Trending
Free Medicare education class offered
There are important decisions that need to be made when you become eligible for Medicare. Making the wrong decision can lead to not having any or enough health care coverage and financial penalties. The Senior LinkAge Line through the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging (MNRAAA) is sponsoring an educational presentation for people who will soon be eligible for Medicare. Participants will learn the basics of Medicare and their coverage options in Minnesota. They will also learn how to research these options using non-biased tools, such as the Medicare website.
The presentation will be from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Friday, June 15, in Marshall at the Marshall-Lyon County Library. Class size is limited, so call the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 to register.
The Senior LinkAge Line is a free statewide service of the Minnesota Board on Aging and Area Agencies on Aging. The Senior LinkAge Line is the federally-designated State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Minnesota and is the place to call for Medicare and health insurance issues. Call 1-800-333-2433 for assistance or go to www.MinnesotaHelp.info to chat live with a Senior LinkAge Line specialist.
Visit the website at: www.mnraaa.org.
Avera eCARE receives Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation from The Joint Commission
Avera eCARE announced Monday that it recently earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with nationally recognized standards. The Gold Seal of Approval is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization's commitment to providing safe and effective patient care.
"We're pleased to earn this accreditation from The Joint Commission," said Deanna Larson, CEO of Avera eCARE. "It's a validation of our ongoing commitment to quality care and safety. Our team continues to work together to ensure that patients receive high quality care at all of our partner sites."
To receive the accreditation, Avera eCARE underwent a rigorous, onsite survey. During the review, a team of Joint Commission surveyors with expertise in ambulatory health care, evaluated Avera eCARE's compliance with ambulatory care standards related to a variety of areas, including:
• Emergency management
• Leadership
• Provision of care, treatment and services
• Performance improvement
• Patient rights
Avera eCARE achieved the best possible results and received excellent feedback.
"We commend Avera eCARE and its staff for achieving this pinnacle demonstrating a commitment to patient safety and quality. Your passion, dedication and tenacity can ultimately improve patient care. We thank Avera eCARE for its commitment to patient safety," said Michael Kulczycki, MBA, CAE, executive director, Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission.
98-year-old woman found dead, husband hospitalized
RICHFIELD (AP) -- Police say a 98-year-old woman was found dead in her Richfield home where her 95-year-old husband was found on the floor, but alive.
John Parrish was taken to the hospital after neighbors called police Sunday to check on the couple's welfare. They saw newspapers beginning to stack up at the couple's home and became concerned.
Neighbor Helen Johnson told the Star Tribune that Amy Parrish still drove her car and raked leaves in the year. Johnson says she suffered from osteoporosis, but was the main caregiver for her husband.
John Parrish was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center where Johnson says he is in "tough shape."
Minnesota teen pleads guilty in football teammate beating
FAIRMONT (AP) -- A southern Minnesota high school football player admitted in court Monday that he took part in an assault on a teammate that left the other teenager unconscious last fall.
Dalton Nagel, 18, of Blue Earth pleaded guilty to a felony charge of aiding and abetting third-degree assault in the attack on the 16-year-old teammate at a house party in October. His sentencing is set for July 9.
Nagel is one of four Blue Earth Area High School football players, ages 16 to 18, who face felony charges in the beating. Nagel also pleaded guilty to fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a gross misdemeanor that prosecutors later added.
Nagel admitted holding the boy down while others beat him unconscious, the Star Tribune reported. He also admitted to rubbing his genitals on the victim's face as another teammate filmed the incident on a cellphone.
The victim later was diagnosed with a concussion, and prosecutors say the teasing from other students became so bad that he left the school.
School district officials suspended the accused players from school and barred them from playing sports. The school sparked controversy by allowing the accused students to play football in state playoffs following the assault. The beating prompted a community task force to examine bullying in Blue Earth schools.