Nursing Home Insurance - The Secret for Getting it at a Wholesale Price

None of us like to think that we may need nursing home care one day, but according to government statistics just over 50% of all Americans do need special care at some time in their lives. The problem with nursing home care is the cost - and the cost of nursing home insurance is going up almost every week. Fortunately there are several things you can do to lower the cost of your monthly premium and there's one very simple thing you can do - a deep, dark little secret that your broker hopes you'll never find out about - that will cut the cost of your coverage by approximately 30% in less than 30 minutes.

Before we get to the Big Secret for cutting the cost of a nursing home policy by as much as 30% instantly, lets talk about some of the other things you can do that can reduce your premium ever further.

For instance, did you know that you can save money every single month simply by paying your premium automatically each time? If your company doesn't have the hefty expense of sending you a bill every month (a bigger expense than you probably realize) then they are more than happy to pass most of that savings on to you in the form of a lower premium every month.

Buy your nursing home insurance now rather than later. The younger you are when you buy your insurance the less it is going to cost you every month. Also - and this is a fact that many people don't want to hear - almost 10% of all Americans between the ages of 40 and 65 need some sort of nursing home care for at least some time. Getting your policy earlier in life means that you'll pay a much lower premium later in life when money is often more of an issue.

But here's the Big Secret, the secret that your broker hopes you never find out about, the little secret that can save you 30% or more on your policy instantly - and it's so simple you may not believe it can really save you so much.

All you need to do is to buy your policy online. Yes, you read that right. Just buy your policy from an online broker.

How can this save you so much? For two reasons. One, online brokers have almost no overhead to worry about. Since they don't have to pay the rather substantial expense of an office and furnishings (and insurance!) and all the rest they are able to sell you a policy at a wholesale price and still show a profit. The second reason is because of competition. There's a lot of competition online and the only way for an online broker to compete under conditions like that is to cut prices to the very bone.

That may be bad for the agent but it's great for you. For once in your life YOU come out on top when it comes to buying insurance!

There's another way you save, too. When you buy your insurance from the comfort of your own home there isn't a live agent sitting across from and selling you more and more coverage that you never intended to buy and can't really afford. Wouldn't it be great for YOU to be in charge for once?

Even though I've spent a lot of time researching online insurance I don't want you to simply take my word for anything. Instead I want YOU to get online and check out the savings you find yourself. The one thing I can promise you is that you will be amazed by how much you can save simply by buying your nursing home policy online.

TIPS for Preventing Nursing Home Abuse

We can rest assured that despite headlines in the media, most of our loved ones will be well-cared for in a nursing home or other home-care residence.

This was not the case for my husband and me.

Family members struggle with the guilt of having to place a loved one or question whether or not they made the right decision. When abuse or neglect rears its ugly head, family members are thrust into a tailspin of worry, stress, and despair.

Only twelve hours after we placed my father, he disappeared from the secure skilled nursing home. Frightened, I was already aware of loved ones wandering off and later found dead; some within a half-mile.

On the day he was admitted, my father left the facility among a handful of visitors. Wandering the roads on that cold February night, he was lost some 2,000 miles away from "home." According to the Sheriff's report, a Samaritan spotted a lone man ambling along the freeway in the Mojave Desert. When he stopped to inquire, he learned that my father was trying to go home to Milwaukee.

When we met the administrator at her office that night, the first words out of her mouth were, "I don't know if we can keep your father here."

"What? After all the questions we asked to ensure his safety and their ability to care for a wanderer? Not even an apology? He could have died! How dare you be so insensitive!"

The next several weeks (it felt more like a year) found us ensnared in a nightmare involving attorneys, the ombudsman, and threats. I emphasized my need to hear them admit their mistake. In my mind, this was less about a lawsuit, which they were afraid of, and more about motivating them to review and follow their carefully designed procedures. Because there was no other suitable place nearby at this time, I saw this as my father's sole living option.

Undoubtedly, advised by their attorney, they never admitted any wrongdoing. I still kept after them on following procedures. Over time, our confrontational wounds began to heal and my father remained.

I feared my father might be abused.

When incidences like this occur, it is best to stay involved. As uncomfortable as this was, I held the administrator and the staff accountable. Fortunately, the director of nurses and the administrator rarely had direct contact with my father.

Instead, I developed relationships with the Certified Nurses Assistants (CNAs). They were the ones who spent time caring for my father's day-to-day needs. I learned to look beyond management's rigidity and uncooperative nature to witness the good among the CNAs who provide direct care for our loved ones.

My father's caregivers adored him and felt awful about what we called "The Great Escape."

Why do incidents go unreported?

Consider our situation.

The nursing home was the only nearby secure twenty-four-hour facility at the time. Attacking management and trying to seek restitution or other measures of disciplinary action would have likely incensed management and made things worse for my father. Remember, I wanted to resolve the situation, because I wanted my father to remain nearby. Other options included moving him to another city. Instead of making my father suffer, I chose the more difficult route, so my husband and I and our friends could visit him more frequently.

Like a good leader, I held tightly to my vision of quality care. I monitored staff performance and gave encouraging feedback. So did our friends! The staff learned from us how integral they were to our peace of mind and how much we appreciated how nicely they cared for my father.

Months later, our efforts were rewarded when we learned that management's missteps had gone too far. Eventually, new owners took over and the old management was out.

To show our appreciation, we tried doing special things for the front-line staff. The biggest was our 24-hour delivery service.

24-Hour Pizza Delivery for the Nursing Home Staff

I talked my husband into doing a 24-hour round-the-clock lunch for the care staff. We ordered pizzas and sodas and personally delivered them at lunch time for each of the three shifts. The staff during the night shift greeted us in tears. They explained they rarely see family members, let alone those that treat them to lunch past midnight!

It was a gift the staff talked about for a long time. They felt really special - especially, due to our sleepless sacrifice. To this day, I feel their reactions made our efforts worthwhile.

TIPS to prevent elder abuse while someone else cares for your loved one:

1. Be present.


2. Visit often - at least twice a week. If you can't, ask a friend to visit.


3. Greet and talk regularly with staff members who provide care for your loved one. Make it personal. Paint a picture of your loved one's years as a vibrant and contributing member of society. This will give them a feeling for the whole person for whom they care - not just the impaired one.


4. Bring in treats for the staff every now and then.


5. Treat the staff with respect and express how much you appreciate the care they provide for your loved one--assuming you do! With the average hourly wage for a full-time nursing home caregiver at $11 across the US (about $22,000 a year), many are exhausted; especially, after working at another job just to support their families. A little and consistent appreciation goes a long way!

Bottom Line: Develop personal connections with the people you depend upon to provide quality care for your loved one.

Medical Billing And Coding Profession

Medical billers and coders are in high demand among the allied health occupations. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), health information technicians are one of the 10 fastest-growing allied health occupations. It is a challenging, interesting career where you are compensated according to your level of skills and how effectively you use them.

Medical billers and coders know this and feel good about the support they provide to physicians, clinics, hospitals, and patients. They know they play an important role in the business office where they are employed. Their work consists of submitting the proper documentation to a number of insurance companies and federal agencies for reimbursement in order for their employer to financially succeed and avoid fraud charges. Their specialized training and expertise lets them find work any place, any time. Numerous opportunities for trained individuals exist in medical offices, clinics, hospitals, insurance companies, and in form of freelance home-based businesses. Advancement opportunities are unlimited!

The U.S. Department of Labor states that continued employment growth for medical coders and billers is spurred by the increased medical needs of an aging population and the number of health practitioners. The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that earnings vary widely and pay levels are governed chiefly by experience and qualifications.

Healthcare Careers Offer Job Security, Personal Satisfaction, Challenges, and Rewarding Experiences

Many interested in a career in the healthcare field decide to specialize in the medical billing and coding profession. Medical billers and coders are no longer restricted to only the doctor's or dentist's office but are now working in hospitals, pharmacies, nursing homes, mental healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, insurance companies, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), consulting firms, and health data organizations, or even from home.

These highly skilled professionals are earning impressive wages everywhere they are. Typical duties of medical billers and coders include:

• Explaining insurance benefits to patients and clients



• Office bookkeeping and other administrative duties



• Accurately completing claim forms



• Explaining insurance benefits to patients



• Handling day to day medical billing procedures



• Adhering to each insurance carrier's policies and procedures



• Prompt billing of insurance companies



• Documenting all activities using correct medical terminology



• Scheduling appointments

Other job opportunities for medical billers and coders include:

• Billing Specialist



• Patient Account Representative



• Electronic Claims Processor



• Billing Coordinator



• Coding Specialist



• Claims Analyst



• Reimbursement Specialist



• Claims Assistant Professional



• Medical Collector



• Claims Processor



• Claims Reviewer

What is Medical Billing?

Medical billing is better described as medical practice management and a doctor's key to getting paid. Although most doctor's offices request that payment be made at the time a medical service is provided in order to minimize billing, every medical office has a need to maintain patient financial accounts and for collecting money.

In a small family practice or suburban clinic this task may be simple and assigned to the medical assistant or nurse but in bigger practices and clinics this is the medical biller's job!

Medical billers and coders usually work forty regular office hours from Monday through Friday on a desk in the billing office or billing department of the professional healthcare office. They must know the different methods of billing patients, understand various collection methods, ethical and legal implications, have a good working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, medical billing and claims form completion, and coding. They also must understand database management, spreadsheets, electronic mail, and possess state-of-the-art word processing and accounting skills, be proficient in bookkeeping, and be able to type at a speed of at least 45 words-per-minute.

The work area of medical billers and coders usually is in a separate area away from the patients and public eye. However, even though they are not involved in the actual process of doctors and healthcare professionals providing medical care they need to possess excellent customer service skills when it comes to making contact with clients, insurance companies, and often patients. Medical billers must know how to explain charges, deal with criticism, give and receive feedback, be assertive, and communicate effectively without becoming confused as the person is asking questions. Patients can quickly become frustrated when trying to deal with healthcare providers and bills over the phone.

While an increasing amount of patient care is being funded through HMO related insurance, where the patient makes a small copayment at the time of service and the doctor bills the managed care company for the balance, a number of patients still need to make arrangements to pay for their medical services over a period of time. Part of the medical biller and coder's job is to contact some of these patients from time to time regarding a past due bill. Incoming calls from patients who have questions regarding a bill are also directed to the medical biller's office. The way s/he communicates over the phone can make or break business relationships.

Other specialties closely related to the medical billing and coding profession are:

• Medical Coders/Coding Specialists



• Patient Account Representatives



• Electronic Claims Processors



• Billing Coordinators



• Reimbursement Specialists



• Claims Assistant Professionals



• Medical Claims Analysts



• Medical Claims Processors



• Medical Claims Reviewers



• Medical Collectors

What is Medical Coding?

Every healthcare provider that delivers a service receives money for these services by filing a claim with the patient's health insurance provider or managed care organization. This is also referred to as an encounter. An encounter is defined as "a face-to-face contact between a healthcare professional and an eligible beneficiary."

Codes exist for all types of encounters, services, tests, treatments, and procedures provided in a medical office, clinic, or hospital. Even patient complaints such as headache, upset stomach, etc. have codes which consist of a set of numbers and combinations of sets of numbers. The combination of these codes tells the payer (health insurance companies or government entities) what was wrong with the patient and what services were performed. This makes it easier to handle these claims and to identify the provider on a predetermined basis. In addition, the services rendered (CPT) codes have to match the diagnosis (ICD) codes to justify medical necessity.

To do this correctly for each third party payer choices have to be made from a combination of 3 coding systems totaling over 10000 codes, and which change annually. In addition, a completely new coding system, ICD-10, is proposed for reimbursement purposes in the near future.

Tools of the Trade

CPT books provide all the procedural terminology and ICD-9-CM code books have the most up-to-date information on medical diagnosis coding. The medical coder must stay current on any new ICD-9 code changes that would impact code accuracy and claims submission. HCPCS books contain the complete lists of HCPCS Level II codes with descriptions. They will guide the medical coder through current modifiers, code changes, additions and deletions. HIPAA books help to develop an effective HIPAA compliance plan and DRG books are needed for Medicare's classification of inpatient hospital services based on principal diagnosis, secondary diagnosis, surgical procedures, age, sex, and presence of complications.

Training

Training of the medical billers and coders can range from two to four years of college, a technical school diploma, certificates from correspondence courses, to simple home study programs. Upon completion of such training many coders may seek professional certification.

Though not necessary, it is recommended and national associations are available for the certification processes.

Vocational Training

Professional medical billers and coders are in very high demand. Billing for services in healthcare is more complicated than in other industries. Government and private payers vary in payment for the same services and healthcare providers and organizations provide services to beneficiaries of several insurance companies at any one time.

Therefore, to reach proficiency in this business, basic training, clinical supervision and continued professional development is essential!

Typical Course Requirements are:

• Medical Office Procedures



• Medical Keyboarding



• Medical Terminology



• Health Structure and Function



• Health Care Records Management



• Medical Insurance



• Survey of Pathology



• CPT-4 HCPCS II, III



• Healthcare Laws and Ethics



• Basic Coding ICD-9-CM



• Basic Pharmacology



• Medical Transcription



• Externship



• National Exam



• General Education Requirements

Professional Advancement Opportunities

A recent American Hospital Association survey showed that about 18% of billing and coding positions remain unfilled due to a lack of qualified candidates. Most companies and practices are looking for schooling and experience mostly because of the legal ramifications of incorrect billing practices.

However, medical billers and coders are also able to work independently out of their homes where they established a home based billing office. There are plenty of electronic billing programs available that can be set up through home office computers. Also, there is the possibility to become an independent insurance specialist or consultant who helps patients understand their insurance bills and what they should be paying.

Opportunities also exist as patient account managers, physician office supervisors and management, various types of personnel managers in the healthcare industry, health claims examiners, and medial billing and coding instructors. The more education the individual has, the more employment options are available and advancement opportunities become virtually unlimited!

Professional Certification

As in so many healthcare professions certification in the medical billing and coding field is not required but highly recommended. The days of the single family practice medical assistant or nurse typing out an invoice after office hours are history. Even the smallest offices and clinics have changed to computer billing because it offers greater coding accuracy, saves time, and can be used by administrators and auditors to ensure that visits are being coded to the appropriate levels which increases revenues.

Understandably, these offices and companies are looking for individuals who are certified in their field to ensure the employer that the individual whom they hire is competent and proficient.

There are numerous well known and well respected organizations sponsoring these types of examinations. Intersted candidates should research each one and find the one that most suits your needs: American Association of Medical Billers (AAMB) offers Certified Medical Biller (CMB) and Certified Medical Billing Specialist (CMBS) examinations. The National Association of Claims Assistant Professionals (NACAP) offer Certified Claims Assistance Professional (CCAP) and Certified Electronic Claims Professional (CECP). The examinations for Certified Procedural Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CPS), Accredited Record Technician (ART), and Registered Record Administrator (RRA), are administered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The National Healthcareer Assosciation (NHA) is offering their Medical Billing and Coding (CBCS) credential.

If your objective is to work for a medical office, group practice, healthcare provision network, or hospital as the medical billing and coding specialist keep in mind that most private practices, organizations and hospitals throughout the country not only prefer but often require national certification as a competency standard.

To learn more about this very rewarding career visit the Medical Billing and Coding Net web site at http://www.medicalbillingandcoding.net

© 2003 Danni R. of the Medical Billing & Coding Net. Reprint permission available by request.

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Caring For Elders - Elder Proofing the Home

Did you know that it's estimated that 1/3 to 1/2 of all home accidents could be prevented if various modifications and repairs were made? It's true and especially so with elderly folks. With a little effort, a keen eye for hazards and the drive to ensure your elder is as safe as possible, you'll be able to rest easy knowing you've made your elder's living space as safe as possible.

The best way to get started in elder proofing your home or the home of your elder and doubling or even tripling the chances of keeping your elder out of harms way is by completing a hazard survey. To do things right, you'll want to cover all the bases - both inside and outside of your elder's apartment or house.

When surveying the inside of your elder's residence, go from room to room looking for things that could be a danger. Things like area rugs, loose bathroom tiles, beds that are too high or low or obstacles on the floor or counters to name just a few potential problem areas. Get rid of rugs that aren't secured to the floor. Even areas that you feel are just fine can present significant danger to an older person. Consider that even something as a coffee table or an unsturdy shelf can present major challenges to someone who isn't as steady on their feet as they used to be. Be sure to remove all low standing coffee tables and ottomans, along with any other objects on the floor such as baskets and footstools. Don't allow your elder to talk you into keeping these items - it's critical for their safety to have them removed.

Stairways are another area that should be viewed as a potential trouble spot. Sure, they've never been an issue in the past, but now they can become a major issue. Ensure they are well lit and have some sort of gripping treads on them if they aren't carpeted.

Other areas to consider are:

1. Improve the lighting both inside and outside of the home or apartment.

2. Determine the fate of small animals such as dogs or cats. Weigh safety concerns against the companionship the animals provide.

3. Purchase and put an automatic pill dispenser into service.

4. Install turntable shelves in cabinets and set up plastic turntables on shelves that are already in place.

5. Purchase a reaching device for those hard to reach items in the cupboards. NEVER allow your elder to climb up and down a ladder or step stool.

When reviewing your elder's home for potential hazards, remember that accidents can happen even after you've done your best to elder proof their home. But by taking the steps outlined above, you'll make your elder's home much safer for them and will greatly reduce the chance of accidents happening.

Church of Christ - Let's Take Hell!

I was once a Member of the Duncanville, Texas Church of Christ where
I was baptized. Charles Hodge, a well-known preacher, was the minister
during the 8 years I attended there. I learned a great deal from "Hodge,"
who always had a pocket filled with candy for the kids every Sunday.

Over the years, as I've gone about teaching a Bible Study called "Jesus Said,"
of all the attendees from all the denominations who have taken part in
this series, it has always been Members of the Church of Christ that
have always had the best handle on the Scriptures, especially among the
young people. I was always secretly quite proud of that fact.

My reason for writing this message is simple: I want people in the
Church of Christ to be made aware that there's more!

When I was diagnosed with a hereditary spinal disease at age 28, I
became desperate. I began asking many people of various Christian
flavors to pray for me. It was only when I permitted those who
believed in the laying on of hands and anointing with oil to do so that
I began to experience results. These days, my doctor says I have a
"textbook spine." I'm 47 as I write after having been told I would be
immobilized by the time I was fifty. In fact, on New Year's Eve 2001,
I moved to Stephenville, Texas to be closer to my children so that I
could get help washing clothes, carrying groceries, etc. I had no job,
knew no one, but quit a good-paying job and relocated out of
desperation.

These days, I travel in different circles. I am a staunch supporter of
the burgeoning House Church movement and I write and speak in
homes in regard to this topic. I am also a Non-denominational
Workplace Chaplain, traveling to ten Nursing Home facilities
throughout the state, responsible for the spiritual growth of over 500
employees throughout North Central Texas.

One afternoon, while returning home from a day at my firm's Grand Saline,
Texas facility, I received a call from a man in Washington State. He
prefaced his conversation by stating that he was a Member of the Church
of Christ and, after reading something I had written online, felt that he
should call me. He related a story of how, as his mother lay dying in
ICU ten years ago, two women came by asking if they could pray for
and anoint her with oil. Her physician had just warned the family that
their family's beloved matriarch would not make it through the night.
Reluctantly - but out of desperation - the man's father decided to allow
the two women to pray. The next day, fully expecting that his mother
had expired during the evening, he walked up behind the physician who
turned around, smiled broadly, hugged him "like a long-lost brother,"
and tearfully exclaimed, "She's gonna live!"

Ten years later, she's still alive.

My personal contention is that the fullness of the Holy Spirit is
available to everyone with the faith to step out and submit themselves
to Him for Kingdom use. In Luke 11:9-13, Jesus encourages us with
these words, "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek
and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For
everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who
knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you fathers, if your son
asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg,
will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how
to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father
in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

I have found that those who dare to ask are the individuals who
understand that, whether God chooses to heal a person through their
ministry or not, whether the prophetic utterance one dares to speak is
true, whether one's Word of Knowledge is appropriate or not, the
worst that can happen is that they completely miss God. The one being
prayed for may die. The one they prophesied over may have no
witness whatsoever to what was said. Oh, well...in those cases, the
one who stepped out in faith is now stronger for having exercised
their faith muscles. In those moments when they DO experience what
co-laboring with God is all about, their faith and confidence grow
and, well...watch out, devil!

The best that could happen? Isn't it obvious? Sick people will be healed,
people will be amazed and put their trust in God, a prophetic word will
edify, exhort and comfort, just like all New Testament prophecy is
SUPPOSED to, etc.

But if all of us choose to do NOTHING, guess what will happen?

NOTHING!

Romans 8:11 tells us that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead
dwells within us. Let Him out! Work WITH God. In 1 Corinthians 3:9,
the apostle Paul reminds us, "...we are God’s fellow workers; you are
God’s field, you are God’s building."

Release the healing virtues of the Lord Jesus Christ into someone's
sick body.

Declare peace into a chaotic situation.

Take authority over the demons in control of someone's life.

Go on...I dare ya! More importantly, God dares ya. So does Satan. Far
too often, God's people are bound with fear. We're afraid of looking
stupid. What if the sick person dies? What if they ridicule us? "I'm no
prophet," one might say to themselves, "...who do I think I am anyway?"
With that kind of logic, what if a baseball player never swings his bat
for fear of striking out? What if he DOES swing and belts a home run?

In Philippians 1:20, Paul writes, "According to my earnest expectations
and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all
BOLDNESS, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my
body, whether [it be] by life, or by death." Paul was not merely HOPING
to glorify God with his actions; he EXPECTED that God would use him
whenever he stepped out in faith. He was "fully persuaded" (Rom 4:21)
that God had power to do what He said He would do.

Are WE fully persuaded?

Are YOU?

Recently, I was inspired by an article I'd read about persecuted Chinese
Christians who will go into an area and actually ask to see the most
sickly person in town. Their God-ordained strategy? When this person
is healed, others will come to believe.

So, armed with the confidence which that article had inspired, while
visiting another facility, I asked to see the sickest person there. I was
directed to a man named Curtis who, I was told, was dying. I was
informed that he was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and his
family was there with him. After speaking words of faith and
encouragement to his relatives, testifying to the healing power of God
in my own life and in the lives of others I know, the family agreed to
allow me to lay hands upon their beloved Curtis and pray. In fact, at my
request, they encircled his bed and laid hands upon him with me. There
were tears as I prayed and hugs and expressions of gratitude as I left
Curtis in God's hands.

God's presence was in that room. No, Curtis didn't get up and walk.
Not at that moment anyway. Let's face it, even the Ten Lepers were
healed "as they went" while the woman with the issue of blood was
healed instantly and a blind man needed prayer twice. Jesus couldn't
do much in His own hometown and had to clear the room of faithless
people in order to raise Jairus's daughter back to life. Curtis is in his
80's and, as his sister told me, "he knows his Lord." Perhaps it's time
for him to go home where he will experience the healing of all healings.
That's between him and "his Lord."

That was 15 days ago today. I just received an eMail from the Nursing
Home Administrator. It read, "Curtis is doing very well!"

The day after ministering to Curtis, I was asked to come and minister
at the local hospital to the father of one of our employees, a man in his
80's who, I was told, was dying. His name was Clarence. Again, the
family was a Church of Christ clan. Again, by the time I finished
sharing testimonies of healing with them, their faith had risen to the
level of attacking Hell with squirt guns. Soon, we were all in ICU -
all ten of us - laying hands on Clarence, their patriarch, family
members hugging, crying, comforting, and agreeing with me in prayer
as I spoke life and healing to our sedated brother in Christ. Two other
family members requested prayer afterward as well.

Though his vitals actually improved the next day, he remained in ICU
seven days later. But that family experienced God that day. No doubt!
They experienced peace. Their focus was redirected to what - WHO -
is the most important person in the Universe. God was there. It was
glorious. Even the menfolk were crying and gave me bear hugs when I
left. One family member has informed me that our encounter has inspired
much God-centered conversation and questions about life, death and
Divine healing.

I'm no healing evangelist. No Benny Hinn. I don't claim to be a "Faith
Healer" or any such thing. I'm just an average "Joe Christian" who
can't find anywhere in Scripture where Jesus commands His followers
to "pray for the sick." No, what I DO find is where He instructs us to
"HEAL THE SICK." When we know the Healer, it's pretty safe to say
all I need is (A) the Faith and (B) the opportunities. Whatever happens
next is, frankly, between them and God.

I could go on and on with testimonies of this nature. Some, by human
standards, were apparent, immediate "successes" and others appeared
to be dismal failures. For example, within a few days of each other,
two women - one in her 90s - got up out of their wheel chairs last month
when I prayed in Jesus' Name. One hadn't walked in ten years! Some
folks are healed, others aren't. Some I've prayed for require additional
prayer while others have actually died. In every case, somebody is
tremendously blessed and has an encounter with the Spirit of Christ -
each and EVERY time!

Whether it's healing prayer, prophetic words, the description of a
vision God might give us, I have learned that the worst thing that can
happen is that we look plain foolish whenever we dare to step out of
our comfort zones. Well, shucks! I guess I'll perpetually be marked as a
fool for Christ, the One who stepped out of His comfort zone for all our
sakes in the first place. Even in the most "foolish" of instances, people
will be blessed as we release the Spirit of Christ from within us...
something we should all do more often, even on a moment-to-moment
basis in day-to-day family life (a great place to practice, by the way).

I am convinced that it all comes down to Obedience and Availability.
Pray when the opportunity arises and minister in the way that God
instructs you to minister. Be available from the time you get out of bed
every day. Watch as God provides Divine Appointments - even if by
eMail or telephone or in an office setting. You just may find that God
will give you a brand new reason for getting up in the morning!

Today, Mother's Day, I received an email from a man in west Texas.
Apparently, his House Church group - all self-professing Church of
Christ "refugees" - are looking for direction and purpose for meeting.
He asked if I would come and my wife and I have agreed to do so.
Ironically, the House Church movement among those from the Church
of Christ in Texas is spreading rapidly. I'm thrilled to assist in that revival.

This verse of Scripture has been floating around in my spirit for weeks:
2 Corinthians 2:14 (New Life Version) "We thank God for the power
Christ has given us. He leads us and makes us win in everything. He
speaks through us wherever we go. The Good News is like a sweet smell
to those who hear it."

Amen?

UPDATE: Remember Clarence, the Church of Christ man in the local hospital?
Well, they took him off his respirator Friday morning. The Dr's thinking was
that he would either breathe on his own or he would die. Well, I visited the
hospital Friday night. He's breathing on his own, his vitals are good, he was
sitting up in bed and trying to talk, devouring ice chips. We prayed for him
again and he shook my hand twice and thanked me. The countenance of the
entire family in the waiting room had changed as well. It was a wonderful
atmosphere! All glory to God!

On Saturday afternoon, they moved him to a regular hospital room. The family
is ecstatic. Last week, when his daughter asked - just in case he didn't make it -
if I would officiate his funeral, I replied, "Sure, ask me again in ten years."

On Monday, Clarence was discharged from the hospital. Glory to God!

Every blessing,

Michael Tummillo

A servant of God

[http://www.YourTown4Jesus.org]

NOW, FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO AT LEAST 5 OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR CHURCH.
THEN SEND IT ON TO YOUR BAPTIST, CATHOLIC AND METHODIST FRIENDS, ETC.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Home For Your Loved One

Below is a list of variables to consider when making your choice. Review the list and mark which are important to you.

Is this facility covered by your insurance? For how long? Under what circumstances?

Location- is it close to family and friends? Proximity to friends and family is one of the most important pieces of the decision.

Meals: do you have an option of an alternate at each meal? Are there considerations made for alternative menus such as: cardiac/renal/diabetic diets, vegetarian/vegan; kosher, weight loss/gain?

Do they offer transportation to out-of-the-facility appointments? Is this free or for an extra fee? Do they have rehabilitation available? Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy 5, 6 or 7 days a week?

Do they offer other medical services: podiatry, dental, ophthalmologist/optometrist? Do they have an activities department and what activities are available and how often: music, games, exercise groups?

Is there a chapel and/or minister available, how often? What is the staff to resident ratio?

Are there separate units for short term rehab versus long term care? Do they offer salon services? How often in the week? Do you like the general appearance: colors, lighting, and cleanliness?

Are there private or semi private rooms? Do they provide a TV and phone? Can you bring in your own furniture such as a recliner chair? Can you have pet visits?

A state regulatory agency evaluates all facilities regularly in numerous categories from food preparation to medication errors. You may consider looking at the summary to see how well they performed compared with their competition.

List all the nursing homes in your area. You can find listings in your yellow pages, online using your search engines, in your local Senior Resource guides, asking for referrals from friends, or by asking your primary care physician.

Call to schedule a visit, take a tour, and talk to some of the residents and staff.

After exploring all the options you can feel more confident in your decision.

Tips:

--Definitely take the time to visit. Being in the building and seeing the residents and staff will influence your decision.

-- Proximity is important in choosing a facility, the closer it is to friends/family, the more frequently friends and family will visit.

-- It's important to remember the old adage "there's no place like home", but you can find facilities that mirror the feelings of home.

-- Choosing a nursing home is not an exact science, you want to visit & tour your options to get the feel of the facility before making your decision.

-- You still have options- even after checking in, if you are not satisfied with your care or service, you have options and can transfer to another facility.

Warnings:

- Some facilities have been rated poorly by state regulatory agencies, the reports are available but you will have to request it.

Common Medical Conditions For Seniors

There are a lot of different diseases and medical conditions that affect people as they age. These may be things like diabetes, Alzheimer's, hearing loss, and pneumonia. There are many different reasons why senior citizens may develop one of these health issues, and there are several ways to treat them as well. Some of these medical conditions are more common than others. Here are some of the common medical conditions found in senior citizens.

Alzheimer's is a very common condition among the elderly. Many people who have Alzheimer's find they have memory problems, can become confused easily, and may become sad, angry, or depressed easily. This form of dementia has no known cures, and the causes are still being researched. A lot of Alzheimer's patients may also have signs of dementia and may also be affected by Sundowner's syndrome. Dementia is when the brain slowly loses function and is normally related with different diseases such as Alzheimer's. Sundowner's is a symptom that is associated with things such as dementia and Alzheimer's. For patients who have this, their symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's will increase throughout the day, with them being the worst during the evening.

Many senior citizens may also develop diabetes. Diabetes is a condition where you body does not process enough or any insulin which affects the way our body digests sugar and can be developed at any age. There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes that is found in elderly patients. This is normally more difficult to control and treat in seniors that it is in younger patients. There are several symptoms that are associated with diabetes; thirst, frequent urination, changes in eyes sight, and sudden changes in weight. If you or someone you know has these symptoms or knows they have diabetes, then they should talk to their doctor to find out what the best treatment is for them. It is normally recommended to control diabetes with a proper diet and exercise plan, or with insulin. Talk to your doctor before starting any type of diet or work out plan.

Pneumonia is also a very common condition that is found in elderly patients. Of course, like diabetes, just about anyone can get pneumonia, but it is particularly worse for senior citizens. Pneumonia is the inflammation of the lungs and can often be made worse with a cold or influenza. It causes restricted blood flow to that part of the lungs, and also causes fluid to collect in the infected area. A lot of senior citizens are more susceptible to pneumonia because they normally are already trying to fight off other infections or diseases which can affect their immune system. There are several different types of this condition, like viral and bacterial. For viral pneumonia cases, the patient may be prescribed an antiviral medication. However, viral forms normally go away without medication. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics, and it is common that patients who have this form are hospitalized.

Before starting on any kind of diet or exercise plan, be sure to talk to your doctor. Also, if you suspect that you are coming down with any type of medical condition, it is best to talk to your primary care physician to get the best treatment for you. If you or your loved one lives in a nursing home or an assisted living facility and there have been cases of contagious illnesses, be sure that your doctor is informed and that you watch any symptoms that may develop as they may be signs of a more serious condition.