Website Launched for Canadian Alzheimer's Caregivers
Tuesday January 13, 2009
Canadians who are caring for relatives with
Alzheimer's disease now have a new web resource designed just for them.
A website called ForgetfulNotForgotten.com, which launched on January 6, 2009, offers general information about Alzheimer's, practical information about day-to-day caregiving, links to Canadian resources for caregivers, and opportunities for social interaction through discussion boards and "Ask the Expert" forums.
The site was designed by the web development company Pure Cobalt with support from Bell Broadcast, New Media Fund, TVOntario, and the Alzheimer's Society of Ontario. The idea for the site was inspired by a documentary by Montreal filmmaker Chris Wynn, whose own family has been affected by Alzheimer's disease.
I'm pleased to see this new resource especially for Canadian caregivers. If you check it out, post a comment and let us know what you think.
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Alzheimer's Research on List of Suggestions for Daschle
Tuesday January 6, 2009
Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, President-Elect Obama's choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services, didn't waste any time finding out what the public wants to see changed in regard to health care reform.
In a 2-week period over the holidays, Daschle coordinated over 8,500 public meetings across the country and asked participants to describe how they would improve health care in the United States.
Interestingly, the suggestions went beyond wishes for expansion of health care insurance coverage. People asked for improvements such as shorter waits in doctors' offices, increased emphasis on healthy lifestyle habits, and better utilization of health care volunteers.
Alethea Campbell, who attended a public meeting at Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center in Washington, DC, advocated for more emphasis on medical research -- especially Alzheimer's disease. I was happy to hear this, considering that the number of people with Alzheimer's is expected to increase dramatically if a way to prevent or cure it is not found soon.
Did you attend a public meeting in your neighborhood? If so, tell us about it. I'd also love to hear what you would recommend to Daschle as he puts together his health care proposal. Post a comment to this blog, or start a new discussion in the forum.
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CMS Offers Star Quality Rating System for U.S. Nursing Homes
Monday January 5, 2009
The
Nursing Home Compare Tool at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website just got even better: It now includes, for the first time ever, a star rating system for each of the 15,800 nursing homes in the United States that participate in Medicare and/or Medicaid.
Nursing homes can be searched by name, zip code, city, county, or state and are given an overall rating from one star (much below average) to five stars (much above average). Ratings are based on results of state health inspections, staffing information, and quality of care measures such as the percentage of residents who developed pressure sores after their first 90 days in the facility. Ratings are provided for each of these three areas in addition to the composite rating.
If you're considering nursing home care for a relative, this is a great tool to use to help you narrow your choices and/or develop questions for specific facilities. Have you already used the most recent version of the Nursing Home Compare Tool? Tell us what you thought. Post a comment to this blog, or start a new discussion in the forum.
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"My Medicare Matters" Website Helps Make Sense of Prescription Drug Program
Monday January 5, 2009
If you're confused about the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program, the
My Medicare Matters website can help.
Sponsored by the National Council on Aging and the Access to Benefits Coalition, with support from AstraZeneca, the site was created to help consumers navigate this often confusing program so that people can make informed decisions about drug plan enrollment.
If you're choosing a plan for the first time, the site leads you through seven steps for completing the process. If you're already enrolled in a plan, the site allows you to review your current plan and provides information about how and when you can change it. There are also sections for those who wish to file grievances, need extra help paying for prescription drugs, or require personalized attention.
A nice summary of the Medicare program is included, and the site offers valuable information about preventive services that are sometimes covered by Medicare. If you are enrolled in Medicare or will be soon, I highly recommend this site.
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