- Sign up for NCCDP Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Staff Education Week February 14 to the 21 Tool Kit and Free Power In-services. The service is only available from November 15th to March 1st.
Substance Use in Older Adults: Screening and Treatment Intervention Strategies
To keep up with the latest developing information regarding older adults and substance abuse; considering signing up for an online course funded by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration). This course pertains specifically to the older adult population with regards to how substance abuse and prescription drugs affect older adults, as well as provide tools for screening and assessments. The course is three hours. The cost to complete the course is free. However, a 15 dollar fee is required if taken for continuing education credits. To sign up for the course please visit the following link, https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/423/donate.asp?formid=meetb&c=2178349
Mental Health Resources
A new website has also been introduced to further the commitment to mental health and helping the people that are affected by mental illness either directly or indirectly. It includes basic information about various mental illnesses, signs to watch out for, how to get help, and how to realize that there is no shame in getting help. Everyone at one point or another could use the extra help. To visit the webpage as well as access the various resources provided, please visit the following link https://www.mentalhealth.gov/
CMS Proposes Payment Changes For Medicare Home Health Agencies For 2014
Proposed changes to Medicare have been announced for the calendar year 2014. One is that Medicare will be reduced by 1.5 percent. Though it seems small it amounts to about 290 million dollars reductions on proposed policies. In addition to this, the number of visits to a health care professional, and the type of services received will be different. An exact number will be allocated per every sixty-day episode period for an individual on Medicare. For complete up to date information about Medicare and the proposed rule change please visit the following pages:
https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/HomeHealthPPS/index.html
https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection
The National Conference on Mental Health
Over 45 million people in the United States suffer from some form of mental or behavioral health-related issue. This can stem from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, various forms of dementia, and so forth. President Obama and The White House hosted a conference to educate the population about the issue of mental health, and well as advocate for the population who might not be able to advocate for themselves, or are embarrassed to do so. President Obama indicated that we all know someone who is affected by mental health issues, so it is very much an issue that impacts us all. To read more about the conference that was held on June 3, 2013, please visit the following link
https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/06/03/national-conference-mental-health
Alzheimer's Association 2013 Alzheimer's Disease Facts And Figures
Alzheimer’s disease statistics are always changing. To read the latest facts and figures for people with Alzheimer’s disease, please visit the following link for complete and up to date information, https://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_facts_and_figures.asp
Dementia Care and Reduction of Antipsychotic Drug Use In Nursing Homes
In recent years, it has been known there is an ongoing effort to reducing the number of residents using antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes. This has been part of a growing effort to reduce over medication. While it is true that many residents might need anti-psychotic drugs for their own well-being, it should not automatically be the go-to default whenever a doctor encounters a patient in a nursing home. The Department of Health has released a variety of resources for families to review ranging from how to help an older relative who has Alzheimer’s, how caregivers should handle certain behaviors, and lists of RX medication information. For complete information please visit the following link:
https://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_behaviors.pdf
New Analysis Finds Share of Seniors Living in Poverty at Least Double the Official Rate in 12 States Under Census Bureau's Supplemental Poverty Measure
According to the United States Census, nine percent of seniors live in poverty. This failed to take into consideration the rising cost of living and how it can vary from state to state. So an updated review indicated that fifteen percent of seniors were either at the poverty line or below it. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, while all state poverty levels for seniors were higher than originally expected, twelve states stood out as well as Washington D.C. To see where Pennsylvania ranked, please visit the following link
https://kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/a-state-by-state-snapshot-of-poverty-among-seniors/
Drive Out Suicide
The Pennsylvania Adult/Older Adult Suicide Prevention Coalition has launched a new suicide prevention campaign called “Drive Out Suicide.” Volunteer drivers agree to place large window clings on their rear windshields with a message of hope and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The drivers then go about their normal activities, spreading awareness of suicide prevention. Check out the website at www.DriveOutSuicide.org and learn about this exciting campaign.
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