Month: April 2014

12 steps to QAPI: Step 5: Develop your QAPI plan

In Step 5 of the continuing series on Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI), Nell Griffin, LPN, EdM, discusses the importance of establishing a plan to complete the prerequisites to ensure successful implementation. Read More »

NY nurse practitioner independence to increase

A controversial new law in New York will allow nurse practitioners to practice without a written practice agreement with a physician. Read More »

BlackBerry sets its sights on healthcare

The BlackBerry mobile device company enters the healthcare market by partnering with an IT provider. Read More »

X-rated entertainment

If residents request an activity that challenges the boundaries of good taste, should the facility weigh in on its appropriateness for the majority? Read More »

Glen Campbell moves to Alzheimer’s facility

Country singer Glen Campbell moves into a memory care facility as a documentary about his life with Alzheimer's disease is about to debut. Read More »

Refreshing interiors—in rooms and seniors

An online show aims to keep quality of life high for seniors by improving the function and look of their living spaces. Read More »

Senior gambling: Amusement or addiction?

Are residents being treated like children by giving them “permission” to pursue their interests or are facilities and families protecting them from themselves?  Read More »

The pharmacist is in

Far more than pill-counters, long-term care pharmacists are emerging as valuable players on the resident care team. Read More »

Administrator turnover affects quality: study

Administrative turnover is more important than facility size or location when it comes to quality of care in nursing homes, according to one study. Read More »

Five Star partners with celebrity chef Brad Miller

Senior living and healthcare services company Five Star Quality Care has hired celebrity chef Brad Miller to create signature recipes to incorporate into the company’s menu and to host on-site community events. Read More »

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month

It's not too late to inform your residents and community about Parkinson's disease, a chronic, progressive and life-changing movement disorder. Read More »

Hospice, home health operations change hands

An acquisition a hospice and home healthcare provider adds another state to one company's activities, affecting 180 employees and multiple counties in the process. Read More »

NCOA: Medication therapy management programs ‘severely underutilized’

Older adults aren’t taking advantage of one of the most important benefits under Medicare Part D, the National Council on Aging says. Read More »

6 steps to clean restrooms

Taking these actions can help keep your facility sanitary—and make it easier for residents and visitors to tell. Read More »

Joerns, RecoverCare announce merger

Products, equipment sales and support will be enhanced as two major healthcare equipment providers unite. Read More »

Internet use cuts depression

A study shows older adults who go online are less likely to experience depression. Read More »

Study questions readability of colorectal cancer websites

A new study raises questions as to the information available on colorectal cancer screening websites.  Read More »

Partnership will extend bundled payment program to more SNFs

A provider of software solutions for skilled nursing facilities partners with a payment program provider to offer bundled payments.  Read More »

Feds keep the pressure on

A new “doc fix” law and MedPAC report seek to tighten spending for long-term care facilities. Read More »

Company offers high-tech decorating option for resident rooms

Does your facility restrict the use of hanging pictures in resident rooms because of marring? Now seniors can literally paper the walls with photos of family and friends, thanks to this tech company.  Read More »

Double-digit growth expected for mHealth app market

Although still segmented, the forecast for the mHealth app market is extremely healthy, say market predictors. Read More »

Software to predict hospital readmissions may lack accuracy

One study finds software used to predict hospital readmissions may not be as accurate as reviews done manually.  Read More »

Disaster preparedness focus of April 30 event

The federal government is planning its inaugural PrepareAthon! National Day of Action for April 30 in an effort to help healthcare professionals and others plan their individual, family and facility responses to natural disasters. Read More »

Advance directives highlighted by April 16 effort

April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day. Do you know the obligations of healthcare institutions? Read More »

Preparedness protected residents, Village Shalom chief says

One person was shot and killed outside an Overland Park, Kan., senior living community on Sunday, but the outcome could have been worse had staff members not been prepared for such an event, the community’s president and CEO says. Read More »

CMS proposes acceptance of updated Life Safety Code

Proposed Life Safety Code provisions are designed to advance and enhance healthy and safe environments and upgrade compliance requirements. Read More »

Memory care building boom in the heart of Texas

When it comes to memory care facility construction, this Texas metro area is among the busiest in the country. Read More »

Week celebrates WOC nurses

April 13 to 19 is Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse Week. Observe it with these resources. Read More »

State Medicaid agency to monitor social media

One state's Medicaid agency is paying for search and analysis of social media comments and complaints to improve customer service and address perceived problems. Read More »

One killed at senior living community in Kansas

One person was killed outside a senior living community in Kansas yesterday, the media are reporting. If you're concerned that a similar event could happen at your community, you may find these Long-Term Living resources helpful.  Read More »