The Advocate E-Newsletter, December 7, 2015

Info on whether long-term care residents who receive skilled care can leave the facility for outings or overnights without worrying that they will lose Medicare coverage. Discharge specialist spends busy first year assisting residents, educating facilities. Right to participate in research studies. Upcoming events & educational opportunities. Learning more about IPost.

The Advocate Newsletter, November 2, 2015

State Long-Term Care Ombudsman reports of success of Residents' Right month activities. OSLTCO welcomes staff into two newly created positions to oversee Medicaid Managed Care. The importance of case activity report for long-term care facilities. Governor's Conference on Aging & disabilities call for sessions

The Advocate Newsletter, October 26, 2015

Celebrate the individual rights of long-term care residents in October during Residents' Rights Month. "E" is for Empowerment.

The Advocate Newsletter, October 19, 2015

Celebrate the individual rights of long-term care residents during Residents' Rights Month. "R" is for Rights.

The Advocate Newsletter, October 12, 2015

Celebrate the individual rights of long-term care residents during Residents' Rights month. "A" is for Access.

The Advocate Newsletter, October 5, 2015

Celebrate Residents' Right Month. "C" is for Choice.

The Advocate Newsletter, September 20, 2016

Special Edition. Note from he State Long-Term Care Ombudsman regarding the newly update map of Local Long-Term Ombudsman regions effective October 1, 2016.

The Advocate E-Newsletter, June 6, 2016

Raise awareness about abuse, neglect & exploitation - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day launched June 15, 2006. Flyer from National Center on Elder Abuse for a list of 12 things to do to start taking a stand against elder abuse. Caller ID spoofing: What it is and how to avoid this common scam. World Elder Abuse Awareness day serves as call-to-action for all advocates of older adults.

The Advocate E-Newsletter, May 2, 2016

May is Older Americans Month. This years theme "Blaze a Trail" is designed to raise awareness about important issues facing older adults by highlighting the many ways that individuals are advocating for themselves, their peers and their communities. Older Americans Month activities schedule throughout Iowa.

The Advocate E-Newsletter, April 4, 2016

The Volunteer Ombudsman Program has served long-term care residents in the state of Iowa since our first volunteer began in September 2013. Volunteer Ombudsmen are trained, certified representatives of the Office of the State Long-Term Ombudsman who are assigned to a nursing facility in Iowa. CMS issues memo to LTCs regarding electronic staffing data reporting requirement.

The Advocate E-Newsletter, March 9, 2016

At the end of February, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved Iowa's plan to modernize Medicaid with an implementation date of April 1, 2016, citing significant improvements the state has made to demonstrate readiness and enhance provider networks. Updates to MDS Section Q Materials. Severe Weather Awareness Week. Long-Term Care Social Workers of Iowa Spring Conference (April 14-15, Gateway Conference Center, Ames). Iowa Governor's Conference on Aging & Disabilities (May 23-26, Iowa Events Center, Des Moines). New Resource to Help LGBT Elders Avoid the Sweetheart Scam.

The Advocate E-Newsletter, February 1, 2016

Information regarding the Annual Report for Federal Fiscal year 2015. Rethinking our role: How last session's legislative mandates are influencing the work of the OSLTCO today.

The Advocate E-Newsletter, January 5, 2016

Although only a fraction of Iowans are Medicaid members, the changes coming to Iowa’s Medicaid system have the potential to significantly impact all Iowans, especially those who are dependent on others for care or assistance with daily activities. That’s because Iowa’s ability to transition to managed care is contingent upon ensuring that Medicaid members have an advocate when it comes to protecting their rights, health, safety and quality of care. Managed Care Ombudsman Program prepares to advocate for Iowa's Medicaid members. Iowa's Office of Substitute Decision Maker provides education, assistance.

Safe Visiting, March 20, 2103

For most of us a cold, or even the flu, poses nothing more than a minor inconvenience, some time at home in bed, and maybe a trip to see your physician. For residents and tenants in long-term care settings, however, coming down with the flu can be life threatening. Compromised immune systems and respiratory or cardiac issues can become more than just a challenge. Because of this, it is important to think about how a safe environment can be maintained while at the same time allowing for visitors and social activities.

Can I still qualify for Medicaid nursing facility eligibility if my income is more than the allowed $2,130 per month? September 19, 2013

A Miller Trust is an irrevocable trust established on or before August 10, 1993, for the benefit of an individual and is used to help pay the cost of nursing facility care. The person residing in the nursing facility is designated as the beneficiary, and after the beneficiary’s death, all remaining amounts, up to the amount of Medicaid paid for the beneficiary, are paid to the State, the residuary beneficiary. Once a trust is established, a bank account for monies associated with the trust can be opened. Only certain funds, including the beneficiary’s earned and unearned income, can be deposited into the Miller Trust account. A trustee, usually a spouse or family member, is the person who administers the trust and pays out money.