HomeCare Editors’ Top 5: Week of July 27

Familes Face Tough Decisions as Cost of Elder Care Soars

For the two-third of American over 65 who are expected to need some long-term care, the costs are increasingly out of reach. (Matthew Carft/AP/Washington Post)

Saliva Seen as Possible Diagnostic Tool for Alzheimer’s Disease

Your spit might just reveal whether you’re a likely candidate for developing Alzheimer’s disease. (Fredrick Kunkle/Washington Post)

DOL Rule Would Expand Overtime for Salaried Home Care Workers

The Department of Labor (DOL) sparked and ongoing battle when it moved in 2013 to extend overtime protections to home health aids and similar types of workers. (Jason Olivia/Home Health Care News)

Good News, Bad News In Medicare Trustees Report

As Medicare approaches its 50th anniversary next week, the federal program got some welcome financial news Wednesday: Its giant hospital trust fund will be solvent until 2030, and its longterm outlook has improved, according to a report from the program’s trustees. (Phil Galewits/Kaiser Health News)

Anthem Clinches Deal to Buy Rival Cigna for $54 Billion

Anthem Inc. has agreed to acquire rival Cigna Corp. for $54 billon, creating the health insurance industrys biggest company by enrollment. (Chad Terhune/LA Times)