Posted under General & Marketing Massage for Special Populations & Massage for Elders
Healthcare reform has been on the minds of all of us. With passage of the new legislation this past week, I was curious to see what leading organizations in eldercare and hospice had to say about it. The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aged (AAHSA) offer a Health Reform Hub described as “your “one stop shop” for information about the health care reform debate”. The Hub highlights how the new law will affect aging services. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) offers a recap of what passed and what it means for end-of-life care. For massage therapists who serve those in eldercare and hospice the new legislation may have an effect on services, the impact of which will not be know for some time. Meanwhile we can stay informed and advocate for complementary therapies in these special settings. Take care, Ann
Eileen on 26 Mar 2010 at 7:09 pm #
Ann,
After hearing some the proposals for this health care bill, my feelling is I may not being doing massages for my hospice clients. I’m sure if the hospice I work for has to cut cost because of less reimbursment, I will be one of the first areas that they cut. (How Sad) the people who need and benifit from this service will be the ones most affected in the wrong way! by our wonderful new health care bill. Pardon my sarcasm I’m just real frustrated with the whole gov. right now. There appears to be no regard for the wishes of the people.
Eileen
J on 07 Apr 2010 at 4:29 pm #
Just a few comments on Eileen’s post.
I would have responded earlier but just received the e-version of the magazine.
I have been an LMT since 1998 and have been providing hospice-based massage for six years and see between 30-35 patients per week–and I am one of five LMTs at this particular hospice.
Massage therapy provided as end-of-life care is usually considered an ancillary benefit of most hospice programs. Our services will always be considered some of the first to be cut should there be the need.
We’ve had many write-ups and articles on our program and our therapists. This has created a huge public awareness. Our hospice has promoted massage therapy so much that it is often one of benefits that is asked for first! This might be something to consider.
Also, just because a bill has passed does not mean it will be funded (social security is officially ‘bankrupt’).
While it remains to be seen whether the health care reforms will result in termination of our massage therapists (I personally don’t see that) , the need for massage therapy for the terminally ill has never been greater. Who knows? Maybe health care reform might have the opposite effect and put more focus on alternative care; there might yet be a ‘silver’ lining so don’t lose heart!
JI, LMT