Month: June 2016

A $47M CCRC modern overhaul

A Kansas retirement complex is building, renovating and upgrading its campus to meet changing consumer needs and stay competitive in the marketplace. That means adding more independent living, a new memory center, common area space and a rehab center.  Read More »

Paramedics struggle to navigate end-of-life care decisions

Unclear or incomplete documentation of end-of-life care choices makes a paramedic’s job even harder, especially when transferring residents from a nursing home to the hospital, says a British explorative paper. How much training are you giving residents and families on the importance of a POLST form? Read More »

New 398-unit continuing care facility planned in S.C.

South Bay will offer upscale residences for independent living, assisted living and memory care along with a range of services and amenities. The first phase of the project, one of nearly a dozen in the area, is expected to open Spring 2018.  Read More »

Texas ACO uses onsite testing to improve Type 2 diabetes metrics

An eight-site accountable care organization (ACO) is using point-of-care HbA1c testing, care management and nutrition intervention to bring its population of patients in good control of their Type 2 diabetes from 12 percent to nearly 50 percent. Read More »

Georgia teams up with Virtual Dementia Tour

The dementia training program has been granted $2.9 million in CMS Civil Money Penalty funds to educate nursing home caregivers in the state. Read More »

A warmed-over craving

Food cravings have SNF resident blogger Kathleen Mears ready for a warm, crunchy taco, but some foods just aren't the same when reheated. Read More »

Antidepressants heighten fall risks in residents with dementia

CMS' recent attention has been on reducing the use of antipsychotics, but antidepressants may be dangerous in other ways for those with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Read More »

Federal judge dismisses CA nursing home suit

A U.S. district judge ruled the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act doesn’t give individuals the right to sue states, thereby dismissing a lawsuit alleging California nursing homes denied Medi-Cal patients readmission. Read More »

GAO report: Provider Medicare appeals still in logjam

Despite efforts to ease the backlog of appeals, no relief is in sight for the backlog of appeals from facilities that choose to appeal Medicare claims denials and deficiency citations. Read More »

Dental program helps seniors keep those pearly whites

A new program, Serving Smiles to Seniors, informs older adults on the importance of good oral health, access to oral healthcare services and techniques for a healthy smile.  Read More »

Drug study: Controlling PBA in dementia

New data supports the use of the drug NUDEXTA to treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA), a condition found in those with brain injuries, neurological damage from stroke or dementia and certain neuromuscular diseases. Read More »

Slow medicine pioneer Dennis McCullough dies

Dennis McCullough practiced geriatric medicine for several years but it was his own personal experiences inspired him to rethink end of life care. He became an advocate for hospice and palliative care. Read More »

Welltower’s new high-rise promises high life in Manhattan

Welltower’s “Manhattan Project” is banking on the concept of high-service, high-rise senior living right in the middle of Midtown and the Upper East Side. Read More »

CNA pleads guilty for planning sexual assault on residents with dementia

A former employee at an assisted living and memory care facility pleaded guilty for planning and trying to videotape the sexual assault of three female residents with profound memory loss. Read More »

Medicare could cover comprehensive Alzheimer’s care plan

Congressional subcommittees have proposed changes to the Social Security Act to cover an initial care plan for Medicare beneficiaries newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias to help them understand the disease and treatment options. Read More »

Study: Exercise improves sleep and daytime awareness

Are residents having trouble sleeping at night and focusing during the day? Pump up their exercise regimen, suggests a study on the circadian rhythms of older adults. Read More »

New resident is the talk of the nursing home

In just a few months, Sammy has become Mt Lofty Heights’ most popular resident. Staff and family say he brings a smile to their faces and has brought everyone together.  Read More »

How chart audits affect your reimbursement

The pressure is on for skilled nursing facilities: Compliance for CMS reimbursement means proper charting, documentation of therapy minutes and shaking out those RUGs. Read More »

Connecting nursing home staff with clinicians to reduce antipsychotic use

A new study found residents with Alzheimer’s disease were less likely to be restrained or medicated at nursing homes where frontline staff spoke regularly with memory care specialists, suggesting quality outcomes can improve with expert intervention.  Read More »

Getting stiff

Getting that handy touchpad laptop made life seem easier, but it wasn't so great for her hand's range of motion, says SNF resident blogger Kathleen Mears. Read More »

Senate proposes $400M increase for dementia research

The Senate announced a proposal $400 million increase in Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health, surpassing a record increase of $350 million in 2015. Read More »

NorthStar, Colony to merge in $58B REIT

The new mega REIT will involve hundreds of healthcare properties. Read More »

FDA recommends reducing sodium intake

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued draft guidance to reduce sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams per day. One in three Americans has high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Read More »

Long-Term Living a finalist in ASBPE award competition

Long-Term Living’s design team is competing as a finalist in the Best Magazine Redesign regional category of the 2016 American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) awards competition. The winners will be announced later in June. Read More »

College student will keep singing for supper at CCRC

The artist in residence program has been such a success that an Iowa continuing care retirement community will allow a college student to spend another semester living with residents.  Read More »

CMS to Allow ACOs to Join Forthcoming CPC+ Model

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has opened up its new Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+) initiative to 1,500 eligible primary care practices currently in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP). Read More »