The so-called CLASS plan would allow workers to sign up for a payroll deduction program similar to Social Security that would provide in-home assistance when they are older or disabled.

Participation would be voluntary, with fees and benefits to be determined on an actuarial basis.

Despite widespread concern about the potential impact on the federal deficit, the plan survived in the Senate bill. An amendment to delete the program failed to get the 60 votes needed.

The plan is getting strong support from groups representing seniors and the disabled, two powerful lobbies.

A study by the centers for Medicare and Medicaid suggested that the program will stop paying for itself by 2025, and then run a deficit. However, another agency, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, found reason for optimism, estimating the program will probably remain solvent over a 75-year period.

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is pleased to report successful results in reaching those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease through the museum’s art therapy program Piece of Mind.

This pioneer program is an Alzheimer’s outreach program that incorporates interactive tours and art therapy. Art therapy programs engage the minds of those affected by dementia, improving the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients, and increasing self-esteem.

Piece of Mind was modeled on the highly acclaimed Meet Me at MOMA developed by the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Building on this idea, the Brooks also added corresponding art making sessions with a trained art therapist, and is currently the only art museum in the country to offer these two components in tandem.

This unique program benefits individuals in the early to middle stages of the degenerative disease, along with their family members and caregivers.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, as many as 5.3 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s, a disease characterized by memory loss for which there is no known cure. While art therapy programs cannot stop the effects of the disease, they are valuable therapeutic tools in engaging the minds of those affected by dementia, improving the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients, and increasing self-esteem. As the Alzheimer’s Association states, the value of art therapy lies “in the creative process of making the art and expressing feelings and emotions trapped inside. The ensuing sense of accomplishment brings renewed joy and self-respect to the patient.”

Karleen Gardner, the Brooks’ Curator of Education explains, “In this program you often see people opening up and, as their caregivers tell us, expressing themselves in ways they couldn’t usually. While they may not be able to access a specific memory, some paintings can evoke powerful feelings from their past.”

During interactive gallery tours at the Brooks, specially trained museum docents highlight themes, artists, and special exhibitions, encouraging close inspection, personal connections, and group discussion. Tours are followed by related hands-on art projects in the studio with a trained art therapist. The Piece of Mind program is conducted during non-public hours, thus providing a safe, comfortable environment to give those living with Alzheimer’s an expressive outlet and a forum for dialogue.

Piece of Mind is sponsored by Baptist Memorial Health Care, regarded as one of the premier health care systems in the nation, dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care for patients. “It is our privilege to support such a wonderful and important program,” said Scott Fountain, senior vice president and chief development officer for Baptist. “Our colleagues treat many Alzheimer’s patients, so we see firsthand the effect it has on patients and their loved ones. We hope this program helps them and anyone else who has been affected by the disease.”

For a complete tour schedule or to make reservations, please visit www.brooksmuseum.org.

In the past few years, major advances have revolutionized the way doctors perform hip replacement and knee replacement surgery to relieve severe arthritis pain. “These days, patients have more options. Newer techniques and better technology have made joint replacement easier for the patient,” says Dr. Geoffrey Westrich, an orthopedic surgeon and co-director of joint replacement research at the highly-rated Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.

One such advance is minimally invasive joint replacement, according to Dr. Westrich, who is an associate professor of orthopedic surgery. This newer technique achieves the same goal as the standard operation, but with a three- or four-inch incision, as opposed to 12 or 14 inches. The operation entails replacing the painful arthritic joint with a fully functioning hip or knee implant.

“This is a major advance. Aside from the better cosmetic result, the smaller incision results in less pain, a quicker recovery, a shorter hospital stay and easier physical therapy,” Dr. Westrich explains. “Mini-incision” joint replacement requires a high level of skill and training, and generally only highly specialized orthopedic surgeons perform the procedure.

Some patients with severe hip arthritis may qualify for a newer procedure called “hip resurfacing”, which conserves more bone than total hip replacement, according to Dr. Westrich. Unlike a total hip replacement, in which the entire hip joint is removed, the newer procedure resurfaces the joint, much like a dentist would cap a tooth. The worn cartilage and damaged first layer of bone are removed and a new metal surface is installed. Dr. Westrich says hip resurfacing generally allows patients to engage in higher levels of activity after the surgery and recuperation. Not all patients qualify for hip resurfacing, though, and the proper diagnosis is key. The best candidates tend to be patients under 65 with debilitating arthritis, but active older patients with good bone quality may also be eligible.

For patients with severe knee pain from arthritis, a partial knee replacement may be possible. Less extensive than total joint replacement, it is appropriate for patients whose arthritis is limited to just one area of their knee. “Patients who qualify for a partial joint replacement experience less pain right after surgery, have a quicker recovery and rehabilitation, and have a shorter hospital stay,” Dr. Westrich says. “Yet the procedure completely relieves arthritis pain and allows patients to return to activities they were forced to give up. Another advantage is that it preserves the normal bone and cartilage in the rest of the knee that would typically be replaced in a total joint procedure.”

When choosing an orthopedic surgeon and hospital for joint replacement, patients should make sure the physician specializes in this type of surgery and is highly experienced in the procedure, Dr. Westrich advises. A wealth of information about joint replacement is available at the web site: www.westrichmd.com. Anyone wishing to make an appointment with Dr. Westrich can call 212-606-1510.