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News Report| Policy/Regulation Report | Aging Services Report
News Report
Lower
blood sugar levels may help protect against memory loss
Physical exercise helps lower blood glucose, and might protect memory, according to an intriguing new brain imaging study by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center. The report, published in the December 2008 Annals of Neurology, found that older people with elevated blood sugar have less activity in the dentate gyrus, a brain region key to memory. That difference holds true even if they don't have diabetes. Controlling glucose, through diet, medication or exercise could not only reduce the risk of diabetes but preserve brain function. This news also helps explain why the best way to stay mentally sharp throughout life is to keep moving.
Policy/Regulations Report
Permanent source campaign turns important corner
Efforts to secure a permanent source of state funding for the development and rehabilitation of affordable housing turned an important corner in late February. Just before the deadline to introduce legislation for 2009, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg introduced SB 500. This "placeholder" bill will be the vehicle for creating a dedicated source of funding for the state's housing trust fund. Aging Services will be working closely with the author (and other stakeholders) to ensure that the bill represents association members' priorities. SNFs get revised Advance Beneficiary Notice
Skilled nursing facilities must use the revised Advance Beneficiary Notice (Form CMS-R-131) for situations where Medicare Part B-only services are not covered and payment is expected to be denied. SNFs must complete the revised ABN form and deliver the notice to the beneficiary before providing the items or services that are likely not to be covered by Medicare. The revised ABN replaces the existing ABN-G (Form CMS-R-131G) and ABN-L (Form CMS-R-131L), which are no longer valid as of March 1. For details, contact Iara Woody at AAHSA at 202-508-9429. Aging Services Report Invent Your Future at the 2009 Annual Conference
"The best way to predict the future is to invent it," encouraged Peter Drucker. Aging Services of California is applying this vision and optimism to its upcoming 2009 Annual Conference and Exposition, May 4-6, in Monterey. The event's schedule features dozens of innovative workshops, more than 100 exhibitors and an extraordinary lineup of keynote presentations. Registration is available online at the Aging Services of California website. Make reservations at the Monterey Marriott Hotel by calling 800-266-9432 or on the Aging Services website. 
Jim Breuer and his dad in scene from "More Than Me"
"More Than Me" - To recognize the extraordinary commitment of professional and unpaid family caregivers, Aging Services of California is making your collective contribution to society a focal point of the 2009 Annual Conference. On May 5, Aging Services will present an exclusive work-in-progress screening of "More Than Me." The documentary film takes viewers behind the scenes of the recent cross-country stand-up comedy tour of Jim Breuer, actor-comedian and former "Saturday Night Live" cast member. More than hilarious comedy, the film chronicles the challenges Breuer faced caring for his constant tour companion - his frail, 84-year-old dad. The private screening for conference attendees will be hosted by the star of the documentary, Jim Breuer, who will share his insights and answer questions at the conclusion of the presentation. "More Than Me" is a Pilotfish Productions film. The New York creative team also produced Aging Services' Emmy-nominated "Aging is an Active Verb" TV public service campaign. Keynote session - At the conference's closing session, Dr. Michael Gillette will talk about Integrating Ethics Into the Standard Operating Procedures of Today's Long Term Care Organization. Dr. Gillette has worked with hospitals, long- term care facilities, medical schools, and community-based service providers. In this keynote session, Dr. Gillette will explore those difficult ethical issues that keep professionals up at night. Host an AAHSA Homecoming Week event
The American Association for Homes and Services for the Aging's 2nd Annual Homecoming Week, featuring the theme "Leading in Quality, Changing Lives," is an opportunity for Aging Services of California members to invite neighbors to visit communities and share stories with residents. From May 25-29, AAHSA encourages members to shine a spotlight on their organization's commitment to quality service. Click here to get program ideas and to relay plans to AAHSA. For more information, contact Maggie Flowers at AAHSA at 202-508-9421. Eskaton hosts annual neighborhood Health and Wellness Fair
More than 300 neighbors and residents at Eskaton Village Carmichael participated in the continuing care retirement community's 15th annual Health and Wellness Fair on March 4. The three dozen exhibitors offered products, services and various free health and fitness tests throughout the day-long event. Also in March, the community's skilled-nursing Care Center unveiled its newly remodeled facility, with design features and amenities (including a Lily Pad Spa) based on the resident-centered, culture change philosophy.
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