Category: Senior Health
Medicare failing to monitor prescribers, putting seniors and disabled at risk
An analysis of four years of Medicare prescription records shows that some doctors and other health professionals across the country prescribe large quantities of drugs that are potentially harmful, disorienting or addictive.
Obama administration mulls rule to give home health aides better wages
The president has called for minimum wage and overtime guarantees for home health aides. But the proposal has been strongly opposed by some industry and disability groups.The average yearly salary for home health aides in 2012 was $21,830, according to the Labor Department.
Government-run health care that works – in conservative Arizona
Arizona occupies an unusual place in the national landscape: as a model for how a generously-funded, tightly regulated government program can aid vulnerable, low-income patients like Antonia Lopez
FDA Updates Safety Recommendations for Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants
If you develop new or worsening problems, such as pain, swelling, numbness, noise (popping, grinding, clicking or squeaking of your hip) or a change in your ability to walk, contact your orthopedic surgeon right away. If you experience changes in your general health, including new or worsening symptoms outside your hip, let your doctor or other health care professional know you have a metal-on-metal hip implant.
Are long-term care insurance rates going up for women?
Although the Affordable Care Act seeks to end health plans’ use of gender to set prices, the new rules don’t apply to policies for long-term care.
Osteoarthritis – from NIH MedlinePlus magazine
Feature article from NIH MedlinePlus magazine covers the causes, symptoms and treatments of a condition that affects 27 million Americans: Osteoarthritis
What will the impact of sequestration be on Washington health programs?
Less money for vaccinating children, providing HIV testing, treating substance abuse and preparing for biological, chemical and radiological disasters.
Need a price for a hip replacement? Good luck with that . . .
Let’s say your 62-year-old granny needs a hip replacement.
So how much will it cost her?
Who knows. Seriously.
Aggressive care still the norm for dying seniors
“The good news is that we are referring to hospice. The bad news is we’re referring to hospice in the last hours of life.”
New tools help health providers reduce patients’ risk of falls
For older adults, falls are serious, whether they take place in the home or in a health care setting. More than one-third of adults over age 65 fall each year. Falls can cause bone fractures, disability, and even death. Among people 75 and older, falls are far more likely to cause admissions into a long-term care facility than for adults 10 years younger.
Answers to readers’ questions about health insurance
Michelle Andrews answers reader questions about the pregnancy benefits offered in the health overhaul, assurances that current insurance policies will be honored in the future and switching employer health plans.
When consumer protection isn’t there – viewpoint
“What happened to Mary is wrong. Not only is it wrong, it is highway robbery. What is really wrong is that she—as with how many others—has no affordable legal recourse or any state or federal protector or advocate.”
Independence of advocates for long-term care residents challenged
While ombudsmen in some states maintain their autonomy, in other states conflicts have erupted and government officials have been accused of trying to muzzle ombudsmen, especially when they publicly disagree with state policies or battle industry officials.
Blacks missing out on critical early treatment for strokes
Getting to the emergency room within the first few hours of recognizing stroke symptoms can help prevent permanent brain damage, but a new study finds that Blacks are only half as likely as Whites to get timely treatment.
Flu in Washington is now widespread, say state health officials
Flu outbreaks in several long-term care facilities around the state are a particular concern. Employees at these facilities and visitors should get the flu vaccine and delay visits if they’re sick, health officials said.
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