Policy

International observance highlights needs of aging population

The International Day of Older Persons seeks to call attention to the implications of an aging population. In the United States, some are using the observance to encourage new protections for older adults. Read More »

CMS issues categorical waiver for using power strips in care areas

The increasing use of electrical equipment in areas where patients/residents receive treatment has  increased the need for more electrical outlets to accommodate the appliances/devices. Read More »

National Center on Elder Abuse has new location

A three-year, $2.2 million grant from the federal Administration on Aging will move the National Center on Elder Abuse from one university to another. Read More »

30-day readmissions rate: What’s behind the number?

To complete the readmission puzzle, post-acute care providers should look at three not-so-obvious missing puzzle pieces that go beyond the readmission metric. Read More »

Atty Gen. Holder to resign from DOJ

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr. has announced plans to resign from the Department of Justice later this year. Read More »

LeadingAge names first senior VP of housing, capital

Niles Godes has joined LeadingAge as its first senior vice president for housing and capital. He will work to expand affordable housing opportunities for older adults across the country. Read More »

Post-acute care groups applaud passage of IMPACT Act

Organizations serving older adults say they are pleased with Congress’ passing last week of the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014, which is designed to standardize data used across post-acute care settings. Read More »

Sunday, Sept. 21, take a walk for Alzheimer’s

Each year organizations around the world concentrate their efforts on raising awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Read More »

Changes would improve end-of-life care, report says

A new report from the Institute of Medicine recommends several changes to the U.S. healthcare system to meet the needs of people nearing the end of life as well as the needs of their families. Read More »

Congress: The ball is in your court

The building crisis in financing and providing effective long-term care services and supports is an ever-growing problem as discussed in a report by the Commission on Long-Term Care. Read More »

Older adults advised to get extra protection against pneumonia

While two pneumonia vaccines are recommended to seniors for optimal protection, will cost/coverage discourage them from receiving the second vaccine? Read More »

Personal expense allowance

Living on a budget is hard for anyone. It takes discipline. Imagine if you had less than $100 a month to meet your needs, let alone your wants. Read More »

ADL difficulty points to LTSS need, researchers say

Almost half of Medicare beneficiaries aged at least 65 years, among them nursing home residents, reported trouble or the need for assistance with activities of daily living in a recent study. Read More »

CMS eases back into recovery audits

After months of a pause mode due to backlogs in the appeals process, CMS has reinstated the recovery audit contractor (RAC) review process. Read More »

CMS puts dialysis center rating system on hold

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is delaying launch of its dialysis center ratings, but a kidney disease-related coalition says it still has concerns. Read More »

LTC providers can collect controlled substances under new federal policy

Long-term care facilities will be able to collect controlled substances turned in by residents, under a new Drug Enforcement Administration regulation meant to combat prescription drug abuse and misuse. Read More »

Home health workers protest in 5 cities

The aim of the protests matches some goals of two organizations working on behalf of home health workers. Read More »

CMS: Medicaid spending surges in 2014; Medicare awaits 2020

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of the Actuary has released new figures concerning healthcare spending trends. Read More »

12 steps to QAPI: Step 12: Take systemic action

The final chapter in the series “12 Steps to QAPI” shows how preparation, organization, data and action can correct and improve processes to enhance the quality of care your residents receive. Read More »

CBO releases updated budget, economic outlook through 2024

A new report from the Congressional Budget Office includes projections related to spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other programs for older adults. Read More »

OIG busts multiple home health agencies, DME companies for fraud

The August dog days of summer proved to be too hot for several scheming durable medical equipment and home health service providers. Read More »

Assisted living changes expected in California

Lawmakers have greeted bills affecting assisted living in California with mixed reactions. Read More »

NYT scrutinizes Medicare 5-star rating system

Medicare’s five-star rating system for skilled nursing facilities is being called out again—this time on the front page of the New York Times. Read More »

37% of abuse, neglect claims not handled as required, OIG report finds

Do you know what nursing facilities' obligations are when it comes to reporting and investigating claims of abuse or neglect? The Office of Inspector General has new recommendations to help ensure that you do. Read More »

Direct-care worker campaign raises $3.4 million

The Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute is more than a third of the way to its $9 million goal in a campaign with the ultimate purpose of improving the jobs of nursing home assistants, home health aides and personal care aides. Read More »

RN staffing bill set to increase minimum hours

Providing 24/7 RN coverage in nursing homes is the goal of a new bill introduced July 31. Having the most highly qualified professionals available ensures that residents receive optimal care at any hour of the day. Read More »

Meeting the new dining standards

What’s for dinner? Are you planning and serving residents meals that are in line with the new dining standards? A new toolkit helps to implement these requirements. Read More »

ACIP offers recommendation on pneumonia vaccine

It’s nearing that time of the year again when it's important to review your residents’ history of vaccinations and to schedule the various inoculations, including pneumonia, that will protect them from infections in the coming months. Read More »

End delay, VA is told

Lawmakers push the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to ease long-term care (LTC) red tape for military vets to obtain healthcare services. But what are the prospects for accessibility to LTC services? Read More »

LeadingAge research center adds senior associate

The organization's Center for Applied Research aims to translate research findings into real-world policies and practices that improve the lives of older Americans and their caregivers. Read More »