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 »

The best and worst states for well-being

New research reveals the top and bottom states for well-being in 2014. Where does your state rank? Read More »

Alarms: A safety must or maybe?

A skilled nursing facility in a New York hospital has removed bed/chair fall alarm systems to becoming an alarm-free care setting in an innovative program to improve residents' quality of care and quality of life. Read More »

Don’t get caught in the OTC medication maze

Supplements and “natural” products are flying off the shelves of America’s drug and health stores. Are they hype or health? Read More »

4 steps to protect residents from financial fraud

The federal government has produced a free guide to help senior living operators and staff members combat the financial exploitation of residents, which has implications beyond those you might expect. Read More »

Non-stick material helps fight infections

A new non-stick material helps keep bacteria from growing. Read More »

First federal rule issued for ombudsman programs

The Administration for Community Living of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has published the first federal regulations for the long-term care ombudsman programs in the Federal Register in an effort to improve consistency among state programs. Read More »

White House Conference on Aging announces Tampa event details

Didn't receive an invitation to Thursday's White House Conference on Aging event in Tampa? You can watch online. Read More »

Keeping an eye on provider interactions

New system monitors healthcare providers' activities during face-to-face encounters.  Read More »

Why ‘Still Alice’ is a valentine to caregivers

You’ll nod in recognition during many scenes in “Still Alice.” The film helps elucidate Alzheimer’s disease for those unfamiliar with it, and it has the potential for longer-term benefits, too. Read More »

OIG study: CMS, keep an eye on hospices in assisted living

In its hospice payment reform efforts, CMS is keeping a close eye on hospice care in assisted living. Read More »

Electronic solution improves care decisions

An electronic, interactive tool can improve decisions on care, a study shows.  Read More »

Interoperability takes center stage in Washington

This month’s annual meeting of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology featured a keynote by HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell announcing the agency’s plan to increase the adoption of health IT. Read More »

Working at moving out, Part 2

Mindy and CG are planning carefully for reentering the community at large. Kathleen Mears updates readers on the couple's progress. Read More »

‘Fix the SGR 2.0’ heading your way

Can Congress and President Obama agree on a way to move forward before the latest ‘doc fix’ expires on March 31? Read More »

Value of health IT goes beyond cost, tech aspects

Making health information technology more relevant depends on accessing value, a study says.  Read More »

Walk Before You Run: The Blueprint and Top Considerations for EHR Adoption (Part 1)

When we think back to what the long-term care industry was like 10 years ago, technological innovation tends not to be top of mind. And yet, suddenly we’re surrounded by it. Adopting new technology, like any new idea, can be hard. The challenge for providers will not just be rolling it out, but also harnessing the power to do what you need to do. In this first article of a three-part series, we’ll look at factors in long-term care that have prompted our use of technology, specifically Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and begin to consider where we are headed as the technology we use continues to evolve.Click here to read more. Read More »