The healthcare industry is forever changing. Most of the time - it plods through the administrative processes and actually changes for the better with time. Currently we are seeing trends to step back and return to patient care. This is happening with challenges through Doctor owned hospitals, Physicians who make home visits, and a need to actually touch another person with care and to be of service.
As the healthcare industry moves in those directions we are receiving directives which will make it more difficult to address the needs of those who do not have money. Those who rely on the system.
For years nursing homes and retirement centers have been receiving monies for beds not used. This sounds ridiculous doesn't it? What a waste - why pay for something to just sit there? Yet, the reality is that by reserving beds for medicare/medicaid options it has created immediacy for placement for those who do not have money.
If the current projections of the baby boomers numbers are correct and boomers live to need those services, the for profit beds will fill and there will be no beds available for medicare and medicaid. Now this may not affect you but my observations (unproven and without scientific study) is that the baby boomer generation is not prepared for this. They may not the ability to be for profit.
The other concern is whether clients who are currently in a medicare or medicaid bed but need a short stay in the hospital, may come out of the hospital to having lost their facility's medicaid/care bed. Facilities may hold those beds or may not and this will be dictated by their financial needs.
An option to change this to a positive approach - what a sales pitch for a facility. They could guarantee bed holds for short periods of time to sell their clients on using their facility. Keep your eyes peeled - we do not know where all all will lead.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The bad me says I need to be good!
Wow what a year! I have neglected my blog, my facebook, my (not signed up yet) twitter, my spam box, my webb page and sometimes it carries over to our life, our selves, our loved ones. Starting off 2011 with thoughts of how I need to get my stuff in gear.....
Even the bad me says I need to snap out of it and do the next right thing. Wow that is serious because like everyone there is that other side always tantilizingly shouting to me to goof off, don't take life too seriously, and go to Aruba for a vacation. Or....better still - backpack through the country for a year. Looking back on the year I realize - I only took 5 days off to be at Lake Mill with my children. So what do I need to do to shape up? I need to recognize that we have a wonderful life, that those that surround us are loving and attempt to do their best. That the economy is what it is and we can move on from that. That a hike in Brown County is as important as the next networking meeting or a trip to Aruba. That enjoying what is here in front of us is what we can shout and sing about. Hey that Bad side isn't so bad.
The things to be thankful for from 2010 - A wonderful family, daughter in law, and daughter in law to be... Memories of laughter and good times....Memories of my Mother who passed Nov 5 - I am thankful that my children had the 9 years that she was with me to share who she was. I am so grateful that Mom was able to die at home...that my employees were patient with me to ease my time through this and I was able to spend more time with her and make her more comfortable.
In 1988 when I started Elder Moves, Inc. I was a whopping youngster of 37. I came into the company with a heart felt sincerity and energy and youth-filled knowledge of everything. Today I have seasoned. I am knowledgeable through experience and time. Today I have even downsized my self and my life - the experience deepens our sensitivities and creates an even better service for all whom we serve. For it is serving others that makes the most out of every day. It is what I am most grateful for whether a client, my family, or a friend. I look forward to being of service. When I am finished I'll go to Aruba.
Even the bad me says I need to snap out of it and do the next right thing. Wow that is serious because like everyone there is that other side always tantilizingly shouting to me to goof off, don't take life too seriously, and go to Aruba for a vacation. Or....better still - backpack through the country for a year. Looking back on the year I realize - I only took 5 days off to be at Lake Mill with my children. So what do I need to do to shape up? I need to recognize that we have a wonderful life, that those that surround us are loving and attempt to do their best. That the economy is what it is and we can move on from that. That a hike in Brown County is as important as the next networking meeting or a trip to Aruba. That enjoying what is here in front of us is what we can shout and sing about. Hey that Bad side isn't so bad.
The things to be thankful for from 2010 - A wonderful family, daughter in law, and daughter in law to be... Memories of laughter and good times....Memories of my Mother who passed Nov 5 - I am thankful that my children had the 9 years that she was with me to share who she was. I am so grateful that Mom was able to die at home...that my employees were patient with me to ease my time through this and I was able to spend more time with her and make her more comfortable.
In 1988 when I started Elder Moves, Inc. I was a whopping youngster of 37. I came into the company with a heart felt sincerity and energy and youth-filled knowledge of everything. Today I have seasoned. I am knowledgeable through experience and time. Today I have even downsized my self and my life - the experience deepens our sensitivities and creates an even better service for all whom we serve. For it is serving others that makes the most out of every day. It is what I am most grateful for whether a client, my family, or a friend. I look forward to being of service. When I am finished I'll go to Aruba.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Chipper II
Chipper II, not one, but II, was a sweet little thing. I didn’t know that would be his name when I met him. I babysat for my teenage living and he was the last of the litter that my employers couldn’t rid themselves of. He was a golden shade and a fluff ball and I fell in love with him.
The only other dog during my lifetime that we had owned was Rinny. My sister bought him for us. A shepherd and he was a good dog which we all shared but Chipper II, not one, was to be mine.
Knowing full well that I was going to have a hard sell I took him home only to hear that I had to convince my Dad for Mom was not sure if I should have him. Dad arrived home and immediately said, He reminds me of Chipper. Who’s Chipper? And the story began, he was Mom and Dad’s first dog in Western Springs, and what a dog. He was so smart and gentle and would let my sister stand on hi in the car. Occurring before seat belt laws and other such ordinances and before I was born. He was golden in color.
So there we have it Chipper II became our pet. His golden looks did buy him a sentimental shoe-in into our home. He was a precocious little thing. Children’s gates came out across the doorway in the kitchen at night. Barricaded as he was he would find a means to get over the gate. Dad was his night time keeper. A challenge was on. And we would discuss the many options to keeping Chipper penned in at night. It was such fun to come home to him in the afternoon and Dad and I would talk about training the dog. As he got bigger Dad would let him out by himself in the back yard – he was terribly proud of how quickly he responded to a summons home. But one night – I’m not sure how – Chipper didn’t come home. Checks throughout the neighborhood came to naught. Dad often told me he thought someone stole him for he was so beautiful. I never was sure how he came to have time enough to go too far. Chipper II had a short stay in our lives but meant so much.
Looking back I know why Chipper was here. I remember 3 or 4 times where my father and I completely connected and Chipper was one. We bonded through our love for this troublesome bundle of puppy love. We were a team, Dad doing late night duty for me and me working at learning to train a dog.
Today, the family kids me. Dad has been dead several years and Mom and Steve do not remember Chipper II. We jest about whether Chipper II was around or not and through repetition it has become a great joke. Such comments as Chipper II might be listening or was that when Chipper II was here? My family’s skepticism of the life of Chipper II doesn’t matter. For me, I sense my father with us as we laugh about the existence or non-existence of Chipper II. Our connection survives throughout time.
The only other dog during my lifetime that we had owned was Rinny. My sister bought him for us. A shepherd and he was a good dog which we all shared but Chipper II, not one, was to be mine.
Knowing full well that I was going to have a hard sell I took him home only to hear that I had to convince my Dad for Mom was not sure if I should have him. Dad arrived home and immediately said, He reminds me of Chipper. Who’s Chipper? And the story began, he was Mom and Dad’s first dog in Western Springs, and what a dog. He was so smart and gentle and would let my sister stand on hi in the car. Occurring before seat belt laws and other such ordinances and before I was born. He was golden in color.
So there we have it Chipper II became our pet. His golden looks did buy him a sentimental shoe-in into our home. He was a precocious little thing. Children’s gates came out across the doorway in the kitchen at night. Barricaded as he was he would find a means to get over the gate. Dad was his night time keeper. A challenge was on. And we would discuss the many options to keeping Chipper penned in at night. It was such fun to come home to him in the afternoon and Dad and I would talk about training the dog. As he got bigger Dad would let him out by himself in the back yard – he was terribly proud of how quickly he responded to a summons home. But one night – I’m not sure how – Chipper didn’t come home. Checks throughout the neighborhood came to naught. Dad often told me he thought someone stole him for he was so beautiful. I never was sure how he came to have time enough to go too far. Chipper II had a short stay in our lives but meant so much.
Looking back I know why Chipper was here. I remember 3 or 4 times where my father and I completely connected and Chipper was one. We bonded through our love for this troublesome bundle of puppy love. We were a team, Dad doing late night duty for me and me working at learning to train a dog.
Today, the family kids me. Dad has been dead several years and Mom and Steve do not remember Chipper II. We jest about whether Chipper II was around or not and through repetition it has become a great joke. Such comments as Chipper II might be listening or was that when Chipper II was here? My family’s skepticism of the life of Chipper II doesn’t matter. For me, I sense my father with us as we laugh about the existence or non-existence of Chipper II. Our connection survives throughout time.
Friday, February 26, 2010
My Wow to Medicine!
I met with a business associate today. Laughingly, I was telling her about my sensitivity to medicine. There was the time that I was put on a high powered antibiotic and a serious cough medicine - I am up at 5 am leaving screaming messages on people's phones. Oh did I have some serious apologies.
Then there was the time when I was saving money and had my blood work done at a health fair. You would think after all the years I have been around the medical field I would remember that I should have fasted for 12 hours....... Result the wrong medication for high cholesteral and a crazy woman driving around town crying - and thinking she needs psychiatric help. Within three days of being removed from the medication.......I woke up excited it was winter and there was snow on the ground. I have even had to give up generic medicines where the stabilizers and I do not like each other and I have to use a more expensive formula.
Reminding myself of my personal inability to have positive reactions to many medications makes me much more compassionate with my clients. Some of our clients will be placed on multiple medications for multiple problems and reactions, discomfort, digestive issues are not uncommon. There can be a total change in personality and it is not always clinical depression it can be medicines reacting not only to each other but to the client's chemistry.
I have had clients who threw chairs across rooms (at the young age of 85) just to find out their medications had caused a serious change in personality - (and maybe strength). In helping others, one of the primary needs is to be a good observer. To recognize as we introduce change into peoples lives that they are not always so crazy.........Speaking of crazy, I think I will always make sure to tell at least 3 people before I start any new medications. I need their eyes and ears (hopefully not at 5 am) telling me if I am changing because of the medications.
Then there was the time when I was saving money and had my blood work done at a health fair. You would think after all the years I have been around the medical field I would remember that I should have fasted for 12 hours....... Result the wrong medication for high cholesteral and a crazy woman driving around town crying - and thinking she needs psychiatric help. Within three days of being removed from the medication.......I woke up excited it was winter and there was snow on the ground. I have even had to give up generic medicines where the stabilizers and I do not like each other and I have to use a more expensive formula.
Reminding myself of my personal inability to have positive reactions to many medications makes me much more compassionate with my clients. Some of our clients will be placed on multiple medications for multiple problems and reactions, discomfort, digestive issues are not uncommon. There can be a total change in personality and it is not always clinical depression it can be medicines reacting not only to each other but to the client's chemistry.
I have had clients who threw chairs across rooms (at the young age of 85) just to find out their medications had caused a serious change in personality - (and maybe strength). In helping others, one of the primary needs is to be a good observer. To recognize as we introduce change into peoples lives that they are not always so crazy.........Speaking of crazy, I think I will always make sure to tell at least 3 people before I start any new medications. I need their eyes and ears (hopefully not at 5 am) telling me if I am changing because of the medications.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
40 days of Positive Thoughts!
The family pug had to visit the vet today. I had known that her teeth were not doing well but much to my chagrin, once she was under I was told it was worse than I thought. I am anticipating a horrible outcome. I think immediately I have been a horrible pet owner and then reminisce about all the dogs my family owned who only went to the vet for broken bones and terminal illness - and upon learning of the illness were put down. Wow it is expensive to own a pet today! But I don't own a "pet" . I have an animal who is a friend. She has taught my children so much. She has taught responsibility. Safety and behavior modification. She has taught them unconditional love - how to spoil someone and lick them to death and be spoiled. Our home is a safe haven - for we know she will protect us. She makes us laugh and plays with us. I rethink my first thoughts and know I am so lucky to be able to have a pet and be able to take care of it the way my parents could not.
I will pick up Em today with a light heart knowing that she will feel like her old self soon and be back to that playful friend I love.
I will pick up Em today with a light heart knowing that she will feel like her old self soon and be back to that playful friend I love.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Assisted Living Question and Answers
Assisted Living is a relatively new option in the Senior Market. Nursing Homes, as we know them today, improved with changes in medicare and medicaid laws during and since the 1950's . Assisted Living started even later. The term appeared in a proposal to the state of Oregon for a pilot study on new residential settings in 1985. Initially most assisted livings were non medical and only offered a minimal amount of care and the government did not have many regulations regarding them. The smaller private suite with 3 meals a day, bed changing, monitoring of medicine has become a standard. Over time homes realized that without additional services they would not be able to keep their clients in the assisted living environment for longer periods of time and soon adapted to meet the increased demand for continuum of care and individualized needs.
Having RN's or LPN's to oversee the care and/or contracted licensed services on the property became more and more standard. This allowed for additional medically licensed services to be offered to the client.
Why should I be concerned when placing my parent or loved one in an assisted living?
Each assisted living facility is designed to help in different ways and each dictates their requirements in order to maintain those standards. Is the Assisted Living you are looking at modeled on a residential, medical, dementia or nursing care Level?
Having RN's or LPN's to oversee the care and/or contracted licensed services on the property became more and more standard. This allowed for additional medically licensed services to be offered to the client.
Why should I be concerned when placing my parent or loved one in an assisted living?
Each assisted living facility is designed to help in different ways and each dictates their requirements in order to maintain those standards. Is the Assisted Living you are looking at modeled on a residential, medical, dementia or nursing care Level?
- Can your parent have incontinence and still live in the Assisted Living?
- Will someone alert them of the time for dinner?
- If my parent needs someone to come and get them for the events will someone come?
- Do other residents wander?
- Will they be in my parent's room?
- If my Mom is high functioning but needs assistance in the bathroom how quickly will you respond?
- How much assistance will you give my Mother in the bathroom?
- What constitutes additional charges?
- Do you use an inclusionary approach?
Being aware of what care options are available makes for a better decision and an easier and more successful transition for all concerned people involved.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Retirement Communities Become Creative
With the economy just in its initial stages of rebound, Retirement Communities are becoming highly creative. Financially it makes sense. An empty room does not generate profit and can be an overhead burden.
Some of the interesting approaches have been to have deferred entrance fees which are not due until your home sells; teaming with realtors to get homes sold and lower initial rates till homes sell. All of these work to offset the losses that families have encurred and allow their investments to stay invested until they pick up again.
Most important though is that people who need to move are not being held back by financial concerns. They are able to transition in to a community with less worry and focus more on taking care of themselves and their care givers. Moving Services such as Elder Moves, Inc. can assist with the transitions. For more information in your area contact a care manager who has experience and can point you in the right direction.
On a bright note that Butler Basketball team made us proud! We also were able to devote a 1/2 day to helping at the Generseat sponsored homeless clinic held at the Indianapolis Convention Center.
Some of the interesting approaches have been to have deferred entrance fees which are not due until your home sells; teaming with realtors to get homes sold and lower initial rates till homes sell. All of these work to offset the losses that families have encurred and allow their investments to stay invested until they pick up again.
Most important though is that people who need to move are not being held back by financial concerns. They are able to transition in to a community with less worry and focus more on taking care of themselves and their care givers. Moving Services such as Elder Moves, Inc. can assist with the transitions. For more information in your area contact a care manager who has experience and can point you in the right direction.
On a bright note that Butler Basketball team made us proud! We also were able to devote a 1/2 day to helping at the Generseat sponsored homeless clinic held at the Indianapolis Convention Center.
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