Senate kicks SGR vote to April

Healthcare professionals now will have to wait until April 13 for any action related to the sustainable growth rate formula. Read More »

Hospice, home care providers march on Washington

Defining the work week and expanding caregiver duties were two of the issues on the table as the National Association for Home Care & Hospice March on Washington took place March 22 to 25. Read More »

Collaboration tackles chronic care management

Collaborating companies are establishing a connectivity platform for chronic care management.  Read More »

U.S. House passes doc-fix bill that would repeal SGR

The U.S. House of Representatives voted Thursday to end the sustainable growth rate formula, passing a permanent doc-fix instead. Read More »

Interactive tablet helps seniors manage medications

A reminder tablet for seniors spurs $1 million in new funding for MedaCheck.  Read More »

Tips and talk about aging eyes

People over 65 have seen a lot in their lifetimes. Maintaining eye health will ensure that they continue to enjoy the people, the places and the world that offers so much to see. Read More »

Customer service excellence includes employees

What if we approached our employees using the same principles we apply to customer service? Benefits include a reduction in injury claims and employee retention. Read More »

Acquisition adds support to senior living operations software

The acquisition of Windmill Software and its TheWorxHub will bolster niche software solution for the senior living market.  Read More »

Major drug retailers named in FDA complaint

The quality of manufacture and efficacy may be called into question when the country of origin is a mystery to the user. Made in U.S.A. Foundation stresses the importance of labeling medications and supplements. Read More »

Partnership to focus on therapeutics for age-related diseases

A public-private partnership will focus on developing therapeutics for age-related diseases.  Read More »

HealthcareSource adds online recruitment tools

The long-term care market will benefit from recruitment services now available through partnership.  Read More »

‘Smart bandage’ detects pre-pressure ulcer tissue damage

A 'smart bandage' that measures electrical resistance of cells can detect tissue damage before pressure ulcers appear.  Read More »

Vendor-neutral telehealth gateway launches

A vendor-neutral mobile gateway for remote monitoring is launched. Read More »

Vitamin D and exercise reduce injuries but not falls, says clinical trial

A recent study assessed the efficacy of vitamin D and exercise in preventing falls, the leading cause of injuries and fractures in older adults. Read More »

AHCA gives ‘enthusiastic support’ to SGR bill

After years of failed efforts, a congressional bill proposing a permanent solution to the "doc-fix" problem is gaining the support of one of long-term care's largest and most powerful organizations. Read More »

One-on-one with…Mark Crandall

Mark Crandall, CIO of Consulate Health Care, Florida's largest senior health provider, tells Long-Term Living how his organization approached the challenges and benefits of implementing information technology. Read More »

Study: Ultrasound triggers cells to ‘eat’ brain plaque

Studies are underway to test the use of ultrasound as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.  Read More »

Inside an isolation order

Suffering from a UTI is uncomfortable experience. Couple that with MRSA and the illness becomes a tactical challenge in infection control. Read More »

AMDA adds 5 guidelines to Choosing Wisely campaign

AMDA–The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine has announced the 2015 guidelines for the Choosing Wisely campaign, which highlights medical tests and procedures that may be unnecessary and even harmful to older adults. Read More »

CMS releases Stage 3 proposed rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released the proposed rule for Stage 3 of meaningful use under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act. Read More »

CBO: President’s budget would reduce Medicare spending

Changes to Medicare proposed in President Barack Obama’s 2016 budget would decrease federal spending by $240 billion over the 10-year projection period, according to an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office. Read More »

OIG proposes SNF PPS rates for critical access hospitals

The Medicare program could have saved $4.1 billion over 6 years if it had reimbursed for swing-bed services at critical access hospital using the lower skilled nursing facility prospective payment system rates paid for similar services at alternative facilities, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Read More »

Concerns remain after introduction of SGR replacement bill

Senate and House leaders have introduced legislation to replace the Medicare sustainable growth rate formula tied to physician compensation, but organizations representing aging services providers are expressing concerns related to Medicare therapy caps and payment cuts to providers of post-acute care. Read More »

Nurse leaders improve dementia care

By educating staff, experienced nurse leaders are instrumental in the transformation of memory care communities into life-affirming homes for residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Read More »

9 ways the ACA has transformed senior care

A new policy brief from the SCAN Foundation details several ways in which the implementation of the Affordable Care Act has affected healthcare delivery and long-term services and supports for older adults, and it recommends four actions for the future. Read More »

GAO: States’ oversight of Medicaid IT lacking

States need to determine effectiveness of Medicaid IT systems, says a Government Accounting Office report. Read More »

Keeping caregivers a challenge in assisted living

Overall turnover in assisted living is decreasing, according to a new survey released by the National Center for Assisted Living. Among nursing staff positions, keeping non-certified residential caregivers remain a challenge. Read More »

Antipsychotics may hasten death in those with dementia

Drugs prescribed to address behavioral issues in older adults with dementia may hasten their deaths more than previously realized, according to a new study. Read More »

Seeking OPTIMA innovation

Each year, Long-Term Living’s OPTIMA Award seeks out the brightest and best projects and programs that enhance resident quality of life and embody the true spirit of person-centered care. Read More »

Preventing financial abuse should be priority, ALFA says

As the White House Conference on Aging prepares for its next regional event March 31, ALFA President and CEO James Balda tells the Senate Special Committee that preventing the financial exploitation of older adults should be a top priority. Read More »