Labor Group fights for better pay for Home Care Workers

http://news.springhillcaregroup.net/2013/05/14/labor-group-fights-for-better-pay-for-home-care-workers/

Americans live longer base from the statistics, thus making the population age and as it ages the need for home care workers will grow significantly.  According to the Bureau of Labor Standards, the Home Care Workforce will grow from 1.7 Million to 2.6 million in 2018, but the people caring for seniors in their homes earn on average less than 10 dollars an hour and many do not get benefits.  A number of those workers assembled at the Food and Medicine Headquarters in Brewer Thursday to encourage their Senators to make it a priority to improve pay, benefits and training for this growing workforce.  

Helen Hanson stood at a podium from her huddling under the tent and shared her financial struggles during her work as a home care worker. 

"My bills are paid but when the oil tank is down do I pay the mortgage or do I spend 350 dollars to put 100 gallons in the oil tank," she said. 

Although Hanson loves going into peoples’ homes to care for them she couldn’t make the ends meet.  So instead, she went to work at a rehab facility as a certified nurse and she got better pay and benefits.  This kind of problem is one example of a nationwide concern.

"We have 3 million direct care health workers in the country right now and we're projecting 27 million seniors by 2050," Pointed out Reverend Mark Doty, one of those gathered at the Food and Medicine Rally.   The pro workers group had a stage demonstration where they showed how hard their work is.  The demonstration is even complete with a juggler to show how complicated it is for home care workers to juggle their responsibilities.  Everything is happening while caring for a growing number of seniors and finding an easy solution may be a juggling act too.  The issue becomes how to pay for a better wage for them after all agree that home care workers should be paid well.

Vickie Purgavie, executive director of the Home Care and Hospice Alliance of Maine, which advocate for home care businesses, says  home care companies couldn't afford to pay workers more because they depend on federal funding for most of their revenue, and their reimbursement rates are fixed. Simply put if the businesses give their workers a raise, they can't charge the government more money to provide those raises

"So any additional requirements if you will around wages or benefits which this group of workers is so deserving of would put the home care agency at a significant deficit," Purgavie said.

Organizers with Food and Medicine say because many home caregivers are mothers, they submitted Mothers Day cards to Senators King and Collins today, urging them to support a resolution in the Senate urging congress to address the issue of better wages and benefits for Home Care workers.  A spokesperson for Senator King said he is still reviewing the legislation.

Springhill Care Group: Don’t Let Nursing Homes Keep Elderly Married Couples Apart

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According to a new study from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, seniors work hard to keep their marriages alive and well, even after one spouse falls ill and goes into a long-term care facility.

Community-dwelling spouses were greatly drawn in the lives of their partners who are inside the institution, and that a lot of the couples remained active together may it be inside or outside the nursing home Researcher Robin Stadnyk was surprised to discover about this. 

Stadnyk is a post-doctoral researcher in the University of Alberta's Department of Human Ecology.  She reviewed data from a qualitative study of 52 community-dwelling spouses in three Canadian provinces: Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia, for her PhD research.  According to her research, the participants were heavily involved in their spouses' lives, not only through caretaking duties like doing laundry and helping with personal hygiene, but also through nurturing activities that brought them closer together. 

"Most participants described close relationships with their spouses before the placement in a long-term care home. They simply found ways they could continue that closeness within the institutional walls," Stadnyk noted. Marriage-sustaining activities included watching TV together, studying travel brochures and reviewing diaries to relive old memories, even taking painting lessons together. 

For regular weekly and even daily visits, some spouses do is they bring their partners home.  A loving story of an 82-year-old man in the study took weight-training just so he could lift his wife in and out of the car for the weekly trip home.  

"The findings defy the common assumption that the partnership of marriage effectively ends when one spouse enters a care facility," Stadnyk said. 

Changing roles as give-and take-partners to compassionate caretakers, husbands and wives of partners with dementia carry on with nurturing their marriages.  One of the things they do is they are making sure treats were available for their spouses and another was they make to it to attend special events.  "Many related these activities to their wedding vows, 'In sickness and in health, for better or for worse'," Stadnyk said. 

Other halves with partners who are institutionalized moreover created methods to deal with their new loneliness.  This is described by one participant as 'limbo'.  It is finding 'safe' activities such as family or church outings and limiting their interactions to same-sex social groups. 

Stadnyk suggests that rehabilitation workers help couples continue to find ways to connect when one spouse is in a nursing home. Quiet, private spaces are needed so couples can share quality time. Improvements to policies to respect the private lives of residents are also needed, Stadnyk said. Private accommodations, rather than shared rooms, are often desired by couples and are increasingly being offered in newer facilities. But even simple changes such as knocking on a resident's door before entering are appreciated by spouses, Stadnyk said. A secure place for personal items like diaries would also allow couples to keep special possessions private. "One nursing home even allowed a couple to keep a refrigerator in the resident's room, which made it easy for the couple to share snacks." 

It is important that practitioners help couples find things to do together.  He/she should also encourage the well spouses to discover activities on their own to sustain their identities.

Patient Outcomes Improve Under Single Home Health Aides

http://news.springhillcaregroup.net/2013/05/02/patient-outcomes-improve-under-single-home-health-aides/


According to a recent study by SAGE Publications, individuals receiving home health services stand to experience better outcomes if cared for by the same aide day in and day out.

According to the study Continuity in the Provider of Home Health Aide Services and the Likelihood of Patient Improvement in Activities of Daily Living, patients who see the same home health aide across a series of visits have a higher likelihood of improving in various activities of daily living (ADLs) compared to patients whose care is provided by multiple aides.

Visiting Nurse Service of New York (VNSNY) is a large, urban, non-profit Medicare certified home health agency.  Base from their studies, they found that individuals who were cared for continuously by the same aide had a 93% chance of improving their ADLs.

Those who experienced low-continuity of care were roughly 14%-15% hardly to recover their ADLs involving home health admission and discharge than persons who were constantly visited by the similar aide.  Those who experienced low-continuity of care is implying to care was spread out among a variety of aides over the course of a home health service period.

Furthermore of note in the report, cases where patients had moderate-continuity did not considerably fluctuate from higher permanence cases in their likelihood of ADL development.

Researchers note that the odds of improvement among cases with high continuity are greater than those for low continuity even if a greater part of cases in the study’s populace enhanced in the figure and severity of ADLs between admission and discharge.

“Ideally, patients should receive services from a single aide over the entire period of home care,” writes the study’s lead author David Russell, Ph.D, Center for Home Care Policy & Research at VNSNY. “However, a number of staffing constraints and operational obstacles often present a challenge to achieving this goal.”

Russell added, home health agencies often provide around-the-clock care and have several staff to cover different shifts, but sometimes these staff members carry multiple case loads and have limited time for care planning, monitoring and review.

According to the report, one strategy to combat this could be to use primary provider teams in conjunction with backup provider teams to limit the number of aides who visit a patient.

A succeeding strategy the study suggests is to center on lowering the quantity of cases with low levels of continuity, and work to develop this group to a more modest level.

The results constructed upon wide research that suggests permanence in the relationship between a patient and his or her caregiver amplifies the chances of optimistic patient conclusions even though the study was supported on one non-profit Medicare-certified home health agency.

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Springhill Care Group | Gentle Exercises: Seniors’ Yoga

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Yoga is very much popular nowadays and we all know it benefits while others think that it is hard to do and much more to elderly.  The question is; can seniors, above 65, do yoga asanas?  And the answer is of course, it is actually can do good for them as much as it can do well for any age.  All ages and from all walks of life to utilize the techniques of yoga for creating a harmonious and joyful existence.Older people can do asanas.  Union of the various aspects of our existence like body, breath, mind etc is the basic premise in yoga.  The word yoga comes from a Sanskrit root 'Yuj meaning 'to unite'.  But they can only do so provided they keep some guidelines in mind.

The kind of asanas one should do as age progresses are the following:
• Substitute warm-ups with brisk walking and joint movements.
• Standing Yoga Poses Triangle Pose (konasana series) and Standing Spinal Twist (Kati chakrasanas)
• Sitting Yoga Poses Butterfly Pose, Cradling (if possible), body rotation, Cat stretch and Child pose (Shishu Asana).
• Yoga Poses lying on the back or stomach Focus on repetitions rather than holding any posture such as the Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), the Locust Pose (Shalabhasana) or the Knee to Chin Press (Pawanmuktasana).
• Yoga nidra is by far the most essential part of any yoga practice, and as age progresses, it becomes even more essential to help assimilate the effect of the asana practice into our system.

There is also some easier exercise for seniors like, Sukshma Yoga.  This can be practiced independently or in a group to be a part of a larger yoga plan.  All ages can do the exercise and can receive its benefits for only within 20-30 minutes.  It consists of simple and gentle exercises for the eyes, tongue and jaws, neck, hands, feet, knees, ankles and hips.

Seniors should practice yoga asanas by following some guidelines.  The Patanjali Yoga Sutras identify asana as "sthira sukham asanam" that define as stable and comfortable is an asana.  Hence, whichever posture, held with awareness, in a stable and comfortable manner constitutes an asana.

To know if you are getting your yoga posture right you must check your inner gauge, your smile-o-meter.  Just smile, if you can do so then you are definitely doing it right.  As much as you can, always practice yoga with a smile.

The difference of senior’s yoga from the common yoga for the young is nothing much actually but the precautions alone.

The similar asanas executed by younger people could be more difficult regarding the exertion put into the posture, the period of holding the posture and essential sum of flexibility. Various cardio vascular movements and abdominals would be more suitable for a person with higher level of endurance and body fitness.

Yoga asanas augment the efficiency of immune system for the elderly.  To prove this, the Patanjali Yoga Sutras provide a clue - it says - "heyam dukham anaagatam", so that we can avoid the misery that has not yet come.  As we age, the effectiveness of our bodies and immune system appears to weaken, conveying on the leeway of a range of ailments. Habitual practice of yoga techniques, for instance asanas, pranayama and meditation can aid to keep away from these circumstances, take away the misery, and show the way to a happier and more rewarding life.

Overbilling Medicaid and Medicare by $2.5 Million: Orange Man Pleads Guilty - News - Springhill Group Florida Home Care

http://news.springhillcaregroup.net/2013/04/22/overbilling-medicaid-and-medicare-by-2-5-million-orange-man-pleads-guilty/

According to Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, a man who lives in Orange, Ohio admitted to overbilling Medicaid and Medicare by more than $2.5 million.

Thirty-nine year old, Divyesh “David” C. Patel, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to having been involved to health care fraud and four counts of health care fraud. Patel is anticipated to be sentenced later on this year.

Dettelbach said, “This defendant enriched himself and his company by flouting rules designed to protect the public.”

“Mr. Patel defrauded the tax payers by scamming Medicaid and Medicare,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office.

“Waste, fraud, and abuse take critical resources out of our health care system and contribute to the rising cost of health care for all Americans.”

According to court documents, Patel was the owner and president of Alpine Nursing Care Inc., located at 4753 Northfield Road, Suite 5, North Randall, Ohio, and employed Belita Mable Bush as the office manager and director of provider services from June 1, 2006 through October 18, 2009.

An additional info according to court documents is Patel and Alpine employed Bush to prepare and submit the billings to Medicaid and Medicare for reimbursement for services provided by Alpine as a home health care provider, even though Patel knew that Bush had been previously convicted of a health care-related felony that excluded Bush from being involved in any way with Alpine’s Medicaid and Medicare billings.

In addition to the fact that Bush was excluded from handling Alpine’s medical billings, Patel was aware that Bush falsified documents related to health care services allegedly provided to home health patients where the services were never provided or were provided by home health aide that had previous criminal convictions that excluded them from providing health services in people’s houses, according to court documents.

As a result of the conspiracy, Medicaid and Medicare suffered a loss of approximately $2,564,392, according to court documents.

Scheduled to be sentenced May 28, Bush was convicted on related charges.

After review of factors unique to this case, including any prior criminal record, the defendants’ role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation then the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the court.  But in all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark S. Bennett and Special Assistant General Constance A. Nearhood, following an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services, Cleveland, Ohio; Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cleveland, Ohio.

A condemnation is only an accusation and is not proof of guilt.  A defendant is permitted to a just trial in which it will be the government’s responsibility to verify guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

SPRINGHILL CARE GROUP | Socialization: important for Seniors

Getting older could sometimes be a bit frustrating that is why socialization is very important to have socialization for seniors.  As much as it is important to everyone it is as important twofold for the elderly.  These may come a bit hard to do when we were younger as we were too busy bringing home the bacon and at the same time taking care of the family.  As we get older, as life is slowly taking paces as if everything is slowing down including time literally, seniors now has all the time to socialize but the thing now is there is no much of someone to socialize with.  As this point in time many friends may have been lost along the way and are no longer part of your long-term friendships. 

It will be great if you have friends from the past that you still have contact with and remained friends up to the golden age. It will be best for both sides to keep in touch, calling once in a while is a good idea and meeting at least once a month will do great on both parts too.  It will also help if you invite new people, it will be more exciting still having to meet new friends and don’t worry if you think that you have nothing to do.  There will always be lots to do, such as going to a museum, to a park, movies perhaps or stay home eat and talk about books you have read, share stories and experiences. Do not frustrate yourself because possibilities are endless and new relationships as well.

If unfortunately this cannot be done anymore, don’t worry, there are senior centers that offer socialization.  Bingo may sound old and actually a traditional game to play but still fun and popular up to this day.  Everyone can still enjoy it.  Like earlier there are endless of possibilities, everyone at any age can still enjoy shopping maybe do it once in a while.  To add excitement and feel like young again, maybe you can try to choose to make it a girls’ night out or a boys’ night out so you can plan an afternoon at your favorite restaurant, then shopping afterwards.

Maybe this one is a better idea; why not lead an organization group in your area.  Know your community first, then everyday plan an activity for certain groups, each group will be composed of people who has the same interest.  For instance, a day for people who are interested in sewing or quilting, fishing for fishing lovers, or golf, books, cooking and many more.  You may not realize this but this is very important to younger generations as well, they will be learning a lot too.  Being a counselor is a very important job for your generation.

but remember don’t tire yourself and overbook just because you want some fun, always remember the things you enjoy the most.  It is still healthy to think of yourself.  And make sure that you are not doing everything by yourself; you need some hand to help you with all the chores.  If you’d do thing all by yourself, you might get tired and wont be able to enjoy yourself.

Don’t forget to invite your family and still living life to the fullest, in that way you could show them that they need not to worry about you that much. Being alone is never healthy, go out have some fun. You will definitely enjoy it.
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South Jersey Doctor Admits Making Half-a-Million Dollars in Fraud Scheme Involving Home Health Care for Elderly Patients

http://news.springhillcaregroup.net/2013/04/04/south-jersey-doctor-admits-making-half-a-million-dollars-in-fraud-scheme-involving-home-health-care-for-elderly-patients/

The owner, founder and physician of Visiting Physicians of South Jersey—a Hammonton, New Jersey provider of home-based physician services for seniors—pleaded guilty today for charging lengthy visits to elderly patients that they did not receive, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

52 year-old Lori Reaves of Waterford Works, New Jersey, entered her guilty plea to information charging her with one count of health care fraud before U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson in Trenton federal court.  Reaves was led to her receiving at least $511,068 in criminal profits because at some stage in her guilty plea she confessed about lying in Medicare billings about the amount of face-to-face time she spent with patients.  According to court documents, the physician was the highest-billing home care provider among the more than 24,000 doctors in New Jersey from January 1, 2008 through October 14, 2011.

“Today, Lori Reaves, a South Jersey physician, admitted intentionally overbilling Medicare and pocketing more than half a million dollars she didn’t earn,” U.S. Attorney Fishman said. “The Medicare system depends on doctors and other medical professionals truthfully billing for services they actually provide. Here, Dr. Reaves chose to lie about the major service she was providing to her homebound, elderly patients: her time.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Visiting Physicians of South Jersey (VPA) made home-based physician health care for elderly and homebound patients in New Jersey available, tendering services throughout South Jersey.  Reaves was accountable for VPA’s Medicare billings as a Medicare-approved provider as part of her responsibilities at VPA.

A procedure code called a Current Procedural Technology (CPT) code is required together with a physician to state a diagnosis to be submitted by the health care provider to identify services rendered.  Medicare regulations necessitate that each provider attest that the services rendered were medically essential and were supplied by that provider.  A word of warning at the base of the form particularly says that any fake claims or declarations in accordance to the compliance of a claim for reimbursement are prosecutable under federal or state law.

Reaves presented forms that fallaciously claimed she had endowed with extended service visit to her patients just so she can to persuade Medicare to make payments to her that were extensively higher than the payments she only deserves in many occasions at some stage in the pertinent time phase.

Reaves habitually billed Medicare by means of codes that would have mandate her to spend between 60 and 150 minutes with a patient.  This practice is under Medicare regulations and depending on the corresponding service but many of the claims Reaves submitted would have required her to spend a minimum of two-and-a-half hours of face-to-face time with her elderly clients, when she actually spent far less.

Therefore, Medicare reimbursed Reaves more than $511,068 for the fraudulent prolonged service visits Reaves claimed to have made.  This is exactly why we cannot really trust anyone, watch out for scams and read and know fraud prevention tips.

Reaves is now facing  a maximum possible penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of the greatest amount of $250,000 or twofold the gross gain or loss caused by her offense.  It will also be a compulsory to forfeit the proceeds of her crime. Sentencing is at this time scheduled for July 13, 2013.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deborah J. Gannett and R. David Walk Jr. of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Health Care and Government Fraud Unit in Newark while U.S. Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the FBI in Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge David Velazquez, and special agents of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tom F. O’Donnell of the New York Regional Office, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

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