Bernie:
Congratulations on your good work. The millennium is off to a good start
here too.
I have been a Parkinson's representative on the DC Coalition for Long Term
Care for a couple of years. This group has been shepherding a bill to
regulate quality standards for Assisted Living facilities in DC (24 States
have such regulation). The bill passed the City Council unanimously this
week on the first vote.
In case you dont already have them, I have obtained some materials on
Assisted Living Quality that I can refer you to. I did learn that the
Assisted Living Federation of America does address PD specifically in its
training programs, but it may be a good idea to examine the content and
adequacy of those programs.
In addition, this week I attended the NIH - PD research planning task force
meeting this week which has been discussed on the listserve. It is very
encouraging to see the commitment and enthusiasm of the NIH and the
scientists for accelerating PD research. You will hear more on this one.
A third positive (it has truly been a good week) is the Letter I received
from the new DC Insurance Commissioner who indicated that he is more actively
investigating the issue of "caps on prescription drug coverage" by health
plans. Working with Virginia and Maryland he is looking for fair and
equitable solutions that recognize rising drug costs as well as consumer
needs. I have been fighting the imposition of caps by Kaiser Health Plan so
its good to have an ally. Prescription drug coverage is a National issue of
importance to PD, so you will hear more on this one too.
Perry Cohen
(53/49/--)
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: A New Facility
From: "Bernard Barber,Ph.D." <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2000 11:00:47 -0500
Reply-To: "Parkinson's Information Exchange Network"
<[log in to unmask]>
Sender: "Parkinson's Information Exchange Network"
<[log in to unmask]>
>
>The New Millennium is starting out in a very positive way for PWP and me.
>
>As many folks know I have been spending a great deal of time and effort in
trying to have the Assisted Living Facilities and Care Centers address the
specific needs of PWP. Monday an announcement from the Desert Winds,
Assisted Living Community, 20545 N. Lake Pleasant Road, Peoria, AZ 85382,
623-322-0600 will indicate that they will specialize in Parkinson's Disease
Residents. Licensed Nurses and Care givers have been trained to meet the
needs of PWP and their spouses. Cassandra Gatz, Executive Director of
Desert Winds, whose Father suffered with Parkinson's for the past twenty
years, has a personal desire to help in the care and hopefully the cure of
PD. The Arizona Office of the APDA at the University of Arizona, the folks
at the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Research Center, and The Arizona Chapter of
NPF, have contributed to this effort.
>
>Additional information may be obtained by writing or calling Cassandra at
the aforementioned address and phone number.
Bernie Barber
>
