What Happens When Your Doctor Leaves Your Health Plan?

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A doctor’s visit for most people is an important event. Often, you must explain your ailment quickly and succinctly, trust that your doctor has your best interests at heart and will keep your confidentiality; and make yourself vulnerable and talk about health issues that may be uncomfortable. Having a good relationship with your doctor can alleviate all these issues and can even increase the quality of your healthcare. So, you have a good relationship with a doctor you like, and you find out he is no longer in your health insurance network. Now what?

First, let’s examine why doctors leave health insurance networks. Usually, doctors leave health insurance networks for normal reasons such as retirement or if they move geographic locations. They are professionals, after all, and just as you probably have had to move to a new job, they do the same. Sometimes, there are other more technical reasons, such as if the doctor is unhappy with how the health insurance network conducts business. You’ll most likely be warned ahead of time if your doctor is leaving your network so you have time to plan, however, your doctor and your health insurance provider are not legally obligated to inform you if he is no longer covered. Unfortunately, huge surprise medical bills are all too common and these can leave you financially crippled for years. This is why it is so important when you reach your open enrollment dates each year that you call your doctor’s office and ensure your doctor is still covered under your plan.

So, what do you do if your doctor leaves your network? You may have continuity of care protection, which enables you to retain the same level of care from your doctor, for the same copays and fees, temporarily. If you are a senior who participates in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have the option to leave your health care network if your doctor does and if the network change is “considered significant based on the [effect] or potential to affect current plan enrollees” according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidebook. If you are currently covered under a private plan and are considering switching, it is prudent to call your doctor’s office and ensure they are covered under the new plan you are considering.

What if you can’t switch plans? Often, doctors will allow you to pay cash for your visits. You may be able to negotiate a reasonable cash price with your doctor because they won’t have to bill your insurance, which would save them time and administrative costs. If your doctor’s cash price is relatively expensive, it may still be worth it to you to maintain continuity of care.

If the previous options are out of the question for you, the next best thing to do is just to ask your doctor if they have any referrals. After all, your doctor will know your situation best and how to provide the best care and may know someone else who will be a good fit for you.

Having a doctor you like and trust can be such a relief and it’s always an unfortunate circumstance when your health insurance network no longer covers that doctor. Fortunately, there are ways you can plan for this and methods to make a smooth transition to a new doctor. If you need assistance in this process or have questions about anything you have read, please reach out to our office. Please contact our Ruston, LA office by calling us at (318) 255-1760 or schedule an appointment to discuss how we can help with your long-term care needs.

 

Prepare For the Care of Your Aging Parent

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It is essential to prepare for providing care for an aging parent to be successful. Whether you need basic information about eldercare resources and services, are looking for a local agency to provide those services, or have worries about legal documents or how to finance your parents’ care needs now or in the future, the time to begin planning is today.

The American Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and television program distributor provides an online handbook, Caring for Your Parents, that offers good preparedness strategies. These planning strategies, links, and tools are also transferable for spousal care, other elderly relatives, or caring for a loved one who is chronically or critically ill with significant ongoing needs. The PBS handbook, designed by WGBH Educational Foundation and the MIT Workplace Center, addresses a wide variety of situations and is even appropriate when considering your own needs as you age.

In terms of an aging parent, it all begins with an open and honest conversation. You might be fortunate and know your parents are well prepared for their future, but most Americans will face situations where loved ones will require additional help and resources. If your parents have a solid aging plan with proper legal documents and financial backing, know that you can access that paperwork and account information.

If there is no plan in place, talk with your parents about future changes with appropriate family members. Take small steps to prevent overwhelming your parents, listen carefully, and be prepared for some denial. Discuss living at-home safety, bringing in outside services and caregivers into their home. Also, broach assisted living or nursing homes and if your parents’ have a valid will and health care proxy. Define their healthcare and living needs for the present and the future.

When locating services remember all eldercare is ultimately local, and services vary widely among states and regions. If you care for your elder parent but do not live nearby, look for resources in the state and neighborhood where your loved one lives. Be persistent; no one resource has all the answers. You may receive advice that something cannot happen when in fact, it can. Request an “Information and Referral” (I&R) specialist. These specialists have the proper training to answer a wide range of questions and connect you to services.

Much of your search will be on the internet. Your search can be overwhelming as there is so much information about eldercare, so be sure to use trustable sites for data. The PBS Caring for Your Parents Handbook’s links can specifically help navigate eldercare services and information complexities, whether the needs be moderate or significant.

Aside from identifying and using eldercare services, the Handbook contains information about finances, legal issues, insurance, home care, housing and transportation, health care, activities, and strategies for caregiver wellness. You can cross-reference data you uncover using the AARP online forums, where people share experiences, ask and answer questions, and learn from each other. Or use the AARP search tool entering phrases like “caring for your aging parent” for articles, books, and guides that you can compare with the PBS Handbook.

When establishing a care plan for your aging parents, realize that good intentions can quickly derail without legal documents in place permitting you to make decisions on their behalf. The quality of life and end-of-life care your parents receive is inextricably linked to proper legal documentation. When making plans and acquiring eldercare services, be certain to speak with an elder law attorney who can provide an overview of the aging process from a legal perspective and identify your parents’ specific needs. Health care proxies and living wills will enable you to make decisions based on your parents’ beliefs, values, and wishes when they are no longer able to decide for themselves.

As elder law attorneys, we consult with families on both care and legal needs of family members as the two are closely related and should be considered together. If you would like to discuss your particular needs, we would be honored to speak with you. Please contact our Ruston, LA office by calling us at (318) 255-1760 or schedule an appointment to discuss how we can help with your long-term care needs.

 

Using Tech Sensors in Homes of Seniors: A National Study

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A seven million dollar, four-year study funded by the Department of Veterans and the National Institutes of Health is being executed to accumulate information about senior living behaviors at home. The goal of the study is to monitor and detect health changes in older adults allowing them to live safer and longer in their own homes. The meta-data gathered from the sensors is then distilled using algorithms and artificial intelligence to look for patterns and draw conclusions. This data analysis will enable researchers to observe the inter-relations of various activity patterns and predict the onset of new medical problems.

The study, known as Collaborative Aging Research Using Technology (CART), was developed by a team of gerontologists, clinicians, engineers, computer and data scientists, as well as end-users. Sensors are alert to the presence of the at-home senior, collect real-time data, are unobtrusive, and do not hinder daily life. The platform is open-ended, accommodating new data systems or devices that may be developed in the future. All study participants consent to the use of the data collected. The data is ultimately de-identified and stored on participating universities’ advanced computer centers and are available to the research community.

Sensors track mobility, such as movement between rooms and walking speed. Engagement in social behaviors like phone calls, emails, social media, and outings are monitored. Sleeping patterns and physiologic functions like BMI and pulse are also monitored, as are sleeping patterns. Changes in a senior’s activity norms, like computer use or driving habits, can be early signs of cognitive decline. Changes in their gait and movement may identify frailty issues. Real-time information provides a more objective measure of ongoing health than patient-based recall in a doctor’s office, trying to describe something that happened weeks ago. Lead researcher Dr. Jeffrey Kaye states, “The technologies that we install are designed to detect changes that are basic to people’s daily function and their ability to stay independent.” Dr. Kaye further comments, “With this more objective and much more frequent data, you can determine the true trajectory of change over a short amount of time with fewer people.”

Specifically, CART uses wall and ceiling sensors that can track the amount of time someone spends in a room as well as movement between those rooms and walking speed. Outside door sensors monitor the number of times a study participant leaves their home by tracking the doors openings and closings. A digital scale not only measures weight but body composition and heart rate. A digital pillbox measures adherence to medication regimes through tracking the opening and closing of the pillbox lid. Many participants are excited to get an upgrade to their old watch in the form of a digital wristband that measures daily activities, steps taken, and sleep patterns. Driving sensors installed in participants’ vehicles track how often and for how long the senior is driving. A sleep sensor is fitted underneath the participant’s mattress and can monitor when someone falls asleep as well as moments of restlessness, and time spent in light, deep and REM cycles of sleep. Computer use is audited via an installed software program following a participant’s logins, app usage, and time spent on the device. All of these sensors create an array of information to be studied by CART researchers without using overly intrusive cameras or keylogging.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports the technology for CART participant homes currently number 50, with a projected 250 homes to be outfitted. Participants include a group of low-income seniors near Portland, the second group in rural Oregon and Washington comprised of veterans, a mostly African-American Chicago based group, and finally a group in Miami who primarily speak Spanish. This study is being closely watched by a group known as Aging in Place Technology Watch. Founder and principal analyst Laurie Orlov feels a system like CART can present a better opportunity to manage patients sent home from the hospital but still require some form of medical and daily living monitoring. Because CART looks for behavioral change that is predictive of an adverse event, it is superior to other monitoring systems that reactively alert observers that someone has fallen.

CART’s mission is the creation of a national research infrastructure using new and evolving technologies as well as meta-data to study aging in place. Detecting subtle, but meaningful, changes in a diverse group of older adults’ shifts in daily living habits provides information to assess and aid healthy, independent aging. The cost of care projections for the growing US aging population is more than 1 trillion dollars by 2050. Medicare and Medicaid programs are the primary payers of health care for those Americans aged 65 or more. Creating safe and successful living scenarios for the elderly in non-institutional settings is one of the few ways to reduce spending while expanding services to a broader population through technology. A system like CART can potentially detect the onset of medical issues that require intervention by a medical professional or caregiver for those seniors opting to age at home.

We help seniors and their families create legal plans that cover long term care and how to pay for it. If you would like to talk about your particular situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Please contact our Ruston, LA office by calling us at (318) 255-1760 or schedule an appointment to discuss how we can help.

Ten Organizations Providing Resources for Independent Seniors

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Tech-savvy baby boomers heavily comprise America’s aging population. By 2030 all boomers will have hit 65 years of age, accounting for 18 percent of the US population. This demographic is driving significant and lasting challenges as 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day. Aging in place is a significant trend of the boomer population as regulatory and policy changes create new incentives supporting the independent living movement. The coronavirus pandemic is also accelerating the desire for aging in place because of retirement communities and senior living facility restrictions and risks, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are older and already living independently or are planning to do so, Aging In Place provides a list of ten resources that can help you do so safely and successfully.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA), founded in 1950, is an association whose stated mission is to “improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are struggling” via their vision to help create “a just and carrying society in which each of us, as we age, lives with dignity, purpose, and security.” As a trusted organization and respected national leader, NCOA works directly with governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to provide community services and programs. When trying to identify senior programs that address healthy aging and financial services, NCOA is a great place to start.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), founded in 1958, has over 38 million members and a stated mission “to empower people to choose how they live as they age. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focuses on helping people ages 50 or more. The website is full of topical information such as specific news and products geared to seniors, senior discounts, and healthy living. For lower-income seniors and near seniors, the AARP Foundation acts as an affiliated charity to help provide affordable housing, steady income, nutritious food, and social integration. A team of legal advocates, volunteers, and organizations works together to create effective solutions for struggling older adults.

For the provision and coordination of all the types of care a senior (55 or more) living at home might require, contact the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (National PACE® Association).  If an older adult needs rehabilitation, medical or personal care, medications, transportation, or social interaction, they can contact PACE via their website or call 800-MEDICARE; TTY 877-486-2048. Qualifying for PACE requires state certification that nursing home care is a requirement and live in a PACE service area. There are more than 230 PACE centers in 31 states.

The US Administration on Aging (AoA) provides a free national service known as Eldercare Locator. Together with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) initiative, you can receive help finding local resources for home repair and modification, transportation, caregiving services, even legal and financial support. You can contact Eldercare Locator via their website or by calling 800-677-1116. If you are a senior 60 years old or more, the network of more than 620 organizations providing services to n4a offers valuable information on a wide range of topics. The organizations can provide home-delivered or group meals and nutrition counseling, respite care and caregiver training, referrals to administrators in assistance programs, insurance counseling, coordination for shared, non-medical transportation, and family assistance to complete complex applications for programs like respite care, some veteran’s programs, and Medicaid.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is under the National Institute on Health (NIH). It conducts research on aging and the well being and health of older individuals. The NIA provides important information about the nature of aging and the aging process. It also provides data about diseases and conditions associated with getting older. The NIA also has a program known as Go4Life, a tool supplying seniors with at home beginning exercise and physical activity routines. Go4Life helps adults who are 50 or more to incorporate physical activity and exercise into their daily lives via videos, information, and tips. Another government program through the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is Health Finder. This service provides links to self-help groups, health-related websites, support, and more.

Meals on Wheels, the well-known meal program, operates in nearly every American community through the more than 5,000 independently-run local programs. Community programs are needs and resource-based, but all provide seniors with healthy, nourishing meals delivered to their homes.

Senior veterans who opt to age in place and are enrolled in the VA health care system can use the Guide to Long Term Service and Supports program, which provides resources, information, and guidance about long-term care options. The website reviews the many home and community-based as well as residential care options available to aging veterans. Helpful tools to navigate the available programs can help veterans to age more healthily.

Finally, the National Directory of Home Modification and Repair Resources (homemods) is a useful website when looking for qualified local professionals and services that can modify or renovate your home. Adjustments can be minor such as grab bars, or more intensive, like providing better mobility access for wheelchairs, ensuring a safer and more suitable home environment. The list of providers is routinely updated; however, seniors must be wary of using good judgment and caution when employing these resource options.

Independent living for aging Americans should be an enjoyable, rewarding time of life. Aging in place is becoming particularly attractive to baby boomers who prefer the dignity and quality of life living at home while employing online resources (many of which are available in Spanish) to help them meet the needs of living safely, healthily, and happily.

If you have questions or would like to discuss your particular situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Please contact our Ruston, LA office by calling us at (318) 255-1760 or schedule an appointment to discuss how we can help.

Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease of Which You Should Be Aware

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The Alzheimer’s Association says that Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Alzheimer’s affects a growing number of people. There are several factors known to play a role in Alzheimer’s. Let’s look at these factors both positive and negative.

Age

Age is one of the biggest factors to consider when discussing Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms generally begin for most after the age of 65. However, the proteins that damage the brain can begin taking a toll on the patient well before symptoms appear. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that after the age of 65, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years. Alzheimer’s disease is associated with old age, but early onset Alzheimer’s disease occurs in some people, although it is less common.

Genetics

Another factor associated with Alzheimer’s disease is genetics. Although family history is not necessary for a person to develop Alzheimer’s, a person with a parent or a sibling with Alzheimer’s disease is at greater risk of developing the disease. If more than one first-degree relative (meaning a person’s parent, sibling or child) has Alzheimer’s, the person is at even greater risk.

There are specific genes that can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. If a person receives a gene from one parent they are at risk, and genes from both parents increases that risk. Although these genes can determine risk of developing the disease they do not determine that a person will develop Alzheimer’s disease. In some rare cases, there are deterministic genes that guarantee a person will develop Alzheimer’s disease. There are genetic tests which can identify risk genes and deterministic genes for Alzheimer’s. A person can elect to have these tests to determine their risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle can be a great factor in helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have found that aspects of a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Healthy eating, exercise, and sleep are some lifestyle factors that can be preventative medicine for Alzheimer’s. Exercise can help to increase blood and oxygen flow in the brain and eating a heart healthy diet also shows great benefit. In addition, strong social connections have been shown to be a preventative factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Remaining mentally active can also help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Lifestyle is one factor everyone has control over and can go a long way in slowing or preventing Alzheimer’s.

Other Factors

There are other factors that can determine whether or not Alzheimer’s takes hold. For example, socioeconomic factors can determine whether Alzheimer’s takes hold. Recent research suggests that the more higher-level education a person has, the less likely that person is to develop Alzheimer’s. Head trauma earlier in life can put a person at greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s. Race and ethnicity have also been shown to play a role in risk for Alzheimer’s disease. African Americans and Hispanics are at a greater risk for Alzheimer’s disease according to research. Gender also plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease. Research indicates that because women are likely to live longer than men, they are also more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Although we know some of the factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease, there are still many mysteries surrounding it. There is no known cure for the disease and treatments can only slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. With this information, it is important to take control of the risk factors you are able to and be fully aware of early warning signs. Being armed with good information can help to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s from taking hold.

If you have questions or would like to discuss your own planning needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would be honored to help. Please contact our Ruston, LA office by calling us at (318) 255-1760 or schedule an appointment to discuss how we can help with your long-term care needs.

 

What To Know About Telehealth Coverage

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Many health systems and hospitals have been coping with many unprecedented challenges during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. There has been a need to increase and safeguard healthcare staff as well as non-COVID-19 patients, testing and treating infected patients, expanding critical care unit capacity, procuring personal protective equipment (PPE), and canceling non-emergency patient procedures. The American Hospital Association estimates that healthcare systems are losing an average of 50.7 billion dollars a month. This financial crisis is jeopardizing the telehealth industry as insurance groups seek to lower rates for virtual appointments. Without payment parity equivalent to an in-person appointment, many health care systems will be unable to continue telehealth services.

COVID-19 has brought telehealth from a niche service to a common practice in less than a year. The assurance of physical distance, preservation of PPE, and limiting infection spread has been invaluable. Yet, despite the advantages telehealth provides, insurance coverage, prescribing, and technology access remain limiting factors. The federal government created the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to address these concerns, removing many barriers to promoting telehealth expansion. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) created a toolkit to encourage state Medicaid agencies to adopts CARES Act standards, and many private insurers followed suit. Still, telehealth’s subsequent explosive increase in patients became unprofitable. The resulting financial strain on the healthcare system and insurers may force telehealth provision limitations, although the public health crisis remains.

Early in 2020, the use of telehealth saw an increase from 13,000 to 1.7 million Medicare recipient visits per week. During the height of the national lockdown, between mid-March to mid-June, the number of Medicare recipients receiving telehealth care was more than nine million. Meanwhile, private insurers, mimicking the CARES Act policy changes, saw telehealth claims increasing upward of 4,000 percent from 2019. The CARES Act intended to last until the public health emergency was over. With the advent of this flu season and the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, there is a call for telehealth’s expansion to become permanent.

However, many private insurers are changing their telehealth coverage policies for non-COVID-19 issues due to financial losses. United Healthcare will no longer waive co-pays and other fees for non-COVID related appointments. Other insurers like Anthem BlueCross BlueShield will extend coverage through the end of 2020; however, only the first two telehealth sessions will be free for the consumer. Telehealth billing standardization remains elusive as each private insurance plan, and many state-funded Medicaid plans have varying rules and dates for what telehealth treatments have coverage. Some patients are paying more, while others are paying less. Costs are confusing, and patients may be delaying healthcare to avoid a surprisingly expensive bill.

America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) is a trade and political advocacy association of health insurance companies with certifications for Medicare Advantage and other CMS governed health plans. Working with public and private sectors, AHIP implements solutions to lower out-of-pocket costs, which can be a barrier for people seeking telehealth medical care. AHIP’s website lists many insurance providers and general information about their coverage, often addressing telehealth. If you or a loved one requires telehealth coverage, it is the optimal time to review your health care coverage for 2021 as the insurance industry is in its annual enrollment program.

Diminishing coverage for telehealth visits will continue to impact Americans this fall and beyond. Patients are paying more while health care practices are earning less, and the risk of infections increases. Health insurers seem to be driving patients back to the in-person appointment model. Telehealth is truly innovative and protective during the coronavirus pandemic, but its continuation will suffer unless it can also become profitable.

If you have questions or would like to discuss your own planning needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would be honored to help. Please contact our Ruston, LA office by calling us at (318) 255-1760 or schedule an appointment to discuss how we can help with your long-term care needs.

 

 

 

 

Implementing a Family Caregiving Meeting

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When dealing with the care of an aging loved one, a family caregiving meeting is an essential tool. These meetings are beneficial for helping to keep all family members abreast of decisions that need to be made, changes in diagnosis or prognosis, and helps to ensure that all family members feel that they have a voice. Family meetings can also help to keep caregiving responsibilities from falling solely on the shoulders of one family member. In addition, family caregiving meetings can foster cooperation among family members and lessen the stress associated with caring for an aging loved one.

Who should attend a family caregiving meeting?

There are a number of people who should be included in a family caregiving meeting. First and foremost, it is important to include the aging loved one in the meeting whenever possible. This helps the aging loved one to feel that they are being heard and that their opinions and thoughts are being considered. If a spouse is living, the spouse should be included, as well as any children and possibly siblings of the aging person. Some families may choose to include other family members, but this really varies from one family to another. Anyone else involved in care for the person should also be there. This could include paid caregivers, family friends, or neighbors. Depending on family dynamics, a facilitator can be helpful in running the meeting.

When should a family have a caregiving meeting?

First it is important to note that family caregiving meetings are not a one-and-done event. They must occur on a regular basis. The first family meeting can occur before an aging loved one actually needs care. This can give the person who may eventually need care more say in their future care, but often times this does not occur. Most families find that the initial meeting needs to occur when an aging loved when begins to show signs of needing care or when a diagnosis is given that determines care will soon be needed. In addition, meetings should be scheduled regular to discuss changes in diagnosis, prognosis, or general needs of the loved one or the caregivers.

How can a family hold a successful caregiving meeting?

The key to having a successful caregiving meeting is cooperation. This doesn’t mean that family members will agree on everything, but it is important that all family members are respectfully heard and considered. Families must be willing to compromise and seek the best plan for their aging loved one. Additionally, a smoothly run meeting should have an agenda and families should try to stay focused on the items included on the agenda. When holding a meeting, always put things in writing and be sure that all those involved get a copy of the important information and everyone’s responsibilities.

What challenges do families face in caregiving meetings?

One of the biggest challenges to family caregiving meetings is the family’s history. All families have their own dynamics that can cause problems in a caregiving meeting. There may be members of the family who are at odds with one another. This can become an obstacle to having a successful caregiving meeting. The role that each family member plays can be a challenge. Some members may be overbearing and demand control, while others are peacemakers and do not feel free to share their thoughts. Another challenge is that some family members may be in denial of the severity of an aging loved one’s needs. This may make it difficult to get a consensus for care.

Family caregiving meetings are beneficial and necessary when an aging loved one can no longer care for themselves. These meetings can help to divide the responsibilities of caregiving and reduce stress placed on the family members. It is important that families remember that the meetings are for the care of their loved one and cooperate with one another to help the process to run more smoothly and successfully.

If you have any questions about something you have read or would like additional information, please feel free to contact us. Please contact our Ruston, LA office by calling us at (318) 255-1760 or schedule an appointment to discuss how we can help with your long-term care needs.

 

AARP Creates COVID-19 Dashboard to Help Nursing Homes

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As COVID-19 still continues its rampant spread among nursing home residents and staff, valuable and accurate data pinpointing areas of concern is often rife with haphazard data collection providing skewed information. The most recent Kaiser Family Foundation data analysis indicates that federal policymakers are slow in meaningful response to the nursing home coronavirus crisis. The increasing loss of life is often due to this inadequate federal and state response during this fall flu season. To better address the concerns, AARP has created a COVID-19 Dashboard that will standardize information collection and provide better data integrity. The 5-point plan aims to save lives by better protecting nursing home and long-term care facility residents at state and federal levels through more accurate data collection and its use in timely responsiveness.

  1. Ongoing testing and sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) for residents and staff must be a priority. PPE must also be readily available for inspectors and any visitors.
  2. Create better transparency with a focus on the daily public reporting of COVID-19 cases and deaths in facilities. Improving communication with families about transfers and discharges and increase accountability for state and federal funding provided to facilities.
  3. Following federal and state guidelines for safety, ensure access to in-person visitation as well as the continuation of virtual visitation for all residents.
  4. Ensure residents’ quality care via adequate oversight, staffing, and access to in-person formal advocates known as long-term care Ombudsmen.
  5. Reject immunity as it relates to COVID-19 for long-term care facilities.

The AARP Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard is a collaboration between the AARP Public Policy Institute and the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University in Ohio. The dashboard is a four-week snapshot of the coronavirus infiltration into nursing homes and its impact on residents and staff. The goal is to promptly identify specific areas of concern at a state and national level.

A second dashboard will aggregate and analyze the self-reported data from nursing homes provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that cover specific three 4-week time intervals from mid-summer into autumn. This dashboard will specifically gather five key measures from nursing homes: resident death per 100 residents, resident cases per 100 residents, staff cases per 100 residents, percentage of nursing homes without a one-week supply of PPE, and percentage of nursing homes with staffing shortages. There will also be an additional 33 data points providing more information about each category and updated every month. As tracking continues and trends present themselves, additional categories will evolve to follow other measures of interest.

The second dashboard already presents five key findings, including:

  1. Nursing home resident and staff COVID-19 deaths and cases had been on the decline at a national level during the summer. The 2020 flu season brings an uptick to cases, and coronavirus community spread continues to rise rapidly throughout most of the country, increasing vulnerability to nursing homes, staff, and residents.
  2. State trends vary dramatically. Many states with previously high death and infection rates in the summer are improved in the most recent weeks; however other states, particularly in the Midwest, see rapidly increasing rates of cases and deaths in nursing homes.
  3. The variation across states can be as high as about 1 out of every 52 nursing home residents to no resident deaths in the four weeks between September 21 to October 18. Nationally, the same reporting period reported an average death rate of one in every 215 residents.
  4. Direct care staff continues to have infections at a very high rate during this same period from September to October. While more than one-quarter (26 percent) of nursing home residents had confirmed COVID-19 cases, twice as many (53 percent) had confirmed staff cases. More than 90 percent of the nursing home staff tested positive for the coronavirus in the hardest-hit states.
  5. All states indicate nursing homes have a PPE shortage, which is defined as not having a one-week supply of surgical masks, N95 masks, gloves, gowns, and eye protection. In the best-performing state, only 5 percent of nursing homes reported a PPE shortage, while the lowest-performing state had 53 percent of nursing homes reporting a PPE shortage.

Reliable, timely data regarding nursing homes and COVID-19 can help facility operators and personnel gain a better understanding of the crisis facing nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The federal government has begun to require nursing homes to self-report COVID-19 cases and deaths at the national level and ordering testing, providing PPE, issuing guidance for the re-instituting of in-person visits, and more. However, as cases and deaths continue to rise, AARP and other organizations will continue to accumulate data and shine a light on the tragedy befalling nursing home residents to make policy and lawmakers accountable to the crisis. AARP has a webpage providing more information for you or a loved one in a nursing home.

If you have questions about anything you have read or would like to speak to us about planning for you or a loved one, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Please contact our Ruston, LA office by calling us at (318) 255-1760 or schedule an appointment to discuss how we can help.

Should You Remove Your Loved One from Their Nursing Home?

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Uncertainty can breed fear, particularly when it comes to caring options for a loved one currently in a nursing home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Facing the questions like how long this health crisis will last and will there be secondary, or even more waves of infection, give pause to those with loved ones in these vulnerable nursing home environments. Whether it is your mother, father, or spouse, you are considering moving; there is no right or wrong answer, only choices because all decisions come from a place of love. It is never wrong to try to help those you love to be better protected. Here are some things to consider about changing your loved one’s residence during this pandemic.

The truth is that bringing a cherished family member home is a complicated decision because it is both emotional and fraught with unknown consequences that have real-life ramifications about life and death. If you were to move your spouse or parent home, are you and is your home environment suited to caring for them? If they are on Medicaid, will they allow your loved one to be released and then reinstated in the future? Will there be room in the facility at the time when they need to return? Does your community provide services that can help you provide care? Does the job that you would do at home meet the same level of care as professionals in a nursing home? Will there be a lapse in medications or other necessities during the transition phase?

Before making plans to remove your spouse or parent from a nursing home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) suggests you ask yourself these questions to help you make a sound decision based on your loved one’s wellbeing.

  • What are the benefits versus the risks of moving your loved one out of the facility?
  • What does your spouse or parent want?
  • Can you meet the caregiving needs of your loved one in your home environment? (this includes any specialized medical care, medication management, meals, bathroom and hygiene assistance, and time to engage your loved one in activities)
  • In bringing them to your home, are they still at risk of COVID-19 exposure?
  • How will you prioritize care if someone in your home becomes infected?
  • Can you currently do window or virtual visits with your loved one in the nursing home to decrease the problems associated with social isolation?
  • Will the facility readmit your spouse or parent if you change your mind?
  • Are there still valid reasons for having your loved one in a long-term care facility?
  • Does their current living facility have adequate staff and procedures to handle the issues associated with this pandemic?
  • Will your caregiving in the home match that of the professionals in a nursing home?
  • Do you have the time to dedicate to your loved one’s proper care?

Answering these questions should reveal whether you are leading with your heart or your head while considering moving your loved one out of their current care facility.

AARP’s position on moving your loved one into your home during the COVID-19 pandemic is in agreement with the experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reports there is no one size fits all solution to this question, and each family must pursue their decisions based on recommendations from their health care providers and their unique circumstances.

Before discussing the option of moving your parent or spouse out of a nursing home, it is advisable to pose these questions with in-home family members as well as your loved one’s health care providers. In times of uncertainty, it is best to logically think through at home living scenarios both short and long term, as well as review the variety of steps the CDC has put in place for long term care facilities with regards to protecting residents and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The caregiving your loved one needs will be the best for them if you take the time to make an informed decision.

If you have questions or would like to discuss your particular situation, don’t hesitate to reach out. Please contact our office by calling us at (318) 255-1760.

The Elderly Are Re-Entering the Workforce

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Many of the 50-year-old and older workers are raising children and helping aging parents, and it is putting a strain on budgets. There are over 3 million seniors or near-seniors looking for full-time employment and millions more looking for part-time work. Seniors are finding that to make ends meet and have a financially secure retirement they need additional income especially now that people are living longer than ever before. The good news is jobs are available, companies are hiring “seasoned” workers, and there are programs to help those aged 50 and older find the type of work that is right for them.

If you are age 50 or more, the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) runs a program called BACK TO WORK 50+ that targets workers who previously worked at moderate income level jobs but who may lack the education level and computer skill sets that presents a barrier to employment in situations that lead to better economic security. There is also SCSEP, the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which is the only federal program targeted to help older workers. AARP works in conjunction with SCSEP and provides employers with qualified candidates who are pre-screened for placement. These programs support the employer in finding a skilled worker at a low cost and allow the senior to bypass the interview process. Both of these programs will train seniors to give them the skills and confidence they need to find a job so that they can provide for themselves financially. According to AARP, senior employment is becoming so prevalent that by the year 2022, workers aged 50 or more will comprise thirty-five percent of the workforce.

If you are a senior with a college degree and solid computer skills, AARP can also help place you in a meaningful work environment. More than 500 companies nationwide have signed the AARP Employer Pledge “We believe in equal opportunity for all workers, regardless of age, and that 50+ workers should have a level playing field in their ability to compete for and obtain jobs. Recognizing the value of experienced workers, we pledge to recruit across diverse age groups and to consider all applicants on an equal basis as we hire for positions within our organization.” This pledge affirms the value of an experienced senior worker and many companies are on board. The belief is that a workforce that leverages talent from all age groups is a stronger workforce. Jobs AARP and other employer resources connect 50+ job seekers with employers who recognize the value of experience that comes with a more senior and seasoned worker. These companies who have signed the pledge are on the AARP job boards, in the job search tools, and even participate in online recruiting fairs.

As more seniors are becoming computer savvy, remote work opportunities are becoming more popular and mainstream. Companies do not have to provide a physical workspace and employees have no commute and no need to spend money on proper work attire; overhead is lower for the employer and the employee. Seniors can use the AARP tools to find legitimate online job prospects. If a senior prefers to work with people for socialization purposes as well as earned income, the senior living industry has excellent opportunities and needs workers. Senior living facilities management acknowledges the expertise, dependability, and worth ethic that is common in the mature workforce. Currently, there are high rates of staff turnover in senior living environments, and a senior employee can make a positive difference in the rate of employee retention.

There is an undeniable benefit to remaining active as you age and work is a significant component of that activity. Old notions of ageism are changing at precisely the right moment to help you create a better retirement living situation for yourself through additionally earned income. If you are 50+ and looking for work, take advantage of these national programs to identify the right job for you.  There is no better time than now to look forward to your own retirement needs and have the peace of mind that additional income brings.

It is essential to meet with an ElderCounsel attorney to ensure that you are increasing income without reducing benefits available to you. You don’t want to cross a threshold that would deny you a government benefit unless it would be financially beneficial.  Many components need to be considered to plan a successful retirement. Contact our office by calling us at (318) 255-1760 and schedule an appointment to discuss how we can help you with your planning.