Month: May 2014

SNF sees $3.3M verdict in negligence case

A jury has returned a $3.3 million verdict against a Colorado skilled nursing facility after the sister of a resident claimed negligence in a civil suit. Read More »

12 steps to QAPI: Step 7: Collecting and using data

We’ve passed the midpoint of the continuing series on Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI). Now it’s time to collect and analyze data to improve person-centered care. Read More »

Wheelchair workouts improve mobility and more

Sitting in a wheelchair does not mean that a person is incapable of physical activity or the benefits that regular exercise can bring.  Read More »

Catheter-associated UTI prevention guide released

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology has issued a free guide to help healthcare organizations prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Read More »

Let them eat print!

The space program introduced a nation to Tang beverage crystals and the microwave. A new technology may change the way that long-term care residents dine. Read More »

AMDA resources to be part of clinical decision support products

AMDA‒The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine’s clinical practice guidelines and Know-It-All series will be incorporated into two clinical decision support products offered by MatrixCare under a new agreement between the two entities. Read More »

Seniors’ use of medical marijuana in ALFs and SNFs

Massachusetts’ implementation of a “medical marijuana law,” and how it applies to assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities, is, of course, of special interest to providers in that state, but it may hold lessons for senior living communities elsewhere as well. Read More »

Medication management software gets an upgrade

Physicians can now send automatic medication reminders to residents via an upgraded app. Read More »

Seniors improving in key health measures: report

A new report reveals the health status of seniors as well as the states where the healthiest and least healthy older adults live. Read More »

‘Smart’ bandages under development

Built-in sensors could make bandages responsive to changes in wounds.  Read More »

Study: 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries affected by medical injury

Older adults in poor health or with disability are more at risk to suffer from long-term effects of medical injury (adverse medical events), a study finds. Read More »

Long-term care emergency preparedness

Have you shaken the dust off your emergency preparedness plan lately? The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has added some new requirements to what must be in an emergency operations plan and how employees must be trained. Read More »

Penalty paybacks: Funding projects for free

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is cracking down on unused money collected from civil money penalties. Long-Term Living legal expert Alan C. Horowitz explains how your facility can get its next worthy project paid for by the fund. Read More »

You are out of…

Missing doses of a medication can be problematic—even dangerous—for residents in long-term care. Why does a prescription run out before it should? Read More »

Partnership creates wireless network for senior living communities

Residents and staff of senior living communities in Connecticut will benefit from a new wireless network created by partnering companies.  Read More »

Obama announces OMB, HUD nominations

President Barack Obama has announced nominations for the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and one organization representing aging-services providers is commenting on the decisions. Read More »

Memorial Day observance

Long-Term Living will be taking a short break on Monday, May 26 for  Memorial Day. We will return with news, articles, blogs and eNewsletters on Tuesday, May 27. Thank you to all the men and women of our armed forces for your service and sacrifices, now and in the past. Read More »

The MDS coordinator should report to…?

The reimbursement and information generated by the MDS is integral to a facility's financial health, quality care and outcomes. MDS coordinators need to connect with middle and upper management. Read More »

Forecast is for greater adoption of NPWT

Participants at a summit held on negative pressure wound therapy see a bright future for this technology.  Read More »

Work on diabetes management software continues

FDA sees no problem in continuing development of real-time diabetes management software.  Read More »

No slowdown for home health software and services market

A recent study points to double-digit growth in the home health software and services market by 2018.  Read More »

Kelly, Giffords discuss resiliency of human spirit

At the Assisted Living Federation of America's annual conference, retired astronaut and Navy Captain Mark Kelly and his wife, retired Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, shared lessons learned through their work and her recovery from a shooting. Read More »

ALFA bestows awards

Dedication and innovation were recognized when the Assisted Living Federation of America bestowed awards on individuals and organizations at its annual conference. Read More »

Highmark, naviHealth bring Pa. seniors enhanced care following hospital stays

Post-hospital care for Medicare Advantage members in Pennsylvania gets personal.  Read More »

Dementia training improves care delivery: speakers

Two speakers at the Assisted Living Federation of America annual conference discussed ideal components of dementia training programs and also reviewed initiatives implemented or under consideration in various states across the country. Read More »

How to serve those on Medicaid through assisted living

The state of the economy and the continuing aging of the population mean that interest in the "affordable assisted living" model–serving those receiving Medicaid assistance–is growing, according to speakers at the Assisted Living Federation of America annual conference. They shared tips for those interested in operating properties under this model. Read More »

Survey reveals senior living wishes of prospective residents

A new survey provides some insights into how Americans select senior living communities for themselves or their loved ones. Read More »

PointClickCare debuts technology platform for assisted living

PointClickCare introduced its platform to address the increasing acuity, staffing and risk mitigation needs of assisted living providers at the Assisted Living Federation of America annual conference. Read More »

Augustana Care pilots support program for post-rehab seniors

Minneapolis-based Augustana Care partners with Lifesprk to provide a support program for seniors following rehabilitation therapy. Read More »

An extra cup of coffee may ward off diabetes

Adding just one more cup of coffee to your diet each day may help to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. Read More »