Baby Boomers: trends and opportunities in social media for businesses, organizations and individuals' careers: Digital Wagon Train™

Long-Term Care Savings Account... Peace Of Mind?

My Aunt Dorothy is just days away from turning 92. She was living independently in her own apartment, up until about 2 months ago. As much a blessing as amazing. She is now in a long-term care situation.  

At a family meeting yesterday, we started talking about the cost of long-term care and health insurance. It dawned on me, why not enable Long-Term Care Savings Accounts (LCSA)... no different from current HSA's, from all employers, including small businesses?

I had just heard a radio program with legislators and commentators discussing our current economic situation, and whether we should tax this or don't tax that. Of course, a little sprinkling on the new healthcare reform bill was thrown in for good measure. There is so much to think about, and so much to solve, and if we can take a couple steps forward, maybe the new House and Senate can actually prove that government by and for the people, can work. Pretty optimistic, right?

What if we could set up Long-Term Savings Accounts (LCSA), that would provide us some peace of mind, and a maybe a little something to pass on to our beneficiaries?

Part of the interest gained on these accounts could help put a little back in the Medicare pot, which is being carved away day by day. Aging baby boomers will be living longer and needing assistance, with retirement a more and more distant light at the end of the tunnel while living longer, hopefully healthier lives. Let's be able to contribute and have a little peace of mind. 

 

YouTube Video Drives Donations for Oregon Hospital

I know it's supposed to be the day for wearing green, but I love pink. Take it away, Pink Glove Dance.

What would the oldest hospital in Oregon think they could accomplish from using social media?

How about increased business donations, pink glove sales, interest by health care workers in working at a 150-year old traditional health care facility that projects a blend of tradition and hip use of social media, while portraying a refreshing, fun and upbeat reminder for Breast Cancer Awareness. 

Tip o' the leprechaun's hat to Claire Celeste Carnes, Marketing Director, Providence Health and Services, Oregon. 

What can Social Media do for your ROI?

Healthcare Reform... Give a Little Bit

In anticipation of President Obama's bi-partisan healthcare summit tomorrow, last night I attended a pre-healthcare summit forum hosted by Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and Kerri Miller. A big shout out to Kerri Miller who did an excellent job facilitating a diverse panel represented by Mayo Clinic, Health Partners, Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, and Fairview Hospitals and Clinics.

The audience was as diverse as each opinion in the auditorium. Multiply that times 300 million people and 300 million opinions and we might begin to understand the complexity of this issue. What I learned is that there really isn't one model or one answer. With all due respect, everybody needs to "Give a Little Bit" so that we can begin to move closer towards the middle and towards something that gives the American people what they deserve: healthcare that is accessible and affordable to all.

Education came up, but only briefly. For 8 years I was directly involved in diabetes education. I understand the value of a team-based approach to educating groups of people. It works. Not easily, but as my Mom always told me, nothing worthwhile comes easily. Just about everything, especially these days, requires motivation, dedication, an open mind, a little creativity and perseverance. And of course documenting those ever important outcomes.

We'll save healthy living and healthy choices... i.e. food in the schools for another day. As Scarlett says in Gone With The Wind, "tomorrow is another day".