Senior Care News Articles

Date: September 8, 2009
Author: Hartford Business Journal Online, USA

A new analysis of pending health care reforms by the American Health Care Association says that Connecticut could face more than $1 billion in cuts over a 10-year period to Medicare-funded nursing home care.

According to the AHCA, the U.S. House of Representatives’ health care reform bill — America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200) — includes provisions that would significantly cut Medicare payments for skilled nursing facility care.

The study found that the proposed legislation, combined with the $12 billion, 10- year Medicare cuts recently put into effect by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, would cause nursing care in 15 states to face funding cuts in excess of $1 billion each.

Nationally, the study finds, seniors’ Medicare cuts will total $44 billion over 10 years, which would put at risk 50,000 jobs across the country.

If the legislation passes, Connecticut faces $1.1 billion in Medicare cuts over 10 years. In the first year of the legislation, 1,011 jobs in the state would be at risk, which would eliminate $80 million in business activity and $42 million in labor income, the study said.

Date: May 21, 2009
Author: Senior Health Care, Mississauga, Canada

Ontario is working closely with the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the World Health Organization and all the other provinces and territories of Canada to monitor cases of H1N1 flu.

H1N1 Flu Virus (Human Swine Influenza) is a respiratory infection that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Sporadic human infections with H1N1 flu have occurred; however, these are usually caused by direct exposure to pigs.

Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal influenza (flu) including headache, chills and cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur in adults as well as in children. In more severe cases, or in people with chronic conditions, complications such as pneumonia may develop.

The ministry will continue its surveillance efforts across the province using established public health practices and protocols.

What is H1N1 flu virus (Human Swine Flu)?

The H1N1 flu virus is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses.. These viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited.

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people?

The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu virus infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does H1N1 flu virus spread?

Spread of the H1N1 flu virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing.. Sometimes people may become infected by touching contaminated objects or surfaces with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How long can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. This means that individuals who think they may symptoms should wash hands, cover cough/sneeze and contact their doctor or Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.

Should Ontarians wear surgical masks to avoid catching H1N1 flu virus?

Ontarians should continue to take normal precautions to protect themselves as they would from a regular flu. Members of the general public do not need to wear surgical masks to protect themselves against catching H1N1 flu virus. Evidence shows that this is not effective in preventing transmission of influenza in the general public. People often use masks incorrectly, or contaminate the mask when putting them on and taking them off, which could actually increase the risk of infection.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 flu virus. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. 60% -90% alcohol-based hand rub is also effective.
• Sneeze and cough in your sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• If you get sick with the flu, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze in your sleeve if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds or clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, contact your health care provider or call TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

Can I get H1N1 flu virus from eating or preparing pork?

No. Proper cooking of pork products would kill any viruses. Make sure pork is cooked through, not pink in the middle. Use a food thermometer to confirm pork has been heated through to 71 degrees Celsius (160 degrees Fahrenheit).

Date: May 5, 2009
Author: THE CANADIAN PRESS

Ontario is proposing several changes to the rules concerning how seniors in long-term care homes are treated, including clear definitions of abuse and neglect.

The new guidelines will seek to minimize the use of restraints and prohibit certain devices from being used to restrain residents.

They will also provide clear definitions of physical, sexual, emotional, verbal and financial abuse, which would ensure consistency across homes under mandatory reporting requirements.

The changes also include better guidelines for fall prevention and pain management.

Concerns over nursing home care have dogged the government in the past, with former health minister George Smitherman musing last year about wearing an adult diaper to satisfy himself that elderly residents were receiving appropriate care.

The draft regulations will be up for 30 days of public comment.

Date: April 9, 2009
Author: Home Care Mississauga, Canada

The economic uncertainties in United States that affect not just Canada but many other nations worldwide have created doubts and lingering worries about the economic truths in our markets. Plenty of recent news coverage focuses on corporate bailouts, job losses, wars and greedy corporate executives. With the public eyes steady on these headlines, there is one important issue that continues to brew right under our noses. It is the increasing need to provide sufficient care and support for our elder population and their informal caregivers.

Allocating the right level of support to seniors will grow in greater significance considering the massive Baby Boom population (measured as 33% of the Canadian population in 1996 in the book; Boom, Bust & Echo by Professor David K. Foot) will soon be moving towards retirement.

In 2007, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care announced an investment of $702 million over three years for an Aging at Home Strategy. Its focus is on providing seniors and their families and caregivers with an integrated continuum of community-based services to enable them to stay healthy and live more independently in their homes.

In the recent Mississauga Halton Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) Information Exchange, one of the biggest concerns the surveyed population voiced out was the lack of awareness to available government services. In fact, 71% of seniors weren’t aware of Ontario government initiatives. The overarching themes in the survey of seniors’ needs were:

• More housing options
• Relevant information in more user-friendly formats
• More social and recreational opportunities
• Increased access to redesigned primary care services
• To feel safe in their homes and out in the community
• Financial assistance to support a wide range of needs
• Assistance with household tasks in order to live safely in their homes
• Access to affordable transportation as a key to staying independent

Let’s hope the right level of support by the arms of the government will be allocated to the seniors in our community at the right time.