Managing appointments and medications can be a daunting chore for caregivers of someone with a chronic illness. Research cited by the American Psychological Association found that among people age 55 to 75, those who are caregivers show a 23% higher level of stress hormones, which can lead to high blood pressure, and a 15% lower level of immune response, making them more vulnerable to the flu and other infections.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 25, 2021)—The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) has moved their annual Legislative Conference to a virtual event, set to be held Sept. 29, 2021.

“While we are still not able to gather in person, a strong voice for HME in Washington remains a critical priority in advancing better public policy for our industry,” the association said in a press release.

CHICAGO (February 24, 2021)—PeopleScout identified the best entry-entry level positions for the millions of out-of-work Americans looking to change careers because of the coronavirus pandemic. Home health aids and other health care positions came in second behind heavy truck drivers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 24, 2021)—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that efforts are underway to support Texas in response to severe winter storms that have affected the state over the past several days. On Feb. 17, 2021, Health and Human Services Acting Secretary Norris Cochran declared a public health emergency (PHE) for Texas retroactive to Feb.11, 2021.

NEW YORK (February 24, 2021)—ConcertoCare, a risk-based senior health care provider, announced the appointment of Dr. Amy Flaster as chief medical officer. Most recently a senior physician executive at both Health Catalyst and the Mass General Brigham health system, Flaster will lead clinical strategy and operations for ConcertoCare's in-home health care services for seniors as it expands its tech-enabled product offerings and national footprint.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 23, 2021)—Winners were announced today for the first-ever Family Caregiver of the Year Awards, which recognizes unpaid family caregivers in the United States who exhibit exceptional diligence and support through the act of caregiving. The awards program was sponsored by Carewell, a leading advocate for caregivers and online supplier of home health products.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 23, 2021)—Pulse oximeters, which measure blood oxygen levels, have been widely used during the COVID-19 public health emergency to track a patient’s oxygen saturation, but they may not always be accurate, according to new guidance recently released by the Food and Drug Administration.

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (February 23, 2021)—We all know that life has not been the same since the start of the pandemic. 3B Medical wants to make a difference and impact the lives of patients in most need. Starting this month 3B Medical will be sponsoring a contest to give away the newest portable oxygen concentrator on the market, the Aer X. If you know of a deserving patient that is struggling, has a valid oxygen prescription and would be ambulatory if they had a POC, tell us their story.

MADISON, Wis. (February 23, 2021)—Husch Blackwell’s Hospice & Palliative Care team secured a $44 million reduction of an alleged overpayment for a hospice client involved in an audit of Medicare payments. The auditor, a contractor hired by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service (CMS) to audit hospices, had used statistical extrapolation to find this extraordinary overpayment amount.

FRESNO, Calif. (February 23, 2021)—Introducing the brand new QUICKIE Q300 M Mini, Sunrise Medical’s narrowest power wheelchair to complement the QUICKIE power portfolio. The ultra-narrow base will go where other power chairs can’t. Whether it’s a narrow doorway, complicated living room or crowded restaurant, the Q300 M Mini will easily maneuver where you want to go.