Person-Centered Care puts considerable value on an individual’s right to make decisions concerning every aspect of her or his life. Often long-term care providers want to honor resident choice, but are afraid to do so because of fear of injury or risk of liability. The key is to find the balance between providing good care and keeping elders safe, on the one hand, and allowing choice which may involve risk but enhances quality of life, on the other.
We watched the recent Democratic debate with hopes of hearing some plans for addressing the growing crisis of poverty and inequality in our nation. Would any of the candidates really talk about poverty? Would would any of them even mention the 6.4 million senior citizens living in poverty?
By Julie Carter and Hannah Weinberger-Divack
Medicaid has provided funding for home- and community-based services (HCBS) for nearly 40 years, which has allowed many low-income beneficiaries who otherwise would not have been able to afford it to receive long-term care in their homes and communities. But that care (and care planning) has not always consistently been person-centered. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued new rules designed to ensure that the services provided are targeted to individuals’ needs and preferences. As the story below shows, person-centered planning is critical for providing effective care and preventing institutionalization. Read More
Grijalva to Congress: Update SSI by Linda Valdez
The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com (posted 5/19/2015)
Arizona’s Democratic Rep. Raul Grijalva must be immune to brick walls. He’s trying to get a GOP-controlled House to show a little compassion for people.
People, not corporations!
Grijalva’s got the country’s most notable progressive – Sen. Bernie Sanders – on board.
Cue John Lennon – this is a moment to imagine what might still be possible.
A time to imagine a nation that acts on a commitment to the poor and vulnerable.
It may not be fashionable with the party controlling Congress. But it is long overdue.
So Grijalva is back with the Supplemental Security Restoration Act of 2015. (He tried this in 2013, too.) In addition to Sanders, Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are on board. Read More
With the 2016 elections quickly approaching and Congressional leadership proposing FY2016 budgets, let’s check in on how rhetoric in support of our seniors is living up to its promise in the recent Congressional budget resolutions.
Why did NSCLC change its name to Justice in Aging?
As income inequality increases and the population ages, senior poverty is a growing problem that will affect more and more families. We need more allies in our efforts to combat this trend. Our name change is part of a larger strategic process that will help us engage more people and organizations in our mission. A new name and tagline that is easier to say and remember, more modern, and more reflective of the work we’ve always done will help us strengthen current partnerships and develop new ones. Read More
Free Webinar: Wed., March 4, 2015 2 – 3 PM PDT
The California Coordinated Care Initiative: What Advocates Need to Know – Santa Clara County
Starting January 1, 2015, Santa Clara County became the sixth California county to move forward with the Coordinated Care Initiative (CCI), including the federally-approved dual eligible demonstration project known as Cal MediConnect.
Imagine the face of senior poverty. Who do you see? If you see a woman, especially a woman of color, you’d be spot on. That’s because the same challenges that affect women in their younger years, follow them and magnify as they age—income inequality, low wage jobs, discrimination, societal expectations of women as caregivers, lack of financial education. When you add declining health, longevity as compared to male partners, racial disparities, and disability to the mix, the result is a full-blown crisis of illness, hunger, depression, and isolation.