Senator Herb Kohl, committee chair, called the hearing to explore the nationwide trends of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of seniors with leading experts from across the country. Rooney testified to the emotional and financial abuse that he has struggled through in recent years to a packed hearing room. (Link to video of testimony below news report.) "I was financially exploited and denied access to information of any kind as to how my finances were managed…" Rooney said. "I persisted in sharing with others the abuse I have suffered, and am now taking steps to right all the wrongs that were committed against me." Kohl opened the hearing noting, "the physical, mental and financial abuse of our nation's seniors is all too common." In 2009 in Kohl's home state of Wisconsin, over 5,000 cases of suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation were reported – an almost 9 percent increase over 2008. "These crimes are being committed by people because their victims are often fragile and their chance of getting caught is slim," Kohl said. Kay Brown, Director of the Government Accountability Office's Education, Workforce and Income Security program, presented a GAO report released at the hearing, detailing the existing estimates of elder abuse cases finally being reported to authorities. "A 2009 study estimated that 14.1 percent of non-institutionalized older adults nationwide had experienced some form of elder abuse in the past year," Brown said. "In all likelihood, this underestimated the full extent of elder abuse, however, because older adults who are highly cognitively impaired may be underrepresented in this study." Mark Lachs, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine and Co-Chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology at Weill Medical College, unveiled a statewide study of elder abuse in New York recently completed by a collaborative team from Cornell University, the New York City Department for the Aging, and Lifespan of Greater Rochester. "Based on our research it would appear that for every elder abuse victim that makes it into an official service or reporting system, another 23 to 24 go undetected," Lachs said. Kohl urged Committee members in attendance to help pass legislation to improve federal, state and local agency cooperation in fighting elder abuse. He noted that later that day he would reintroduce his "Elder Abuse Victims Act," a measure that is strongly endorsed by the Elder Justice Coalition. The bill establishes an Office of Elder Justice within the Department of Justice and strengthens the coordinated law enforcement response to cases of elder abuse. Kohl will also introduce the "End Abuse in Later Life Act of 2011," which addresses domestic abuse in later life and is designed to be included as part of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization later this year. Article by Seniorjournal.com
Friday, March 4, 2011
Actor Mickey Rooney Testifies Before Aging Committee on Elder Abuse He Has Endured
March 2, 2011 – Legendary movie actor Mickey Rooney, now 90, gave riveting testimony before the Senate's Special Committee on Aging today as he described the elder abuse that has happened to him. The World War II veteran said he was "stripped of the ability to make even the most basic decisions."
Senator Herb Kohl, committee chair, called the hearing to explore the nationwide trends of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of seniors with leading experts from across the country. Rooney testified to the emotional and financial abuse that he has struggled through in recent years to a packed hearing room. (Link to video of testimony below news report.) "I was financially exploited and denied access to information of any kind as to how my finances were managed…" Rooney said. "I persisted in sharing with others the abuse I have suffered, and am now taking steps to right all the wrongs that were committed against me." Kohl opened the hearing noting, "the physical, mental and financial abuse of our nation's seniors is all too common." In 2009 in Kohl's home state of Wisconsin, over 5,000 cases of suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation were reported – an almost 9 percent increase over 2008. "These crimes are being committed by people because their victims are often fragile and their chance of getting caught is slim," Kohl said. Kay Brown, Director of the Government Accountability Office's Education, Workforce and Income Security program, presented a GAO report released at the hearing, detailing the existing estimates of elder abuse cases finally being reported to authorities. "A 2009 study estimated that 14.1 percent of non-institutionalized older adults nationwide had experienced some form of elder abuse in the past year," Brown said. "In all likelihood, this underestimated the full extent of elder abuse, however, because older adults who are highly cognitively impaired may be underrepresented in this study." Mark Lachs, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine and Co-Chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology at Weill Medical College, unveiled a statewide study of elder abuse in New York recently completed by a collaborative team from Cornell University, the New York City Department for the Aging, and Lifespan of Greater Rochester. "Based on our research it would appear that for every elder abuse victim that makes it into an official service or reporting system, another 23 to 24 go undetected," Lachs said. Kohl urged Committee members in attendance to help pass legislation to improve federal, state and local agency cooperation in fighting elder abuse. He noted that later that day he would reintroduce his "Elder Abuse Victims Act," a measure that is strongly endorsed by the Elder Justice Coalition. The bill establishes an Office of Elder Justice within the Department of Justice and strengthens the coordinated law enforcement response to cases of elder abuse. Kohl will also introduce the "End Abuse in Later Life Act of 2011," which addresses domestic abuse in later life and is designed to be included as part of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization later this year. Article by Seniorjournal.com
Senator Herb Kohl, committee chair, called the hearing to explore the nationwide trends of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of seniors with leading experts from across the country. Rooney testified to the emotional and financial abuse that he has struggled through in recent years to a packed hearing room. (Link to video of testimony below news report.) "I was financially exploited and denied access to information of any kind as to how my finances were managed…" Rooney said. "I persisted in sharing with others the abuse I have suffered, and am now taking steps to right all the wrongs that were committed against me." Kohl opened the hearing noting, "the physical, mental and financial abuse of our nation's seniors is all too common." In 2009 in Kohl's home state of Wisconsin, over 5,000 cases of suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation were reported – an almost 9 percent increase over 2008. "These crimes are being committed by people because their victims are often fragile and their chance of getting caught is slim," Kohl said. Kay Brown, Director of the Government Accountability Office's Education, Workforce and Income Security program, presented a GAO report released at the hearing, detailing the existing estimates of elder abuse cases finally being reported to authorities. "A 2009 study estimated that 14.1 percent of non-institutionalized older adults nationwide had experienced some form of elder abuse in the past year," Brown said. "In all likelihood, this underestimated the full extent of elder abuse, however, because older adults who are highly cognitively impaired may be underrepresented in this study." Mark Lachs, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine and Co-Chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology at Weill Medical College, unveiled a statewide study of elder abuse in New York recently completed by a collaborative team from Cornell University, the New York City Department for the Aging, and Lifespan of Greater Rochester. "Based on our research it would appear that for every elder abuse victim that makes it into an official service or reporting system, another 23 to 24 go undetected," Lachs said. Kohl urged Committee members in attendance to help pass legislation to improve federal, state and local agency cooperation in fighting elder abuse. He noted that later that day he would reintroduce his "Elder Abuse Victims Act," a measure that is strongly endorsed by the Elder Justice Coalition. The bill establishes an Office of Elder Justice within the Department of Justice and strengthens the coordinated law enforcement response to cases of elder abuse. Kohl will also introduce the "End Abuse in Later Life Act of 2011," which addresses domestic abuse in later life and is designed to be included as part of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization later this year. Article by Seniorjournal.com
Monday, February 21, 2011
Respironics announces the new GoLife for Men
Are you or a loved one not complying with your CPAP therapy due to an uncomfortable mask. Perhaps the new GoLife for Men mask is the answer.
Respironics says:
A new mask built just for men- a breakthrough in nasal pillow masks for men.
Stability and simplicity in a nasal pillows mask just for men.
Stability and simplicity. When sleep therapy providers, clinicians, and male patients told us exactly what they wanted in a nasal pillows mask, we listened…carefully. The result? GoLife for Men – our first sleep therapy mask built exclusively for men. More than just a color change, GoLife for Men is designed specifically to conform to the larger contours of the male facial structure. It features straightforward, pre-formed headgear and self-adjusting, optimally angled nasal pillows for a one-step fit. And our soon-to-be-released GoLife for Women nasal pillows mask will offer the same set of specially customized features designed for female patients. 
Quite simply, GoLife for Men helps to take the complexity out of achieving successful nasal pillows therapy for male patients. Features We set out to make GoLife the most stable nasal pillows mask available, starting with a no-nonsense design and features that may enhance comfort and increase compliance in male patients. Built for a man's face GoLife for Men was designed specifically to conform to the larger contours of the male face. Facial contour arms hug the cheeks, helping to provide comfort and a secure seal, even when moving during sleep. In fact, GoLife for Men is so stable, we've eliminated the need for a chin support band. Optimized for comfort Using GoLife for Men is highly intuitive and as natural as possible. The pre-formed headgear and self-adjusting, optimally angled nasal pillows may help to provide comfort and require minimal to no adjustments during regular use. A 360-degree swivel on the mask's tubing further enhances both comfort and flexibility. Visit HMEprovider.com to connect with a CPAP expert in your area. 
Quite simply, GoLife for Men helps to take the complexity out of achieving successful nasal pillows therapy for male patients. Features We set out to make GoLife the most stable nasal pillows mask available, starting with a no-nonsense design and features that may enhance comfort and increase compliance in male patients. Built for a man's face GoLife for Men was designed specifically to conform to the larger contours of the male face. Facial contour arms hug the cheeks, helping to provide comfort and a secure seal, even when moving during sleep. In fact, GoLife for Men is so stable, we've eliminated the need for a chin support band. Optimized for comfort Using GoLife for Men is highly intuitive and as natural as possible. The pre-formed headgear and self-adjusting, optimally angled nasal pillows may help to provide comfort and require minimal to no adjustments during regular use. A 360-degree swivel on the mask's tubing further enhances both comfort and flexibility. Visit HMEprovider.com to connect with a CPAP expert in your area. Tuesday, February 8, 2011
New System Limits Medicare Patients’ Provider Choices
About a quarter-million people in the Charlotte area are Medicare patients, and many of them have been or will be affected by a new system that significantly limits their provider choices for certain services. Members of Congress, caretakers and patients are already raising red flags, claiming the new system is flawed. Marilyn Graham said she is concerned about how well Medicare patients will be able to navigate the new system. She has a condition called sleep apnea and uses a continuous positive airway pressure machine -- known as a CPAP machine -- to help her breathe at night. "There are times when I gasp for air," she said, describing the condition. "To my husband, there are times when it seems like I'm not breathing at all." In mid-January, she accidentally tore the face mask, which pumps oxygen into her lungs. Graham called her provider but was told the business couldn't help her anymore because it didn't win a Medicare competitive bidding contract for CPAP machines. "I was so unprepared," Graham said. "I mean, totally unprepared." Starting Jan. 1, 2011, Medicare patients were required to use companies that won bids in Charlotte's competitive bidding system. If they don't, Medicare won't pay for their services. "It was a relationship with a provider," Graham said. "And so all that changes. You have no control over who you go to." Medical equipment providers competed in nine categories, including CPAP machines and other equipment, like wheelchairs. Companies with the lowest bids won the right to keep providing equipment and services to Medicare patients. If a company didn't win certain bids, its patients were out of luck. "They may need to go to four different places fo four different services," Graham said. Bill Griffin of Griffin Home Health Care said he laid off eight employees after winning only one bid, which was for oxygen equipment. "We can't sell Medicare walkers anymore," he said. Griffin has spent nearly 30 years in Charlotte providing CPAP machines, walkers, hospital beds and special feeding machines to Medicare patients, but he said he couldn't bid low enough to win in any of those categories. "The providers that bid, bid such low prices that it's not only suicide for the industry but the companies involved," he said. "I think there is a world of companies that will go out of business." Eyewitness News went through the list of more than 200 bid contracts and found that Medicare awarded more than half of the contracts to providers outside the Charlotte market. Some are in places like Goleta, Calif., and Naperville, Ill., but are providing services and equipment to people in Charlotte. Medicare tried to launch a competitive bidding system in 2008. A report from the Government Accountability Office cited "numerous concerns," like companies "missing financial documentation" or not meeting "accreditation requirements." But Medicare officials said this time around will be different. As for Graham, she found a list of providers online and said she spent days calling them and Medicare. She finally received a new mask more than a week later, but she said she's worried about the 250,000 other Medicare patients in the area who don't know about the changes. "There's no way they're going to know until they actually have a need," she said. Members of Congress, including Sue Myrick, supported a House bill to repeal the competitive bidding system, but it never gained momentum in the Senate. Medicare set up a toll-free number for patients to call with complaints and concerns. It's 888-990-0499. This story was featured by WSOCTV
Monday, January 31, 2011
Connecting consumers with local medical equipment providers
HMEprovider.com has a network of over 3,000 community based providers nationwide. HMEprovider partners with this member network to connect consumers with a local medical equipment provider to assist with equipment and service needs. HMEprovider.com was contacted a few weeks ago by a first time mom. She and her co-worker were at their whitt's end. The ladies were trying desperately to find a medical equipment provider that carried electric breastpumps and would do insurance billing for the item. HMEprovider.com was able to access a member of our network in getting these ladies taken care of. One of these women took a few minutes to share her appreciation, "I can't thank you enough for your advice, support and assistance. You have been a godsend. If it wasn't for you I think we would have just given up a while ago. I want you to know how much we appreciate you! It's not just being able to get us the pumps but it has been such a positive/pleasurable experience dealing with you. We wish it was this easy any time we had/have to work with insurance companies." The HMEprovider.com network of independent, community based providers nationwide specialize in a variety of medical equipment, respiratory equipment, custom rehab equipment and home modification solutions. Most of our providers are Medicare licensed, have the ability to bill your private insurance and have obtained industry accreditation. 
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Traveling with a Parent
Posted by Angel Carl on January 25, 2011 on the Right at Home Blog.
If you plan to bring an elderly loved one with you when traveling, you will want to be prepared. The challenges of senior travel can complicate your trip and be a source of serious stress. What if your loved one has an emergency while traveling? Here are some things to consider while planning your trip from Right at Home:
- Talk to your loved one's doctor about your travel plans. A doctor familiar with your loved one's health and conditions can help you make arrangements for your loved one's special needs and ensure that your loved one's health will not be compromised by the trip.
- Familiarize yourself with your loved one's insurance policy, especially the emergency information and what the policy says constitutes an emergency. Bring a copy of these pages with you for reference on your trip, just in case.
- Carry a list of medicines your loved one is on and any other critical medical information.
- Always carry medications with you at all times — never pack them in a bag you are checking or in a carry-on bag that is being stored separately during a flight.
- Request a wheelchair from your airline or travel agent, and be sure this is noted on your ticket. This will make getting around airports quicker, safer and easier for everyone involved.
- If your loved one has a heart condition, confirm with your airline that there is a defibrillator on the plane.
- If traveling abroad, bring a copy of the Consular Information Sheet for the country you are visiting. This sheet has important country-specific travel information, such as location of the U.S. embassy, security information and health and medical information.
- If on a cruise, confirm with the cruise line that there will be an emergency doctor on board.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Competitive bidding is a new Medicare program that will make it challenging for Medicare beneficiaries to obtain medically necessary equipment and service they need for daily living. Medicare traditionally has contracted with many home medical equipment providers throughout the country. However, the competitive bidding program will decrease the number of providers available to supply equipment and service. Medicare will accept new providers into the system based on a bidding process. Those providers who offer the lowest bid for their equipment and service will receive contracts from Medicare. Click here to view some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about this new program. Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Peace of Mind with a Medical Alert Device
A Medical Alert Device helps seniors when they can't reach the phone for help. These types of devices offer peace of mind for both seniors as well as their loved ones. There are several different types of devices with both neck and wrist pendants available. A local medical equipment provider specializing in medical alert devices can work with you to provide you with product that best fit your needs.
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