Month: May 2013

FDA approves 24-hour COPD drug

The FDA has approved the first once-a-day inhalant to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Read More »

Nighttime housekeeping is disruptive

While nursing homes are a 24-hour-a-day operation, maintenance/housekeeping staff need to schedule loud and/or noisy projects at times that won't limit accessibility to residents or disturb their routines. Read More »

Staff shortages trigger investigation of W. Va. veterans nursing home

Too many hours, too little pay and too few staff are the accusations at a West Virginia nursing home for veterans currently under state investigation. Read More »

Qualcomm, HealthyCircles team up for care-coordination data

A telecom giant and a care-coordination software company join forces to improve care transitions and data capture at home. Read More »

Celebrate National Nursing Home Week

It’s time to stand up and recognize those dedicated individuals for all they do to make life in long-term care a positive and fulfilling experience for America’s frail elderly. Read More »

ALFA 2013: ALFA honors six Senior Living Hero Award winners

Fmr. First Lady Laura Bush presents the Hero Awards at the ALFA 2013 conference. Read More »

Long-term care facilities recognized for QAPI quality and performance

Nearly 300 long-term care facilities in the U.S. and Canada have been recognized as 2013 Embracing Quality Award Winners for quality of care delivery in an accredited QAPI program. Read More »

ALFA 2013 Keynote: Are you a leader of possibilities?

The attendees at ALFA’s 2013 conference learn lessons about leadership (and Beethoven) from world-renowned orchestra conductor Benjamin Zander. Read More »

CMS Publishes FY 2014 Proposed Payment Guidance

CMS publishes proposals for changes to FY 2014 payment rates, quality data collection and reporting requirements, and qualification criteria for long-term care providers in the Federal Register.  Read More »

Contaminated mattresses: A new source of concern in infection control?

Don’t take infection control lying down. The most effective risk management program can be undone by not taking a few simple precautions. Read More »

Florida loses its court battle to override HIPAA requirements

Who is entitled to access a deceased person’s protected health information? In Florida, the state’s law allows access to a range of unauthorized representatives. Read More »

National hospice provider charged with false claims submissions

Vitas Hospice Services is charged by DOJ with engaging in business practices that resulted in inappropriate patient admissions and upcoded claims submissions to Medicare. Read More »

A trainee’s misstep

A confrontation on feeding protocol and personal safety takes place between an aide in training and her instructor in the presence of residents. Read More »

Physical activity won’t chase the blues away for seniors

“Head, shoulders, knees and toes!”  While exercise may be good for the body, it doesn’t ease depression, according to a recent study. Read More »

The brave, new LTC world: Are you on board?

As Americans continue to aging in growing numbers, long-term care faces challenges on several fronts in providing the relevant care, services and accommodations that this new senior demographic will demand. Read More »

LTC property investors shirk SNFs as financial risks

Several of long-term care’s biggest property owners are shedding their interest in the financially challenged skilled nursing sector. Read More »

Leaders of Tomorrow: G. Allen Power, MD

Congratulations to Long-Term Living's  final 2013 Leaders of Tomorrow award winners: G. Allen Power, MD, Eden Mentor at St. John's Home in Rochester, New York and Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Rochester. Read about Dr. Power's mission to bring culture change to seniors, with a special focus on dementia. Read More »

CMS proposes $180 million increase in hospice reimbursements

CMS has proposed a new rule that would raise hospice payments under Medicare by $180 million next year. Read More »

Long-Term Living wins big at ASHPE

Long-Term Living earns four awards for its content excellence from the American Society of Healthcare Publication Editors.  Read More »

Leaders of Tomorrow: Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC

Congratulations to the fourth of our five 2013 Leaders of Tomorrow: Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC. After 30 years in acute care, Segal has dedicated herself to educating LTC facilities about infection control and prevention. Read More »