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Contact: Diane Shearer

Older Americans Honored in May -- AARC Unveils Online Long-Term Care Guide to Celebrate

Dallas, TX (May 8, 2001) -- In recognition of Older Americans Month, the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) unveils an online guide on choosing appropriate long-term care. Older Americans and those helping take care of them should examine this consumer education feature, "Choosing the Right Skilled Nursing Facility," if they are considering long-term care.

Depending upon where people live there may be anywhere from two or three to more than a hundred facilities to choose from. The tools collected for this online guide link long-term care shoppers to quality resources that will walk them through the process of finding the highest quality facility for themselves or loved ones. This is especially crucial if significant medical attention is necessary. Among the elderly, for example, respiratory disorders are extremely common. The AARC's guide offers selection criteria from respiratory therapists aimed at people who need special attention for breathing problems. Respiratory patients will learn to ask questions like:

  • How does the facility provide oxygen to its respiratory patients? Rooms piped with oxygen? Concentrators? Tanks?
  • Are the respiratory therapists who service the facility contracted or employed?
  • Is the facility free standing or attached to an acute care facility?

Guide users will also find valuable information about the differences between assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities as well as discussions on Medicare Managed Care plans and Medicare HMO's and supplemental policies. The guide links to information from sources such as like:

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • American Health Care Association
  • Consumer Reports

An increasing number of Americans are faced with choosing the best care for family members, or for themselves, as they grow older. This new resource offers valuable guidance that will help consumers make informed decisions.

Older Americans Month is sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging. This year's theme is "The Many Faces of Aging." For more information, visit their website at: https://oam.acl.gov.

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The American Association for Respiratory Care focuses on respiratory therapy education and research. Our goal is not only to benefit healthcare providers but also to ensure that respiratory patients get quality care from skilled professionals. The AARC also serves as an advocate for patient and healthcare provider pulmonary issues in government affairs.


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