Month: February 2014

Assisted living company allegedly under federal investigation

The country’s largest assisted living company is being investigated by the federal government for allegations of improper Medicaid billing and other matters, according to an investigative journalism outlet. Read More »

New dementia care rules go into effect in Massachusetts

New regulations in the Bay State govern worker training, activities, public communication and design of nursing home units for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Read More »

U.S. News issues Best Nursing Homes list

U.S. News & World Report has released its Best Nursing Homes 2014 list, including information on care, safety, health inspections and staffing. Facilities performing well in the CMS Nursing Home Compare program will like what they see. Read More »

The weight of first impressions

More seniors are skipping the quickie day-tour and researching possible CCRCs through longer-stay visits. What kind of impression would your facility make if the "guest tour" lasted for four days and nights? Read More »

5 tests or treatments to consider carefully in seniors

Dementia, cancer, anorexia, cachexia, delirium and polypharmacy all figure into new recommendations from the American Geriatrics Society issued as part of the Choosing Wisely initiative. Read More »

Hand sanitizer, training, leadership lacking in HAI prevention: study

Long-term care facilities are missing chances to prevent infections by not placing hand sanitizer everywhere it's needed, not dedicating funding to worker education and not sending a clear message to employees that it's a priority, researchers say. Read More »

CCRC shopping: One couple’s view

This Kentucky couple embarked on a six-state journey seeking a continuing care retirement community that could suit their needs. What they learned from their multiple-day stays at CCRCs can serve as important lessons for all LTC communities on what future residents are looking for—and not looking for—in their next home. Read More »

The youngest boomers

The U.S. Census Bureau defines those born between 1946 and 1964 as the Baby Boom generation, but that doesn’t mean everyone in the group is the same. Making assumptions about them could hurt you personally and professionally. Read More »

Mobile health app uses natural language questions

Mobile health app uses a natural language search engine to provide health information from vetted sources. Read More »

Maine lawmakers mulling long-term care funding

Members of Maine’s legislature are considering the recommendations of its Long-Term Care Facilities Study Commission as the state grapples with how to pay for the care of its aging population. Read More »

Nursing home report card to launch in Kansas

Quality indicators such as those related to pressure ulcers, weight loss, urinary tract infections and catheter use will be among the criteria Kansas considers when rating nursing homes for a new website. Read More »

New mail-order pharmacy repackages medication management

A web-based mail-order pharmacy is changing the way medications are packaged and delivered to customers--and the new system could be just what the doctor ordered for those who are aging in place or in assisted living.  Read More »

Is telehealth best for palliative care?

A study raises questions about the use of telemedicine in palliative care.  Read More »

Partnerships@Work: Hospitals, LTC facilities connect in Illinois

Statewide efforts between acute care and skilled nursing boost transitions of care coordination and allow providers to share data on patients as they move among care sites. Read More »

Worker education, family caregivers need support, group says

More funding is needed to educate workers and support family members who care for seniors, according to a coalition of more than 30 national organizations, which has released reports on current federal allocations for these purposes. Read More »

Highmark and Blue Cross of NE Pennsylvania set to merge

Two insurers agree to merge, changing the payer landscape in Pennsylvania. Read More »

Wi-Fi woes

As residents become more tech-savvy, facilities need to keep up with the demand for Internet or Wi-Fi connection. Read More »

Website contains best practices for caring for older adults with HIV

The American Geriatrics Society, the American Academy of HIV Medicine and ACRIA are collaborating in a new educational effort that expands on previous work. Read More »

Long-term care well represented on top jobs list

Several types of nursing and therapy positions top one list of hot jobs for 2014. Read More »

Brookdale, Emeritus to merge in $2.8 billion deal

Once the merger of Brookdale Senior Living Inc. and Emeritus Corp. is complete in the third quarter of this year, the company will have communities in 330 markets, near 80 percent of the U.S. population. Read More »

How to reduce variations in post-acute care

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is eyeing variations in treatments for those in post-acute care settings with similar medical conditions in an effort to mitigate negative clinical and financial effects. The scrutiny is call to action for LT/PAC operators. Read More »

CMS puts recovery audit program on temporary hold

The backlog of cases appealing audit decisions and payment denials has cause CMS to make a radical move: Hit the pause button on the audit program until contractors can catch up. Read More »

Institute of Medicine names next president

An expert in hypertension, congestive heart failure and gene therapy for vascular disease has been named the next president of the advisory body the Institute of Medicine. Read More »

Omnicare’s stock stumbles over 2013 finances

One of long-term care’s largest pharmacy services providers sees unexpectedly low financial numbers in 4Q 2013, but hopes specialty services will boost its numbers in 2014. Read More »

Stolen documents renew focus on IT security

This week’s discovery of stolen files and network passwords for three New York nursing homes renews concerns about IT security. Read More »

Could mice hold clues to muscle aging?

Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a new target for therapy that one day could help repair muscle damage and maintain strength and mobility in seniors. Read More »

5 strategies to position your facility as a care leader

Relationships with external decision-makers, such as physicians and hospital CEOs and directors, are key to your being able to serve their post-acute and long-term care needs and are vital to maintaining a consistently strong skilled resident census at your facility. Here are five keys to strengthening those ties. Read More »

Giving a hug to caregivers

A new feature on a caregivers' website offers virtual hugs to boost spirits.  Read More »

Rural health initiative taking shape

CMS is giving some states the opportunity to expand healthcare options in rural areas.  Read More »

New telemonitoring system for the home unveiled

A new telemonitoring system aims to avoid problems after hospital discharge by providing better clinical oversight at home. Read More »