CAREGIVERS USA NEWS

Vol. I, No. 2 November 11, 2002

THE 2004 CAMPAIGN JUST BEGAN
Now that it has won control of both houses of Congress, the Republican Party is determined to provide prescription drug benefits to the elderly, offer tax credits to the uninsured and limit medical malpractice awards. When the new Congress convenes in January, Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) will be in line to chair the Finance Committee. Grassley was one of the chief sponsors of a "tripartisan" bill drafted over the last two years that is expected to be the starting point.
http://atsh.org/news/2004_campaign.html

Grassley is expected to be the Administration's point man on health care issues in the new Congress. In a meeting with family caregivers during the filming of "And Thou Shalt Honor," Grassley expressed support for caregivers but warned that Baby Boomers will have to plan ahead to manage health care risks in their old age.
http://atsh.org/news/grassley_health.html

PHYSICIANS NOT DESERTING MANAGED CARE
A study finds the bulk of physicians still contract with managed care plans. The study by the Center for Studying Health System Change found that nine out of 10 U.S. physicians continued to contract with at least one managed care plan between 1997 and 2001. The study showed that fewer than one-third of physicians had their overall compensation tied to specific financial incentives at the practice level between 1997 and 2001.
http://www.hschange.org

GARDENING FOR GOOD
The caregiving experience often marks a turning point, as caregivers find ways they can make a contribution even after their personal caregiving challenge ends. Mary Beth Miller used gardening to help her parent stay active and connected to nature. Now she offers a program based on her experience to senior centers, adult day services providers and others. Learn more at her Web site. http://www.gardening4good.org/

CARBON MONOXIDE RISKS RISE IN FALL
This is the most dangerous time of year for carbon monoxide deaths. Furnaces and heaters are being turned on for the first time and houses are closed up as cold weather settles in across much of the country. The elderly and disabled are at greater risk than the general population, making it imperative that caregivers check all furnaces and space heaters for proper operation and invest in a carbon monoxide alarm.
http://atsh.org/news/co_risk.html

AN EVER-PRESENT HAZARD: SLIP & FALL INJURIES
A recent report finds that 13 million Americans are injured in slip and fall accidents each year. Not all are elderly. Health care workers, caregivers and others are equally vulnerable. High-traction floor polishes can be a big help in residential and institutional settings.
http://atsh.org/news/slipfall.html

FLORIDA COALITION ATTACKS NURSING SHORTFALL
A coalition of South Florida health care and nursing organizations has teamed with Johnson & Johnson to raise approximately $500,000 for scholarships and grants to attract more people to the nursing workforce. Florida'a 12.5% vacancy rate is among the worst in the country. The coalition is launching a fund-raising program to finance a scholarship and grant program.

BOOMERS TURNING TO NURSING CAREERS
Thousands of Boomers looking for secure, meaningful jobs are turning to nursing. With more than 11 percent of hospital nursing positions unfilled, nursing schools are setting up accelerated programs to accommodate those making mid-life career changes. But some instructors are fearful that the Boomers, who range in age from 38 to 56, don't have the physical stamina and intellectual flexibility the jobs require.
http://www.sltrib.com/11102002/business/15105.htm

BOOKS AND TAPES
If you missed the "And Thou Shalt Honor" broadcast or want to share it with friends and associates, the full two-hour broadcast is available on VHS for $29.95 on our Web site. The companion book is also available. A DVD with additional material will be available in time for holiday giving. http://atsh.org/books/

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Caregivers USA news is published by the Thou Shalt Honor Foundation. The editor is James R. Hood, who can be reached at jhood@oaktonpress.com

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Copyright © 2002, Thou Shalt Honor Foundation