Month: February 2015

Flu antiviral meds still underutilized, CDC says

Influenza antiviral drugs continue to be severely underutilized in some high-risk people, according to a new study by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read More »

Annual flu vaccine still needed, CDC advisory panel says

The committee that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention met Feb. 26 and renewed its recommendation that everyone aged six or more months continue to be vaccinated against influenza annually. Read More »

Onsite dialysis service

As the face of aging continues to morph, a new generation of seniors looks for long-term care services that go beyond room and board. Read More »

$7.85 billion paid in LTC insurance benefits in 2014

Long-term care insurance companies nationwide paid a record $7.85 billion in claim benefits to 250,000 people in 2014, according to a recent report. Read More »

Designing memory care

Diving into memory care services sounds easy—and lucrative. But doing it right will mean overhauling everything you think you know about care delivery. Read More »

Brief details nursing home, CCRC, home health spending

Spending on nursing home care and home healthcare combined was $249 billion, or eight percent of total health spending, in December 2014, according to a February spending brief released by Altarum Institute. Read More »

Electronic Medicare statements let seniors be fraud detectives, senators say

A new Senate bill could put more fraud-fighting power in the hands of seniors themselves. Read More »

We have the flu beat

Long-Term Living and I have been named 2014–2015 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Flu Vaccination Digital Ambassadors, a formal acknowledgement of the efforts we have made and are making to keep you informed of best practices and trends related to the flu. Read More »

Online tool aids the ICD-10 transition

A new online mapping tool can help transition to ICD-10, a study shows. Read More »

Secrets to EMR success

Aging services providers are relative newcomers to purchasing and using electronic medical records (EMR) systems, but the necessity of such systems in long-term care settings is becoming more important. A continuing care retirement community shares its EMR selection and implementation experience. Read More »

New workforce analytics tools available for LTC

Workforce analysis and hiring tools can help long-term care human resource managers streamline the hiring process.  Read More »

Sprinkler systems save lives

Two recent fires—one a tragedy, one a triumph—prove the wisdom of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mandate to require sprinkler systems in skilled nursing facilities. Read More »

Nursing home penalties top $100 million

An examination of recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Nursing Home Compare data generates disturbing insights on the number of fines levied on skilled nursing facilities. Read More »

Use this CMS page to explain five-star changes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has posted information explaining the changes to its five-star nursing home rating system, which you can use to help educate prospective residents and their families. Read More »

Survey reveals home safety measures among seniors

A new survey reveals what safety measures are being taken—or not taken—by aging-at-home seniors. Read More »

Virtual assistance launches for home care

A virtual concierge-style care system provides 24/7 assistance to seniors as they recuperate at home.  Read More »

The most expensive states for care

New research reveals the most expensive states for care in nursing homes and assisted living communities and from home healthcare providers. Read More »

IOM looks deep into end-of-life care

The Institute of Medicine's recent report, "Dying in America," is the jump-point for new national discussions on how to improve care delivery near the end of life. Read More »

State is in the house

Not only does a SNF survey cause long-term care staff concern, but residents witness the process firsthand to see how the care they receive is evaluated. Read More »

3 strategies to improve end-of-life care

The healthcare system might continue to improve end-of-life care by following three strategies, according to a recent journal article. Read More »

Training program improves aide satisfaction, retention

A pilot program that improved job satisfaction and retention among home health aides in New York City may hold lessons for other geographic areas as well, say those involved. Read More »

New toolkit aids property-provider partnerships

A new resource from the LeadingAge Center for Housing Plus Services is designed to assist affordable senior housing properties and healthcare providers in working together to help low-income older adults remain healthy and independent for as long as possible. Read More »

Home health quality up in several areas, AHHQI data reveal

Some diagnosis-related rehospitalizations have decreased among home healthcare recipients, according to new data, which also reveal improved quality in several areas. Read More »

CMS seeks provider input on LTC’s EHR use

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services wants to learn more about how long-term care organizations are using information technology, electronic health records and health information exchanges. Read More »

Deloitte launches EHR network services platform

A novel approach to electronic health record system implementation can lower costs, a healthcare consulting firm says.  Read More »

CMS announces Nursing Home Compare changes

As promised Feb. 12, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services publicly announced changes to the five-star rating system used on its Nursing Home Compare website Feb. 20. Some organizations representing aging services providers are expressing concerns. Read More »

Software reduces psychotropic drug use in seniors with dementia

A computer program for long-term care residents with dementia can lower the use of psychotropic drugs. Read More »

Alliance will help NCOA assist at-risk seniors

The National Council on Aging and Los Angeles-based DPS Health are teaming up to combat early-stage chronic conditions.  Read More »

Where seniors are receiving services

Newly released data from the National Study of Long-Term Care Providers show where older Americans are living in nursing homes and residential care facilities or receiving home healthcare, hospice care or adult day services. Read More »

Is a lift assist a community emergency?

One community finds its firefighters performing assistance tasks that should be addressed by caregivers or staff at skilled nursing facilities. Read More »