Uncategorized Archives - Page 2 of 6

The US Predicts Big Increases In Skilled Nursing And Long-Term Care Costs

New government projections estimate significant increases in both overall and out-of-pocket costs for home care, nursing facilities, and continuing care communities (CCRCs) through this decade. The projected steep rise in costs will lead to tough decisions for both consumers and government. The latest annual projections, by analysts at the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) forecast overall health [...]

By Howard Gleckman|2023-04-04T09:59:47-04:00April 4th, 2023|Health Care, Uncategorized|0 Comments

The FDA Approved The New Anti-Alzheimer’s Drug Leqembi. What You Need To Know

The FDA’s decision to grant accelerated approval for the anti-Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab, which will be sold as Leqembi, has significant potential for research into treatment of the disease. But people living with Alzheimer’s and their families will face difficult choices once the drug is made available later this month by Biogen and the Japanese firm Eisai. A trial found the [...]

By Howard Gleckman|2023-01-09T09:58:28-05:00January 9th, 2023|dementia, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Retirement Savings Bills Would Boost Deferred Annuities

When Congress returns for a short post-election session, one item on its to-do list is major retirement savings legislation that has broad bipartisan support. One feature of both House and Senate bills: Expanding a deferred annuity called a Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract (QLAC). Both bills would increase the allowable size of QLACs. That might make them more attractive to some [...]

By Howard Gleckman|2022-10-19T12:08:44-04:00October 19th, 2022|Uncategorized|0 Comments

A Valuable New Framework For Improving The Care Of Frail Older Adults

Imagine, for a moment, a functioning, well-developed system for improving the lives of frail older adults. Imagine that, instead of our current chaotic, dangerous, and needlessly expensive patchwork of care for seniors, the US had a well-coordinated care model that leverages and supports paid aides, family caregivers, safe and appropriate housing, and new technology. And imagine a system that makes [...]

By Howard Gleckman|2022-09-07T11:06:12-04:00September 7th, 2022|long term care reform, Uncategorized|0 Comments

How Patients, Their Families, And Medical Staffs Can Improve A Hospital Stay

I’ve recently spent more time as a hospital visitor than at any time since the pandemic began. A lot has changed since Covid-19, but my experiences confirm some good advice for older patients, their families, and the medical staff that cares for them. Here are a few ideas for patients and staff. While they focus on hospitals, many apply to [...]

By Howard Gleckman|2022-07-07T12:30:47-04:00July 7th, 2022|Hospitals, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Are Critics of Private Equity Nursing Home Ownership Living In The Past?

It has become popular among many Democrats to call for investigations of nursing home ownership by private equity firms. But industry experts tell me that, increasingly, big investors in senior services are abandoning nursing facilities in favor of the far more lucrative home health business and, in some cases, private-pay senior housing. And the shift isn’t just happening with private [...]

By Howard Gleckman|2022-04-27T15:01:16-04:00April 27th, 2022|nursing homes, Uncategorized|1 Comment

We Need More Immigrants to Care For Frail Older Adults

The US desperately needs more direct care workers to provide personal assistance to frail older adults and younger people with disabilities. Many native-born Americans were unwilling to do this work even before the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, shortages are far worse. Yet, the US continues to bar entry to those who are willing and able to care for frail older adults [...]

By Howard Gleckman|2022-04-21T10:00:19-04:00April 21st, 2022|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Is Long-term Care A Predictable Need, Or An Unexpected One?

If you are 65 or older, should you expect to need a significant level of long-term care? And can you predict that need? The short answers are yes. And no. You absolutely should expect to need that care. And, unless you already are very poor, you should plan to pay for at least some of it. But it is impossible [...]

By Howard Gleckman|2022-04-15T11:17:30-04:00April 15th, 2022|long-term care, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Aging in Place Is All The Rage, But It Is Not Easy

It has become increasingly popular to promote home as a setting for both sophisticated medical treatment and long-term care, and often for good reason. But supporters of this trend need to recognize and reduce the burden it places on families who must take on ever-challenging clinical and organizational roles to make home care work. Hospital at Home; SNF (Skilled Nursing [...]

By Howard Gleckman|2022-03-21T13:50:40-04:00March 21st, 2022|family caregivers, Uncategorized|0 Comments

How The Medical System Is Failing People With Down Syndrome And Alzheimer’s Disease

Over just the past few decades, the life expectancy of people with Down Syndrome (DS) has increased from less than 30 years to nearly 60. But for many, that remarkable advancement comes at a high price. As they live longer, up to ninety percent of people with DS will have Alzheimer’s Disease. It is, in fact, the leading cause of death [...]

By Howard Gleckman|2022-02-10T13:53:33-05:00February 10th, 2022|dementia, Uncategorized|0 Comments