September 1st, 2010 by Angela Stringfellow
Next year, more than three million seniors will have to switch Medicare Part D plans, thanks to new Medicare efforts that aim to make the selection process easier. Not to worry — those seniors won’t lose their coverage, and the decision-making process should be easier thanks to Medicare’s scaling efforts and offering of more focused choices by eliminating duplicate coverage, according to the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA). 
Along with the changes, of course, comes an increase in premiums, but it’s a modest increase — just three percent, or about $1, making the total monthly premium about $30 for 2011. However, Don Berwick, Medicare administrator, says in an AP interview that seniors will also benefit from better coverage, because the new health care law will begin to close the doughnut hole gap seniors currently experience in coverage.
Seniors who enter the doughnut hole gap will receive a 50% discount on brand name drugs and a 7% discount on generics, which will gradually increase until the doughnut hole disappears in the year 2020.
The number of seniors who will need to switch plans next year is just a fraction of the 27 million total beneficiaries currently enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Seniors who will need to select a new plan should be advised that the $30 monthly premium is an estimate, and that actual premiums can vary widely. Seniors should use the Medicare Plan Finder to research available plans in their areas and select the best plan for their needs based on coverage and cost.
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Tags: health care overhaul, medicare, Medicare Part D
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August 30th, 2010 by Angela Stringfellow
In light of recent research that indicates promising new diagnostic technology that could enable physicians to accurately diagnose Alzheimer’s disease years before the patient is even exhibiting symptoms, the National Institutes of Health commissioned a comprehensive study to determine what can be done to prevent the disease at its State-of-the-Science Conference, held August 26th-August 28th. 
A group of independent researchers convened to examine the currently available scientific evidence on Alzheimer’s disease, associated risk factors and possible preventative measures. Analyzing data from scientific studies conducted on human sample populations in developed countries, with a sample size of at least 50, researchers concluded that no convincing scientific evidence exists to support that any modifiable factor can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Modifiable factors include vitamins, herbal supplements, social and economic factors, enivronmental expsoures, prescription and non-prescription drugs, and other dietary and lifestyle factors.
While there are numerous studies that reveal a correlation between a dietary or lifestyle factor and risk of Alzheimer’s disease, the panel states that the overall scientific quality of these studies is low. A positive association also does not indicate that any factor studied is the cause of a lower or higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Of course, the current lack of a consistent definition of Alzheimer’s disease makes analyzing the current body of research challenging. It’s also difficult to differentiate between a factor that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease or whether the relationship is actually with older age. In other words, many factors that have been implicated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease are much more prevalent with age, and age is a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease — so any factor associated with aging could be subsequently implicated as an Alzheimer’s risk factor.
Among the few consistent findings, this meta-analysis revealed the following about associations between various factors and general cognitive decline, which is a different measure than Alzheimer’s disease:
- There is consistent evidence from several longitudinal studies that omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish) are associated with a reduced risk.
- Depression and related symptoms have been associated with mild cognitive impairment and cognitive decline.
- The loss of a spouse has a strong association with cognitive decline.
- Some positive associations have been found with physical and leisure activities (club memberships, gardening, painting) and preservation of cognitive function.
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Tags: alzheimers disease, cognitive decline, National Institutes of Health
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August 27th, 2010 by Stuart Grinnell
On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lowered its official estimate of the number of people who die from the flu during a typical flu season. The estimate, once frequently quoted as 36,000, has been lowered to 23,600. 
The previously-quoted 36,000 figure relates to a specific period from 1990-1999, during which time the more severe H3N2 strain of influenza was more common; however, Tom Skinner, a spokesman for CDC, says that an overall estimate such as this doesn’t paint an accurate picture of the potential deadly consequences of influenza, because few flu seasons can truly be classified as “average.” In fact, over the past 30 years, the actual figure has fluctuated from 3,300 to 49,000 deaths per year — quite a wide range.
Skinner advises quoting a range with the explanation that the number of deaths we can expect in a given year strongly depends on the strains that are circulating.
Interestingly, the H3N2 strain is far more dangerous than the highly publicized H1N1 virus, which garnered significant media attention for influenza-related deaths despite showing lower mortality rates overall — in fact, deaths from the H3N2 strain were 2.7 times higher than H1N1 or B strains. Dr. David Shay, a medical officer for CDC’s Influenza Division, noted that 90% of all influenza-related deaths occur in persons 65 years and older.
Seniors tend to have weaker immune systems and are more likely to develop pneumonia as a complication from the flu. Also, many seniors reside in communal housing, such as assisted living facilities and nursing homes, where the spread of contagious illness is more likely. Many facilities routinely offer vaccinations to all residents at the beginning of the flu season in order to prevent outbreaks and ask that family and friends who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms refrain from visiting until they are well.
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Tags: flu season, h1n1, h3n2, influenza
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August 25th, 2010 by Angela Stringfellow
Despite negative inflation, prescription drug prices are on the rise for older Americans, The New York Times reported yesterday. The report, to be released by the AARP later today, says that prices for the 217 drugs most commonly used by older Americans rose by an average of 8.3%, marking the highest increase in years. 
Over the past five years, brand-name drug prices have risen an average of 41.5%, and the consumer price index 13.3%. The AARP has called for measures to keep drug costs down, but pharmaceutical industry reps dispute the validity of these latest reports, claiming that the figures don’t present an accurate representation of the rise in prices.
According to drug industry officials, the price increase for brand-name pharmaceuticals doesn’t represent the fact that 75% of all dispensed pharmaceuticals are generics, according to research firm IMS Health. When generic prices are taken into consideration, the average price increase was 3.4% for 2009, per a broader survey conducted by the government for the official Consumer Price Index.
While it’s true that many dispensed drugs are generics, many older Americans rely on brand-name pharmaceuticals for the treatment of chronic conditions — products that are still under patent and therefore don’t yet have generic competition. This pushes many seniors into the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole,” leaving them to pay 100% of the cost of their prescriptions.
This report comes alongside a poll conducted by The New York Times that indicates that Americans are skimping on prescription drugs due to rising costs. The poll, published yesterday, surveyed more than 1,100 adults by telephone about their prescription drug usage. The results clearly indicate that the cost of medication impacts patient compliance:
- 27% said they had been non-compliant with a prescription drug regimen in order to save money.
- 16% skipped filling a prescription due to cost.
- 12% skipped a dose to save money.
- 8% cut pills in half to save money.
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Tags: pharmaceutical costs, prescription drug coverage
Posted in Health News, Senior Health Care Reform, Senior Living News | 1 Comment »
August 23rd, 2010 by Angela Stringfellow
The August 19, 2010 edition of ALFA Update featured a case study focusing on social media, where two top senior living executives shared their tips and strategies for implementing a successful social media campaign. As both pointed out, social media is now an important component of word-of-mouth marketing, and it shouldn’t be ignored. 
Tricia Lilly Ourand, Director of Marketing for Brightview Senior Living, points out that staying focused on the objective is the first key to using social media effectively as part of your overall marketing strategy. Determine what you want to gain from using social media, and why your audience is using social media. You might be using it to gain visibility or brand recognition, to make sales, or even to recruit staff.
Your audience is probably seeking information — what do they want to learn or discuss? Do they already have knowledge of your assisted living facility or nursing home, or are they being introduced to your organization for the first time? From this point, Ourand says, you can create your strategy by developing policies that outline who can post content to what social sites, and ensuring that your posted content is search-engine friendly by using keywords.
Laura Ellen McAvoy, Operations Manager for The Arbor Company, recommends designating a specific social media point person who is in charge of posting regular updates, growing connections, and engaging your audience. She recommends setting your pages up with photos, details, and information before ramping up your fan base. Finally, utilizing family and friends who are already members of your social networks to start conversations is a great way to encourage initial interaction on your pages.
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Tags: Assisted Living Marketing, social media
Posted in Assisted Living Marketing, Home Care Marketing, Nursing Home Marketing, Senior Housing Marketing | No Comments »
August 23rd, 2010 by Jacqui Tom
It turns out that a fear of falling can make seniors more likely to do just that, according to research conducted by Stephen Lord and other researchers from Australia and Belgium. The results are published in the August 19th edition of the British Medical Journal and are reported by HealthLeaders Media.
A fear of falling can lead to social isolation, when seniors choose to stay in rather than participate in group or other social activities, which can lead to emotional well-being issues anyway. But now we know that this same fear can actually contribute to an increased risk of falls. Seniors who become sedentary due to fears can lose physical strength, muscle tone, and balance, which leaves them more likely to fall when they do go out and about.
The research, which studied 500 seniors between the ages of 70 and 90 in Sydney, Australia, analyzed participants’ perceived risk of falling and physiological condition compared to actual falls and resulting injuries that occurred over the next twelve months.
- 198 participants were placed in a low-risk group; 302 were placed in a high risk group, based on physiological condition.
- One-third of participants had a different perceived risk than their actual risk.
- 54 participants in the low-risk group believed they have a high risk of falls.
- 21 of the 54 (39%) actually fell, suggesting their perception played a role in their risk.
- 100 participants in the high-risk group believed their risk to be lower than their actual risk.
- 20 of the 100 (20%) actually fell.
This preliminary research was based on self-reports from participants, reducing reliability and accuracy. However, researchers do conclude that health practitioners should proactively address seniors’ attitudes towards fall risks, because identifying an individual’s perceived risk can help with selecting appropriate fall prevention efforts. Assisted living facilities and nursing homes, which commonly focus on developing effective fall prevention programs, can make use of this research by incorporating interventions to improve attitudes and perceived risks.
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Tags: Aging, fall prevention
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August 20th, 2010 by Tom Blumer
Univita Health, an organization that promotes independent living by offering services and resources that help individuals access care and age safely at home, released the results of its 2010 Cost of Care Report on August 10, 2010. Univita surveyed over 6,000 home care agencies, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities (more than 2,000 each) between April and May 2010 to obtain data.
Data collected includes daily private-pay rates for single occupancy rooms in skilled nursing facilities, monthly costs for assisted living facilities (private and semi-private rooms), and hourly rates for home health aides for both Medicare-certified and non-certified home health care agencies.
This survey breaks down data state-by-state, providing the minimum, maximum, and average for each of the data points surveyed. Useful findings include:
- Louisiana is the most affordable state for Medicare-certified home care ($14.50/hour on average in Shreveport, LA for a hom health aide from a certified home health agency) and skilled nursing facility care ($143/day for a private, single occupancy room in Lafayette, LA)
- Brooklyn, NY beats Louisiana’s rates when it comes to non-certified home health agencies, however. The average hourly rate for a home health aide from a non-certified home health agency is $11.90/hour.
- National average annual cost for a private room in a skilled nursing facility is $90,155. (National average daily rate is $247)
- National average rate for a home health aide provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency is $22.14 per hour.
- National average rate for a home health aide provided by a non-certified home health agency is $18.41 per hour.
- The average monthly rate for a private room in an assisted living facility is $3,294.67 per month.
- The average monthly rate for a semi-private room in an assisted living facility is $2,025.28 per month.
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Tags: assisted living, cost of care, home health care, skilled nursing facilities
Posted in Long Term Care, Senior Living News | No Comments »
August 18th, 2010 by Angela Stringfellow
In March 2010, the MetLife Mature Market Institute took an in-depth look at “Boomers in the Middle” — those born between 1952 and 1958, a group that they say differs from the youngest and oldest boomers (or the “bookends”). According to MetLife, boomers can be divided into three distinct groups: the Middle Boomers (born 1952-1958), the Young Boomers (born 1959-1964) and the Older Boomers (born 1946-1951). MetLife looked at both the Young Boomers and Older Boomers in prior studies. 
The three distinct grew up in different areas and therefore have different characteristics, according to MetLife. As the boomers grow older and reach important stages in their lives, it’s vital for us to gain an in-depth understanding of their socio-economic characteristics and demographics so that society can adequately meet their needs as they age.
The29 million Middle Boomers comprise 38% of all Baby Boomers and make up 10% of the U.S. population, making them the largest of the three boomer segments. The Middle Boomers have some characteristics that resemble either their older or younger counterparts, but in many ways have an identity all their own.
Here are a few key findings from MetLife’s study:
- Middle Boomers are a true representation of the “Sanwich Generation”. More than half have children living at home, more than half have grandchildren, and two-thirds have at least one living parent.
- Most Middle Boomers consider themselves in good health, but many are concerned about being able to afford the costs of care as they age, with costs for assisted living, nursing homes, and senior home health care rising each year.
- Only 8% of Middle Boomers are fully retired; 60% work full-time.
- Most Middle Boomers would like to retire at age 65, but don’t think they will be able to do so until at least age 66. Over half feel that they’re behind in retirement savings.
- 86% are homeowners, and 15% would consider a reverse mortgage to finance their retirement.
- 72% have provided financial assistance to children or grandchildren.
- Two-thirds enjoy being called “Baby Boomers”.
- They won’t consider themselves old until age 75.
- They feel that changing and declining health is the major downside of growing older.
- Their priorities have shifted within the past few years. Most now focus on family, financial security, personal well-being and wellness.
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Tags: Aging, baby boomers, MetLife
Posted in Aging, Senior Living News, baby boomers | 1 Comment »
August 16th, 2010 by Jacqui Tom
We’ve heard of getting older and wiser, but getting older and happier? Logical thinking would lead us to believe that our happiness levels might decline as we age, but recent studies prove otherwise. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was led by Author A. Stone of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Stony Brook University in New York. Stone et al. report on psychological well-being, a comprised of a person’s assessment of his or her life and affective state (global and hedonic well-being, respectively).
In a telephone survey of over 340,000 U.S. residents, researchers found that well-being generally increases after the age of 50. Also interesting to note is that stress and anger sharply decrease after the early 20s, and worry remains elevated through middle age and then begins to decline. Findings held true even after other variables were accounted for, such as whether or not participants were married or had children. Both men and women showed similar patterns of well-being as they age.
The results of the study aren’t comprehensive, however. Hedonic well-being is a measure comprised of many different facets, such as worry, sadness, stress, anger, and enjoyment. It’s clear from this study that those individual components show different patterns as people age, so further research would be necessary to conclude more specific measurements of hedonic well-being.
An article on LiveScience.com discusses the study, addressing potential causes for this correlation between aging and happiness. Since lifestyle variables like children and marriage were accounted for, it’s clear that they’re not behind a rise in happiness as we age. It’s possible that we become better at controlling our emotions as we get older, or that we simply remember less negative memories and events as we age. According to Stone, people age 50 and over might simply start focusing on making the most out of the rest of their lives, and less on their accomplishments.
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Tags: Aging, happiness
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August 13th, 2010 by Angela Stringfellow
On August 5, 2010, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced $159.1 million in grants to improve health care workforce training, including nursing and geriatrics. These funds address a growing shortage of nurses and geriatric specialists as the senior population grows rapidly.
The funds will be used for training new health care workers, as well as improving educational programs to better train the existing workforce for providing geriatric care.
Specifically, $106 million will be allocated to nursing workforce development, including such areas as nursing workforce diversity and nursing education, practice, quality, and retention. $29.5 million will go to geriatric education and training, including geriatric training for physicians, dentists, and mental health professionals. $4.2 million of the geriatric training fund will be used for a comprehensive geriatric training program.
This news comes alongside an announcement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of $2.25 billion in funding to support the development of community-based long-term care alternatives. These funds are part of the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing (MFP) Demonstration. CMS encourages states who are not yet participating to apply for funding. Those that are already participating may utilize funds to expand their current programs.
The goal of MFP is to transition appropriate individuals from institutional settings, such as nursing home facilities or assisted living, to home and community-based care models.
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Tags: CMS, grant funding, HHS
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