Neal is a former chair, and current ranking member, of the US House Committee on Ways and Means which deals with Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and other issues affecting older adults and people with disabilities. “Ranking Member Neal has been a strong champion for nursing home residents and individuals needing long-term care and services. He […]
Category: Spotlight
*Boston Globe, January 17, 2024By The Editorial Board Higher prices, worse outcomes don’t serve patients or providers. When Pamela Daly got new wheelchair brakes, they rattled and didn’t work. She complained to the manufacturer but after a month was still waiting for replacements. Daly, a disability rights advocate, was late to an event at the […]
In a British Town, a New Way of Caring for Older People Is Bringing Hope New York Times (free access)By Megan Specia, December 29, 2023 For 12 years after her husband died, Norma Fitzgerald tried to maintain her independence, living alone in an apartment on the outskirts of Hull, in northern England, despite her mobility […]
This study, United States’ Nursing Home Finances: Spending, Profitability, and Capital Structure, was issued by the Long Term Care Community Coalition. The entire text, including footnotes, can be accessed at the above link. By Charlene Harrington, Richard Mollot, and Dunc Williams, Jr.Sage Journals, December 19, 2023 AbstractLittle is known about nursing home (NH) financial status […]
The Washington Post (free access), December 17, 2023By Douglas MacMillan and Christopher Rowland Surveillance video captured a 97-year-old woman’s death outside the locked doors of a high-end Colorado home, a symptom of deeper problems in the $34 billion industry. . . Conceived about 40 years ago to give seniors more freedom in their final years of […]
The New York Times (free access)December 9, 2023 By Nicholas Kristof Homelessness is an American tragedy, but it’s not hopeless. In a recent column, I explored how Houston has become a national model by reducing homelessness by more than 60 percent. One takeaway is that homelessness, above all, reflects a shortage of cheap housing. So, […]
By Penny ShawNovember 21, 2023 I have Guillain-Barre syndrome – a neuromuscular disorder – in my case with quadriparesis: paralysis of the legs and weakness of my upper extremities. I have no control over my legs. I cannot stand or walk. I cannot bend or straighten them. When I am in bed I […]
New York Times (free access), November 14, 2023By Jordan Rau Around the world, wealthy countries are struggling to afford long-term care for rapidly aging populations. Most spend more than the United States through government funding or insurance that individuals are legally required to obtain. Some protect individuals from exhausting all their income or wealth paying […]
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Fire Thru Dry Grass
2025-01-14: The importance of Fire Thru Dry Grass “FIRE THROUGH DRY GRASS shines a light on the intersectionality of racism, ableism, classism, institutionalization and xenophobia within the American healthcare system. In this film, the protagonists—nursing home residents—rise up and demand change.” (from the presentation) Read the the Fire Thru Dry Grass presentation. The presentation demonstrates […]
DignityMA editor’s note: While this report covers a guardianship situation in Florida, there are similar occurrences throughout the nation including Massachusetts. The Post has received almost 3600 comments online. We welcome comments from Dignity Digest readers which can be submitted via info@DignityAllianceMA.org. Comments may be posted in future issues of The Digest. The retired pilot […]