According to the "Center for Retirement Research at Boston College", the current high costs of long-term health care will drag down the quality of life for nearly two-thirds of today’s retirees. The center released a new report with some chilling data It can cost as much as $77,000 a year for a nursing home room and $20,000 for in-home care. These are costs that are becoming more and more difficult for the average person to absorb. Recent analysis shows that when the cost of health care and long-term care is included, 64 percent of retirees will not be able to uphold their current standards of living.
Current events, like the sharp decline in the Stock Market since 2007, have proven to show just how ill-prepared people are for their retirement expenses. "The cost of health care will create such an unexpected hardship on unprepared retiring baby boomers that it’s imperative to sound the warning now", says Alicia Munnell, director of the Center for Retirement Research. It's unfortunate, but it is the reality of the situation nowadays.
Munnell, like many other people, has been concerned for years about the impending retirement crisis caused by a combination of problems. These problems include inadequate personal savings, a Social Security system that will likely fail to provide current levels of support and rapidly rising health care costs. These are all very serious issues by themselves, coupled together they create a perfect storm of health care crisis.
The harsh reality is; people spend too much, borrow excessively and save too little. This has left a generation unprepared for retirement and shell-shocked by the current economic downturn. Over the past 20 years their has been very aggressive consumption rates and high levels of indebtedness. We are going to have to face a period of some serious behavioral changes and social/economic sacrifices. Restraints on consumption and a push on higher savings will be needed in order to begin to relieve some of the pressure on retirees and those in need of long term care. Along with higher savings and less debt, the health care industry in general needs solutions that can drive down costs all the while maintaining the level of care that is appropriate.
This overall dilemma shows that their is much blame to go around, and no clear or easy solution. Changes, sacrifices, and ideas are needed on all fronts and will have to be executed appropriately. People need to manage their own finances better, and the health care industry along with the government and private companies need to find ways to drive down costs.
Reference Article:
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/04/05/pfcare0405ze.html
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Employee Free Choice Act
Many industries in America are opposing the "Employee Free Choice Act", including those in the health care sector like Nursing Homes and Long Term Care Facilities. The "Employee Free Choice Act" recently introduced in Congress will essentially re-write the Labor Laws regarding secret ballot provisions for such things as joining unions.
Currently, employees are entitled to a private-ballot election when deciding whether they want union representation in their workplace. Elections are overseen by the National Labor Relations Board, which has numerous procedures in place to ensure fair, fraud-free elections. Because of NLRB safeguards, employees can cast their vote confidentially, without peer pressure or coercion from unions or employers. If Congress passes the Employee Free Choice Act, employees effectively lose their right to private-ballot elections. The bill would establish a so-called "card-check" union organizing system, in which a majority of employees simply sign a card in favor of union representation.
Many sector's of the Health Care Industry are opposed to this legislation and the potential harm it may bring. Nursing Homes are one of the many facilities and sectors of business that is actively opposing this Act. Retail companies and restaurants are also public about their opposition to the Act.
One of the key voter's in this legislation, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), said Tuesday he would vote against the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as the card-check bill. Regarding the number of votes needed for the legislation to pass, Specter holds a key vote that could swing the legislation to either pass or fail. According to McKnight's - Long Term Care and Assisted Living News website; "Nursing homes likely are cheering after Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) said Tuesday he would vote against the Employee Free Choice Act."
As of right now this issue is purely a partisan issue, with Democrats in favor of the legislation and Republicans fighting it. Republicans have also banned together to draft their own counter-legislation that would restore the secret-ballot process if this bill were to pass. Reps. John Kline (R-MN) and Tom Price (R-GA), the top Republicans on the Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee and the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, are behind the counter-legislation. It was introduced on February 25, and is called the "Secret Ballot Protection Act."
The final vote on the "Employee Free Choice Act" has not yet been decided. It's not 100% clear as of right now what will happen, but it is clear that it will be quite a showdown. I'm sure their is some good and bad in both sides of the argument, but let's just hope whatever the outcome is it does more good than harm for those in the Long Term Care industry.
Sources:
http://www.mcknights.com/Specter-plans-vote-against-card-check-legislation-threatening-bills-passage/article/129463/
http://www.restaurant.org/government/Issues/Issue.cfm?Issue=cardcheck
http://capwiz.com/hida/issues/alert/?alertid=12786646
Currently, employees are entitled to a private-ballot election when deciding whether they want union representation in their workplace. Elections are overseen by the National Labor Relations Board, which has numerous procedures in place to ensure fair, fraud-free elections. Because of NLRB safeguards, employees can cast their vote confidentially, without peer pressure or coercion from unions or employers. If Congress passes the Employee Free Choice Act, employees effectively lose their right to private-ballot elections. The bill would establish a so-called "card-check" union organizing system, in which a majority of employees simply sign a card in favor of union representation.
Many sector's of the Health Care Industry are opposed to this legislation and the potential harm it may bring. Nursing Homes are one of the many facilities and sectors of business that is actively opposing this Act. Retail companies and restaurants are also public about their opposition to the Act.
One of the key voter's in this legislation, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), said Tuesday he would vote against the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as the card-check bill. Regarding the number of votes needed for the legislation to pass, Specter holds a key vote that could swing the legislation to either pass or fail. According to McKnight's - Long Term Care and Assisted Living News website; "Nursing homes likely are cheering after Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) said Tuesday he would vote against the Employee Free Choice Act."
As of right now this issue is purely a partisan issue, with Democrats in favor of the legislation and Republicans fighting it. Republicans have also banned together to draft their own counter-legislation that would restore the secret-ballot process if this bill were to pass. Reps. John Kline (R-MN) and Tom Price (R-GA), the top Republicans on the Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee and the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, are behind the counter-legislation. It was introduced on February 25, and is called the "Secret Ballot Protection Act."
The final vote on the "Employee Free Choice Act" has not yet been decided. It's not 100% clear as of right now what will happen, but it is clear that it will be quite a showdown. I'm sure their is some good and bad in both sides of the argument, but let's just hope whatever the outcome is it does more good than harm for those in the Long Term Care industry.
Sources:
http://www.mcknights.com/Specter-plans-vote-against-card-check-legislation-threatening-bills-passage/article/129463/
http://www.restaurant.org/government/Issues/Issue.cfm?Issue=cardcheck
http://capwiz.com/hida/issues/alert/?alertid=12786646
Thursday, January 29, 2009
15 seconds to better health....
Given the huge rise worldwide in heart disease and type 2 diabetes, any form of exercise deemed helpful to combat these issues is critical. In today's fast paced working world, very few people have the luxury and/or time to to engage in long workouts multiple times a week. It's not practical or feasible for the average working mom or dad anymore. But, this may not be the only answer to a healthier life, free of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
According to new research published in the journal BMC Endocrine Disorders, brief, intense workouts can dramatically lower your risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Scientists from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, conducted experiments with 16 young adults and tested insulin sensitivity and metabolism rates.
The 16 young adults(in fair health) used exercise bikes to perform quick, rigorous sprints for 30 seconds totaling 15 minutes over a two-week period. None of the test subjects were previously involved in a structured exercise program, and claimed to be moderate exercisers.
During this two week time period, the young adults insulin sensitivity and metabolism rates improved significantly.
James Timmons, a professor in the school of engineering and physical sciences at the University, carried out the expirement along with his colleagues. They claim that the data collected shows that low-volume, high-intensity workouts can have a dramatic affect on an individulals blood sugar levels, metabolism rate and risk for heart disease.
So, even if you only have a few minutes of free time...engage in a quick, high intensity workout. Do this multiple times a week, or even a day, and you will be on your way to a healthier and happier life.
According to new research published in the journal BMC Endocrine Disorders, brief, intense workouts can dramatically lower your risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Scientists from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, conducted experiments with 16 young adults and tested insulin sensitivity and metabolism rates.
The 16 young adults(in fair health) used exercise bikes to perform quick, rigorous sprints for 30 seconds totaling 15 minutes over a two-week period. None of the test subjects were previously involved in a structured exercise program, and claimed to be moderate exercisers.
During this two week time period, the young adults insulin sensitivity and metabolism rates improved significantly.
James Timmons, a professor in the school of engineering and physical sciences at the University, carried out the expirement along with his colleagues. They claim that the data collected shows that low-volume, high-intensity workouts can have a dramatic affect on an individulals blood sugar levels, metabolism rate and risk for heart disease.
So, even if you only have a few minutes of free time...engage in a quick, high intensity workout. Do this multiple times a week, or even a day, and you will be on your way to a healthier and happier life.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Long Term Care (LTC)...
Prior to taking this course (HSA 3222), I didn't fully understand the size and scope of Long Term Care. Since this course has started, I have begun to wrap my head around exactly what Long Term Care is, and how it is a vital component in the overall Health Care Spectrum of care.
I always assumed that Long Term Care simply meant the care for elderly, but come to find out...it reaches beyond that. Long Term Care Care provides personal and medical care to all people who are unable to assist themselves in daily routine activities. This includes and is not limited to; elderly, disabled, chronically ill and retarded.
The size and scope of care delivered to these patients can be done through in-patient or out-patient care. Types of facilities for in-patient care can include; rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes and mental homes. Out-patient care is typically done on a at home basis.
This just scratches the surface of LTC, and gives you an idea of what LTC is. As this course progresses, I will be revisiting this subject and diving further into it's complexity.
I always assumed that Long Term Care simply meant the care for elderly, but come to find out...it reaches beyond that. Long Term Care Care provides personal and medical care to all people who are unable to assist themselves in daily routine activities. This includes and is not limited to; elderly, disabled, chronically ill and retarded.
The size and scope of care delivered to these patients can be done through in-patient or out-patient care. Types of facilities for in-patient care can include; rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes and mental homes. Out-patient care is typically done on a at home basis.
This just scratches the surface of LTC, and gives you an idea of what LTC is. As this course progresses, I will be revisiting this subject and diving further into it's complexity.
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