Gobble, Gobble!
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Bad News from the Feds, Good News at GSA
Spending last week in New Orleans, at the Hartford Nursing and Social Work preconference meetings followed by the meetings of the Gerontological Society of America, was truly exciting and stimulating. Not only is the cutting edge science I saw very promising for the future, but also the ever-growing cadre of…
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Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler at GSA
This year’s annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana, November 19-23. I’m flying there today for what promises to be a fascinating and intensive meeting. I have two reasons to be excited about this year’s meeting: 1) the meeting’s theme, “Transitions of…
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A Disastrous Discharge
An article in the October 30, 2010, New York Times, “Money Woes Can Be Early Clue to Alzheimer’s,” reminded me of how important it is for everyone working with older people to have knowledge of aging, including the signs and symptoms of dementia. While it may not be so obvious…
Read full postA Partner in the Good Work
It’s sometimes good to reflect that with all of the effort the Hartford Foundation puts into improving geriatric care across the nation, we’re not alone in meeting the challenge. Other philanthropic organizations have taken on similar goals. Among them, the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation stands out for its ongoing efforts…
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Report Examines Policy Issues and Best Strategies for Chronic Care
Back in January, Amy Berman developed and I spoke at a forum at the Engelberg Center for Health Reform at the Brookings Institution. In partnership with The SCAN Foundation, we sponsored this conference to explore ways to provide better and more cost-effective care to older Americans with chronic diseases. Our…
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Shining a Light on Better Health: Improved IT and Outcomes
Merriam-Webster defines “beacon” as “a source of light or inspiration.” The aptly named Beacon Communities project, launched in 2010 by The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) , showcases 17 communities as beacons of health care improvement. These 17 consortia of nonprofit organizations, health care systems…
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Care Coordination Is Not a Noun
“Please enter the exam room, loosen your shirt, and remove your shoes and socks. Someone will be in shortly to coordinate your care. . . . This might sting a little, but it will be quick.” Obviously ludicrous. And yet oftentimes in the shorthand way we talk about redesign of…
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Advising the National Health Care Workforce Advisory Commission
Last month, after months of waiting and insider speculation, the Government Accountability Office announced the members of the National Health Care Workforce Advisory Commission, in accordance with PPACA section 5101. Their challenge will be to make recommendations on the numbers, nature, and deployment of the health care workforce. These recommendations…
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Modern Healthcare Translates Transitions
There is a satirical video circulating on YouTube lampooning a clueless “health care executive” who has read in "Modern Healthcare" that he should set up an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) and “have lots of meetings” to make his board happy. When asked about his experience with care management, medical homes…
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