Welcome to Hospital Compare. A service provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In this tool you will find information on how well hospitals care for patients with certain medical conditions or surgical procedures, and results from a survey of patients about the quality of care they received during a recent hospital stay. This information will help you compare the quality of care hospitals provide. Talk to your doctor about this information to help you, your family and your friends make your best hospital care decisions.
Hospital Compare was created through the efforts of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services, and other members of the Hospital Quality Alliance: Improving Care Through Information (HQA). The information on this website comes from hospitals that have agreed to submit quality information for Hospital Compare to make public.
SOURCE: http://www.hhs.gov
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Explore the different types of health care services offered by Massachusetts providers and learn which care option best fits your needs:
• Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility
Short term care options are available at skilled nursing facilities for individuals who have been hospitalized and need a period of medical monitoring and/or rehabilitation before returning home. Nursing facilities also provide long term care options for people who are unable to live safely and comfortably at home and require 24-hour nursing care and support.
• Assisted Living Residence
Assisted living residences are for older people who no longer feel comfortable or safe living alone, but do not need 24-hour nursing and medical care.
• Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
CCRCs combine independent retirement housing, assisted living services and nursing facility care, usually on the same campus, to allow elders to have their current and future care needs met at one location. As a senior’s needs change, he or she can choose from among the services and care settings available.
• Other Care Options
Adult Day Health Programs, Adult Foster Care, Congregate Housing, Home-Based Services, Hospice, Residential Care Facilities/Rest Homes, Respite Care, and Senior Housing/Independent Living
SKILLED NURSING AND REHABILITATION FACILITIES
Nursing facilities provide both short and long term care services for older adults and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Among the services provided are:
• 24-hour nursing care.
• Rehabilitative care such as physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapy.
• Help with personal care such as eating, dressing, toileting, and bathing.
In addition, a growing number of nursing facilities provide:
• Post Operative Rehabilitative Care.
• Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation.
• Alzheimer’s Specialty Care.
• Respite Care.
• Restorative and Residential Care for People with Multiple Sclerosis and Other Neurological Disorders.
• Pediatric Specialty Care.
• Acquired Brain Injury Specialty Care.
• Short Term Care is available for individuals who have been hospitalized and need a period of medical monitoring and/or rehabilitation before returning home. Often referred to as subacute or transitional care, this kind of care can be provided in a freestanding nursing facility or in one of a few hospital-based skilled nursing units. Most stays are for fewer than 30 days, after which the patient usually returns home. This kind of care can be beneficial after a surgery or a prolonged hospitalization, or for rehabilitation following a stroke or other serious medical event.
• Long Term Care is available for people who are unable to live safely and comfortably at home, require 24-hour nursing care and support, and need help with many of the activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, toileting and bathing. When considering long term nursing facility care, it is important to discuss the issue thoroughly with the person involved and his or her personal physician before the situation becomes an emergency. Finding the right facility can take time, and since some facilities have waiting lists, it helps to plan ahead so space will be available when it is needed.
Medicare/Medicaid paid services
Private pay services
Sources:
• Massachusetts Senior Care Association- If you have more questions about the best care options for you or your loved one, please contact Mass Senior Care directly at info@maseniorcare.org or 1-800-CARE-FOR.
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Yes, we all know that regular daily exercise is an important role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. But did you know that it is just as important for the health of your brain?
Physical exercise is essential for maintaining good blood flow to the brain as well as to encourage new brain cells, and thereby protect against those risk factors for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Growing evidence shows that physical exercise does not have to be strenuous or even require a major time commitment. It is most effective when done regularly, and in combination with a brain-healthy diet, mental activity and social interaction. A long walk with a friend!
Aerobic exercise improves oxygen consumption, which benefits brain function; aerobic fitness has been found to reduce brain cell loss in the elderly. Walking, bicycling, gardening, tai chi, yoga and other activities of about 30 minutes daily get the body moving and the heart pumping.
Physical activities that also involve mental activity – plotting your route, observing traffic signals, making choices – provide additional value for brain health. And doing these activities with a companion offers the added benefit of social interaction.
Benefits of Exercise Include:
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Better quality of sleep
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Weight loss
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Increased immunity to viruses and infections
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Building muscles that assists joints
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Improved brain functionality
Check with your doctor prior to starting any physical activity and gradually build your stamina day by day. Remember to drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated when exercising. Take advantage of the fresh air, and get outside if you can for a nice walk, or gardening. Or join your local gym or YMCA for strength training, group fitness classes, or swimming. Whatever your interest – but make sure you keep it fun!
Remember, exercise equals a strong heart and a sharp mind! Be well. Enjoy!
Source: Alzheimer’s Association
The most important thing about managing diabetes during any holiday season is to plan ahead. The more you know about what’s going to happen, the better you can plan for good diabetes care. Let’s look at a few specifics.
Schedules
What does your family schedule look like for the holiday season? Are you going out of town? Having visitors stay with you? Do your plans usually include a lot of parties and food-oriented events? Or are your holidays more active, with events such as the annual family Thanksgiving football game? Getting a handle on what your schedule will look like ahead of time will help out a great deal as you tackle each day.
Menus
Once you know what your day will consist of, you should then examine your menus. Do you have traditional dishes that you make every year? There’s no need to completely rework your menu just because of diabetes, but you may want to fine-tune it a bit. Planning ahead can help. For example, maybe there are some ways you can make your traditional holiday foods a bit healthier. Will that casserole taste just as good with fat-free or light sour cream instead of regular? Can you steam the green beans this year instead of sautéing in butter?
There are plenty of ways to lower fat, sugar, and carbohydrate counts in your favorite foods while still keeping the taste and texture you love. If your family looks forward to Aunt Selma’s Heavenly Fudge every year—go ahead and make it, but first talk to your diabetes educator or dietitian about ways to work a piece or two into the meal plan. It may mean eating less of other treats, getting more exercise, increasing insulin doses, or a combination of all three. But you can do it!
SOURCE: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/
http://www.diabetes.org/\
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Have you ever walked out of the Doctor’s office saying “I should have asked them about……”
We all have. Be prepared and it will make your appointment go faster and it will be more productive.
Preparing for your appointment:
• Write down any symptoms you’re experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
• Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
• Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you’re taking.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
• What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
• Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
• What kinds of tests do I need?
• Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
• What is the best course of action?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you’re suggesting?
• I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover it?
• Will I need a biopsy?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you’re prescribing?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What Web sites do you recommend?
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When it comes to getting the answers you are looking for – persistence is the key.
It is unfortunate, but the reality is – many health care professionals are too busy, overworked and understaffed, to pause and detail the information you need to move on to the next step. Not all, but many.
Upon discharge from a hospital, rehab, or other – you will be briefed on what it is you need to do – but possibly you will not be given the information you need to go about achieving what it is you need to do. You will be handed a piece of paper – and you are on your own.
But, you are not on your own. The fact is – even if you do not receive the information you are looking for, or need at that time, you are entitled to go back and ASK your questions. Don’t be intimidated by the rush of others. We all need to be our own advocates and/or advocates for our loved ones.
The most common inquiry that I have encountered is: “I’m not sure what I need, but I was given a list of agencies to call because I was told I need home care. I’m not sure what kind of home care.”
Questions to Ask :
• Am I eligible for Medicare/Medicaid benefits? If so, has a referral been placed to a certified home health agency? (YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OF CHOICE – IF YOU WANT A SPECIFIC AGENCY – ASK FOR THEM!)
• If I need to pay privately – what should I expect? How does private pay home care work?
• Do I have other options through the Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs), COMMUNITY SERVICES?
• What can my local COUNCIL ON AGING and SENIOR CENTER provide me?
Who do you ask?
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Your Primary Care Physician (PCP) or specialty physician; whoever last treated you
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The Nurse who is discharging you
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If you have a Social Worker working with you
If you don’t get all your answers – the agencies you call should be able to help assist with your questions and guide you, whether it is within their scope of service or recommend you to other outside services. If they do not attempt to assist you – they are not a reputable agency. There are many good, and many bad.
Check with the Home and Health Care Association of Massachusetts is the online resource to and for the Home Health community of Massachusetts: http://www.mass-homehealth.org
Don’t stop asking questions. There are many choices you have and many resources available. Ask your questions and get your answers. Remember you are never alone.
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Is your Doctor and/or family telling you it might be time to consider alternative housing, because they fear for your safety? This is one of the many common scenarios that face our aging population. Your body has weakened and your physical capabilities are not what they used to be. You are more prone to falls and your cognitive skills have diminished.
What are your options?
Well, your options are many – but it all depends on the level of assistance that is needed.
First priority: Determine the level of assistance needed and any imminent concerns regarding physical safety, and psychological well-being. Let’s consider minimal assistance is needed. How do you accomplish this?
#1: Talk to your Doctor
Assuming NO underlying serious medical conditions – List the reasons why your Doctor and/or family is suggesting a monitored facility. Get details about your physical condition and mental alertness. Are you unsteady on your feet, getting forgetful? These are serious considerations for continued safe independence at home. THE KEY WORD HERE IS SAFE!
#2: Assess your situation at home in regards to the concerns of your Doctor
Some scenarios/examples: Unsteady on your feet? Are you using a walker or cane? If not, think about obtaining an assistive device, and use it. Are there throw rugs or raised thresholds? If so, get rid of the throw rugs, and minimize your thresholds by some easy modifications you can get from a handyman (see our resource link page). Do you have stairs you need to climb to the bedroom, or bathroom? This is very common and an important obstacle to your continued safety and well-being at home.
There are many options; just to name a few; move your bedroom downstairs. Moving your bathroom to the first level can be very costly, or you may not have the room for it. Consider a chair lift for the stairs. Med-alert bracelet or one you can wear around your neck, is peace of mind and a great safety device in a number of situations. Need help getting in/out of the shower or bath? Call your local Visiting Nurse Association and ask for a consultation. It is free, but you will need a referral from your Doctor. The Visiting Nurse should be able to help you with obtaining a shower chair, hand rails or other devices that will help you. They will let you know what is covered by Medicare or your alternate insurance.
If you have had a recent fall – most likely you are eligible for medicare benefits which would include Physical Therapy services that include a home safety assessment and suggestions on adaptations to your home , and any assistive devices you may need to safely improve mobility.
Frequent forgetfulness? Are you leaving the stove top burners on? Consider healthy prepared meals you can reheat in the oven or in a microwave. Check with your local Council on Aging or Senior Center about Meals-on-Wheels. Are you forgetting to take your medication? Ask your pharmacy to pre-pour and pre-package your medications according to day and time. There are also some medication devices that will buzz a reminder to you when it is time to take your medication.
Do you need help getting to your appointments? Whether you need a reminder and/or a ride to your appointments, check with your local COUNCIL ON AGING or SENIOR CENTER about arranging for free transportation to and from your appointments. Usually, you can schedule these in advance and the cost is either free (if local) or there is a minimal charge if you need to go a longer distance out of town.
You could hire a Companion or a Home Health Aide: Have your Doctor send a referral to a local Visiting Nurse Association, They will come to your home and do an assessment and let you know if you are eligible for home health aide care. If not, you may want to consider a private home care company that offers screened, trained companions and home health aides.
You have many options that you should discuss with your Doctor and/or family members. Know what is available – having knowledge is the key to keeping your independence. It is your choice. Make sure you choose safety.
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by Nissa Simon 
Eating more olive oil, nuts, fish, poultry and certain fruits and vegetables and limiting red meats and high-fat dairy products may help ward off Alzheimer’s disease.
Evidence that links specific nutrients to the prevention of dementia has turned up regularly from labs around the globe. But in the real world, people don’t eat nutrients, they eat food. And they eat combinations of different foods, so researchers at Columbia University Medical Center in New York analyzed the diets of more than 2,000 men and women age 65 and older in New York City to find out how eating patterns relate to dementia.
The participants, who were free of dementia when the study began, were evaluated for signs of Alzheimer’s disease every 18 months for about four years. At the same time, the researchers analyzed their diets to pinpoint foods that contained nutrients previously linked to Alzheimer’s disease—such as those high in saturated fats including red meat, butter and cream—as well as those linked to a lower risk of the disease—foods rich in “good” fats and brain-healthy vitamins such as almonds, olive oil and oily fish. By the end of the study, 253 participants had developed Alzheimer’s disease.
One eating pattern stood out as especially protective. Those least likely to be stricken with Alzheimer’s consumed a combination of foods rich in brain-healthy nutrients including olive oil and vinegar, nuts, fish, poultry, vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, green leafy vegetables, and fruits, including tomatoes. They also ate less red meat, butter and high-fat dairy products.
“The men and women who adhered most closely to this eating pattern had a 38 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease,” says neurologist Nikolaos Scarmeas, M.D., one of the study’s authors. “The combination of foods was most important. That’s where you get the benefit.”
Scarmeas cautions that it’s too soon to offer firm advice about diet and Alzheimer’s disease. However, research shows that nutritious foods can improve cardiovascular health and lower cancer rates. “And there are hints they may be helpful for brain disease, so it makes sense to eat them,” he says.
“This study supports what past studies have shown,” says Martha Morris of the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston. “The diet the authors identify as good is consistent with current recommendations.”
The article was released online in the Archives of Neurology on April 12 and will be published in the journal’s June issue.
SOURCE: AARPBulletinToday
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