Month: March 2014

Tablet technology aims to mitigate concerns of in-home care for seniors

A senior services company uses tablet technology to aid in care provision at home. Read More »

Senate passes HR 4302; what it means to SNFs

The U.S. Senate has passed a bill that delays enforcement of the “two midnight rule” for certain hospital stays as well as creates programs to establish readmission-related measures for skilled nursing facilities and rewards for those facilities that meet them. Read More »

Residents, nurses and too little time

Documentation and other paperwork are part of a nurse’s daily routine. It takes a toll on the personal quality of resident/nurse relationships, however. Read More »

Congress, LTC industry deliver bill to standardize post-acute care services

The draft legislation is here. But how much “IMPACT” would the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 have? Read More »

Observance puts focus on LGBT health issues

Whether it’s LGBT Health Awareness Week or some other time, several websites offer resources to help educate administrators and professional caregivers about LGBT health issues and related matters. Read More »

Online dementia program available

More than 10,000 people already have registered to take a free, nine-week online course about cognitive impairment. Read More »

NorthStar expands healthcare portfolio with $1B deal

Real estate investment trust NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. plans to acquire 43 senior housing facilities and 37 skilled nursing facilities in 14 states. Read More »

SGR ‘doc fix’ bill could delay ICD-10 by a year

A bill up for vote this week could extend the current "doc fix" and could delay the ICD-10 implementation deadlines for a year. Read More »

ONC, West Health Institute spell out need for IT interoperability

Two major organizations issue a call to all stakeholders to make information systems interoperability a top priority.  Read More »

My conversation with Seth Rogen

A funny man is tackling an unfunny disease. Seth Rogen's Senate committee testimony and charitable efforts—and their after-effects—are helping to bring attention to Alzheimer's and the need for more research funding. Read More »

Diabetes Alert Day

The American Diabetes Association Alert Day may be only one day, but senior communities can harness it as a way to create better health habits all year. Read More »

Payers invest in chronic disease behavior modification

Company that offers behavior modification programs for chronic illnesses raises $6M in funding.  Read More »

Nanotechnology powers self-sanitizing surfaces

Multi-country testing supports the efficacy of surfaces that disinfect themselves using nanotechnology.  Read More »

12 steps to QAPI: Step 4: Guiding principles

In Step 4 of the continuing series on QAPI, Nell Griffin, LPN, EdM, discusses the importance of a nursing home establishing its sense of self and communicating that image to all staff. Read More »

Continuous monitoring reduces hospital stay

A new study reveals a leading monitoring system can reduce hospital stays. Read More »

Tuberculosis still threatens life in U.S.

The infectious bacterial disease remains a problem in the United States, even though the number of cases reported each year is decreasing. Several resources exist for those working in long-term care, however. Read More »

1/3 of community hospital patients receive ‘inappropriate’ treatment for infections

Infection rates are up in community hospitals and SNFs. But who’s infecting whom? Read More »

App aimed at Alzheimer’s stimulates the mind

Combining music and art, a new app stimulates the minds of Alzheimer's patients.  Read More »

Reducing ostomy infection risk

Proper care of an ostomy site can avoid unnecessary infections and maintain a resident’s dignity and comfort. These tips and resources can help caregivers manage the challenges associated with pouching systems and help them foster positive attitudes in residents who have them. Read More »

Hospital providers may have difficulty offering end-of-life prognosis

In palliative care situations, prognosis discussions for hospitalized patients may not be held because of the complex composition of providers.  Read More »

Depression vs. appetite

Not eating can pose a serious threat to a resident’s health. What happens when a resident’s “right” becomes dangerous to his or her health? Read More »

Helping residents get ‘Happy’ and healthy

An assisted living program director finds a fun activity for residents that spreads a positive message about seniors and the facility, helps residents get a little exercise—and has another, unanticipated effect. Read More »

Treadmill program may help seniors avoid falls

Seniors and physical therapists one day may benefit from a computerized treadmill program under development to prevent falls and fall-related injuries in older adults. Read More »

Acute and post-acute care unite

From courtship to a permanent union, hospitals and long-term care facilities have a lot to gain by working together. A look at the evolution of the AC/PAC relationship. Read More »

Consorting with greatness

Editor-in-Chief Pamela Tabar reflects on LTL’s trip to Manhattan: The coveted Jesse H. Neal Awards banquet didn’t result in a final trophy, but it was a golden milestone in all other ways. Read More »

Partnerships@Work: A room with a view

For all its beauty, New England can get cold and dark. But two New Hampshire senior living communities have found a way to provide residents with sunny “skies” year-round. Read More »

One solution to complaints? Stop investigating

Los Angeles area nursing home inspectors have been told to stop looking into some complaints as the county addresses a backlog of cases. Read More »

CMS to test new hospice payment model

Hospice patients could receive curative care as well as palliative care under a new payment model to be tested by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Here’s how the program would work. Read More »

LTC facilities get new TV option

Satellite TV and Internet service provider contracts with major LTC provider.  Read More »

Improved care transitions will aid resident health: study

New research suggests how health policymakers and caregivers can better coordinate the transitions of care that find 22 percent of older adults moving from and among hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care communities and their homes. Read More »