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AARP PPI, NASUAD and HMA Releases a New Report on Long-Term Services and Supports
On July 16th, 2013, AARP Public Policy Institute, National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD) and Health Management Associates (HMA) released At the Crossroads: Providing Long-Term Services and Supports at a Time of High Demand and Fiscal Constraint, a new report highlighting the challenges facing states in providing long-term services and supports (LTSS). Even as states begin to implement LTSS options in the Affordable Care Act that increase access to Medicaid home and community based services (HCBS), most states did not increase funding for non-Medicaid services including senior centers, information and referral, transportation and caregiver supports, such as those under the Older Americans Act.
The report examines findings of the third annual survey of LTSS systems across 49 states and the District of Columbia, highlighting transformations and reforms underway, and trends across the country. The report found that more states are increasing participation in HCBS options within the Affordable Care Act as well as initiatives for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. At the same time, states are seeing increased demand for non-Medicaid services; for example, the caseload for adult protective services for victims of abuse or exploitation has increased in the last two years without increased funding in many states.
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HCBS Conference Early-Bird Registration Deadline Approaching
Early-bird registration for this year's National Home and Community Based Services Conference ends on
August 5th. Don't miss your chance to receive discounted conference registration rates!
Click here to register today.
When: September 9-12, 2013
- Pre-Conference workshops: September 9
- HCBS Conference: September 10 - September 12
Where: The Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Arlington, VA
Click here to make a hotel reservation.
Click here for a draft agenda of the conference.
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| Department of Health and Human Services |
AHRQ Releases a Guide to Patient and Family Engagement in Hospital Safety and Quality
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recently released a Guide to Patient and Family Engagement in Hospital Safety and Quality that helps hospitals engage patients and families in health care. The guide is a tested, evidence-based resource to help hospitals work as partners with patients and families to improve quality and safety.
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Administration for Community Living |
2013 Webinar Series on Alzheimer's Disease and Resources
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Administration for Community Living (ACL) are collaborating to host a five-part webinar series with the goals of 1) improving coordination of federal resources available to assist people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias and their family caregivers and 2) encouraging awareness of research participation opportunities. NIA & ACL invite you to take advantage of these opportunities. You can register for all of the webinars or just the one or two that most interest you. Registration will open approximately two months in advance of each webinar.
The next webinar, Webinar #3: Diverse Populations, Health Disparities and Dementia, will take place on Wednesday, July 24, 1:30-3:30pm ET. Join this session to learn what experts know about the experience of dementia in diverse populations, and hear what researchers are doing to better understand and improve outcomes for people with dementia and their caregivers. This session will focus on American Indian/Alaskan Native/Native Hawaiian, African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people with dementia and their family caregivers. |
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
CDC Releases a New Report, The State of Aging and Health in America 2013
Twentieth-century advances in protecting and promoting health among older adults have provided many opportunities for overcoming the challenges of an aging society. The health indicators presented in The State of Aging and Health in America 2013 highlight these opportunities. By working to meet the goals for each of these key indicators, our nation can help to ensure that all of its citizens can look forward to living longer and living well.
The State of Aging and Health in America 2013, provides a snapshot of our nation's progress in promoting prevention, improving the health and well-being of older adults, and reducing behaviors that contribute to premature death and disability. In addition, the report highlights mobility (referring to movement in all of its forms) and how optimal mobility is fundamental to healthy aging.
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services |
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Connect with other Million Hearts Supporters on the Community Commons and Group Page
In September 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and several key partners launched Million Hearts®, a national, public-private initiative to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. Co-led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the initiative depends on communities, health care professionals, health systems, nonprofit organizations, federal agencies, and other public and private-sector partners to meet the Million Hearts® goal.
Million Hearts® now has an online community for users to connect, collaborate, and highlight the work they are doing in support of the initiative. Since the launch of Million Hearts®, participants have requested an online space to share resources and ideas with state and community colleagues. Million Hearts® invites users to visit their new mapping and networking site, Community Commons, and register and join the Million Hearts® Group page.
Click here to learn more about Million Hearts® and to join the Community Commons and the Million Hearts® Group page. Email millionhearts@cdc.gov with questions.
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Direct Service Workforce Resource Center's Summer Webinar Series
This CMS webinar is the second session in the Direct Service Workforce Resource Center's Summer Webinar Series. The webinar will focus on methods and approaches to understand and evaluate the strength and quality of each State's LTSS workforce. It will focus on measuring and incentivizing workforce quality in fee-for-service, participant-directed and managed LTSS models.
When: July 31, 2013 3:00-4:30 PM
Call-in number: 866-233-3841 (Passcode: 297171)
Click here to register for the webinar.
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Department of Veterans Affairs |
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VA Announces $300M in New Grants to Help End Veterans' Homelessness
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki has just announced the award of nearly $300 million in grants that will help approximately 120,000 homeless and at-risk Veterans and their families. The grants have been awarded to 319 community agencies in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, Veterans Affairs (VA) is awarding grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives that provide services to very low-income Veteran families living in, or transitioning to, permanent housing. The SSVF program supports VA's efforts to prevent at-risk Veterans from becoming homeless and rapidly re-house those who have recently become homelessness.
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New Senate HELP Committee Report on Olmstead
On July 18, 2013, Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman, Tom Harkin (D-IA), released a report critical of states' for inadequately integrating individuals with disabilities into their communities using home and community based service options. The report, titled "Separate and Unequal: States Fail to Fulfill the Community Living Promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act," is the result of a year-long investigation, spearheaded by Chairman Harkin, in which all 50 states were asked to respond to requests for information about their progress in transitioning individuals with disabilities out of institutions.
Click here for a copy of responses from states.
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The Federal Commission on Long-Term Care Holds Second Public Meeting
The Long-Term Care Commission's second public meeting entitled, "Populations in Need of LTSS and Service Delivery Issues," had two panels addressing: the various populations that use Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS), care coordination best practices, and challenges faced by caregivers and paid LTSS workers. Nine leaders in aging, disability, caregiver and paraprofessional policy testified for the commission.
The first panel focused on the diversity of LTSS demand covering current LTSS trends, challenges and needs of older adults and those with physical disabilities, developmental and intellectual disabilities, mental illness. The affordable housing crisis was a central policy issue discussed in this panel and the commissioners followed up with several related questions.
The second panel focused on issues of care coordination and LTSS workforce challenges, including best practices for care coordination, considerations for family caregivers and paid LTSS workers. Many of the commissioners' questions were related to the need for federal training standards for LTSS workers and additional support and training for family caregivers.
The next public meeting will be held on August 19, 2013. Updated information on the meetings will be posted on the Federal Long-Term Care Commission's website closer to each scheduled date.
The commission is seeing comments and proposals for improvements in organizing, providing and financing long-term services from stakeholders and the general public.
Click here for instructions on how to submit comments and proposals.
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AARP Public Policy Institute |
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AARP PPI's Blogs on Long-Term Care
AARP Public Policy Institute (PPI) has developed a series of blogs on topics related to the issues being tackled by the newly formed Long Term Care Commission:
To find a listing of reports from the AARP's Public Policy Institute on Family Caregiving and Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) issues, click here.
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| National Association of Development Organizations |
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AAA in North Carolina Receives National Recognition for Innovation
National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) recognized members who have had significant and positive impacts on their regions through innovative approaches to problem solving and program delivery through the Annual Innovation Award program.
The Extended Health Community Programs project initiated by North Carolina's Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging (PTRC AAA) is one of the 93 projects awarded for 2013. The project will work in partnership with hospitals, health care providers, long-term care facilities, senior communities, senior centers, local community businesses, the faith community, and recreational facilities throughout the 12-county region.
Key features of the Extended Health Community Programs include the commitment by the AAA to tailor programs suited to the communities' healthcare needs; to provide high-quality training programs and educational materials; to measure the cost-effectiveness of partnerships; to ensure smooth hospital transitions; and to continue development delivery systems that promote aging in place with dignity and independence.
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| National Council on Aging |
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Webinar On Maximizing SNAP Through The Medical Expense Deduction
Who is eligible for the SNAP medical expense deduction; how you can get involved with state advocacy for a state standard medical deduction; and where to get helpful resources and tools to help older adults maximize SNAP benefits by providing proof of medical deductions.
The webinar will be offered both July 23 and July 30, 2PM-3PM ET. Click here to register.
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| National Council on Independent Living |
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NCIL Holds a Teleconference on ADRC/NWD Network Partnership
On Tuesday, August 3, 3:00-4:00p ET, NCIL will hold a teleconference that will explain how state and local staff can build on partnerships to take advantage of new funding opportunities, expand funding from existing sources, and share resources with partners. Also reviewed during the teleconferences, will be how the No Wrong Door (NWD) /Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Network serves as the foundation for recent efforts to streamline and enhance access to long-term services and supports (LTSS) for individuals with disabilities and older adults.
NCIL members from Vermont and Connecticut will share partnership success stories. CART Captioning will be available
Click here to reserve your spot on the teleconference.
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| U.S. International Council on Disabilities |
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USICD To Hold Annual Meeting on July 25th
U.S. International Council on Disabilities will hold its Annual Meeting on July 25, 2013, 3:30PM-5:30PM. At the meeting, the organization plans to share updates and the latest plan of action for U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, share the most recent advancements in worldwide disability rights.The organization will also celebrate its first graduating class of the Youth in Development Internship.
The meeting will be held at the U.S. Access Board, 1331 F St. NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004.
Click here to RSVP. |
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July 14, 2013 marks 48th anniversary of Older Americans Act.
July 26, 2013 is 23th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act.
July 30, 2013 is 48th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid.
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Support for Demonstration Ombudsman Programs Serving Beneficiaries of Financial Alignment Models for Medicare-Medicaid Enrollees
Grant Title: Support for Demonstration Ombudsman Programs Serving Beneficiaries of Financial Alignment Models for Medicare-Medicaid Enrollees
Agency Issuing Grant: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Eligible Applicants: State governments
Close Date: August 5, 2013
Funding Opportunity Number: CMS-1J1-13-001
CDFA Number: 93.634
Grant Amount: $3 million for 10 awards
Description: This opportunity provides financial assistance to States to plan, develop and provide
Demonstration Ombudsman Program services to individuals who participate in the Financial Alignment model. States will ensure that individual beneficiaries have access to person-centered assistance in resolving problems related to the Demonstration. The program will inform States, Plans, CMS, and other stakeholders regarding beneficiary experience with the Plans and will recommend areas of improvement in States Financial Alignment Initiatives.
Click here for more information on this funding opportunity.
Applicants must apply for this grant through www.grants.gov. |
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Rosline Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiving Legacy Award
Nonprofit organizations, government agencies and universities are invited to apply for the sixth annual Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiving Legacy Award. The application is available on the Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) website.
Through a grant to FCA's National Center on Caregiving from the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, three awards of $20,000 each will be given to organizations to recognize unique programs that address the needs of Alzheimer's caregivers. One award will be granted in each of three categories:
- Creative Expression
- Diverse/Multicultural Communities
- Policy and Advocacy
The Family Caregiver Alliance oversees this national awards program. The deadline for applications is August 16, 2013, and winners will be announced in late November 2013.
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NIDRR to Fund Research on Aging and Disability
The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) recently announced an award application for a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Promoting Healthy Aging for Individuals with Long-Term Physical Disabilities. The estimated available award is $875,000. The application deadline is August 6, 2013.
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2014 RSVP Competition
Grant Title: 2014 RSVP Competition
Agency Issuing Grant: Corporation for National and Community Service
Eligible Applicants: State governments, Nonprofits and Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Close Date: Notice of Intent to Apply due August 9, 2013. Application due: September 10, 2013.
Funding Opportunity Number: CNCS-06-10-13-01
CDFA Number: 94.002
Grant Amount: $14,500,000 total funding
Description: CNCS seeks to increase the impact of national service in 270 specific communities across the country. These RSVP grants will support volunteers 55 years and older serving in a diverse range of activities that meet specific community needs and respond to National Performance Measures.
Click here for more info on this funding opportunity.
Applicants must apply for this grant through www.grants.gov. |
Planning and Demonstration Grant for Testing Experience and Functional Tools in Community-Based Long Term Services and Supports (TEFT)
Grant Title: Planning and Demonstration Grant for Testing Experience and Functional Tools in Community-Based Long Term Services and Supports (TEFT)
Agency Issuing Grant: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Eligible Applicants: State governments
Close Date: August 12, 2013 (Note of Intent to Apply Due July 19, 2013)
Funding Opportunity Number: CMS-1H1-13-001
CDFA Number: 93.627
Grant Amount: $500,000 for 15 awards
Description: This solicits applications for participation in the Testing Experience and Functional Tools (TEFT) in Community-Based Long Term Services and Supports (CB-LTSS) planning and demonstration grant. TEFT furthers adult quality measurement activities under Section 2701 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. CMS's strategy is to support state Medicaid agencies in collecting and reporting on the adult core measures, and the goals for the work conducted under TEFT are consistent with the National Quality Strategy, Section 3011 of the Affordable Care Act, and CMS' priorities to achieve better care and a healthier population at a lower cost.
Click here for more information on this funding opportunity.
Applicants must apply for this grant through www.grants.gov. |
Rapid Secondary Analysis to Optimize Care for Patients with Multiple Chronic Conditions
Grant Title: Rapid Secondary Analysis to Optimize Care for Patients with Multiple Chronic Conditions
Agency Issuing Grant: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Eligible Applicants: State governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) and Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Close Date: August 28, 2013
Funding Opportunity Number: RFA-HS-14-001
CDFA Number: 93.226
Grant Amount: $1,600,000 for 4 grants
Description: This opportunity seeks to fund research studies that can be conducted rapidly and will provide evidence to optimize processes, care, treatments and health of MCC patients. The goal is to provide scientific evidence and information for use by patients and the clinical community to best manage care of MCC patients.
Click here for more info on this funding opportunity.
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