In this Issue

In the News

Elderly Care Benefits Insufficient for Employed Caregivers

The New York Times recently reported that the increasing number of baby boomers' "obligation to frail, elderly parents results in absenteeism, workday distractions or stress-related problems." Companies are responding, but often the benefits they offer do not suit the needs of the elderly. Read More

Inheritances Shrinking for Baby Boomers

Thanks to longer life spans and increased health care costs, 81 percent of baby boomers haven't yet received an inheritance, according to a study by AARP. Read More

Price Increases Coincide with Drug Benefit Launch

Several new studies show wholesale prices of brand-name drugs increased (an average of 6.2 percent, compared to a general inflation rate of just 3.5 percent), at both the wholesale and consumer levels, indicating that Medicare Part D plans are doing little to contain the fast-rising prices by the drug industry. Read More

New Test Could Provide Clues to Alzheimer's

Scientists have long wondered weather brain deposits of the protein amyloid beta (Abeta), known to be associated with Alzheimer's disease, are a result of overproduction of the protein in people with the disease or a reduced ability to clear it away. New research may soon find the answer using a new technique to measure the body's production and metabolism of Abeta. Read More

California's Paid Family Leave Law Highlighted in New Report

A new report from Family Caregiver Alliance's National Center on Caregiving summarizes the development, implementation, and initial effects of California's landmark Paid Family Leave Law, which went into effect July 1, 2004. Family caregivers are eligible to take a leave from work under this legislation. Progress toward similar statutes in other states and at the federal level is also examined. Read More

Ask the Expert

Hot Weather Tips for Caregivers

We all suffer in hot weather. However, for elderly and disabled people and those with chronic health conditions such as vascular disease or diabetes, the weather does not have to hit 100 degrees to cause heat stress or even deadly heat stroke. Learn the signs of heat-related problems. Read More

Policy Update

California Lawmakers Reject Doctor-Assisted Suicide

In a recent vote, the California Senate Judiciary Committee narrowly rejected legislation to make California the second state to allow physician-assisted suicide. The bill was modeled after Oregon's assisted suicide law, enacted eight years ago. Read More

Democrats Believe Buying in Bulk Is Key to Lower Drug Costs

In the continuing political fight over the Medicare prescription drug benefit, Democratic lawmakers have unveiled a new plan they say will close a gap in coverage that affects an estimated 6.9 million people this year alone. Read More

California's Proposed Personal Attendant Overtime Bill Criticized

California State Assembly member Cindy Montañez (D-Mission Hills) has proposed a bill that requires personal attendants to be paid overtime when working more than 40 hours/week or 8 hours/day. But critics are worried that some care recipients won't be able to afford the wage hike. Read More

On the Calendar

Information on events throughout California of interest to caregivers and their families. Read More

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