Care quality, coordination is focus of new ACO model

A new model of accountable care organization will aim to improve care quality and coordination in rural and underserved areas through the use of health information technology. Read More »

Seniors housing benefiting from economy, report says

The seniors housing industry is benefiting from the improved national economy and housing market, according to a new report. Read More »

Vital signs app proves effective in reducing deaths

Studies done in the UK prove the effectiveness of a vital signs app in reducing mortality rates.  Read More »

Battling Ebola and other threats, wherever we are

Ebola is in the news, but those working in long-term care face a bigger threat to their health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a wealth of information on both. Read More »

New center aims to set policy agenda for family caregivers

As home- and community-based settings increasingly become settings for long-term care, a new center will study ways to improve support services for family members who care for older adults and those with disabilities through new policies and research. Read More »

5 environmental tips to surviving allergy season in LTC

For many people, autumn is their favorite time of year. The air is crisp, the foliage is brilliant and warm days still pop up occasionally, drawing residents outdoors. It is also the season when pollens, molds and other allergens contaminate the air and trigger allergic reactions. Read More »

Wearable device helps manage COPD

The prototype of a wearable device could help residents manage COPD.  Read More »

Readmission, death rates not necessarily reflected by SNF quality measure performance

A new study in JAMA examined whether a skilled nursing facility’s performance on quality measures is a reliable indicator of the likelihood that those it treats will or will not be rehospitalized or die within 30 days of being discharged from the hospital. Read More »

Study shows success of fall risk predictive solution

A bed-exit predictive solution reduces falls risk in a recent study.  Read More »

Tackling two nursing home infection risks

Clinical experts discuss how diligent attention to incontinence and wound care can prevent infections. Read More »

Caregivers get help from supercomputer

IBM and GenieMD partner to bring supercomputing power to caregivers. Read More »

‘Not a good drug to grow old with’

Various conditions, including age, can affect how the body reacts to a psychotropic drug, such as Valium, as Kathleen Mears found out after decades of use. Read More »

IT can reduce stress, errors in healthcare organizations

Utilizing existing health IT solutions can reduce stress in healthcare workers and stress-related errors, a study finds.  Read More »

Suitcase season: Packed for learning

Keeping up with the industry means planes, trains and automobiles. Read More »

A fecal pill for C. diff?

Encapsulated feces from healthy donors may become a new tool in the battle against the bacterium. Read More »

Extendicare to pay $38M to settle care, billing allegations

In “the largest failure-of-care settlement with a chain-wide skilled nursing facility" in U.S. Department of Justice history, Extendicare and a subsidiary will pay $38 million to resolve allegations of substandard care and inappropriate billing. Read More »

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 »