Experts on aging at Iowa State University are partnering with state officials and the Iowa Alzheimer's Association to enhance an online guide that lists the resources available for patients with dementia. "I think it's been difficult, especially in rural areas, to understand what sort of access … [Read more...]
“Landmark” bill for Iowans age 60+ clears senate
A bill that toughens Iowa laws on elder abuse has cleared the Iowa Senate. The bill creates newly-defined crimes, like "elder abuse assault" and "financial exploitation of an older individual." "This bill is truly a landmark for Iowa's seniors," says Senator Mary Jo Wilhelm, a Democrat from … [Read more...]
Protest of “chained CPI” at Federal Building in Des Moines
About 40 protesters holding a plastic yellow chain gathered in front of the Federal Building in Des Moines over the noon hour today. They were there to rail against "chaining" future cost-of-living increases for Social Security to the Consumer Price Index. "Chained CPI means that the … [Read more...]
Making public aware of signs of elder abuse (audio)
A day-long "summit" underway in Des Moines is focused on the topic of elder abuse. Governor Branstad addressed summit participants early this morning. "My charge to you today is for you all to help us empower aging Iowans and to help us strengthen our laws and increase the knowledge and … [Read more...]
Gingrich calls Social Security “social program of enormous power”
While Republican presidential Rick Perry has called Social Security an unconstitutional "Ponzi Scheme." rival Newt Gingrich says Social Security serves a "unique" purpose for elderly Americans, although Gingrich is proposing changes that would allow younger workers to invest their Social Security … [Read more...]
Bachmann favors private accounts rather than Social Security for younger workers
Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann says current retirees should continue to get the Social Security benefits they were promised, but younger workers should be allowed to invest their Social Security taxes in a private account. "Under no conditions can we possibly alter the Social … [Read more...]
Perry says super rich like Warren Buffett shouldn’t get Social Security, Medicare
Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry is embracing the concept of "means testing" for Social Security benefits. "I think if you test for the income levels and, you know, obviously if you're Warren Buffett, I'm not sure you really need to be accessing Social Security," Perry said during a … [Read more...]
AARP scorecard measures quality of care, services for elderly
A new scorecard from the AARP concludes Iowa is among the top states in the nation for the quality of care provided to its senior citizens, but Iowa's in the middle of the pack when it comes to having options other than nursing home care available for the elderly. Enid Kassner, an AARP … [Read more...]
Home health aide fastest growing profession
A new report concludes the high turn-over rate for "direct care" workers in Iowa health care facilities cost those institutions $117 million last year. Erin Drinnin of the Iowa Department of Public Health says when a worker who provides direct care to a patient quits, that institution has to … [Read more...]
Branstad makes promises to older Iowans
Republican candidate Terry Branstad visited a retirement community in Des Moines this afternoon, promising to take steps to help older Iowans lead "productive, vital and dignified lives" if he's re-elected Iowa's governor. "Today I'm outlining three proposals that are not earth-shaking, but I … [Read more...]