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Up to 4% of older adults and twice as many men as women are affected by eating disorders. These disorders, however, are often overlooked in this population, despite the fact that older adults are at greater risk of repercussions due to the prevalence of co-occurring chronic conditions. A key aspect of comprehensive treatment, outpatient nutrition counseling is not covered by Medicare, leaving this population vulnerable, but new legislation aims to change that.
In addition to reading our e-newsletter, be sure to visit Today’s Geriatric Medicine’s website at www.TodaysGeriatricMedicine.com, where you’ll find news and information that’s relevant and reliable. We welcome your feedback at TGMeditor@gvpub.com. Follow Today’s Geriatric Medicine on Facebook and Twitter, too.
— Kate Jackson, editor |
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Bipartisan Senators Introduce Nutrition CARE Act Companion Legislation
Effort Intended to Improve Access to Treatment for Seniors and Persons With Disabilities on Medicare
The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action celebrates the introduction of the bipartisan Senate companion legislation of the Nutrition Counseling Aiding Recovery for Eating Disorders (Nutrition CARE) Act of 2019 led by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH).
Eating disorders affect 3% to 4% of the senior population and approximately 6% of females and 3% of males with disabilities. Eating disorders for older Americans and Americans with disabilities are particularly serious, given the likelihood of co-occurring chronic conditions that further compromise an individual’s health and well-being. Despite the prevalence of eating disorders within these populations, Medicare excludes coverage for outpatient nutrition counseling—a core component of comprehensive treatment for eating disorders.
“Eating disorders tend to be discussed in the context of young people, but that misses the full extent of the problem,” Hassan says. “My bipartisan bill with Senator Murkowski would help ensure that seniors and people living with disabilities—both populations who often face other health challenges in addition to eating disorders—receive the comprehensive care that they need.”
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The Behavioral Health Care Workforce Shortage: Sources and Solutions
What factors contribute to the current behavioral health care workforce shortage and what is the outlook for solutions? Read more »
Making Laparoscopic Surgery Safer
Wound closure devices help guard against the challenges faced by geriatric patients. Read more »
Fall Prevention: Poor Vision Increases the Risk of Falls
One of the greatest contributors to falling is blindness or vision impairment. Read more » |
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Food as Medicine
Farmbox Direct, a subscription-based service that delivers organic fruit and vegetables, is partnering with health insurers to take aim at food insecurity, prevent malnutrition among older adults, and decrease rehospitalizations. Its new initiative FarmboxRx is a “farm-to-home grocery subscription-based service” that delivers free fresh produce boxes to older adults with diet-related illnesses. The boxes are customized to the recipients’ particular requirements. Learn more »
Gas-Fired Humidifier
Because older adults are at risk for symptoms and conditions resulting from breathing excessively dry air, from dry eyes to respiratory conditions, humidification is a key part of HVAC systems in assisted living and continuing care facilities. DriSteem Corporation’s GTS humidifier LX Series is the only high-efficiency gas-fired humidifier that has ultralow nitrogen oxide emissions in a single unit. It protects against fluctuating and low relative humidity levels to maintain a healthy indoor environment. Learn more » |
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A resource for professionals looking for new opportunities, as well as those physicians just curious to see what's out there, our Physician Recruitment Center gives physician recruiters a powerful tool to fill partnership opportunities, academic appointments, and hospital staff positions. To support your product marketing or recruiting needs, e-mail our experienced account executives today at sales@gvpub.com for more information or call 800-278-4400! |
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The Majority of Caregivers Lack Training
Family members and friends bear a damaging burden of caring for older adults. It’s damaging to their own health and well-being, and, because they lack training to provide care and are increasingly asked to manage more complex tasks, it can also be detrimental to the health of those they care for. Forbes reports on a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine that indicates 93% of caregivers lack training.
Dire Challenges for Families of ALS Patients
Families of patients with ALS often find themselves in the untenable position of neither being able to provide adequate care for their loved ones nor being able to find a facility to provide care. The Boston Globe examines the challenges Massachusetts families face.
The Continuing Shortage of Geriatricians
The gap between the need for and the supply of geriatricians continues to grow, and available graduate fellowships go unfilled. The New York Times reports on the reasons for the continued shortage of providers, the consequences for older adults’ health, and strategies that are being employed in an effort to turn the tide.
Advance Care Planning May Lengthen Patients’ Lives
British newspaper The Telegraph reveals the findings of a recent study showing that terminally ill patients who are involved in advance care planning, particularly those with diagnoses other than cancer, live longer. The small Danish study indicates that patients with advance care plans are less likely to accept interventions that, although they’re intended to extend life, may actually shorten their lives. |
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