Article printed with permission by Dale M. Krause, J.D., LL.M., of Krause Financial Services
Recent statistics clearly show that in the average nursing home, women residents will outnumber men by three to four. Why is this case? The answer is simple, women live longer than men. The result of living longer, at a time when most are frail and without someone in the home to provide simple care, makes them most vulnerable to enter a nursing home. A simple slip and fall can change the world.
With the high risk, there is also a high cost. Nursing homes in Wisconsin charge $6,500 per month for typical nursing home care. Furthermore, with the average stay lasting 36 months, the total cost can reach $250,000.00. For those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, the stay will last longer, and will cost in excess of $400,000.00. Are most women prepared to pay these amounts? The answer is, “no”. In most cases, to raise the funds, family members will be forced to liquidate assets, including the family home. Is this a good result? Not quite!
Is there a better way to prepare for the potential expense? The easiest way to prepare is to purchase long term care insurance policy, which is more commonly known as “nursing home insurance”. Is it a good buy? Without question, the answer is, “yes”. Over the last 15 years the policies, with the government forcing insurance companies to provide quality policies at a reasonable cost, the policies have finally come in vogue.
Today, a policy should include 5 years worth of coverage, for all levels of care, including: home health, assisted living, and nursing home care. The policy should offer a monthly benefit, which, when added to social security and pension income, will allow a person to privately pay the actual long term care costs. The policy should include an inflation rider, which allows the policy to keep up with future long term care costs. The policy should include a return of premium rider, which allows for a full return of all premiums paid, if the insured should not use the coverage. Finally, in order to eliminate pay premiums forever, the policy should be structured so that it is paid up – no more premiums after either a single payment, 5 year’s worth of annual payments, or 10 year’s worth of annual payments. For most women, the aforementioned long term care insurance policy will provide the benefits that they need, when they need them most.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Hospice and the Stimulus Package
We just got word from Congressman Chris Van Hollen’s (D-MD) office that a provision blocking the implementation of the CMS rule that cut hospice payments, promulgated October 1 of last year, has been included in the House Ways and Means Committee economic stimulus package.
This CMS hospice rule, which eliminated the budget neutrality adjustment factor to the hospice wage index, would be delayed until October 1, 2009, providing time for the new administration at CMS to reconsider the rule. The moratorium on the implementation of this rule would be retroactive to October 1, 2008.
You may click here to access the Ways and Means package: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/sbill.pdf. The hospice section is Subtitle E, Section 4501 (near the end).
Although Congress is just beginning the process that it hopes will result in the passage of an economic stimulus package by February 13, the inclusion of this hospice provision in the Ways and Means stimulus package is very encouraging. We’ll keep you posted in NAHC Report on further developments.
Thanks to all of you who have weighed in with your Members of Congress about this important hospice issue.
NAHC GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
This CMS hospice rule, which eliminated the budget neutrality adjustment factor to the hospice wage index, would be delayed until October 1, 2009, providing time for the new administration at CMS to reconsider the rule. The moratorium on the implementation of this rule would be retroactive to October 1, 2008.
You may click here to access the Ways and Means package: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/sbill.pdf. The hospice section is Subtitle E, Section 4501 (near the end).
Although Congress is just beginning the process that it hopes will result in the passage of an economic stimulus package by February 13, the inclusion of this hospice provision in the Ways and Means stimulus package is very encouraging. We’ll keep you posted in NAHC Report on further developments.
Thanks to all of you who have weighed in with your Members of Congress about this important hospice issue.
NAHC GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Monday, January 12, 2009
JANUARY 2009 MEDICAID ID CARDS FOR CAP RECIPIENTS
This is to notify you that there was a printing problem with the January 2009 Medicaid ID cards for CAP recipients. The second character of the CAP indicator was not printed on the cards due to a formatting issue at the print center, which has been corrected.
The Division of Medical Assistance apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Providers should obtain verification of CAP coverage from EDS using the Automated Verification Response System (AVRS), toll-free at 1-800-723-4337. The DMA website at http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dma/, www.ncdhhs.gov/dma, has provider links and the AVRS instructions can be found on the website by clicking on Provider Links and scrolling to Contact Lists. If you are enrolled with an Electronic Data Interchange vendor, you may also obtain verification through that mechanism.
The Division of Medical Assistance apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Providers should obtain verification of CAP coverage from EDS using the Automated Verification Response System (AVRS), toll-free at 1-800-723-4337. The DMA website at http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dma/, www.ncdhhs.gov/dma, has provider links and the AVRS instructions can be found on the website by clicking on Provider Links and scrolling to Contact Lists. If you are enrolled with an Electronic Data Interchange vendor, you may also obtain verification through that mechanism.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
UNINTENTIONAL FALLS IN N.C. (North Carolina Residents)
■ Falls are a leading cause of injury for North Carolinians.
■ 609 people died from falls in North Carolina in 2007.
■ Falls resulted in over 193,000 emergency department (ED) visits in N.C. in 2007.
■ Falls were the number-one cause of injury-related ED visits in 2007.
■ According to hospital discharge data, on average, those who suffered a fall in 2006 paid more than $21,000 for hospital care.
AGE, GENDER, RACE AND OUTCOME OF FALL INJURIES:
Women account for 30% more ED visits from injuries than do men.
The death rate due to falls in N.C. among the white population in 2007 was almost three times that of African Americans.
Eight percent of people who go to the emergency department for a fall are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.
OLDER ADULT FALLS IN N.C. (North Carolina Residents)
■ Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries (2000-2007) and the 2nd leading cause of non-fatal injury hospitalizations (2004-2005) for people over age 65 in North Carolina.
■ In 2007, the death rate due to falls for people age 65 and older was 23 times the rate for those under 65.
■ In 2007, only 12% of North Carolinians were age 65 years and older, but accounted for 76% of fall-related deaths.
■ In adults age 65 and over, the hospitalization rate for injuries from falls is 16 times greater than the rate from motor-vehicle related injuries (2006).
■ Every year, more than one-third of N.C adults age 65 and older have a fall that causes an injury. (NC BRFSS, 2006).
■ 10% to 20% of falls that happen to people living in nursing homes result in severe injury (CDC).
■ The hospitalization rate due to unintentional falls in adults age 65 and over increased by 15% between 2000 and 2006.
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW!
75% of North Carolina's counties are projected to have more people over the age of 59 than people under the age of 18 by the year 2030. This shift in the percentage of older adults will result in a falls "epidemic" unless North Carolina addresses the issue systematically across all sectors.
State of North Carolina • Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health • www.ncdhhs.gov • www.ncpublichealth.com
N.C. DHHS is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
North Carolina Injury and Violence Prevention Branch
■ 609 people died from falls in North Carolina in 2007.
■ Falls resulted in over 193,000 emergency department (ED) visits in N.C. in 2007.
■ Falls were the number-one cause of injury-related ED visits in 2007.
■ According to hospital discharge data, on average, those who suffered a fall in 2006 paid more than $21,000 for hospital care.
AGE, GENDER, RACE AND OUTCOME OF FALL INJURIES:
Women account for 30% more ED visits from injuries than do men.
The death rate due to falls in N.C. among the white population in 2007 was almost three times that of African Americans.
Eight percent of people who go to the emergency department for a fall are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.
OLDER ADULT FALLS IN N.C. (North Carolina Residents)
■ Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries (2000-2007) and the 2nd leading cause of non-fatal injury hospitalizations (2004-2005) for people over age 65 in North Carolina.
■ In 2007, the death rate due to falls for people age 65 and older was 23 times the rate for those under 65.
■ In 2007, only 12% of North Carolinians were age 65 years and older, but accounted for 76% of fall-related deaths.
■ In adults age 65 and over, the hospitalization rate for injuries from falls is 16 times greater than the rate from motor-vehicle related injuries (2006).
■ Every year, more than one-third of N.C adults age 65 and older have a fall that causes an injury. (NC BRFSS, 2006).
■ 10% to 20% of falls that happen to people living in nursing homes result in severe injury (CDC).
■ The hospitalization rate due to unintentional falls in adults age 65 and over increased by 15% between 2000 and 2006.
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW!
75% of North Carolina's counties are projected to have more people over the age of 59 than people under the age of 18 by the year 2030. This shift in the percentage of older adults will result in a falls "epidemic" unless North Carolina addresses the issue systematically across all sectors.
State of North Carolina • Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health • www.ncdhhs.gov • www.ncpublichealth.com
N.C. DHHS is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
North Carolina Injury and Violence Prevention Branch
Monday, January 5, 2009
Entering the New Year with a timeless Infection Control Practice: Hand washing
What you will learn:
• The purpose of hand washing
• The technique for proper hand washing
• How hand washing prevents the spread of disease
Hygiene refers to practices associated with ensuring good health and cleanliness. In-home aides play a vital role in preventing the spread of disease by learning and practicing proper hand washing and by teaching their client’s the importance of proper hand washing.
The main purpose of washing hands is to cleanse the hands of pathogens (including bacteria or
viruses) and chemicals which can cause personal harm or disease. This is especially important
for people who handle food or work in the medical field. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) has stated: "It is well-documented that the most important measure for
preventing the spread of pathogens is effective hand washing”. Infections are diseases that are caused by bacteria or viruses and are invisible to the human eye. Infections spread when the
bacteria and viruses are carried from one site or person to another.
When we have bacteria or viruses on our hands, we can spread them to ourselves or to others
that we touch with our hands, this makes hand washing the most important way to prevent
spreading infections.
Infectious diseases spread through two types of contact
Direct contact
An easy way to catch most infectious diseases is by coming in contact with someone who has one. This "someone" can be a person, an animal or, for an unborn baby, its mother.
Indirect contact
Disease-causing organisms can also be passed along by indirect contact. Many germs can linger on an inanimate object, such as a tabletop, doorknob or faucet handle. When you touch the same doorknob grasped by someone ill with the flu or a cold, for example, you can pick up the germs he or she left behind.
A simple way to stay healthy
Hand washing doesn't take much time or effort, but it offers great rewards in terms of preventing illness. Adopting this simple habit can play a major role in protecting your health.
Hand washing is a simple habit that can help keep you healthy. Learn the benefits of good hand hygiene, when to wash your hands and how to clean them properly.
The dangers of not washing your hands
Despite the proven health benefits of hand washing, many people don't practice this habit as often as they should — even after using the toilet. Throughout the day you accumulate germs on your hands from a variety of sources, such as direct contact with people, contaminated surfaces, foods, even animals and animal waste. If you don't wash your hands frequently enough, you can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth. And you can spread these germs to others by touching them or by touching surfaces that they also touch, such as doorknobs.
Infectious diseases that are commonly spread through hand-to-hand contact include the common cold, flu and several gastrointestinal disorders, such as infectious diarrhea. While most people will get over a cold, the flu can be much more serious. Some people with the flu, particularly older adults and people with chronic medical problems, can develop pneumonia. The combination of the flu and pneumonia, in fact, is the eighth leading cause of death among Americans.
Inadequate hand hygiene also contributes to food-related illnesses, such as salmonella and E. coli infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 76 million Americans get a foodborne illness each year. Of these, about 5,000 die as a result of their illness. Others experience the annoying signs and symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Proper hand-washing techniques
Good hand-washing techniques include washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Antimicrobial wipes or towelettes are just as effective as soap and water in cleaning your hands but aren't as good as alcohol-based sanitizers. Antibacterial soaps have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, these soaps are no more effective at
killing germs than is regular soap. Using antibacterial soaps may lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to the products' antimicrobial agents — making it even harder to kill these germs in the future. In general, regular soap is fine. The combination of scrubbing your hands with soap — antibacterial or not — and rinsing them with water loosens and removes bacteria from your hands.
Proper hand washing with soap and water
Follow these instructions for washing with soap and water:
*Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap or use clean bar soap. Lather well.
*Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds.
*Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails
*Rinse well.
*Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.
*Use a towel to turn off the faucet.
Proper use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers — which don't require water — are an excellent alternative to hand washing, particularly when soap and water aren't available. They're actually more effective than soap and water in killing bacteria and viruses that cause disease. Commercially prepared hand sanitizers contain ingredients that help prevent skin dryness. Using these products can result in less skin dryness and irritation than hand washing.
Not all hand sanitizers are created equal, though. Some "waterless" hand sanitizers don't contain alcohol. Use only the alcohol-based products. The CDC recommends choosing products that contain at least 60 percent alcohol.
Resources- Wikipedia; Marrelli- Home Health Aide Guidelines for Care, second edition; Mayo clinic.com
In-Home Aides Partners in Quality Care is a monthly newsletter published for members. © Copyright AHHC 2009
• The purpose of hand washing
• The technique for proper hand washing
• How hand washing prevents the spread of disease
Hygiene refers to practices associated with ensuring good health and cleanliness. In-home aides play a vital role in preventing the spread of disease by learning and practicing proper hand washing and by teaching their client’s the importance of proper hand washing.
The main purpose of washing hands is to cleanse the hands of pathogens (including bacteria or
viruses) and chemicals which can cause personal harm or disease. This is especially important
for people who handle food or work in the medical field. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) has stated: "It is well-documented that the most important measure for
preventing the spread of pathogens is effective hand washing”. Infections are diseases that are caused by bacteria or viruses and are invisible to the human eye. Infections spread when the
bacteria and viruses are carried from one site or person to another.
When we have bacteria or viruses on our hands, we can spread them to ourselves or to others
that we touch with our hands, this makes hand washing the most important way to prevent
spreading infections.
Infectious diseases spread through two types of contact
Direct contact
An easy way to catch most infectious diseases is by coming in contact with someone who has one. This "someone" can be a person, an animal or, for an unborn baby, its mother.
Indirect contact
Disease-causing organisms can also be passed along by indirect contact. Many germs can linger on an inanimate object, such as a tabletop, doorknob or faucet handle. When you touch the same doorknob grasped by someone ill with the flu or a cold, for example, you can pick up the germs he or she left behind.
A simple way to stay healthy
Hand washing doesn't take much time or effort, but it offers great rewards in terms of preventing illness. Adopting this simple habit can play a major role in protecting your health.
Hand washing is a simple habit that can help keep you healthy. Learn the benefits of good hand hygiene, when to wash your hands and how to clean them properly.
The dangers of not washing your hands
Despite the proven health benefits of hand washing, many people don't practice this habit as often as they should — even after using the toilet. Throughout the day you accumulate germs on your hands from a variety of sources, such as direct contact with people, contaminated surfaces, foods, even animals and animal waste. If you don't wash your hands frequently enough, you can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth. And you can spread these germs to others by touching them or by touching surfaces that they also touch, such as doorknobs.
Infectious diseases that are commonly spread through hand-to-hand contact include the common cold, flu and several gastrointestinal disorders, such as infectious diarrhea. While most people will get over a cold, the flu can be much more serious. Some people with the flu, particularly older adults and people with chronic medical problems, can develop pneumonia. The combination of the flu and pneumonia, in fact, is the eighth leading cause of death among Americans.
Inadequate hand hygiene also contributes to food-related illnesses, such as salmonella and E. coli infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 76 million Americans get a foodborne illness each year. Of these, about 5,000 die as a result of their illness. Others experience the annoying signs and symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Proper hand-washing techniques
Good hand-washing techniques include washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Antimicrobial wipes or towelettes are just as effective as soap and water in cleaning your hands but aren't as good as alcohol-based sanitizers. Antibacterial soaps have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, these soaps are no more effective at
killing germs than is regular soap. Using antibacterial soaps may lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to the products' antimicrobial agents — making it even harder to kill these germs in the future. In general, regular soap is fine. The combination of scrubbing your hands with soap — antibacterial or not — and rinsing them with water loosens and removes bacteria from your hands.
Proper hand washing with soap and water
Follow these instructions for washing with soap and water:
*Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap or use clean bar soap. Lather well.
*Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds.
*Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails
*Rinse well.
*Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.
*Use a towel to turn off the faucet.
Proper use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers — which don't require water — are an excellent alternative to hand washing, particularly when soap and water aren't available. They're actually more effective than soap and water in killing bacteria and viruses that cause disease. Commercially prepared hand sanitizers contain ingredients that help prevent skin dryness. Using these products can result in less skin dryness and irritation than hand washing.
Not all hand sanitizers are created equal, though. Some "waterless" hand sanitizers don't contain alcohol. Use only the alcohol-based products. The CDC recommends choosing products that contain at least 60 percent alcohol.
Resources- Wikipedia; Marrelli- Home Health Aide Guidelines for Care, second edition; Mayo clinic.com
In-Home Aides Partners in Quality Care is a monthly newsletter published for members. © Copyright AHHC 2009
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