Virginia Geriatrics Society

2010 VIRGINIA GERIATRICS CONFERENCE: “Rejuvenating Geriatric Care”

vageriatrics — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:01:58 +0000

Conference is THIS weekend. It is CLOSE to selling out.

Its not too late to register.

SIGN UP TODAY.

Click on the Conference tab for all related details.

Please NOTE: 50 SCHOLARSHIPS are available for Virginia-based providers, on a first come, first served basis with preference to first or second time VGC attendees who are not geriatricians. This generous benefit is made possible by Geriatric Training and Education (GTE) funding designated by the Virginia General Assembly. Within the Conference tab, there is a link to “Scholarships”. Please take time to apply. (NOTE: our 50 slots for 2010 are full, but please still apply, in the event we attain additional funding. Also, your name will be carried over for the 2011 conference if not chosen this year.)

Transitional Care Programs: Health Reform Plan Examines the Benefit

vageriatrics — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:54:29 +0000

Health reform experts predict transitional care will become more common across the country in the next few years, as long as health plans and hospitals are willing to pay for the extra staff required. “Trans Care” has already caught on in Virginia, with improved outcomes accompanied by significant cost savings.

This article from Clinician Reviews examines the topic:

http://www.clinicianreviews.com/index.asp?page=8_13510.xml

VCU House Calls Program Profiled by Associated Press

vageriatrics — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:21:29 +0000

The AP recently visited Richmond and spent a couple of days with Dr. Peter Boling and his VCU House Calls team. The result was a 10/31/09 feature entitled:

“House Calls As A Health Reform Fix? Updating Old Idea Seen As Saving Costs While Boosting Care”

Click here http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/31/ap/national/main5477029.shtml

for the complete story (via CBS news website)

Photo (AP)

LA Times Features VCU’s House Calls Program

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:04:35 +0000

In an article on August 25, 2009, the LA Times takes a look at the positive impact — in health outcomes and health care spending — that VCU’s House Calls program is making in the lives of critically ill patients on Medicare. Read the full story »

More geriatricians needed for baby boomers’ care

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:51:38 +0000

Despite the increased need for geriatric specialists as the population ages, fewer medical school graduates — often deterred by the prospects of relatively low pay — are choosing to become geriatricians, writes Tammie Smith, for the Richmond Times Dispatch. Read the full article and view the video below »

Geriatric Health Care Featured in Times Dispatch

admin — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:05:27 +0000

In August 2009, the Richmond Times Dispatch took an in-depth look at some of the issues facing geriatric care in the Richmond area, and solutions that VCUHS is developing to address them. Watch the video below or visit the Times Dispatch website for the article.

Dr. Peter Boling on Independence at Home Act

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:12:08 +0000

Dr. Peter Boling, Professor of Geriatric Medicine at VCU Medical Center, explains how the Independence at Home Act can dramatically advance the health outcomes and care chronically ill patients by providing care in the community. Watch the video below, or view Dr. Boling’s message here »

For frail and immobile patients, getting to a doctor’s office or clinic is difficult or impossible. High quality at-home health care can prevent expensive emergency room visits and ease the burden of illness on patients and their families.

Act Today – Call or write your U.S. congressman or senator. You can also donate to the Home Care Action Fund. To learn more, visit www.aahcp.org.

Vaccination Safety Tips for Older Adults

admin — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 01:13:36 +0000

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging has published a new tip sheet discussing the benefits of early influenza vaccinations for seniors. Read more »

More Alzheimer’s Risk for Hispanics, Studies Find

admin — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:33:25 +0000

An article in the New York Times cites several factors, many linked to low income or cultural dislocation, which may put Hispanics at greater risk for dementia, including higher rates of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, stroke and possibly hypertension.

The Alzheimer’s Association says that about 200,000 Latinos in the United States have Alzheimer’s, but that, by 2050, based on Census Bureau figures and a study of Alzheimer’s prevalence, the number could reach 1.3 million. (It predicts that the general population of Alzheimer’s patients will grow to 16 million by 2050, from 5 million now.)

“We are concerned that the Latino population may have the highest amount of risk factors and prevalence, in comparison to the other cultures,” said Maria Carrillo, the group’s director of medical and scientific relations. Read the complete article »

Silver Alerts for Missing Seniors

admin — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:39:34 +0000

One frightening reality Alzheimer’s caregivers face is the potential for a loved one to wander and not be able to find their way home. A new idea has emerged–an Amber Alert system for the elderly, appropriately called Silver Alert.

Currently, 11 states have Silver Alert-type programs, and legislation has been introduced to turn state efforts into a nation-wide program.

MSNBC reported on these programs in September. In this report, John Legare, a spokesman for the Office on Aging in South Carolina, noted that,

“When a child’s by themselves, it seems odd,” but “when a senior is by themselves, they try to respect people’s privacy more than anything else.”

Even though the subtle signs of dementia might be there, passersby may not realize that a senior has Alzheimer’s and needs help. This type of program would help caregivers and police, who sometimes spend many hours, or even days searching for a lost adult.

It would also help the individuals themselves—around 50% of those who are not found within 24 hours suffer from severe injury or death. In North Carolina, who currently has an alert program, all but 4 of the 40 individuals who were missing have been found alive.

While it is important for caregivers to take steps to keep their loved one safe, it is almost impossible to prevent an independent adult from leaving the house on their own. A Silver Alert program would benefit everyone involved, from the police to the Alzheimer’s patient.