Mac users: Increase text size by holding command and +. Decrease text size by holding command and -.The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative encourages communities working to become more age- and dementia friendly to consider the following funding opportunities: Continue reading
Archives
Communicating About Nursing Home Care: Findings and Emerging Recommendations
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
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
Upcoming Events in Healthy Aging – April
Check out the following events that can help promote inclusive age- and dementia friendly communities! Continue reading
Report Shows Disparities in Clinician Consideration of Care Preferences for Older Adults
One-third of people 50 and older report rarely or never having their care preferences taken into account by their clinicians, with more people of color and lower-income individuals saying so.
A report and infographic, created in conjunction with the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston and the Center for Consumer Engagement in Health Innovation at Community Catalyst with support from The SCAN Foundation, provides the first ever look at how person-centered care models are working (or not) for older adults. 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
JAHF Survey Results Illustrate that Support is Needed for Direct Care Workers
A new poll commissioned by The John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) found that 73% of people in America think direct care workers are underpaid and 94% believe oversight of nursing homes and home care agencies is important. Continue reading
Age-Friendly Funding Alert: BCBS Special Initiatives Grant
The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) Foundation will provide a limited number of non-renewable one-year grants of up to $50,000 through its Special Initiatives grant program. Continue reading
AARP Policy Institute Advocates for Research and Policy Change to Improve Medication Literacy
In a “spotlight” research report, AARP’s Public Policy Institute advocates for separating medication literacy from health literacy as 86 percent of adults ages 65 and older regularly take at least one prescription medication and the average Medicare beneficiary takes 4.6 prescriptions per month. Continue reading
With COVID-19 Booster Shots Comes Opportunity to Promote Health and Support Services
With the availability of booster shots to protect against COVID-19, the Massachusetts Adult Immunization Coalition and Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative are re-launching a one-page resource the two organizations created to promote health and support service opportunities for older adults. Continue reading