Month: October 2014

Stemming the threat of MDROs

Fighting resistant organisms takes strong tactics because of years of antibiotic abuse. Prevention protocols, adequate staffing and awareness are key to avoiding the creation of bigger, badder bugs. Read More »

Seniors housing demand up, construction down, NIC MAP says

”Stronger job growth, growing consumer confidence and the broad recovery in the stock market are contributing to the gains seen in occupancy and rent growth in seniors housing in the third quarter," according to the latest NIC MAP data. Read More »

CCRC’s intergenerational program featured on national news

When a CCRC invited college-aged students to live at its community, both students and residents benefited. CBS shared the story. Read More »

AHCA/NCAL names new board members

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living have elected members to their boards for the 2014–2015 term. Read More »

Kindred, Gentiva to merge

Kindred Healthcare and Gentiva Health Services will merge in a $1.8 billion transaction that will create the fourth-largest healthcare employer in the country. Read More »

Differentiate your community through activities

Improved quality of life for residents and increased marketing opportunities for the campus are only a few of the advantages of raising the bar on your activities programming.    Read More »

Withhold gastrostomy tubes from terminal patients, report advises

Gastrostomy tubes and other enteral devices are not advised for use in end-of-life or advance dementia situations because risks might outweigh the benefits, according to new report. Read More »

Pioneer ACOs: Will positive effects last?

Pioneer ACOs have resulted in overall savings and quality improvements in the health system, according to new information released by CMS, but their effect going forward may be muted as participants dwindle. Read More »

Rehospitalization measurement tool adds analytics features

A rehospitalization measurement tool for LTC facilities adds new features for tracking across provider facilities. Read More »

Non-invasive glucose test under development

Using laser technology, researchers are developing a blood glucose test without the ouch.  Read More »

Retirement community to launch video series on senior health issues

A non-profit retirement community will use grant money to expand its online training programs.  Read More »

Software automates MCO contracts for SNFs

Skilled nursing facilities can now track managed care contracts with a new software solution.  Read More »

AHCA/NCAL gives Gold Awards

Six care centers were honored with 2014 Gold – Excellence in Quality Awards from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living today at the closing session of the organization’s annual meeting, where other award winners also were celebrated. Read More »

Appreciation can lead to great work

Employers and employees benefit when managers take the time to recognize the efforts of workers, according to a speaker at the AHCA/NCAL annual meeting. Read More »

Analytics is top priority in healthcare IT

A recent survey reveals that analytics is now the top priority in healthcare IT.  Read More »

Online course tackles caregiver anger, guilt

An online course helps professional and family caregivers cope with the frustrations and emotions of long-term illnesses.  Read More »

PHI gets $2M for home care aide training

The Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute gets an infusion of funding for its direct-care workforce training programs. Read More »

Parkinson: ‘It’s time to go on the offensive’

Skilled nursing and assisted living providers must set the agenda and offer solutions to the federal government to address the challenges facing them, AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson told those attending the opening session of the organization's annual meeting. Read More »

A charm offensive?

The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living annual meeting got off to a great start thanks to the opening session keynote speaker, Gen. Colin Powell, whose talk seemed to appeal to attendees regardless of their political leanings. Read More »

LTSS quality important to evaluate: report

A new report highlights the importance of evaluating the quality of long-term services and supports in independent and assisted living, skilled nursing, home health and hospice environments. Read More »

AMDA invests in young adult LTC as numbers climb

One sector of the long-term care resident population is surging lately—and it’s not the “silver tsunami.” Read More »

Hospital readmissions reduction focus of expanded technology

A joint initiative of a program at Florida Atlantic University and a technology company aims to reduce hospital readmissions by intergrating tools into an EHR platform. Read More »

One-on-one with…Maureen Hewitt

Maureen Hewitt, president and CEO of InnovAge, explains why the next big growth in long-term care might be providing healthcare and support services beyond the walls of traditional senior care. Read More »

CMS to overhaul 5-star nursing home rating system

The passage of the IMPACT Act gives CMS new funding to re-do the Nursing Home Compare ratings process. Read More »

I like it here. Why am I moving?

Facility transfers can be traumatic for a resident, especially if he or she is not included in the process. It can be upsetting to have to acclimate to an entirely new environment full of strangers and leave familiarity behind. Read More »

Remote monitoring is a cost-effective improvement to care, study says

Age and debilitating illnesses necessitate remote monitoring, researchers say.  Read More »

Hydrocodone rule effective Oct. 6

A federal rule that reclassifies hydrocodone combination products went into effect Monday, and at least one industry group is expressing concerns. Read More »

Train to retain

Organizational development helps to manage rapid change and retain great employees. Read More »

Self-adaptive wound care can reduce LTC costs

A recent study of a particular "smart" wound-care dressing showed reductions in long-term care costs.  Read More »

RFID fall management solution expands product line

New sensor options give RF Technologies' RFID fall management solution expanded monitoring abilities. Read More »