News Roundup – June 30, 2021

WFSU Public Media reported that Group Homes For Those With Developmental Disabilities Face A Growing Worker Shortage. Developmental disability service providers are the latest to join a list of employers who say they’re facing a worker shortage. Advocates say direct support professionals who left the industry because of health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic aren’t returning now because of low wages. Read more.

Help is available for seniors (and others) who are not tech savvy. KHN reported an article by Judith Graham, Calming Computer Jitters: Help for Seniors Who Aren’t Tech Savvy, telling the story of Cindy Sanders, a 68 year old great-grandmother who had not opened the box holding the computer she purchased to talk with her great-grandchildren. “With a daughter’s help, Sanders plans to turn on her new computer and figure out how to use it by consulting materials from Generations on Line. Founded in 1999, the Philadelphia organization specializes in teaching older adults about digital devices and navigating the internet. Sanders recently discovered it through a local publication for seniors.” Read more.

The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care released a report summarizing Covid-19 laws that shielded long-term care facilities from accountability for harm residents suffered during the pandemic. Read more. Also see report from U.S. DHS Office of Inspector General: COVID-19 Had a Devastating Impact on Medicare Beneficiaries in Nursing Homes During 2020.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) reported on Staying Safe in Extreme Heat. Extreme heat can be dangerous for all, but especially for older adults and people with chronic conditions. Read more. Also released was a guest blog titled: Meeting the Unique Needs of LGBTQ+ Older Adults. Also, a panel will be convened on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at 1pm to discuss Home Modification for Aging in Place: Federal, State, and Local Updates. Read more. Related to that panel, MoneyGeek reports on Making Home Accessible: Home Modifications for Disability.

The American Society on Aging announced free registration to hear 12 episodes from its Legacy Interviews series. his 12-week webcast series will feature interviews with diverse legendary pathfinders who have spent decades in the field of aging, health and social services. Each interview will be conducted by Ken Dychtwald, to capture the wisdom and character of gerontology’s pioneers to inform, inspire and guide current and future professionals in the fields of aging and related services for years to come. Read more.

The Census Bureau reported that Nearly a Third of Children Who Receive SNAP Participate in Two or More Additional Programs. Read more.

The Military Health System announces resources available to assist Veterans with PTSD. Read more. See also the National Center for PTSD. The VA posted on How your toothbrush can reduce your chances of pneumonia. Read more.

U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” presents “Rush Hour Concert” at the National WWI Memorial in DC July 1, at 6pm. Read more.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a monthly update of data that provides a snapshot of the impact of COVID-19 on the Medicare population. The updated data show over 4.3 million COVID-19 cases among the Medicare population and over 1.2 million COVID-19 hospitalizations. Read more.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued a news release titled: Eating disorder behaviors alter reward response in the brain. Read more. Also Rehab program helps frail older adults with heart failure. Read more.

The AP reports that a Widower who relocated to Florida is among missing from collapsed tower. Read more.

The Government Accounting Office (GAO) issued a report finding that Servicemembers Have Limited Understanding about Waivers of Their Consumer Rights and Protections. Read more.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released a toolkit to improve antibiotic use in long-term care settings. Read more.

Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that Burlington Financial Group, LLC, Katherine Burnham, Sang Yi, and Richard Burnham (Burlington) have entered into a consent judgment with the State of Georgia and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to resolve allegations that they violated the Telemarketing Sales Rule, the Fair Business Practices Act (FBPA), and the Debt Adjustment Act in connection with the marketing, sale, and provision of debt relief and credit repair services. “Illegal debt adjustment practices exploit consumers who are already vulnerable, like older or at-risk adults, by hurting their credit and exposing them to legal consequences,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “We will not tolerate this unfair conduct in Georgia.” Read more.

Georgia Public Broadcasting removed us that the PBS series, Mysteries of Mental Illness, premiered June 22 & 23 and is available to watch online. Read more.

Justice in Aging announced” Better Care Better Jobs Act (S. 2210, H.R. 4131), which provides the legal authority for the $400 billion investment in Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS) that President Biden committed to in the American Jobs Plan. Under the bill, states would be eligible for HCBS planning grants as well as permanent enhanced federal Medicaid match funding to expand and strengthen HCBS access and the workforce. States would be required to show improvement over time, including reduced disparities in access to HCBS across populations.” Read more. Summary of Bill. NAELA also supports the bill.

Benefits.gov posted on How to Apply for the Housing Voucher Program (Section 8). Read more.

CMS announced an initiative: Strategies to Address Mental Health Among Children and Teens & Resources to Get Them Access to Care. Mental health disorders usually first arise in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood and can cause serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions. As children grapple with ongoing changes in their lives, it’s crucial to make sure they have access to – and use – mental and behavioral health services. The growing emotional and behavioral health concerns among children, exacerbated by the COVID-19 public health emergency, confirmed the critical need to integrate mental health services into standard healthcare practices. Considering the long-term effects on children’s wellbeing, outreach underscoring coverage of essential mental and behavioral health services under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will be critical to promote year-round.  Read more.