This is my fourth post based on a policy paper of the Greater Detroit Area Health Council (GDAHC), entitled: "DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS OF A SYSTEM OF SERVICES FOR OLDER ADULTS." This following is a direct quote:
"The continuum of care should include support services, personal care services, basic and skilled nursing care services, and acute care services in a wide variety of service settings ranging from in-home to institutional environments…Acute medical care includes primary, secondary and tertiary medical care and alternatives to the biomedical models of care preferred by certain ethnic groups…Certain services should be available and accessible on a temporary or respite basis for caregivers and/or care receivers (e.g., housing, personal care, supervision, etc.)…Certain services should be available and accessible on an emergency basis (e.g., medical, housing, psychological, etc.)."
Can you think of anything to add? If so, please comment.
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
WHAT PERSONAL CARE SERVICES ARE NEEDED BY OLDER ADULTS?
The following list was compiled by the Greater Detroit Area Health Council (GDAHC) for its policy paper entitled: "DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS OF A SYSTEM OF SERVICES FOR OLDER ADULTS."
These are services that a blue ribbon task force of experts on aging felt should be available in every community. Are they available in yours? Not every person will need every service, but every service will be needed by someone.
This blog post lists the Personal Care Services that were identified:
1. personal supervision and protection
2. supervision and assistance with personal care including care of skin, mouth, hair, etc
3. assistance in and stimulation of activities of daily living (viz., eating, bathing, transferring, etc.) and physical activities.
4. financial counseling, management
5. legal counseling
6. psychological counseling, diagnostic evaluations/work-ups
7. nutritional counseling
8. medication assistance and counseling
9. peer counseling, support groups, self-help groups
10. guardianship
11. therapies (occupational, physical, speech, recreational)
12. adaptation (personal and medical devices)
13. substance abuse counseling, diagnostic evaluation/work-ups
14. vision services
15. hearing services
16. dental services
17. provision of medical supplies
18. day care services
19. hospice services
20. pastoral services
Can you think of anything to add to this list? If so, please comment.
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
These are services that a blue ribbon task force of experts on aging felt should be available in every community. Are they available in yours? Not every person will need every service, but every service will be needed by someone.
This blog post lists the Personal Care Services that were identified:
1. personal supervision and protection
2. supervision and assistance with personal care including care of skin, mouth, hair, etc
3. assistance in and stimulation of activities of daily living (viz., eating, bathing, transferring, etc.) and physical activities.
4. financial counseling, management
5. legal counseling
6. psychological counseling, diagnostic evaluations/work-ups
7. nutritional counseling
8. medication assistance and counseling
9. peer counseling, support groups, self-help groups
10. guardianship
11. therapies (occupational, physical, speech, recreational)
12. adaptation (personal and medical devices)
13. substance abuse counseling, diagnostic evaluation/work-ups
14. vision services
15. hearing services
16. dental services
17. provision of medical supplies
18. day care services
19. hospice services
20. pastoral services
Can you think of anything to add to this list? If so, please comment.
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Are These Services for Older Adults Available in Your Community?
The following list was compiled by the Greater Detroit Area Health Council (GDAHC) for its policy paper entitled: "DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS OF A SYSTEM OF SERVICES FOR OLDER ADULTS."
These are services that a blue ribbon task force of experts on aging felt should be available in every community. Not every person will need every service, but every service will be needed by someone.
This blog post will list the Support Services that were identified.
SUPPORT SERVICES
housekeeping
laundry
food shopping
meal preparation and delivery
other chore services
home maintenance such as repairs, weatherization, painting, etc.
transportation
diversional and motivational activities
housing assistance
health screening, education, and health promotion services
information and referral
outreach
interpreter services
advocacy
security and crime prevention
companionship (visitation, attendant)
telephone reassurance
telephone technical assistance
emergencey response systems (e.g., Lifeline)
case management
preventive care (e.g., physical exams, immunizations, etc.)
adult education
employment
social work services
training in caregiving
A future post will present the GDAHC list of recommended Personal Care Services.
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
These are services that a blue ribbon task force of experts on aging felt should be available in every community. Not every person will need every service, but every service will be needed by someone.
This blog post will list the Support Services that were identified.
SUPPORT SERVICES
housekeeping
laundry
food shopping
meal preparation and delivery
other chore services
home maintenance such as repairs, weatherization, painting, etc.
transportation
diversional and motivational activities
housing assistance
health screening, education, and health promotion services
information and referral
outreach
interpreter services
advocacy
security and crime prevention
companionship (visitation, attendant)
telephone reassurance
telephone technical assistance
emergencey response systems (e.g., Lifeline)
case management
preventive care (e.g., physical exams, immunizations, etc.)
adult education
employment
social work services
training in caregiving
A future post will present the GDAHC list of recommended Personal Care Services.
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
Saturday, November 29, 2008
WHAT SERVICES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR OLDER ADULTS
Believe it or not, it's been 24 years since the Greater Detroit Area Health Council (GDAHC) released its "DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS OF A SYSTEM OF SERVICES FOR OLDER ADULTS." GDAHC is a major coalition of consumers, purchasers, insurers, providers, and other stakeholders concerned with health care quality and cost.
24 years and the content is still relevant—in fact, with our ever increasing numbers of older adults, it may be even more relevant today than it was then. One wonders whether in the intervening years any community has actually succeeded (or has even tried) to put together a comprehensive palette of services such as were advocated in July, 1984. If you know of one, please let me know.
What are these services, you ask? I'll tell you in my next series of posts. Perhaps this can lead to a serious discussion of the content of this important (but neglected) position paper—and maybe even to some belated action by key decision makers. Stay tuned.
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
24 years and the content is still relevant—in fact, with our ever increasing numbers of older adults, it may be even more relevant today than it was then. One wonders whether in the intervening years any community has actually succeeded (or has even tried) to put together a comprehensive palette of services such as were advocated in July, 1984. If you know of one, please let me know.
What are these services, you ask? I'll tell you in my next series of posts. Perhaps this can lead to a serious discussion of the content of this important (but neglected) position paper—and maybe even to some belated action by key decision makers. Stay tuned.
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
Monday, November 24, 2008
What is a Health Maven?
To the right of this post you will see my Health Maven badge. Perhaps you are wondering what this means.
In these difficult economic times, it’s comforting to know there are medical and patient experts out there who care enough to answer health questions online for free. Dr. Geoff Rutledge, MD PhD, Wellsphere’s Chief Medical Information Officer, told reporters today about the new Health Maven Program, which connects volunteer doctors, psychologists, nurses, personal trainers, expert-patients and other experts with health seekers who are looking for answers. I am proud to be included in this special group. Anyone with access to the Internet can get their health questions and concerns answered quickly and at no cost at www.wellsphere.com/healthMaven.s.
Health mavens are carefully selected, knowledgeable, health experts who are committed to helping others live healthier, happier lives. Hundreds of Health Mavens have volunteered to join the program and answer questions, with new Mavens signing up every day. “We’re witnessing an incredible growth in the number of people using the Internet to find health information” said Wellsphere’s CEO Ron Gutman. According to an iCrossing research repot, for the first time in history people with health questions are more likely to turn to the Web for answers than to their doctor. “Recognizing this trend among our users, we assembled the world’s leading network of over 1,800 medical and patient experts to share their experiences and expertise with Wellsphere.com’s almost 3 million monthly visitors. We are humbled by the experience, expertise and genuine care these wonderful individuals share every day with people who come to Wellsphere looking for answers” said Gutman.
In addition to providing a wonderful service to people seeking answers to their health questions, the Health Maven program allows participating medical professionals and patient experts to broaden their impact by sharing their experiences and expertise with a much wider audience, and to get the recognition they deserve.
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
In these difficult economic times, it’s comforting to know there are medical and patient experts out there who care enough to answer health questions online for free. Dr. Geoff Rutledge, MD PhD, Wellsphere’s Chief Medical Information Officer, told reporters today about the new Health Maven Program, which connects volunteer doctors, psychologists, nurses, personal trainers, expert-patients and other experts with health seekers who are looking for answers. I am proud to be included in this special group. Anyone with access to the Internet can get their health questions and concerns answered quickly and at no cost at www.wellsphere.com/healthMaven.s.
Health mavens are carefully selected, knowledgeable, health experts who are committed to helping others live healthier, happier lives. Hundreds of Health Mavens have volunteered to join the program and answer questions, with new Mavens signing up every day. “We’re witnessing an incredible growth in the number of people using the Internet to find health information” said Wellsphere’s CEO Ron Gutman. According to an iCrossing research repot, for the first time in history people with health questions are more likely to turn to the Web for answers than to their doctor. “Recognizing this trend among our users, we assembled the world’s leading network of over 1,800 medical and patient experts to share their experiences and expertise with Wellsphere.com’s almost 3 million monthly visitors. We are humbled by the experience, expertise and genuine care these wonderful individuals share every day with people who come to Wellsphere looking for answers” said Gutman.
In addition to providing a wonderful service to people seeking answers to their health questions, the Health Maven program allows participating medical professionals and patient experts to broaden their impact by sharing their experiences and expertise with a much wider audience, and to get the recognition they deserve.
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
Friday, November 14, 2008
HOW RISKY ARE PRE-NEED FUNERAL PLANS?
Not familiar with Pre-Need...or considering signing up for one? For a brief overview of Pre-Need, please read my archived post of July 18, 2008, with the title: IS “PRE-NEED” REALLY NEEDED?
As I point out in that article, there are times when such an arrangement can be useful. However, as I also point out, there are pitfalls to watch for. One of these pitfalls has to do with the financial strength of the funeral firm which is asking you for up front payment along with its contract.
Here's a pertinent quote from a Wall Street Journal article, "FBI INVESTIGATES FUNERAL CONTRACT COMPANY," published on November 12, 2008:
"The FBI is looking into alleged misconduct by a funeral contract company that guaranteed hundreds of millions of dollars of services to families before becoming insolvent…The FBI letter says the questionnaire is being mailed to funeral homes because it's impossible for agents to personally interview representatives from the "voluminous number of funeral homes" in the 19 states where the company had done business…In preneed funeral arrangements, customers pay for their funeral and burial services before their deaths. For example, a customer who bought a package of funeral services valued at $5,000 in 1995 would receive those same services upon his or her death in 2008, even if the value had risen to $8,500 with inflation. Under such arrangements, money for a prepaid funeral generally is placed in a trust account that bears interest."
Clearly, this will only work if the company remains in business. If it goes bankrupt before you or your family member needs the service, your money may be permanently lost. So the warning here is to make sure, to the best you are able, that the company wanting your business is likely to stay in business.
Admittedly, this is not always easy. But like all other transactions in the marketplace, the rule is Caveat Emptor: Let the buyer beware!
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
As I point out in that article, there are times when such an arrangement can be useful. However, as I also point out, there are pitfalls to watch for. One of these pitfalls has to do with the financial strength of the funeral firm which is asking you for up front payment along with its contract.
Here's a pertinent quote from a Wall Street Journal article, "FBI INVESTIGATES FUNERAL CONTRACT COMPANY," published on November 12, 2008:
"The FBI is looking into alleged misconduct by a funeral contract company that guaranteed hundreds of millions of dollars of services to families before becoming insolvent…The FBI letter says the questionnaire is being mailed to funeral homes because it's impossible for agents to personally interview representatives from the "voluminous number of funeral homes" in the 19 states where the company had done business…In preneed funeral arrangements, customers pay for their funeral and burial services before their deaths. For example, a customer who bought a package of funeral services valued at $5,000 in 1995 would receive those same services upon his or her death in 2008, even if the value had risen to $8,500 with inflation. Under such arrangements, money for a prepaid funeral generally is placed in a trust account that bears interest."
Clearly, this will only work if the company remains in business. If it goes bankrupt before you or your family member needs the service, your money may be permanently lost. So the warning here is to make sure, to the best you are able, that the company wanting your business is likely to stay in business.
Admittedly, this is not always easy. But like all other transactions in the marketplace, the rule is Caveat Emptor: Let the buyer beware!
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
Monday, November 10, 2008
Links of Love and Caring
First, I wish to thank my loyal readers for their comments and support. Sadly, the response has just been too few and far between to justify the time and effort involved in posting all the chapters from my book, Dementia Diary, here on this blog. For those wishing to read more, there is good news. There is a page on my website (http://www.dementia-diary.com) that provides a free download of additional chapters. And, of course, anyone may still buy a complete copy for themselves or as a gift for someone they love that might benefit from reading it.
It was an interesting experiment but, from now on, I am returning to posting more traditional articles.
For starters, here's a listing of helpful links from my website. All have been tested and are useful to dementia caregivers everywhere. If any of them don't work by clicking, copy and paste the URL into the address section of your browser. Give them a try:
1. Coping with Caregiving--Bob's Radio Interview:
http://www.wsradio.com/internet-talk-radio.cfm/shows/Coping-with-Caregiving/archives/date/selected/05-20-2006.html
2. Alzheimer's Association | Home:
http://www.alz.org/index.asp
3. MedlinePlus: Dementia:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dementia.html
4. Dementia Information Page: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dementias/dementia.htm
5. Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories
http://www.mindingourelders.com/
6. Medicare Nursing Home Comparisons
http://www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/
7. ConsumerReports.org - Nursing home guide
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health-fitness/nursing-home-guide/0608_nursing-home-guide.htm
8. The American Geriatrics Society -Dementia
http://www.americangeriatrics.org/education/forum/dementia.shtml
9. Silver Planet
http://www.silverplanet.com/
10. Alzheimer's ideas
http://www.alzheimersideas.com/
If you know of other links that have helped you, please pass them along.
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
It was an interesting experiment but, from now on, I am returning to posting more traditional articles.
For starters, here's a listing of helpful links from my website. All have been tested and are useful to dementia caregivers everywhere. If any of them don't work by clicking, copy and paste the URL into the address section of your browser. Give them a try:
1. Coping with Caregiving--Bob's Radio Interview:
http://www.wsradio.com/internet-talk-radio.cfm/shows/Coping-with-Caregiving/archives/date/selected/05-20-2006.html
2. Alzheimer's Association | Home:
http://www.alz.org/index.asp
3. MedlinePlus: Dementia:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dementia.html
4. Dementia Information Page: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dementias/dementia.htm
5. Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories
http://www.mindingourelders.com/
6. Medicare Nursing Home Comparisons
http://www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/
7. ConsumerReports.org - Nursing home guide
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health-fitness/nursing-home-guide/0608_nursing-home-guide.htm
8. The American Geriatrics Society -Dementia
http://www.americangeriatrics.org/education/forum/dementia.shtml
9. Silver Planet
http://www.silverplanet.com/
10. Alzheimer's ideas
http://www.alzheimersideas.com/
If you know of other links that have helped you, please pass them along.
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia-Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
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