Homecare for the elderly: A growing niche industry
The number of in-home aides for the elderly is expected to grow by 50 percent over the next decade as the U.S. senior population grows and more people remain at home instead of entering long-term care facilities. Click here for more.

Heath groups showing up in virtual worlds
Health groups are responding to changes in how people communicate and access healthcare information by setting up shop in the virtual world, including Second Life and other social media. CIGNA has created its own “island” in Second Life to offer healthcare information and education, and the CDC interviewed avatars — or residents of Second Life — to collect opinions on health and safety issues. Click here for more.

Intel to unveil health monitoring device
Intel Corp. next week plans to launch its home-care-management system — called Intel Health Guide — to enable doctors to remotely monitor patients with chronic diseases. The new device is equipped with a touch-screen computer with video conferencing capabilities and a multimedia health education library. Click here for more.

Utah healthcare reform group focuses on cost, quality
One of five work groups charged with making healthcare reform recommendations for the state of Utah is calling for quality improvement strategies and cost containment, such as incorporating wellness initiatives into all health plans. The group says health-coverage financing should be shared by individuals, the private insurance market, and the government. Click here for more.

AHA asks CMS to review details of ‘never event’ policy
Citing an analysis of patients undergoing the wrong surgery or surgery on the wrong patient or body part, the American Hospital Association (AHA) has asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to give some thought to the complexities of implementing its “no pay for mistakes” policy. Click here for more.