Mark McLaughlin, a hospice news reporter. He offers an editorial perspective in hospice news today on important topics related to palliative or hospice care. His reporting is informative and well-informed. Here are his top picks for hospice news today:
Hosparus is exploring palliative and hospice care
With an increasing number of people facing end-of-life issues, Hosparus Health is exploring options for palliative care. This is the type of care offered at the end, with the same quality care given to milestone events. Palliative healthcare helps patients and their families live the most fulfilling lives. This service can be used by anyone with a serious condition.
Medicare payments to hospices will be reduced due to sequestration
A letter was sent to Congress asking them to prevent the automatic reductions in Medicare payments to Hospices. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the other hospice organizations wrote the letter. It addresses concerns about how the sequestration will affect hospice care. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization(NHPCO), a Washington advocacy group for hospice care, has successfully lobbied in Washington for $1 billion in Provider relief funding for hospices and for a moratorium on Medicare Sequestration payments.
End-of-life doulas
A growing trend in hospice care is the doula. They aid people suffering from advanced diseases to plan for their final days and help them reflect on the past. They are not medical professionals, but rather non-medical advocates who work to help families cope with the challenges of a dying loved one. There are many benefits to using a doula, and here are some reasons why. Here are three.
Home-based palliative care reduces hospitalizations
Although many health system have started to offer Home Based Palliative Care, it is still a costly option. There are also many differences in the service models and payment structures. The number of services provided is also diverse. The evidence to compare the different models is limited and of low quality. There is increasing evidence that HBPalC can be used to provide end-of-life care for patients and their family caregivers.
Racially disparate hospice use
There is little research on racial disparities in hospice use, but the findings of a recent study suggest that black and white people use hospice services at different rates. The study didn't detect any racial disparities but did reveal variations in hospice care across counties. These findings may be helpful in local efforts to improve accessibility to hospice care services for people from different races. This study examined the relationship between intercounty variations in black hospice use and health care resources.
FAQ
What does "health promotion” mean?
Health promotion is about helping people to live longer and remain healthy. It emphasizes preventing sickness and not treating existing conditions.
It includes activities such as:
-
eating right
-
You need to get enough sleep
-
exercising regularly
-
Staying active is key to staying fit
-
Not to smoke
-
managing stress
-
Keeping up with vaccinations
-
How to avoid alcohol abuse
-
Regular screenings and checkups
-
How to manage chronic illness.
What are the most critical issues that public health faces today?
Many people have problems with obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. These conditions lead to more deaths every year than AIDS or car crashes. In addition, poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking contribute to high blood pressure, stroke, asthma, arthritis, and other problems.
What is the importance of the health care system?
A country's economy is only as strong as its health care system. It helps people live longer, healthier lives. It also creates work for nurses, doctors and other medical professionals.
No matter what income level, health care systems ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare services.
It is important to understand how healthcare systems work if you're interested in a career as a nurse or doctor.
What effect will the absence of Medicare have on the health-care industry?
Medicare is an entitlement program that provides financial aid to low income individuals and families who can not afford their premiums. This program is available to more than 40 millions Americans.
Millions of Americans would be without coverage if this program was not in place. Private insurers will stop offering policies for people with pre-existing conditions.
What does the expression "healthcare" refer to?
A service that helps maintain good mental, physical health is known as health care.
What about the role of the private sector?
Healthcare delivery can be facilitated by the private sector. It supplies equipment, among other things, that is used by hospitals.
It pays some staff who work in hospitals. They should also be able to contribute to the running of the system.
They have their limits.
Private providers cannot always compete with free services provided by governments.
And they shouldn’t try to run it all. This could mean that the system doesn't deliver good value for money.
Statistics
- The health share of the Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to continue its upward trend, reaching 19.9 percent of GDP by 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)
- About 14 percent of Americans have chronic kidney disease. (rasmussen.edu)
- Healthcare Occupations PRINTER-FRIENDLY Employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.6 million new jobs. (bls.gov)
- Over the first twenty-five years of this transformation, government contributions to healthcare expenditures have dropped from 36% to 15%, with the burden of managing this decrease falling largely on patients. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Foreign investment in hospitals—up to 70% ownership- has been encouraged as an incentive for privatization. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
How To
How to Find Home Care Facilities
People who need help at home will benefit from the services of home care providers. Home care facilities assist those with chronic illnesses, such as Alzheimer's, who can't move or are too elderly to leave their home. These facilities provide personal hygiene, food preparation, laundry and cleaning services, as well medication reminders and transportation. They often collaborate with rehabilitation specialists, social workers, and medical professionals.
It is best to get recommendations from your friends, family, and local businesses. Once you have identified one or more providers, you should ask about their qualifications as well as their experience. It is important to find a provider who can work flexible hours in order to fit your schedule. Also, check if they offer 24/7 emergency response.
You might also consider asking your doctor or nurse for referrals. If you don't know where to start looking, try searching online for "home health care" or "nursing home". Websites like Yelp or Angie's List, HealthGrades and Nursing Home Compare are some examples.
You may also call your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or Visiting Nurse Service Association (VNA) for additional information. These organizations will have lists of agencies in your area that specialize in providing home care services.
A good agency for home care is vital as many agencies charge high prices. In fact, some agencies charge up to 100% of a patient's income! To avoid this problem, you should be sure to choose an agency that has been rated highly by the Better Business Bureau. Ask for references from previous clients.
Some states even require homecare agencies that register with the State Department of Social Services. For more information, contact your local government office.
Consider these factors when looking for a homecare agency.
-
Don't pay upfront if you don't want to receive services.
-
Choose a well-established, reputable company.
-
If you are paying out of your own pocket, get proof of insurance.
-
You must ensure that the state licenses your agency.
-
Request a written contract outlining all costs associated with hiring the agency.
-
Confirm that there are follow-up visits by the agency following your discharge.
-
Ask for a list if credentials and certifications.
-
Sign anything without first reading it.
-
Take the time to read all fine print.
-
Verify that the agency is insured and bonded.
-
Ask the agency how long they have been in business.
-
Verify the license of the State Department of Social Welfare for the agency.
-
Find out if complaints have been filed against the agency.
-
Call your local government department that regulates home care agencies.
-
Make sure that you are able to get answers from the staff member who answers the phone about home care.
-
For tax information on home care please consult your accountant.
-
Always solicit at least three bids per home care agency.
-
Do not accept a lower bid than the best, but at least $30 per hour.
-
Remember that you may need to pay more than one visit to a home care agency daily.
-
When signing contracts, read everything carefully.