All four of the following criteria must be met before a client can receive Medicare home health care:
A doctor must decide that care at home is necessary and make a plan of care that the staff of the home health care agency will carry out. The doctor will work with the home health care nurse to decide what kind of services are needed (including medical equipment and special foods), how often the services are needed, and what type of health care professional should provide these services. The plan may also include what the doctor expects from the treatment. The client will receive home health care as long as he is eligible and as long as the doctor says he needs it.
The client must need either intermittent (part-time) skilled nursing care (performed only by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse), physical therapy, or speech language pathology services. There are limits on the number of hours per day and days per week the client can receive skilled nursing care.
The client must be homebound. This means he/she is normally unable to leave home except for infrequent short visits or to get outside medical care.
The client must receive care by a Certified Home Health Care Agency approved by Medicare,
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Kerry-Grassley Bill Increases At-Home Care For Those In Need
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As millions of Americans face significant challenges when it comes to caring for loved ones who needs significant support, Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today introduced the “Empowered at Home Act.” The bill seeks to increase access to home and community based services by giving states new tools and incentives to make these services more available to those in need.
“Far too many elderly or disabled Americans can’t get the help they need in their home and community,” said Sen. Kerry. “Home- and community-based services are high-quality, cost-effective, and help many people live independent lives, but Medicaid continues to favor nursing homes. It’s a problem when the nation’s largest purchaser of long-term care services is tilted towards nursing homes rather than home and community based services. This bill will level the playing field and give families real choices to care for their loved ones, and give cash-strapped states new tools to provide cost-effective long-term care options to the most vulnerable.”
“Being able to live at home greatly improves quality of life because people can be with loved ones and have the dignity that goes with greater independence,” said Sen. Grassley. “This bill encourages states to help make that possible, which is also fiscally smart because institutional care is the most expensive form of long-term care that Medicaid pays for. This bill also empowers individuals to manage the financial burdens that come with caregiving needs.”
The “Empowered at Home Act” has four basic parts:
First, it will improve the Medicaid HCBS State Plan Amendment Option by giving states more flexibility in determining eligibility for which services they can offer under the program, which will create greater options for individuals in need of long-term supports. In return we ask that states no longer cap enrollment and that services be offered throughout the entire state.
Second, the bill ensures that the same spousal impoverishment protections offered for new nursing home beneficiaries will be in place for those opting for home and community based services. In addition, low-income recipients of home and community based services will be able to keep more of their assets when they become eligible for Medicaid, allowing them to stay in their community as long as possible.
Third, the Empowered at Home Act addresses the financial needs of spouses and family members caring for a loved one by offering tax-related provisions to support family caregivers and promote the purchase of meaningful private long-term care insurance.
Finally, the bill seeks to improve the overall quality of home and community based services available by providing grants for states to invest in organizations and systems that can help to ensure a sufficient supply of high quality workers, promote health, and transform home and community based care to be more consumer-centered.
The “Empowered at Home Act” has gained support of numerous health organizations including National Council on Aging, Alzheimer’s Association, American Geriatrics Society, Trust for America’s Health, and SEIU.
“Far too many elderly or disabled Americans can’t get the help they need in their home and community,” said Sen. Kerry. “Home- and community-based services are high-quality, cost-effective, and help many people live independent lives, but Medicaid continues to favor nursing homes. It’s a problem when the nation’s largest purchaser of long-term care services is tilted towards nursing homes rather than home and community based services. This bill will level the playing field and give families real choices to care for their loved ones, and give cash-strapped states new tools to provide cost-effective long-term care options to the most vulnerable.”
“Being able to live at home greatly improves quality of life because people can be with loved ones and have the dignity that goes with greater independence,” said Sen. Grassley. “This bill encourages states to help make that possible, which is also fiscally smart because institutional care is the most expensive form of long-term care that Medicaid pays for. This bill also empowers individuals to manage the financial burdens that come with caregiving needs.”
The “Empowered at Home Act” has four basic parts:
First, it will improve the Medicaid HCBS State Plan Amendment Option by giving states more flexibility in determining eligibility for which services they can offer under the program, which will create greater options for individuals in need of long-term supports. In return we ask that states no longer cap enrollment and that services be offered throughout the entire state.
Second, the bill ensures that the same spousal impoverishment protections offered for new nursing home beneficiaries will be in place for those opting for home and community based services. In addition, low-income recipients of home and community based services will be able to keep more of their assets when they become eligible for Medicaid, allowing them to stay in their community as long as possible.
Third, the Empowered at Home Act addresses the financial needs of spouses and family members caring for a loved one by offering tax-related provisions to support family caregivers and promote the purchase of meaningful private long-term care insurance.
Finally, the bill seeks to improve the overall quality of home and community based services available by providing grants for states to invest in organizations and systems that can help to ensure a sufficient supply of high quality workers, promote health, and transform home and community based care to be more consumer-centered.
The “Empowered at Home Act” has gained support of numerous health organizations including National Council on Aging, Alzheimer’s Association, American Geriatrics Society, Trust for America’s Health, and SEIU.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Neighborhood Hometown
am an avid reader of Globe North to follow local area issues. Reading your article in this Sunday's (8/3/08)
Globe North (slow motion" about the shift in population i can see how this applies to all parts of the Commonwealth. We all realize that the state has a major problem with funding from the Federal Government
if this trend continues.
In the article you point out the movement of population from Lynn to neighboring Peabody (Brooksby Villiage)
which is an assisted living for Seniors mostly affluent long time residents of Lynn looking for a safe and affordable upscale community. I assume Most would rather have rremained in their home and take the next available alternative remaining in the neighboring town in Essex County. We all want to improve our lifestyle.
A followup to your piece on the growing Senior population and their contribution to stability of a city and towns
and what the programs that could be put in place keeping long term residents it their neghborhood and particularly in home environments.
Example Mass Senior Action an advocate group for Seniors have supported with success protecting the rights and needs of elders in Senior and Disabled in subsidized housing. I would like to see them expand to help long time residents not only remain in familiar localities but in the home environment of a familiar neighbor hood.
IN MALDEN:
The Mayor Richard C. Howard, the Malden City Council, The Malden Revelopment Authority, Council on aging after urging from senior groups have plans to opening a new Malden Senior Community Center (Dec 8 2008)
in the downtown Area to improve the economic climate and revitalize Malden Center.
I would suggest their would be much interest to have Globe North do an in depth article of what is happening in Malden to retain our population is a safe and enjoyable city.
I have talked to the Mayor and he is for an outreach program to have a promotion and participation of all non profits in the New Senior Community Center. The concept is to have services to "keep independent living in the neighborhood"
How we can help home caregivers. We need the cooperation of all the non profits who are charged with servicing the Seniors our City Council who represent the citizens throughout the city all the citizens with a Vision For Malden
I would call it a declaration of Independence.
Right now I am trying to get a Focus group to gether for Ideas Interest and comments.
We have a model of several village concepts as guides of what can be done.
As an example:
Beacon Hill Village an all encompassing concierge service created by residents who want to grow old in the homes they have lived in for years.
This could be done on a regional basis or City wide even in a neighborhood.
This is what needs to be determined.
In the service by an organization they can deal with almost any contingency
large of small
without relying on relatives of friends. To preserve their Independence, they
can turn to the village as the non profit association is known
At Beacon Hill they have 320 members find virtually any service, large of small
from 24 hour nursing care to help with a home meal. all at a discounted fee or
from an "entitlement program"
Dan O'Leary Executive director(Mystic Valley Elders ) is on board and has already
had a focus group in Melrose to a standing room only crowd Keven Duffy of Healthy Malden has expressed interest. And Phil Gerioux of Tri Cap is considering his roll. All the city councilors and been briefed. Jim Nestor has all the information and was to contact Chris Depietro Dirtector of Elder Affairs Malden for her input. It would be a help if you and your members would find out from Jim his progress (Jim Nestor) and get a status report
REMEMBER NEW SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER IS IN WARD 4 VITAL to economic development
of the downtown area.
Any neighbohood resident is asked to participate with membership between 50 and older.
Anyone with a parent needing sercie should be involved.
MaldenSenior
--
Howard McGowan
MaldenSenior
349 Pleasant Street
Malden, Ma 02148
781 324 8076
--
Globe North (slow motion" about the shift in population i can see how this applies to all parts of the Commonwealth. We all realize that the state has a major problem with funding from the Federal Government
if this trend continues.
In the article you point out the movement of population from Lynn to neighboring Peabody (Brooksby Villiage)
which is an assisted living for Seniors mostly affluent long time residents of Lynn looking for a safe and affordable upscale community. I assume Most would rather have rremained in their home and take the next available alternative remaining in the neighboring town in Essex County. We all want to improve our lifestyle.
A followup to your piece on the growing Senior population and their contribution to stability of a city and towns
and what the programs that could be put in place keeping long term residents it their neghborhood and particularly in home environments.
Example Mass Senior Action an advocate group for Seniors have supported with success protecting the rights and needs of elders in Senior and Disabled in subsidized housing. I would like to see them expand to help long time residents not only remain in familiar localities but in the home environment of a familiar neighbor hood.
IN MALDEN:
The Mayor Richard C. Howard, the Malden City Council, The Malden Revelopment Authority, Council on aging after urging from senior groups have plans to opening a new Malden Senior Community Center (Dec 8 2008)
in the downtown Area to improve the economic climate and revitalize Malden Center.
I would suggest their would be much interest to have Globe North do an in depth article of what is happening in Malden to retain our population is a safe and enjoyable city.
I have talked to the Mayor and he is for an outreach program to have a promotion and participation of all non profits in the New Senior Community Center. The concept is to have services to "keep independent living in the neighborhood"
How we can help home caregivers. We need the cooperation of all the non profits who are charged with servicing the Seniors our City Council who represent the citizens throughout the city all the citizens with a Vision For Malden
I would call it a declaration of Independence.
Right now I am trying to get a Focus group to gether for Ideas Interest and comments.
We have a model of several village concepts as guides of what can be done.
As an example:
Beacon Hill Village an all encompassing concierge service created by residents who want to grow old in the homes they have lived in for years.
This could be done on a regional basis or City wide even in a neighborhood.
This is what needs to be determined.
In the service by an organization they can deal with almost any contingency
large of small
without relying on relatives of friends. To preserve their Independence, they
can turn to the village as the non profit association is known
At Beacon Hill they have 320 members find virtually any service, large of small
from 24 hour nursing care to help with a home meal. all at a discounted fee or
from an "entitlement program"
Dan O'Leary Executive director(Mystic Valley Elders ) is on board and has already
had a focus group in Melrose to a standing room only crowd Keven Duffy of Healthy Malden has expressed interest. And Phil Gerioux of Tri Cap is considering his roll. All the city councilors and been briefed. Jim Nestor has all the information and was to contact Chris Depietro Dirtector of Elder Affairs Malden for her input. It would be a help if you and your members would find out from Jim his progress (Jim Nestor) and get a status report
REMEMBER NEW SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER IS IN WARD 4 VITAL to economic development
of the downtown area.
Any neighbohood resident is asked to participate with membership between 50 and older.
Anyone with a parent needing sercie should be involved.
MaldenSenior
--
Howard McGowan
MaldenSenior
349 Pleasant Street
Malden, Ma 02148
781 324 8076
--
Monday, July 28, 2008
Welcome to Reverse Mortgage Seniors
The Basic Requirements for a Reverse Mortgage
The Basic Requirements Reverse Mortgage The first qualification for a reverse mortgage in America is the borrower has to be at least 62-years-old. Although there are absolutely no credit requirements or minimum income, there are certainly no other requirements and homeowners should ensure they qualify for the loan prior to investing time and money into the entire process. The funds can be used for any purpose for most reverse mortgages. However, the financial borrower must pay off any mortgage which exists with the reverse mortgage proceeds and personal additional funds if necessary. A pending bankruptcy normally slows the whole process.
Applicants must seek free financial counseling from an approved source by HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development). The financial counseling actually provides a safeguard for the financial borrower and the family. This assures the borrower comprehensively understands the purpose of the reverse mortgage and how it’s obtained. The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) has proposed a complete plan—which must be approved by the federal US government—for maintaining closing costs low for senior citizens that qualify for reverse mortgages.
Acquiring the Mortgage Program
Homeowners normally learn about reverse mortgages from an advertisement, word-of-mouth, a news article or on the Internet. The owner usually contacts a reverse mortgage lender or even the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association for an upfront education. Financial counseling is a requirement for all reverse mortgages as it may be conducted by telephone or face-to-face. By US federal law, a financial counselor must completely review options which are available to the prospective borrower—this includes social services, housing, financial and health alternatives.
The homeowner completes a loan application and chooses a payment plan—whether lump sum payment or fixed monthly payments, line of credit or a combination. Once all pertinent data is received, the lender finalizes parameters of the loan with the homeowner, which can take 4-8 weeks to underwrite the loan package. If the loan package is fully approved, signing of the loan is scheduled.
The homeowner has three business days subsequent to the closing to cancel the loan. The reverse mortgage loan is repaid when the homeowner ceases to be occupant of the principal residence. Of course, the repayment obligation can’t be more than the sale’s price or value of the home.
The Basic Requirements Reverse Mortgage The first qualification for a reverse mortgage in America is the borrower has to be at least 62-years-old. Although there are absolutely no credit requirements or minimum income, there are certainly no other requirements and homeowners should ensure they qualify for the loan prior to investing time and money into the entire process. The funds can be used for any purpose for most reverse mortgages. However, the financial borrower must pay off any mortgage which exists with the reverse mortgage proceeds and personal additional funds if necessary. A pending bankruptcy normally slows the whole process.
Applicants must seek free financial counseling from an approved source by HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development). The financial counseling actually provides a safeguard for the financial borrower and the family. This assures the borrower comprehensively understands the purpose of the reverse mortgage and how it’s obtained. The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) has proposed a complete plan—which must be approved by the federal US government—for maintaining closing costs low for senior citizens that qualify for reverse mortgages.
Acquiring the Mortgage Program
Homeowners normally learn about reverse mortgages from an advertisement, word-of-mouth, a news article or on the Internet. The owner usually contacts a reverse mortgage lender or even the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association for an upfront education. Financial counseling is a requirement for all reverse mortgages as it may be conducted by telephone or face-to-face. By US federal law, a financial counselor must completely review options which are available to the prospective borrower—this includes social services, housing, financial and health alternatives.
The homeowner completes a loan application and chooses a payment plan—whether lump sum payment or fixed monthly payments, line of credit or a combination. Once all pertinent data is received, the lender finalizes parameters of the loan with the homeowner, which can take 4-8 weeks to underwrite the loan package. If the loan package is fully approved, signing of the loan is scheduled.
The homeowner has three business days subsequent to the closing to cancel the loan. The reverse mortgage loan is repaid when the homeowner ceases to be occupant of the principal residence. Of course, the repayment obligation can’t be more than the sale’s price or value of the home.
Reverse Mortgages for Seniors
Welcome to Reverse Mortgage Seniors
The Basic Requirements for a Reverse Mortgage
The Basic Requirements Reverse Mortgage The first qualification for a reverse mortgage in America is the borrower has to be at least 62-years-old. Although there are absolutely no credit requirements or minimum income, there are certainly no other requirements and homeowners should ensure they qualify for the loan prior to investing time and money into the entire process. The funds can be used for any purpose for most reverse mortgages. However, the financial borrower must pay off any mortgage which exists with the reverse mortgage proceeds and personal additional funds if necessary. A pending bankruptcy normally slows the whole process.
Applicants must seek free financial counseling from an approved source by HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development). The financial counseling actually provides a safeguard for the financial borrower and the family. This assures the borrower comprehensively understands the purpose of the reverse mortgage and how it’s obtained. The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) has proposed a complete plan—which must be approved by the federal US government—for maintaining closing costs low for senior citizens that qualify for reverse mortgages.
Acquiring the Mortgage Program
Homeowners normally learn about reverse mortgages from an advertisement, word-of-mouth, a news article or on the Internet. The owner usually contacts a reverse mortgage lender or even the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association for an upfront education. Financial counseling is a requirement for all reverse mortgages as it may be conducted by telephone or face-to-face. By US federal law, a financial counselor must completely review options which are available to the prospective borrower—this includes social services, housing, financial and health alternatives.
The homeowner completes a loan application and chooses a payment plan—whether lump sum payment or fixed monthly payments, line of credit or a combination. Once all pertinent data is received, the lender finalizes parameters of the loan with the homeowner, which can take 4-8 weeks to underwrite the loan package. If the loan package is fully approved, signing of the loan is scheduled.
The homeowner has three business days subsequent to the closing to cancel the loan. The reverse mortgage loan is repaid when the homeowner ceases to be occupant of the principal residence. Of course, the repayment obligation can’t be more than the sale’s price or value of the home.
The Basic Requirements for a Reverse Mortgage
The Basic Requirements Reverse Mortgage The first qualification for a reverse mortgage in America is the borrower has to be at least 62-years-old. Although there are absolutely no credit requirements or minimum income, there are certainly no other requirements and homeowners should ensure they qualify for the loan prior to investing time and money into the entire process. The funds can be used for any purpose for most reverse mortgages. However, the financial borrower must pay off any mortgage which exists with the reverse mortgage proceeds and personal additional funds if necessary. A pending bankruptcy normally slows the whole process.
Applicants must seek free financial counseling from an approved source by HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development). The financial counseling actually provides a safeguard for the financial borrower and the family. This assures the borrower comprehensively understands the purpose of the reverse mortgage and how it’s obtained. The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) has proposed a complete plan—which must be approved by the federal US government—for maintaining closing costs low for senior citizens that qualify for reverse mortgages.
Acquiring the Mortgage Program
Homeowners normally learn about reverse mortgages from an advertisement, word-of-mouth, a news article or on the Internet. The owner usually contacts a reverse mortgage lender or even the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association for an upfront education. Financial counseling is a requirement for all reverse mortgages as it may be conducted by telephone or face-to-face. By US federal law, a financial counselor must completely review options which are available to the prospective borrower—this includes social services, housing, financial and health alternatives.
The homeowner completes a loan application and chooses a payment plan—whether lump sum payment or fixed monthly payments, line of credit or a combination. Once all pertinent data is received, the lender finalizes parameters of the loan with the homeowner, which can take 4-8 weeks to underwrite the loan package. If the loan package is fully approved, signing of the loan is scheduled.
The homeowner has three business days subsequent to the closing to cancel the loan. The reverse mortgage loan is repaid when the homeowner ceases to be occupant of the principal residence. Of course, the repayment obligation can’t be more than the sale’s price or value of the home.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Massachusetts Home Care Program
Home Care Program overview
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
provides support services to elders with daily living needs to remain at home in their communities. The services are designed to encourage independence and to ensure dignity. The program also supports families caring for elders in order to encourage and to relieve the ongoing care giving responsibilities.
The Home Care Program is administered by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs in coordination with local Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) located in communities throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Some of the services provided by the program include homemaker, personal care, day care, home deliver meals, transportation, and other community support services to help maintain an elder in his/her home. The ASAPs conduct comprehensive needs assessments to determine eligibly for the Home Care Program and other programs and services as appropriate. An individualized service plan is developed with the elder and his/her family and the ASAP reassesses the elders needs and monitors the services on an ongoing basis.
Eligibility for the Home Care Program is based on age (60 or older), financial status, and ability to carry our daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and meal preparation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
provides support services to elders with daily living needs to remain at home in their communities. The services are designed to encourage independence and to ensure dignity. The program also supports families caring for elders in order to encourage and to relieve the ongoing care giving responsibilities.
The Home Care Program is administered by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs in coordination with local Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) located in communities throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Some of the services provided by the program include homemaker, personal care, day care, home deliver meals, transportation, and other community support services to help maintain an elder in his/her home. The ASAPs conduct comprehensive needs assessments to determine eligibly for the Home Care Program and other programs and services as appropriate. An individualized service plan is developed with the elder and his/her family and the ASAP reassesses the elders needs and monitors the services on an ongoing basis.
Eligibility for the Home Care Program is based on age (60 or older), financial status, and ability to carry our daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and meal preparation.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Caring for our Seniors Reform Bill
Senator Boxer California Democrat Susan Collins Maine Repbulican
have created a bill that aims to generate more geriatric specialists and long term care workers and also creates an advisory panel to make recommendations
1. Require health care workers to demonstrate competance in basic geriatric care in order to maintain their liciences and certification.
2. Provide more courses and training in how to care for the elderly in all professional schools and health training programs.
3. Icrease pay for geriatric specialists and direct-care workers
Medicare Should increase is reimbursement reates for services delivered by geriatric specialists and STATES SHOULD ALLOCATE FUNDS TO BE ADDED TO THE MEDICIAD PAYMENTS THAT COVER THE MAJORITY OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY DIRECT CARE WORKERS.
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