Tracy bill pushes more options for elderly healthcare

Posted on March 13, 2008 by David Cohen

I found an article the other day relating to recent legislation that passed in Tennessee to increase options for elderly health care. Two bills sponsored by Tennessee Sate Senators passed the Senate aimed at helping elderly or disabled Tennesseans receive more options in their health care, including staying in their homes for as long as possible.The long term care legislation is part of a series of bills aiming to help citizens “age in place.”


The two bills will broaden the definition of assisted living to include hospice services and make it clear that any assisted-care living facility resident who qualifies for hospice care under Medicare can continue those services and also receive reimbursement for assisted living services.


I think this is a wonderful piece of legislation that I hope will make its way across the country in order to provide increased assistance for our elderly. You can read more on the bills here.

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Prevention of Inhumane Care

Posted on March 7, 2008 by David Cohen
I took a deposition of a nurse yesterday who was charged with the care of my client toward the end of her life.  My client was fitted with a leg brace that was significantly too tight.  She complained of pain.  Her leg was bleeding.  No one responded.

To make matters worse, no pain medication was given.  This is not humane and it is not acceptable.
Thankfully,  many good people are working hard to make the final days of terminally ill patients more comfortable.


I recently found a website which offers tips on how to prevent this sort of inhumane treatment from occurring again.

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