Mac users: Increase text size by holding command and +. Decrease text size by holding command and -.Soon after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on nursing homes was thrust into the spotlight. As people began to think and talk more about nursing home residents and the care workforce, many existing narratives of nursing homes were reinforced–that they are underfunded, understaffed, and ill-equipped to provide high-quality care. Continue reading
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Celebrating Healthcare Decisions Month During April
Every year the Honoring Choices Partners & Friends celebrate April 16 National Healthcare Decisions Day using their easy-to-use programs and tools.
Just choose a date in April or May to co-host a webinar; they’ll supply the presentation and post on the 2022 Events Calendar. Continue reading
Pew Research Center Examines Reasons U.S. Adults Live in Multigenerational Households
With a combination of Census and survey data, Pew Research Center examined the experiences of multigenerational households, including who lives in these types of arrangements and why they do so.
According to the report resulting from that analysis, census data from 1971-2021 shows the number of people living in multigenerational family households quadrupled over that time, reaching 59.7 million in March 2021. The share more than doubled as well, to 18% of the U.S. population. Continue reading
Help Raise Awareness of Child Tax Credit Eligibility for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is working to raise awareness of the Child Tax Credit and, of specific interest to the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative network, the eligibility of grandparents raising grandchildren.
A one-page flier has been developed for stakeholders to raise awareness among grandparents who are legal guardians, which is available here.
AARP Survey Reveals Experience with Fraud Among Older Adults, Caregivers
In a recent short survey conducted between January 20-24, 2022, AARP asked adults 50 and older and family caregivers about their experiences losing money to a scam. The basis for the survey comes from AARP’s recent National Fraud Frontiers report, which reported
nine in 10 Americans (229 million people) experienced a fraud attempt in the past year, with one in seven (33 million people) losing money as a result. Continue reading
Medicare Planning to Launch Coverage of Over-the-Counter COVID Tests
In addition to recent efforts to expand Americans’ access to free testing, people in either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage will be able to get over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at no cost starting in early spring.
Under the new initiative, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to access up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month for free. Tests will be available through eligible pharmacies and other participating entities. This policy will apply to COVID-19 over-the-counter tests approved or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Continue reading
‘Caregiving in a Diverse America’ Report Highlights Disparities, Impacts in Caregiver Support and Health
One in five Americans are providing care to an adult or a child because of a health care need or functional disability, according to a report from the National Alliance for Caregiving, the Diverse Elders Coalition and the National Minority Quality Forum. Continue reading
Ariadne Labs Develops Workbook for Caregivers and People with Serious Illness
Developed by Ariadne Labs in collaboration with The Conversation Project, the “What Matters to Me Workbook” is designed to help people with a serious illness get ready to talk to their health care team about what is most important to them.
As the resource explains, the Workbook is not about making specific medical
decisions, but rather “thinking about what matters most to you — and sharing your goals and preferences with your health care team.” Continue reading
MHAC Promotes Resources for National Family Caregivers Month
November is National Family Caregivers Month and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative is proud to offer a range of resources from our partners and national organizations that offer support and ways to honor caregivers. Continue reading
Mass. Senate Releases “Reimagining the Future of Massachusetts” Report with Focus on Digital Equity, Intergenerational Activity and Caregiving
Following a series of listening sessions held during the pandemic, the Senate Committee on Reimagining Massachusetts Post-Pandemic Resiliency released its report with policy and spending recommendations on everything from rental assistance to digital equity. Continue reading