I believe it is the role of senior care administrators to generate motivation in their employees. This goal can be accomplished with a clear mission that is supported and reinforced on an ongoing basis, particularly through hands-on actions. Read More »
One more reason to consider shedding those extra pounds: A neurology study suggests that obesity can contribute to reduced cognition in later life. Read More »
Residents often enter long-term care with surprisingly little knowledge about their conditions, whether they have a recent diagnosis or have been living with an illness for many years. Here are five reasons why we should teach our residents about the illnesses they live with. Read More »
Kindred Healthcare invests deeply in the heart of Texas, announcing its agreement to purchase IntergraCare's Texas-based home care and hospice operations. Read More »
As Medicare and Medicaid programs grow, the insurance market is spending billions to get a larger slice of the government-backed healthcare markets. Read More »
Should unused drugs be flushed? Tossed in the trash? The nation’s top hospice organizations partner to create better training on the safe disposal of unused medication. Read More »
Online marketing has skyrocketed in recent years and if you, long-term care provider, have yet to dip your toes into the Web waters, now’s the time if you hope to get a leg up on your local competition. Read More »
The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL)awards are here: This year 458 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities were recognized, but only two took home the gold. Read More »
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid's requested extension for the ICD-10 transition hasn’t been made official yet, but providers shouldn’t waste any time continuing their planning. Read More »
As reimbursement becomes increasingly tied to clinical quality and performance, Ohio joins the list of states that are trying a bigger carrot instead of the stick. Read More »
Better interviewing leads to better short-lists, and ultimately to better new employees. Rebecca McNeil, educational content manager at HealthcareSource, a provider of healthcare HR software, shares some strategies for finding new employees that truly match the culture and quality of your facility. Read More »
The billing differences between inpatient and observation hospitalizations are causing plenty of headaches, but the American Health Care Association believes CMS’ new pilot program is a step in the right direction. Read More »
No one ever said being a long-term caregiver is easy. At times, it’s downright olympic. Going for the gold takes teamwork, dedication and … well, a sense of humor. Read More »
Ryan Frederick, founder and principal of Point Forward Solutions, shares with Long-Term Living magazine his strategies for transitioning senior living facilities into the spaces consumers will want tomorrow. Read More »
A growing number of seniors who have observational hospital stays are getting stuck with the bill for their SNF care. CMS is launching a new pilot to try to iron out the wrinkles in the claims system. Read More »
A new statistical study shows that seniors may need more help when it comes to ditching unhealthy habits, especially after being diagnosed with a chronic disease. Read More »
Seniors in seven states soon will need prior authorization for powerchairs under Medicare. The homecare industry voices its disappointment in the lack of physician documentation standards for authorization. Read More »
The recovery in assisted living occupancy remains in place, as occupancy continues to improve, reports NIC MAP. Inventory growth also accelerated, growing by 0.6 percent in the second quarter, which is its highest pace since first quarter 2010. Read More »
When operational changes occur, it is critical to review and update your community’s emergency plans to help ensure that the changes have been incorporated into these essential documents. Read More »
Having conducted and participated in hundreds of facility tours during my career, I have been able to distill the tour process into its most important stages. These stages comprise the welcome, discovery, tour, presenting financials/commitment and exit. Read More »
Bed bugs have made a comeback. The public recently learned that these critters were checking into hotels and motels. It's not just a regional problem any more. Bed bugs have reportedly been spotted in long-term care facilities too. The good news is that there are ways to turn away these unwanted guests. Read More »
Home healthcare agencies are the focus of $5 million in suspect Medicare claims, according to this week's report from the Office of Inspector General. Read More »
What promotes brain health? Religion surely does, in ways direct and indirect, subtle and mysterious; religion alters brain activity among the elderly, it affects emotions and changes behavior. Early scientific research findings inspire awe, raise spiritual questions and offer practical advice. Read More »
A massive study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows significantly higher risks of heart attacks during the two to six weeks following total joint replacement surgeries. Read More »
The unfortunate overlap of multiple payment-reduction laws and regulations could add up to $65 billion less for skilled nursing home budgets over the next 10 years, according to nationwide data released today. Read More »
What is a LTC provider to do when contracted service providers fail to follow through with certain responsibilities, resulting in denial of Medicare/Medicaid payments and civil penalties? LTC provider Daniel Farley shares the approach used by his organization to be proactive in resolving potential problems in advance. Read More »
Read about the regions and job titles that pay nursing home employees the most in the annual nursing home payscale survey, released this week. Read More »
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is finally set to begin a three-year project to reduce fraud and errors by using RACs to check Medicare claims before they move to the payment stage. Read More »
