ASCOG Aging Advocate: February 28, 2013

David Koresh
(McLennan County Sheriff's Office)

Happy Thursday!

On this date, in 1993, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents raided this church in Waco, Texas with an arrest warrant for David Koresh.  What was the name of the church?

The Veterans Administration is condensing their Washington, D.C. offices in a plan that will save $60 million over the next ten years.

The State of Washington was able to rebalance their Medicaid long-term services and supports. 

Red flags in nursing home care are not always easy to spot.  Here are nine warning signs of bad care.

If you have not yet signed up for electronic payments from the U.S. government, you may be missing a payment in March.

An 85-year-old Wisconsin legislator is still making the tough calls and shows no sign of stopping.

ASCOG Aging Advocate: February 27, 2013

Twenty-second Amendment
(Public domain)

Happy Wednesday!

On this date, in 1951, the twenty-second amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified following the end of the Franklin D. Roosevelt presidency.  What did this amendment do?

Despite the blizzard conditions, over 330  showed up for Senior Day at the Capitol to advocate for senior issues.

In 2012, the Department of Justice and the FBI worked together to recover over $4.2 billion in Medicare fraud.

A Georgia woman was sentenced to 30 years in prison for taking six disabled, elderly people into her home and exploiting them.

Gender pricing will likely continue in long-term care insurance premiums.

A 32-year-old man discovered he had Asperger's and changed his life.  Now, at 40, he is winning an award for his advocacy.

What to ask to ensure your loved one is getting the care they need in a nursing home.

An old Medicare Part D scam is popping up again.

ASCOG Aging Advocate: February 26, 2013

Chain Home tower in
the United Kingdom
(public domain)

Happy Tuesday!  How's everybody?

On this date, in 1935, Robert Watson-Wyatt carried out a demonstration in England on the development of this pulsed-system radio wave technology.  The Brits called it RDF.  What did the Americans call it?

Most economists believe sequestration is inevitable.  AARP answers questions about how the fiscal cliff will impact seniors.

Depression does not have to be a part of the aging process.  But when elders become depressed, it can be difficult to recognize as there are several causes for elderly depression.

A senate bill will provide authority to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to oversee the Narconon Arrowhead facility.

Congressional committees are examining the role Medicare should have in deficit reduction.

ASCOG Aging Advocate: February 25, 2013

(Wikipedia Commons)

Happy Monday morning to ya!

On this date, in 1991, this treaty was disbanded.  It had joined eight communist states of central and eastern Europe.  What was the name of the treaty?

Sequestration is now only a few days away.  Oklahoma state agencies are preparing for cuts.


Medicare drug costs are going down in 2014, but seniors may be hitting the donut hole sooner.

The 2013 Oklahoma Senior Day at the Capitol is scheduled for today, however, snow may be an obstacle.

An Ohio legislator is introducing a bill that would create mandatory reporting for bankers and financial advisors who suspect elder abuse.  A similar bill is being considered in Colorado.

The results of OKDHS Director Lake's listening sessions have been published.

Alzheimer's caregivers have to put on their loved one's shoes in order to cope.

An art program founder finds ways to allow artists with disabilities to complete their visions through the use of mediums.

Mental health is a key topic since Newtown.

ASCOG Aging Advocate: February 22, 2013

The White House
(Matt Wade - Wikipedia)

Good morning!  It's Friday!

On this date in 1974, this man attempted to assassinate President Nixon by crashing a plane into the White House.  What was his name?

CBS News asks the questions, "Will sequestration really be that bad?"

This graph by the Washington Post shows the shrinking Medicare budget.

A new investigation report shows that Medicare overpays on certain medications by hundreds of millions.

A journal publication reveals that people with disabilities are at greater risk of violence and subsequent mental illness.

An Optometrist from August, GA, pleaded guilty to defrauding Medicare for more than $800,000.

A local Tulsa station put Oklahoma mental health services under a microscope.


The National Council on Aging explains why managing your medicine matters.


More and more grandparents find themselves in the parenting role.

A new federal rule requires insurers to offer mental health coverage.


US News shares what you need to know about long-term care.

A Missouri bill could turn vacant nursing home beds into senior living quarters.

Oklahoma ranks low on fruits and vegetables.

And caregivers should get foot massages.  (I'm not making this up)

ASCOG Aging Advocate: February 21, 2013

Steve Fossett
 (2006, Public domain)

Happy Thursday!

On this date in 1995, Steve Fossett became the first man to accomplish this feat.  What was it?

Projected Medicare spending has fallen by more than $500 billion according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Mental health drugs are vital for Medicare patients.

Oklahoma lawmakers have $7 billion to spend on the state's budget.

Simpson and Bowles release a new plan that cuts the federal deficit by $2.4 trillion, attempting to bridge the gap between Republicans and Democrats.

A New York woman used a hidden camera to reveal abuse by a caregiver of her 89-year-old grandmother.

Medicare adjustments to Advantage plans send stocks lower for insurance agencies.

Medicare patients were sent to jail for accepting kickbacks in Medicare fraud scheme.

Oklahoma bill calls for an investigation into the state's care of people who are dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

ASCOG Aging Advocate: February 20, 2013

Stinear Lake in Vestfold Hills (Peter Schuller, Wikipedia Commons)

Happy Wednesday!

On this date in 1935, Caroline Mikkelsen was part of an expedition that made landfall at the Vestfold Hills, making her the first woman to do what?

One Oklahoma legislator wants to correct what he calls a "slap in the face" to veterans.

A man accused of elder genocide shares his perspectives on Medicare, Social Security and the federal budget crisis.

The outgoing head of Social Security says that the program is "fraying from neglect."

An integrated clinic brings a new model of physical and mental health to patients.

James and Virginia Dungan have been married for 72 years and they are still in love.

The Administration for Community Living launched its new website.

The chemistry conflict, are we hard-wired to hate exercise?