I came across this information recently. It represents a summary of macro issues concerning our aging senior population... "Increased access to private pay options will be critical to funding care for a rapidly growing senior population. The growing senior population is...

What steps can be taken to prevent dehydration? Obviously, fluid intake is the key. Elders need visual and verbal reminders to drink fluids such as water, juice, or sodas. Families and caregivers need to be cognizant about risks...

"Following the doctor's orders" -- can greatly reduce total healthcare use and costs. But I know my parents are not good about this. When in consultation with their primary care physician, they acknowledge understanding the conversation. They...

In today's news, I came across an article discussing a recent study of the nation's nursing homes. This was a state-by-state study. Although we must allow for differences in survey protocol and data collection, there were some...

Should a functioning hospital provide a "continuum of care", in which they are attempting to care for patients as they recover, age, and deteriorate? Or is it best to bring a certain medical expertise to patients, who then...

For the many people who don’t feel refreshed after sleeping, exercise could be the solution. A recent study by the National Sleep Foundation found that exercisers report better sleep than non-exercisers even though they say they sleep the same...

I have a friend who suffered a fall two years ago. While the cause is still somewhat inconclusive, his subsequent rehab and overall health has put him on the sidelines from work. No income, divorced, with two...

Navigating and understanding the range and breadth of benefits and benefit programs available through the Veterans Administration can be extremely difficult, if not mind-numbing. Over the next several weeks, I will attempt to provide an overview and definition...

Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services, referred to as "Independence Plus" can cover a wide range of goods and services, but there are limitations. For example, the following are not covered through "Independence Plus"... -- Any service duplication....

The Veterans Administration offers a broad range of benefits to its veteran constituents, such as the Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services ("Independence Plus") program -- which is a unique benefit designed to allow veterans who are potential...