Month: November 2016

AMDA strengthens partnership with gerontology nurses

AMDA is continuing to expand its historically-physician-based membership scope by forging deeper relationships with the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association. Read More »

Something WAS bothering him

Residents who cry out for help can be wearing on caregivers. But what if they really do need something? Read More »

Reducing HAIs and improving LTC resident health

Long-term care facilities and hospitals are becoming more aware of the need for diligent infection control in resident populations--including better training. Read More »

Will the next superbug be a fungus?

The CDC has issued warnings to hospitals and laboratories to be on the lookout for an emerging threat: a fungal infection called Candida auris. Read More »

U. Pitt to study exercise and brain health

How much does exercise matter to brain aging? Does the type of exercise affect outcomes? University of Pittsburgh researchers just got $21 million to explore the questions. Read More »

OIG scrutinizes SNFs and therapy reimbursement

The office’s 2017 workplan targets rehabilitation, hospice and hyperbaric oxygen therapy services, in addition to SNF billing. Read More »

Trump picks healthcare leader, plans for healthcare reform

Three days after the U.S. election, President-elect Trump has announced his choice to lead the healthcare segment of his transition team. Read More »

A Place For Mom joins effort to promote veterans’ LTC resources

A Place For Mom is partnering with a veterans resource organization to spread the word about the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension, which can help pay the costs for assistance for those who qualify. Read More »

25% of seniors don’t talk about end-of-life care, says UC study

Nobody like to talk about death. But not talking about it now could diminish your chances of having your end-of-life wishes known later, notes a study in JAMA. Read More »

MatrixCare announces new POS software

MatrixCare has developed point of sale software that can be used facility wide to track and manage individual resident needs and preferences.  Read More »

Medicare crunch time with Trump administration?

The next administration will have to cut back on Medicare spending and fraud. Contributor Robert Gatty speculates whether lawmakers will crack down on avoidable hospital admissions. Read More »

Atria Senior Living inspires curiosity through journaling

Need a good read? This senior living chain thinks the most interesting story this year just might be your own. Read More »

What impact will Trump’s victory have on value-based healthcare?

As Republicans take control of the executive and legislative branches, how will the new Administration impact healthcare's initiatives and priorities? Healthcare information technology experts weigh in on key policy issues moving forward. Read More »

Kindred leaving skilled nursing, focusing on home care

The Kentucky-based senior care chain is restructuring to focus on home health, rehabilitation and long-term acute care. Read More »

12 steps to reducing antianxiety/hypnotic meds

Want to extend the efforts to reduce unnecessary medications even further? Here’s how you can cut back on other behavior medications in a non-pharmacological way. Read More »

PAC more important than hospital for hip fractures

A new study has found that for older adults hospitalized with hip fracture, the quality of post-acute care has more of an affect recovery than care received at the hospital.  Read More »

New bathing glove eases hygiene tasks

The parent company of the Tena products has launched a disposable bathing glove designed with seniors in mind. Read More »

Voting with dementia

Having dementia doesn’t legally bar people from voting, and there’s no voting assessment to determine mental capacity. The decision of whether to cast a ballot is based on their ability to choose—and shouldn’t be made for them. Read More »

Memory care facility for people with Down syndrome opening in 2017

A first-of-its-kind memory care facility is designed specifically for people with developmental disabilities. At least one of every two people with Down syndrome will develop some type of dementia as they age.  Read More »

Reconnecting families through Sweet Melodies

Can music connect an old memory to a new one? Virginia's Commonwealth Senior Living created a music program to bring families together with residents with dementia. Read More »

‘Brain pacemaker’ stimulates memory

Researchers from Canada and the United States have teamed up on phase II clinical trials for an implantable electrode designed to energize the brain’s memory circuit and perhaps slow cognitive decline. Read More »

Federal judge blocks CMS ban on arbitration

A federal judge has issued a temporary halt on CMS’ final rule ordering LTC facilities to remove all arbitration agreements from their admissions materials. Read More »

Rising after the election

It’s the presidential nominees’ jobs to rally us, but blogger Kathleen Mears reminds us that regardless of the winner, we must rally behind him or her to ensure a smooth transition of power and to sustain our democracy. Read More »

CMS finalizes site-neutral payment policies

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has finalized a rule that will change the way services are reimbursed in off-campus and on-campus settings. Read More »

The CMS final rule: Twist and shout, but we can work it out

The long-term/post-acute care industry knew some groundbreaking changes were coming in the final rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Long-Term Living’s legal expert Alan C. Horowitz explains what all the fuss is about. Read More »

Moving company helps prospectives downsize

A small, but growing, niche market of senior move managers can help prospective residents and their family through the gigantic task of downsizing.  Read More »

Date set for largest-ever healthcare fraud case

Philip Esformes, co-owner of the Esformes Network of more than 30 skilled nursing homes and assisted living facilities, will have a fall 2017 trial for his alleged $1 billion Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme.  Read More »

CMS proposes new payment models for diabetes prevention and wellness

National Diabetes Awareness month takes on extra meaning as Andy Slavitt, Acting Administrator of CMS, pushes for better diabetes care. Read More »

A multi-part deal with Brookdale, HCP and Blackstone

Once the agreement is complete, Brookdale will be an equity partner and manage HCP’s 64-community portfolio, which Blackstone separately agreed to purchase. Read More »

Sanjay Gupta on longevity

What's the secret to a long and healthy life? CNN's Chief Medical Officer Sanjay Gupta speaks on health, wellness and longevity at this week's LeadingAge Annual Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Read More »