One of the greatest challenges physicians face is responding to the older patient with memory loss who fears he or she has Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, you and your physician need to know the facts: What’s the difference between the memory loss of normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease? What tests can be performed to assess memory? If it’s Alzheimer’s, how does the physician tell you? What treatments are available? What else can the doctor do to help you or your family? What Alzheimer's clinical trials are available in the area? What resources are available to the family?
Residents in nursing homes have the same rights as everyone. However, the combination of an institutional setting and the disability can result in a loss of dignity and the absence of proper care. Consequently, Congress enacted the Nursing Home Reform Law. Basically, it requires that every nursing home resident be given whatever services are necessary to function at the highest possible level. Additionally, the law gives residents a number of specific rights: Residents have the right to be free of unnecessary physical or chemical restraints. Vests, hand mitts, seat belts and other physical restraints, and antipsychotic drugs, sedatives, and other…
To be eligible for hospice a physician must certify the patient to be terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less and treatment for a cure is no longer provided. The focus for the patient has changed to supportive care and quality of remaining life. Hospice is paid for by private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid Hospice Benefit or personal funds. Here are the conditions that apply for Medicare Hospice Benefits: You are eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) Your doctor and the hospice medical director certify that you’re terminally ill and have 6 months or less…
Some VA Adjudicators mistakenly deny the room and board portions of the Assisted Living Facility bill under the pretense they are not medical expenses.
Frederick, MD 
301-663-9230
