Tech Giants Jump Into Rapidly Growing Healthcare Business : By Derek Baine

A person holding a stethoscope in front of a laptop.


Google parent Alphabet Inc. and hospital chain HCA Healthcare struck a deal this week to develop algorithms using patient records which could help physicians make more informed decisions about patient care.  They aren’t the only ones to jump into the rapidly growing healthcare space.  JPMorgan Chase is investing $250 million in startups and technologies which are meant to make healthcare more efficient and effective.  Amazon.com and Walmart have also partnered on primary care which will enable them to push their prescription pharmaceuticals business.  The U.S. is projected to spend about $4 trillion on healthcare this year (according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services). That’s roughly 20% of GDP so it’s no big surprise that these big companies are jumping into this fast growing sector.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-and-walmart-have-an-rx-for-healthcare-the-cure-wont-be-easy-11622194240

Can A Robot Be The Cure For Lonely Seniors? By Derek Baine

Two cats laying on a bed next to each other.


There was an interesting article in the May 31 issue of The New Yorker (page 24) about Virginia Kellner, who got her cat, which she named Jennie, for her ninety-second birthday.  The catch—it’s not real.  The Department of the Aging started offering robotic dogs and cats to seniors as part of a New York state loneliness intervention project.  A Meals on Wheels driver delivered the pet to her, and was as curious as Virginia to open the box.  Virginia pulled the cat’s tail, and it let out a tinny meow: one of more than thirty sounds and gestures like eye closing, mouth opening and head turning which the Joy for All cats are designed to make.  What a wonderful idea!

 

Carmel, CA Financial Mishaps Can Be Signs Of Dementia And Alzheimer’s Disease, By Derek Baine

A nurse is smiling next to an older woman.


I wrote previously on my blog about the Alzheimer’s Association’s list of “Causes and Risk Factors For Alzheimer’s Disease†and I saw a follow up article the New York Times posted today stating that financial mistakes may be an indication of dementia.  This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you have a relative who is in charge of a large amount of money who has early-onset dementia, this could be very dangerous.  In fact, they could lose everything.  The article did a deep dive into Maria Turner, who saw a red pick up truck she liked on eBay, clicked on a button and spent $20,000.  The next morning she woke up having no recollection of having bought the truck.  The experience scared Maria, a critical care nurse.  “I made a joke out of it, but it really disturbed me,†she told the NYT.  Six years later, at the age of only 53, she had to see a doctor after she had binged on everything from garden gnomes to shoes.  Doctors told her that imaging of her brain showed all of the hallmarks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative disease.  It could have been caused by injuries in her youth falling from horses, but doctors said there was evidence she was developing Alzheimer’s disease and frontal lobe dementia.  This is a sad story, but not a new one. Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/29/business/alzheimers-dementia-personal-finance.html

 

Carmel

Carmel, CA Financial Mishaps Can Be Signs Of Dementia And Alzheimer’s Disease

An older woman with a gray hair sitting in front of trees.


I wrote previously on my blog about the Alzheimer’s Association’s list of “Causes and Risk Factors For Alzheimer’s Disease†and I saw a follow up article the New York Times posted today stating that financial mistakes may be an indication of dementia.  This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you have a relative who is in charge of a large amount of money who has early-onset dementia, this could be very dangerous.  In fact, they could lose everything.  The article did a deep dive into Maria Turner, who saw a red pick up truck she liked on eBay, clicked on a button and spent $20,000.  The next morning she woke up having no recollection of having bought the truck.  The experience scared Maria, a critical care nurse.  “I made a joke out of it, but it really disturbed me,†she told the NYT.  Six years later, at the age of only 53, she had to see a doctor after she had binged on everything from garden gnomes to shoes.  Doctors told her that imaging of her brain showed all of the hallmarks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative disease.  It could have been caused by injuries in her youth falling from horses, but doctors said there was evidence she was developing Alzheimer’s disease and frontal lobe dementia.  This is a sad story, but not a new one. Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/29/business/alzheimers-dementia-personal-finance.html

Pebble Beach, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available


Pebble Beach, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available (Also Aromas, Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel-by-the-sea, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Corral-de-Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Prunedale, Salinas, Seaside and Soledad

We have developed a reputation for having the best caregivers (Home Care Aides or Senior Companions) in Monterey County.   We are currently looking for qualified caregivers.

Family inHome Caregiving of Monterey is seeking compassionate, mature and dependable caregivers who want to improve the lives of our elderly Clients by providing in-home, non-medical care.  Our services include:

Caring companionship

Meal preparation

Incidental transportation

Running errands

Light housekeeping

Medication reminders

Monitoring of safety while bathing

Information and referral services

Other services that improve the safety, security and quality of life of seniors.

If you believe you would make an exceptional Home Care Aide, we would love to hear from you!  We prefer those with experience helping the elderly, disabled and others with mobility problems.  Having cared for those with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s is a plus.  To work for us, you must have excellent references, a clear criminal record, a good driving record, and an insured reliable vehicle.  To apply, please visit our website www.fhcofm.com, click on home care aides, then careers where you can fill out an application online.  We have immediate openings all over Monterey County.

Exciting New Cancer Breakthrough : By Derek Baine

A close up of some blue and yellow cells


Grail, a subsidiary of the DNA sequencing company Illumina, plans to introduce the first liquid biopsy test by the end of the year.  Grail’s is rolling out its Galleri test, which can detect 50 types of cancer, 45 of which have no recommended screening in the U.S.  Another company called Exact Sciences is developing its own multi-cancer screening test.  However, it won’t be ready until 2025

President Joe Biden’s Medicaid Plan Helps Family Caregivers : By Derek Baine

A man and woman cutting an apple on a board.


President Joe Biden has an ambitious plan to help seniors, including asking Congress to lower the age of Medicare eligibility to 60, and a $450 billion fund to help family caregivers over the next ten years.  The latter would include a $5,000 tax credit for caregivers, and should reduce waiting lists for in-home and community-based care.

Can The Secret To Longevity Lie In This Ugly Old Rat? By Derek Baine


For decades, people have been searching for the proverbial fountain of youth, and now some researchers are focusing on an ugly Mole Rat, who at 39 years old has outlived his counterparts by a multiple of five times.  One researcher believes a factor may be that Mole Rats live underground, in dark tunnels away from the sun, and lack Vitamin D.  Google has launched a biotech spinoff called Calico Labs, which is focused on combating aging and age-related diseases.  Hopefully, this old Mole Rat will give us some clues.

https://www.wired.com/story/long-strange-life-worlds-oldest-naked-mole-rat/?bxid=5d9650350564ce3ac11dd859&cndid=1617543&esrc=AUTO_PRINT&source=EDT_WIR_NEWSLETTER_0_DAILY_ZZ&utm_brand=wired&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_mailing=WIR_Daily_052421&utm_medium=email&utm_source=nl&utm_term=list1_p4

Monterey, CA Please Support Alzheimer’s Fundraiser

A close up of some blue and yellow cells


Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had Alzheimer’s disease when they passed away.  There are wonderful people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.  If you have a friend or family member with this terrible disease, please support them in their latest fundraiser called “The Longest Day†on June 3, on Alzheimer’s Brain and Awareness Month.  Please join host Wesleigh Ogle for an evening of wine, cheese and music (at home).  Click on the link below to register.

https://explore.wineinsiders.com/alzheimer-association?WT.mc_id=enews2021_05_19&utm_source=enews-aff-20&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=enews-2021-05-19&utm_content=homeoffice&utm_term=Story2

 

Taking A Road Trip? Don’t Forget Your AARP Card

An older woman holding a pink string in her hand.


AARP has a ton of discounts, including eyeglasses, restaurants and hotels.  Now that people are starting to travel again, don’t forget to bring your AARP card.  The organization has negotiated cheap rates at Best Western, Choice Hotels, Extra Holidays, Hilton, Motel 6, Radison, Studio 6, and Wyndham as well as a number of independently owned hotels.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2021/05/18/summer-vacation-travel-deals-aarp-discounts-hotels-car-rental/5135891001/