, has seen a 53 percent increase in Twitter followers during the first weeks of its adoption of Cision Social Publish as its primary way of using social media to tell its story and dis
Hospice: Three Things the Living Can Learn from the Dying
Hospice veteran says some of the greatest strength he's ever seen was demonstrated by certain of his patients facing imminent death.
Study Counters Predictions of Insurers Exiting Market if MA Payments Lowered
A new study contradicts dire predictions made by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) regarding the impact of the Affordable Care Act on private health plans providing Medicare benefits via the Medicare Advantage program. AHIP -- the trade group representing the nation's health insurance companies – claimed that a reduction in payments to MA plans, as called for by the ACA, would cause insurers to exit the market, decrease plan benefits or immediately pass costs to Medicare beneficiaries.
Non-Traditional Senior Café Celebrates First Anniversary
The Caroline Lily Lobozzo Aging Resource Center, better known as the Lily Café, a collaborative pilot project between Lifespan of Great Rochester (NY), the Monroe County (NY) Office of the Aging, YMCA of Greater Rochester and the United Way of Rochester, has marked its first anniversary. The ...
Longstanding Women’s Support Group Celebrates 17 Years
The Trust in the Lives of Older Women (TLOW) program was founded in 1985 by Dr. Ron Hofsess, who studied adult education at North Carolina State University. Six years ago, the Steuben County Office for Aging stepped in to administer the program as a means of better ensuring its continuity.
NYC Innovative Senior Center Initiative Now Under Way
The initiative is the cornerstone of the Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Age-Friendly NYC mission, which aims to make New York even more livable for its seniors. It provides grants to eight senior centers across the city.
NY Healthcare Providers Team Up On Health Kiosk Pilot Program
Two NY healthcare providers are partnering on a pilot program that allows participants to monitor their health using touch-screen kiosks.
(FRAUD GUARD) NY County Comes Together To Offer Senior Scam Prevention Program
New York's Westchester County is pooling its resources to offer Senior Crime Busters, a proactive elder fraud and crime prevention program. The program teaches seniors how to recognize potential scams before they happen.
(PROGRAMS) NY Initiative Helps People with Disabilities Remain in Communities
The New York State Office for the Aging, in partnership with the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), is undertaking an aging outreach initiative that focuses on educating the public about successful strategies for helping older people with developmental disabilities remain at home in their communities.
(ELDER CARE) Program Provides Healthcare to 4,000-plus Seniors in Manhattan
New York University College of Nursing (NYUCN) is putting to good use a just-received three-year, $1.2 million dollar grant from the Health Resources & Services Administration. The money will be used to roll out an "Elder Care Program" through the NYUCN Faculty Practice, with its home base located at the NYU College of Dentistry.
(GRANTS) NY Foundation Supports Programs for Elderly With Up To $1 Million
Eligibility extends to existing nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Funding requests can range from $50,000 up to $1 million, although. Special Projects Fund grants are typically in the $25,000 range. The deadline for applications is May 5.
(GRANTS) Group Supports Pilot Initiatives With Up to $100,000 in Funding
The Greenwich, CT-based Henry E. Niles Foundation prefers to support new projects located in its home state and neighboring New York, although it does provide some funding nationally. The foundation is especially interested innovative pilot projects that test new program models.
(RESPITE) New York State Using Lifespan Respite Grant To Catalogue Services
The New York State Office for the Aging is one of 12 state-level agenices to win a Lifespan Respite Program grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging. In collaboration with the Statewide Caregiving and Respite Coalition of New York and New York State's Aging & Disability Resource Center, the federal grant will be used to develop and enhance coordinated, accessible, community-based respite care programs for caregivers.
(BITS & PIECES) Aging-Related News Briefs From Around The Nation
From California, Iowa and New York ...
(GRANTS) Zale's Giving Focuses on Texas, Florida, Oregon, New York
The M. B. & Edna Zale Foundation (formerly The Zale Foundation) honors the tradition of its founders through grants that stimulate change. To accomplish this mission, the foundation acts as a catalyst for collaboration and makes grants in communities where the directors live or have an interest.
(PLANNING) Age-Friendly Initiative Takes Hold In Big Apple
Effects of "Age-Friendly NYC" have already begun appearing in the city. More than 400 intersections now give pedestrians more time to cross. thus making streets safer for older residents. Additionally, the city is allowing artists to use space in 10 senior centers in exchange for giving art lessons. Also on tap are two planned aging-improvement districts -- one in East Harlem, the other in the Upper West Side.
(AT-HOME CARE) NYC Organization Adopts Services to Meet Poor Economy, Cultural Diversity
When Partners in Care New York opened its doors in 1983, this nonprofit home health care agency set out to meet the demands of an elderly urban population. A full service agency, most of its business falls into the standard category of personal care and skilled nursing services. Challenged with meeting the needs of a constantly-evolving demographic, the organization has found success adopting progressive services to increase revenue, promote its organization and better serve the community.
(GRANTS) Foundation Awards Free Consulting Services
Is your aging services-related organization in need of some high-powered consulting services? The Taproot Foundation's approach in supporting nonprofits is nontraditional. Instead of writing checks, the foundation awards grants in the form of free consulting services, delivered by teams of business professionals and valued at $45,000 or more per project.
(CAREGIVING) Just a Phone Call Away: Peace of Mind for Family, Potential Income for Organizations
Interested in emerging technology associated with aging, Peter Scharff began to research trends associated with an people who want to age-in-place, e.g., remain in their current homes rather than relocate to a retirement community. Memories of his own grandmother falling at home and struggling on the floor for two days before she was discovered left him feeling like there was a need to be filled for older people who wish to remain at home.
(GRANTS) NYC Fund Launches Transitions Initiative
New York City's United Hospital Fund has launched a new initiative focused on transitions of chronically ill patients between healthcare settings (from hospital to rehabilitation facility or home). The Transitions in Care-Quality Improvement Collaborative aims to improve coordination and communication between healthcare organizations and integration of family caregivers, helping providers avoid problems that undermine patient care and lead to preventable hospital readmission.
(GRANTS) New York City Trust Supports Special Needs Programs
The Trust supports projects that strengthen preventive health care, improve access to services, strengthen health service providers and develop the skills and independence of the elderly and others with special needs. Thus far in 2010, the Trust has awarded approximately 25 grants in this category, averaging about $100,000 each.
(PART D) CMS Suspends Marketing, Enrollment For Fox Insurance Co. Drug Plan
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has directed Fox Insurance Company of New York to immediately suspend marketing and enrollment of new members in the organization's Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. CMS imposed this immediate sanction because the Fox drug plan has not been able to meet the prescription drug needs of some of its newest members, actions which could pose serious threats to their health and safety.
(ALZHEIMER'S) Early Diagnostic Biomarker Identified for Alzheimer's Disease
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine have found that elevated cerebrospinal fluid levels of phosphorylated tau231 (P-tau231), a damaged tau protein found in patients with Alzheimer's disease, may be an early diagnostic biomarker for Alzheimer's disease in healthy adults. The study published this ...
(FUNDRAISING) Upstate NY Seniors Agency Gets Creative in Raising Money
"Competition for grants is fierce," says Theresa Davis, executive director of the Madison County Office for the Aging in Canastota, NY. But that doesn't stop her from pursuing grants wherever around the nation they appear to be available. Funded only in part by the U.S. Administration on Aging, the NYS Office for the Aging and the Madison County Board of Supervisors, Davis' 33-year-old agency must raise $75,000 to support numerous programs for county residents aged 60 and over.
(LOW-INCOME ASSISTANCE) Grant from Private Foundation Sparks State Medicare Outreach Campaign
A grant from the private New York State Health Foundation enables the Medicare Rights Center, New York City, and its partners to enroll thousands of older residents in state programs that assist them with Medicare-related expenses.
(CONSUMER PROTECTION) Senator Vows Legislative Effort to Help Seniors Avoid Scams
"People over 65 hold $15 billion in assets," says Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). "So when you're taking about scam artists, online Internet scams, mail fraud, different financial advisors who take advantage and prey on seniors, they see a population that has enormous amounts of resources and they take advantage."
(PENSIONS) Pensions May Get Smaller In 2010, Pension Expert Predicts
If you provide financial counseling services to seniors receiving pensions, you should prepare yourself for what very well could be an onslaught of inquiries about smaller pension checks in 2010. Indeed, many retirees are counting on their pension checks to get by during these tough economic times. But due to the drop in energy prices, a lot of retirees may end up seeing smaller pension checks next year.
(NY STATE) Medicare Advocate Urges State Lawmakers to Embrace Reform Effort
At a hearing today (Tuesday, Sept. 8) before the New York State Senate Committee on Aging, Medicare Rights Center President Joseph Baker testified that people with Medicare stand to benefit from improved coverage of prescription drugs and preventive services if health reform legislation pending in the U.S. House of Representatives becomes law.
(HOUSE) Energy & Commerce Committee Approves CLASS Act
In a move being loudly applauded by advocates for the elderly, Reps. Henry Waxman (D-CA), Joe Barton (R-TX), Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and John Dingell (D-MI) led efforts Monday (July 20) by the House Energy & Commerce Committee to include the Community Living Assistance & Supportive Services (CLASS) Act in HR 3200, the Affordable Health Choices Act.
(LAWSUITS) Faulty Lifts Violate Tenant Rights
A federal lawsuit seeking class-action status is filed by disabled tenants of the New York City Housing Authority contending that elevators maintained by the public housing authority are faulty and violate the rights of tenants.
Top Scientists Offer Free Brain Fitness Tips in Free DVD
This 29-minute video includes an overview of the aging brain and clips from Staying Sharp public forums, which are presented across the United States in partnership with the National Retired Teachers Association, AARP's educator community. The program is narrated by Dana Alliance member Jordan Grafman, Ph.D., chief of the Cognitive Neuroscience Section at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Medicare to Test Pay Incentives to Improve Care in Nursing Homes
Officials at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) are about to launch a new, four-state demonstration to determine if cash incentives will improve the quality of care and efficiency of operations in nursing homes. Nursing homes in Arizona, Mississippi, New York and Wisconsin will be asked to participate.
Open Door Forum Set for Nursing Home Value Purchasing Demo
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service (CMS) has scheduled a Special Open Door Forum on Nursing Home Value Based Purchasing Demonstration for Monday, April 6, from 2-4 p.m. ET. The primary audience for this call is Medicare certified nursing homes from the states that have been selected to host the demonstration: Arizona, Mississippi, New York and Wisconsin.
10 Organizations Receive Grants From NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is awarding grants to 10 organizations nationwide for the purpose of finding and enrolling older people and younger adults with disabilities who have limited means into public benefits programs. Awarded through NCOA’s National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment (www.CenterforBenefits.org ), the grants support the development of person-centered community-based systems for outreach and enrollment into public benefits through the creation of local and state Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs).
High Court's Decision in Wyeth Case Sends Strong Message to Pharma, FDA
The Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling Wednesday (March 4) in favor of Diana Levine in Wyeth v. Levine is "a landmark decision that restores basic rights that had protected consumers and patients for over a century before being dismembered by a merciless Bush administration," says attorney Christopher Seeger.
Teaching Children the Financial Facts of Life
By default, parents are usually the primary source of a financial education. However, many young people may receive allowances -- or even sizable inheritances -- without a sound base of knowledge in saving, budgeting, investing and financial planning. To help the children in your life develop a responsible attitude about money, it might help to consider these points:
Senators Resurrect Bill To Add Transparency To 401(K) Plan Management Fees
Sens. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, have reintroduced legislation aimed at protecting American workers by ensuring they can access information on the cost of 401(k) plans' management fees. The proposed "Defined Contribution Fee Disclosure Act of 2009" would require 401(k) plan providers to disclose all fees so that workers saving for retirement can make a fully informed decision about which plan is best for them.
IRA Rollovers: Stashing Your Retirement Nest Egg
Whether you are a boomer saying goodbye to the daily grind or a Gen-Xer moving on to the next level of your career, retirement or a job change can create an ideal time to ask yourself what you want to do with your accumulated retirement funds. Unfortunately, there is no cookie-cutter answer to this question.
Kohl, Schumer Reintroduce Bill to Expand Sec. 202 Housing for Elderly
Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), chairman of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, & Community Development, have reintroduced legislation (S. 118) aimed at expanding and improving the Department of Housing & Urban Development's (HUD) Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program.
New 'Style Guide' Promotes Accurate Coverage of Aging Issues
In an effort to facilitate accurate and unbiased communications on aging issues, the New York-based International Longevity Center-USA (ILC-USA) has teamed with Sacramento, CA-based Aging Services of California (ASC) to publish a first of its kind stylebook for journalism, entertainment and advertising professionals. "Media Takes: On Aging" provides the necessary tools for media professionals and others who interact directly with older adults an authoritative glossary of aging-related terms as well as a comprehensive list of resources.
2008 Year-End Tax Planning Checklist
Here's a list of things you can and should do before Dec. 31 if you want to lower your federal tax obligation.
College Savings Plans Make the Grade
With the cost of higher education continually rising, it's more important than ever to get an early start saving for a child or loved one's college education. For parents or grandparents considering education-funding possibilities, Section 529 state-sponsored College Savings Plans may be the way to go.
CMS Unveils Incentive Program for E-Prescribing Technology
Under this new program, which was included in the new Medicare law in July, physicians who use e-prescribing technology to deliver medication prescriptions to pharmacies will be eligible for a 2% increase in their Medicare payments.
Recessions & Bear Markets: The Connection Isn't As Close As You May Think
Recent economic and capital markets developments have contributed to a surge in stock-market volatility, leading some investors to worry that the odds of a recession have risen -- along with the risk of a significant market downturn. Many investors are nervous because they assume an economic recession would lead to a decline in corporate profits, which would likely push stock prices down.
Coalition Aims To Improve Financial Dignity For Boomers
As both the housing market and stock market have declined this year, they've taken a big chunk of retirement assets for the baby boomer generation with them. That only adds to the woes of a generation that many experts say has done a poor job planning for their future. To help Boomers better understand and address the unique financial challenges they'll face in retirement, 11 non-profit financial associations, representing more than 200,000 financial services professionals around the world, have formed an unprecedented collaboration called The Partnership for Retirement Education and Planning (PREP).
Understanding Our Behavioral Blind Spots: Making Difficult Choices
Investment decisions are among the most important life choices a person can make. They may determine where your children will be able to go to college, when you’ll be able to retire, or what kind of lifestyle you’ll enjoy after you retire. Unfortunately, these are also some of the most difficult choices a person can make. In order to make sound decisions, we need to be aware of our own psychological blind spots.
Nursing Home Residents Eligible For Digital TV Converter Box Coupons
Officials at the Administration on Aging tell Aging News Alert that residents of licensed nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, assisted living facilities and households that use a post office box for mail delivery will be eligible to request coupons from the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. The rule change takes effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register -- in about a week to 10 days.
NY Communities Take Action To Protect Seniors Against The Flu
Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi says that starting Oct. 22, the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs and the Nassau University Medical Center are mounting a major campaign against influenza by offering immunizations to older persons. Sites will be open to all persons age 60 and over and to their spouses. Many locations will also offer the pneumonia vaccine to persons 65 and older who are considered more vulnerable and in need of this extra protection.
Congressional Leaders Call For Greater Oversight Of Pension Fund Investments
Key members in both the House and the Senate are reacting strongly in the wake of a recently released report from the Government Accountability Office that uncovered increasing levels of investment by private pension plans in hedge funds and private equity funds. These investment vehicles have lower levels of liquidity, less transparency, are more financially unpredictable, and have greater levels of risk than traditional investments, GAO says.
States' Budget Crisis Worsens; 13 States Face New Shortfalls
In the six of these 13 states that have made specific estimates, the new gaps total $4.4 billion, or 4% of their budgets. These new shortfalls, which reflect the continuing weakness of the economy, highlight the growing need for the federal government to provide fiscal relief to states, as it did in the last downturn.
Technology Improves Quality Of Life For AL Facilities’ Residents, Staff
With the number of people affected by Alzheimer's disease expected to triple in the next five to 10 years, assisted living (AL) facilities are in need of new technology-based solutions to improve the efficiency and quality of care for their growing number of residents. A new technology solution, dubbed the TracPoint system, uses ultra wideband (UWB) real-time location system (RTLS) technology from Time Domain Corp. to monitor residents, staff and medical equipment, and improve facility operations and security.
Willcare Home Healthcare Acquired By Private Equity Fund Manager
Private equity fund manager Summer Street Capital Partners LLC has acquired Willcare, a regional home healthcare company with more than 1,500 employees providing skilled nursing, therapeutic, paraprofessional and case management services to about 4,500 patients in Upstate New York, the Hudson Valley region of New York, and Northeast Ohio.
Sexual Activity Continues Into The Golden Years
Sexuality and aging is often treated with tremendous sentimentality or derisive humor. Sometimes it is difficult for people to conceive of sex drive and passion among elderly except in terms of lechery, but these views are receding.
National Think Tank Releases State Rankings on Health Ownership
Americans lack the basic freedom to make their own healthcare decisions, says the author of the second edition of the U.S. Index of Health Ownership, an annual report by the Pacific Research Institute (PRI). The Index measures the degree to which individuals -- be they patients, health professionals, entrepreneurs, or taxpayers -- "own" the healthcare in their states.
New York Nabs Insurance Broker For Defrauding Seniors
The state of New York is penalizing an insurance broker who targeted seniors across the state by selling overlapping home health services policies they did not need. The order issued by Justice Diane Devlin requires insurance broker Thomas Piccirillo of Auburn, NY, to pay $500,000 in restitution to seniors he defrauded, $100,000 in penalties, plus an additional $10,000 penalty to the state for targeting senior citizens.
Seniors Seen Especially Vulnerable To Dehydration
"Water is such a basic element of our lives and so readily available in the United States that people are seldom aware of its importance," says Becky Drake, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at Foxcare Wellness Center in Oneonta, NY. "Yet, it is so essential to the human body, we can not survive more than a few days without it. If deprived of water for even a short period of time, we begin to experience the physical consequences of loss of water, or dehydration."
Seniors Considering Reverse Mortgages To Benefit From Housing Legislation
Landmark housing legislation (HR 3221) passed by Congress this weekend will make substantial improvements to the federally-insured reverse mortgage program and greatly benefit senior homeowners who may want to utilize home equity to help finance their retirement years.
Court Preliminarily OKs Settlement Of Medicare Rx Drug Case
As previously reported, a settlement has been reached in the Medicare prescription drug case Situ v. Leavitt, brought by the Center for Medicare Advocacy and the National Senior Citizens Law Center. A federal court in San Francisco on July 9 issued an "Order Preliminarily Approving Class Settlement, Approving Class Notice, and Setting Final Fairness Hearing" for the settlement agreement filed on June 19 between a nationwide class of Medicare beneficiaries who are also eligible for Medicaid and the Secretary of Health & Human Services.
Hearing Focuses On Sudden Rise In 401(k) Loans, Policies To Reduce Savings Loss
The Senate Special Committee on Aging, chaired by Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), heard testimony Wednesday (July 16) on reducing 401(k) leakage caused by loans and withdrawals, which can result in a substantial loss in retirement savings.
Safety, Mobility Crisis Seen Looming For Aging Baby Boomers
In a just-released report, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety notes seniors and their families face serious challenges in maintaining personal mobility, including determining whether they remain capable of safely operating a motor vehicle, whether their driving can be improved, or -- if unable to drive safely -- how they can continue to be mobile.
Alliance Launches Online State-by-State Help For Family Caregivers
The National Center on Caregiving at Family Caregiver Alliance has launched the Family Care Navigator online guide intended to help families in all 50 states locate government, nonprofit, and private caregiver support programs. The easy-to-use Navigator lists programs for family caregivers as well as resources for older or disabled adults living at home or in a residential facility. It also includes information on government health and disability programs, legal resources, living arrangements, disease-specific organizations, FAQs, a glossary and more.
Resveratrol Found to Improve Health, But Not Longevity in Aging Mice
Scientists have found that the compound resveratrol slows age-related deterioration and functional decline of mice on a standard diet, but does not increase longevity when started at middle age. This study, conducted and supported in part by the National Institute on Aging, is a follow-up to 2006 findings that resveratrol improves health and longevity of overweight, aged mice.
Stark: GAO Finds MA Plans Earned Over $1 Billion In Additional Profits
Ways & Means health subcommittee Chairman Pete Stark (D-CA) has unveiled a new report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) showing that private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans spent less than they projected in their 2005 bids on medical care for beneficiaries, which in turn earned them $1.14 billion in additional profits over what was expected.
Chelsea Senior Living Expands, Moves Corporate Headquarters
Chelsea Senior Living LLC, a provider of assisted and independent living communities, has opened its new corporate headquarters in Fanwood, NJ, following a period of intense growth during which the company acquired five new properties.
Legislation Would Shield Retirees From Rising Healthcare Costs
Rep. Randy Kuhl (R-NY) has introduced legislation intended to ensure that Americans are financially prepared for the healthcare costs they will face during retirement. The proposed "Retiree Health Account Act" would provide Americans with the tax incentives needed to set aside funds for retiree health costs.
Centers Will Focus on the Economics of Aging
Funds create research and development centers focusing on the areas of demography and economics of aging, including relevant interdisciplinary areas rooted in population-based social science research.
Panel Presentation In Creating Aging-Friendly Communities
Panelists in a June 19 online forum will talk about identifying and engaging stakeholders in efforts to create aging-friendly communities and discuss the possible needs and interests of community members, government, non-profit organizations, funders, and the faith-based community. Participants will learn about strategies and best practices to help actively engage these stakeholders in supporting local efforts to create more aging-friendly communities.
$2.2 Billion Recovered Thus Far From Fighting Fraud, Waste, Abuse
The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) "Semiannual Report to Congress" says it expects to see recoveries of $2.2 billion for the first half of fiscal year 2008 from efforts to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse in HHS programs.
Baucus: 'Senate Vote Shuts Out Seniors'
Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) on Thursday condemned a Senate vote blocking debate on the proposed the Medicare Improvements for Patients & Providers Act of 2008.
IG Serves Up 4 New Reports On Medicare- Medicaid-Related Issues
The Department of Health & Human Services' Office of Inspector General has just released four reports focusing on Medicare- and Medicaid-related issues. Two of the reports deal with how the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit is made available to residents of nursing homes.
Most Voters Oppose Bush's Cuts To Medicare-Financed Nursing Home Care
A new Zogby International survey finds that a whopping 70% of likely U.S. voters oppose the Bush administration's plan to cut $5 billion from Medicare-financed nursing home care. In addition, the poll finds 67% are less likely to re-elect their member of Congress if he or she voted for these Medicare cuts.
Dems Ignore Veto Threat; Push Bill To Stop 10.6% Physician Payment Cuts
Ignoring a White House veto threat, Senate Democrats within the next couple of weeks will move forward on legislation to reduce payments to Medicare Advantage plans as a way to offset the cost associated with postponing a 10.6% cut to Medicare physicians' payments.
CBO: Healthcare Will Account For Nearly 20% Of All Federal Spending Within 75 Years
The Congressional Budget Office, in a just-released report to Congress, projects that total federal spending on Medicare and Medicaid will grow from 4% of gross domestic product in calendar year 2007 to 9% in 2032 and 19% in 2082.
Baby Boomers' Bodies Impacted By Years Of Wear And Tear
As increasing numbers of baby boomer exercise enthusiasts and athletes age, healthcare professionals are treating more overuse injuries, as well as dealing with the results of traumatic injuries experienced by people when they were younger.
CMS Part D Regulation Changes Spur Confusion
Two final CMS regulations regarding the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit address issues raised by beneficiaries, providers and health plans in the administration of the drug program. Unfortunately, some of the changes made by these new rules are not beneficiary-friendly.
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Witnesses Call For End To Asset Tests For Part D Low-Income Subsidy
Witnesses at a May 22 Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing support an end to an asset test for the low income subsidy for Medicare Part D recipients, but bipartisan legislation to increase the allowable levels is stalled by disagreement between Democrats and Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee about how to pay for those measures and an 18-month delay for a scheduled 10.6% cut in physician fees.
Looking For An Intergenerational Project? Try This
A New York teenager discovers how to save trees and help nursing home residents at the same time. And for doing so, he recieves a Presidential Environmental Youth Award.
'Creativity & Aging in America' Initiative Underway
"Creativity and Aging in America" is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts designed to actively engage older Americans in quality arts programs. Through this initiative, the Arts Endowment will support exemplary projects in the disciplines of literature and music.
Report On Nursing Home Decisions Underscores Need For Serious Penalties
A report this week from the Center for Medicare Advocacy describes serious deficiencies in the quality of care received by nurisng homw residents. It reveals a need for stronger oversight and better enforcement of the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law.
Commonwealth Fund Provides Grants Nationwide
The mission of this independent foundation is to promote a high performing healthcare system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society's most vulnerable, including elderly adults.
CMS Proposes New Payment Rates For Skilled Nursing Facilities
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has unveiled a proposal for what it describes as "new, more accurate FY 2009 payment rates for Medicare skilled nursing facilities that more closely reflect differences in patient care needs." In essence, the new rates will mean fewer dollars for skilled nursing facilities in the coming year.
Critical New Info Added to CMS Nursing Home Compare Website
Medicaid beneficiaries and families searching for top quality long-term care services can find critical new information added today to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' website "Nursing Home Compare."
EPA Updates Information on Climate Change and Older Adults
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recently added information about climate change and older adults to its website.
10 Non-Financial Tips for Retiring Boomers
If your organization deals with any of the millions of baby boomers who are beginning to think about retirement, here are 10 tips from co-founder of Life Options Institute, an organization devoted to helping people plan for life after age 50.
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Event Focuses On Improving Healthcare System for Aging Population
New York Academy of Medicine's Section on Health Care Delivery on April 22 will host a presentation, "Transitions in Care for Older Adults."
Entrepreneurs Respond to Seniors' Need For Healthcare Choices
David Goodman and Frank Esposito know something about senior care. In addition to running Expert Home Care in New Jersey, the state's largestlive-in home care agency, the two partners started Companion Connection Senior Care, a national membership organization that teaches members how to start their own businesses providing non-medical home care services.
Studies: Older People Want Technology to Help Them Remain at Home
Older adults want to use technology so they can age safely in their home. Family caregivers agree believing technology can ease some of the challenges of caregiving. Concerns such as cost to install and maintain equipment remain barriers for people 65-plus and for caregivers.
AHRQ'S 2007 State Snapshots Provide Broader Portraits of Healthcare Performance
An annual analysis to help health leaders identify areas of healthcare delivery that need quality improvement now includes important information such as each state's rate of obesity, health insurance coverage, mental illness and the number of specialist doctors.
Sens. Conrad, Cardin Add Budget Provision to Enhance Long-Term Care Quality
Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) have collaborated to including a provision in the Senate FY 2009 Budget Resolution that highlights long-term care as an important priority.
Senate Republicans Offer Medicare Fix
Senate Republicans are distancing themselves from many White House budget requests, but its Medicare plan isn't one of them.
Key Republican Supports Another Stimulus
Many Senate Republicans are as anxious as Democrats to get a second stimulus package passed that includes funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Researchers Create Database Simplifying Aging Research
Researchers at Cornell have developed a website called ART -- an acronym for Aging Research Translator -- which they designed with community-based practitioners in mind.
America's 50 Best Hospitals For 2008 Named by HealthGrades
HealthGrades, widely recognized as the nation's leading independent healthcare ratings organization, has identified what it says are "America's 50 Best Hospitals," an elite class of top-performing facilities.
Medicare Open Enrollment Ends March 31
The Medicare Part A open enrollment period began Jan.1 and ends March 31. Medicare Part A enrollment has become particularly important for lower income people.
Increasing Use of Home Care in Long-Term Care Insurance Policies
The 2007 Society of Actuaries' examination of claim experience from 1984-2004, under long-term care insurance policies, shows a significant change in the types of services received as compared with their 2002 report.
No Country For Grumpy Old Men? Maybe ... Maybe Not
It's one thing to wonder whether Americans are ready to elect a woman or an African-American to the presidency. But the more relative question is whether Americans are ready to elect a grumpy old white man.
GAO Honcho to Step Down; Becomes Head of the Newly Formed Foundation
David Walker, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has announced his intention to resign his post effective March 12 and will accept the position of president and CEO of the newly established Peter G. Peterson Foundation.
UC-Berkeley To Host Free Web-based World Conference on Aging
The University of California
Developing the Framework for Healthy People 2020 Public Comment Meetings
HHS is convening five regional meetings to discuss development of the framework for Healthy People 2020, the national health goals for the next decade.
Internet Alert: Valentine's Day E-Card Carries Virus
If you unexpectedly receive a Valentine's Day e-card, be careful. It may not be from a secret admirer, but instead might contain the Storm Worm virus.
Reverse Mortgage Market Index Shows Decline in Senior Home Values
The quarterly Reverse Mortgage Market Index shows a decline in senior home values and home equity held for the third quarter of 2007.
CMS' 9th Statement of Work for Quality Improvement Organizations
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' "9th Statement of Work for Medicare's 53 Quality Improvement Organizations focuses on improving the quality and safety of services for beneficiaries.
Grassley Probes Paxil Maker GlaxoSmithKline
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, wants drug maker GlaxoSmithKline to furnish the panel with documents regarding the antidepressant medication Paxil
Seniors' Advocate: Misplaced Priorities Put Industry Profits Ahead of Seniors' Healthcare Spending
The head of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare, Barbara Kennelly, a former Democratic congresswoman from Conneticut, is railing against the Bush Administration's FY 2009 budget.
Foundation Unveils Grant Program to Expand Health Insurance
NYSHealth has announced a new Request for Proposals for projects that expand the availability of health insurance coverage options to small employers, low-income workers, independent contractors, and sole proprietors.
Senate Panel Posturing To Reform MA Plans
The Senate Finance Committee plans to continue monitoring and holding hearings on Medicare Advantage private fee-for-service plans this year even though the Bush White House in 2007 nixed numerous recommended changes to such plans.
Bush's Proposed FY 2009 To Seek Significant Cuts in Medicare, Medicaid
President Bush on Monday (Feb. 4) is expected to unveil his proposed FY2009 budget, a spending plan that likely will call for significant reductions in Medicare cost growth as well as decreased spending for Medicaid
New Part D Data Spotlights on Formularies, Utilization Management
The Kaiser Family Foundation has issued two new Medicare Part D Data Spotlights focusing on Medicare drug plan formularies and utilization management techniques.
Program Focuses on Older Adult Mental Health
These grants help communities provide direct services and build the necessary infrastructure to support expanded services for meeting the diverse mental health needs of older persons.
House OKs Stimulus Bill Sans Medicaid Funds; Senate Amendment Would Include Funding
House lawmakers vote 385-35 in favor of a $146 billion economic stimulus package that does not include a temporary increase in the federal medical assistance percentage for states' Medicaid programs.
Advocacy Group Exec: 'President Punts on Medicare'
President Bush, during his Monday night State of the Union speech, "punted on Medicare, lumping together Medicare with Medicaid and Social Security and telling Congress to fix them," says Judith Stein, executive director of the Washington, DC-based Center for Medicare Advocacy (CMA).The CMA works on...
Free Download for Grantseekers!
Really! This is absolutely free -- no strings attached. It's our exclusive Grantseeker's Checklist, four pages of "inside" information on how to maximize your chances of winning a grant.
Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security Spending Could Harm States, Local Governments
The Government Accountability Office is warning states and local governments of an impending fiscal crisis resulting from runaway spending on entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid -- a crisis that has the potential of crippling the nation within a decade.
Now Available: Three New Directories for Private and Federal Grants
CD Publications, Aging News Alert's parent company, has developed three new resources to give you an edge in your search for new private and federal grants!
Reverse Mortgages Show Significant Growth in 2007
Reverse mortgages have seen unprecedented growth over the last three years as the demand for reverse mortgage products continues to accelerate.
Medicare Anti-Fraud Measures Way Overdue, Says DME Industry
The American Association for Homecare, while welcoming efforts by the CMS to crack down on Medicare fraud, is raising serious questions about why it has taken the government so long to act.
Helping Seniors Avoid Winter Weather-Related Falls
Winter weather that results in melted snow and ice can cause potentially dangerous and hazardous conditions for everyone
Why Subscribe to CD Publications' News Products?
The problem is none of the government's websites are very easy to use, and some of them are downright impossible to navigate! At least that's what the government's own experts are saying.
Blacks 65+ Less Likely Than Whites to Obtain Cancer Treatment
Black cancer patients age 65 and up are "consistently less likely" than their white counterparts to receive the recommended treatment, find Yale researchers.
Candidates' Healthcare Proposals: Side-by-Side Summary
The Kaiser Family Foundation has created an interesting online tool that allows users to customize side-by-side comparisons of the 2008 presidential candidates' positions on healthcare.
New York Times Blasts Medicare Advantage Plans
Numerous Medicare Advantage (MA) plans "prey on elderly Americans despite state, federal and industry efforts to stop them," The New York Times said in a Dec. 26 editorial, adding that this is "yet another reason to rein in these operations by eliminating their unjustified subsidies."
Three Presidential Candidates Respond to Coalition of Aging Groups
Three presidential hopefuls, Sen. Hillary Clinton, former Sen. John Edwards and Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), have responded to a questionnaire regarding major issues affecting older Americans sent by the Leadership Council on Aging Organizations, a 56-member coalition.
PBGC Moves to Protect Pensions at New York Racing Assn.
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. has initiated court action to protect the benefits of more than 1,700 workers and retirees covered by the pension plans of the New York Racing Association Inc.
Lupus Foundation Urges SSA to Nix Proposed 5-Day Rule
The Lupus Foundation of America has fired off a strongly worded letter to the Social Security Administration regarding a proposed change to the rules which could make it more difficult for people appealing a Social Security determination.
Hebrew SeniorLife Secures $457 Million in Bonds for New Facilities
Hebrew SeniorLife has closed on the sale of $457 million in tax-exempt bonds -- the largest tax exempt bond financing in U.S. history for the purpose of funding development of a nonprofit continuing care retirement community.
OIG Probes Medicare Costs Associated with Hospice Care
HHS' Office of Inspector General found that beneficiaries in nursing facilities tended to be older and more likely to have ill-defined conditions, and their time in care was longer and more costly.
Radio Program, Research Points to Opportunities for Older Workers
Americans aged 50+ are not only the biggest consumer market, they're also a burgeoning pool of talent that businesses are quickly realizing they either need to hold onto or bring back from retirement.
Senate Panel Eyes Reverse Mortgages
Prompted by litigation and reports of lenders leading seniors into inappropriate loans, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging holds a hearing to investigate the explosive growth of the reverse mortgage industry.
New Directory of Social Service Grants Now Available
If you're responsible for tracking down private grant funding, a new report from CD Publications is bound to make your job a whole lot easier.
Center on Senior Transportation Seeks RFPs for Demo Grants
The National Center on Senior Transportation is soliciting proposals from aging/human service agencies, tribal organizations, faith-based organizations, units of state and local government, public and private transportation providers and other entities interested in developing and implementing innovative approaches to increasing senior transportation options and improving older adult mobility.
Retirement for Low-Income Workers Could Be Less Secure
So-called "direct contribution" savings plans can provide a meaningful contribution to retirement security for some workers but may not ensure the retirement security of lower-income workers, finds the Government Accountability Office in a new report.
Panel Notes Progress in Nursing Home Reform but Calls for More
Much progress has been made since passage of the Nursing Home Reform Act 20 years ago but much remains to be done, say panelists at a Dec. 7 forum sponsored by the Alliance for Health Reform and the Kaiser Family Foundation.
MedPAC Draft Recommends Pay Freeze for Nursing Facilities, Home Health Providers
MedPAC has sent draft recommendations to Congress calling for a freeze on reimbursement rates for skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies in 2009.
AARP Iowa Members Want More on Healthcare, Financial Security
With only three weeks until Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucuses, Iowa AARP members of both political parties say they are following the campaign closely, they are not yet settled on their candidate preferences, and the issues of health and financial security will weigh on their caucus decisions.
AARP 'Baffled' by Administration's Medicare Inconsistencies
AARP's top executive sends a letter to Health & Human Services Secy. Michael Leavitt outlining AARP's priorities for a Medicare bill and questioning Leavitt's plan.
Baucus Cancels Medicare Mark-Up to Negotiate With House Democrats
Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus (D-MT) on Wednesday canceled plans for a mark-up of Medicare legislation in order to give himself more time to negotiate with House Democrats on the measure
Forum Eyes Significance of Age Discrimination in Employment Act
Employment law experts told an AARP forum about the historical importance and future role of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
What Is RSS?
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) news feeds make it possible for you to put together your own customized list of news and information.
What Is RSS?
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) news feeds make it possible for you to put together your own customized list of news and information.
IG Finds Lower Power Wheelchair Prices
HHS's Office of Inspector General finds power wheelchair prices much lower on the Internet than through Medicare.
CMS Lists Poor-Performing Nursing Homes
CMS has released the first ever ranking of the nation's poor-performing nursing homes.
HUD Awards Grants to Convert Multifamily Projects into Assisted Living Facilities
New York: Residents of seven states will find themselves living in upgraded apartments more equipped to meet their physical needs thanks to more than $22.2 million in grants from the Housing & Urban Development Dept. (HUD). On Oct. 31, HUD Deputy Secretary Roy Bernardi unveiled HUD's Assisted Li...
Guttman Funds Seniors' Projects
The Stella and Charles Guttman Foundation makes grants in the New York City area to myriad projects, including those to help the elderly lead lives in a non-institutional setting.
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