Search Results for: Past Issues

Spring into safety

Maintenance and housekeeping staff are the first line of defense in keeping residents and staff safe, healthy and secure in a long-term care environment. 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 »

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 »

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 »

EHRs: Progress or pileup?

The long-term care industry’s adoption of electronic health records systems has made great strides in the past year. What needs to happen next? Read More »

Mourning the passing of the New Old Age blog

It’s said that “all good things must come to an end,” as Long-Term Living’s resident blogger says goodbye to a trusted friend and a reliable source of information and experience. Read More »

Delivering dynamics

Long-term and post-acute care providers will grapple with crucial issues in 2015, and will have to put the pieces together amid new business models and new initiatives. The key is to look forward instead of back. Read More »

2015 Business Outlook: Quality

The third installment of our multi-part series on challenges facing those serving older adults looks at governmental and other efforts to improve quality. Read More »

Ezekiel Emanuel: Meaning, not length, most important in life

Some may have been misled by a recent essay in The Atlantic, author Ezekiel Emanuel, MD, PhD, says. His published views on aging and the end of life, however, have implications for policymakers and professional caregivers. Read More »

CMS proposes to add annual lung cancer screening for high-risk seniors

CMS has followed the lead of a preventive services agency and proposed coverage of annual lung cancer screenings for certain older adults. But can Medicare afford it? Read More »

Leadership upheaval continues at ONC

This week’s departure of the top two executives at the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology are the latest in a series of leadership turnovers at ONC. What will it mean for IT initiatives for quality improvement and transitions of care? Read More »

Protect residents from financial abuse

New federal guidance outlines the responsibilities and actions a facility needs to take when it suspects a resident is a victim of a financial crime. Read More »

Medicare, Social Security solvency focus of reports

Medicare and Social Security Boards of Trustees today released reports predicting the financial future of funds that support benefits, and they offered suggestions for addressing challenges. Read More »

3 ways to improve the health of your referral relationships

You can learn a lot from those who love you, those who like you and those who hate you. Put that knowledge to work to improve your financial well-being. Read More »

Direct-care workers in the Washington spotlight

Improved training, background checks and pay scales for direct-care workers are being addressed on Capitol Hill. Read More »

Legionnaires’ disease in LTC facilities: A hidden threat

A new standard proposes the implementation of stronger safeguards against Legionnaires' disease, the incidence of which is increasing. The elderly are particularly vulnerable, and long-term care facilities that don't take precautions might find themselves at risk for mitigation and litigation expenses. Read More »

Cleaning up infection control

Drug-resistant infection rates are rising in long-term care. Healthcare-associated infections result in at least 100,000 resident deaths per year. When was the last time you examined your facility’s cleaning and disinfection protocols? Read More »

‘Manhattan Project in fall injury prevention’ gets under way

A just-announced five-year, $30 million research project in falls prevention may yield lessons for senior living providers and the residents they serve. Read More »

Wheelchair workouts improve mobility and more

Sitting in a wheelchair does not mean that a person is incapable of physical activity or the benefits that regular exercise can bring.  Read More »

How to serve those on Medicaid through assisted living

The state of the economy and the continuing aging of the population mean that interest in the "affordable assisted living" model–serving those receiving Medicaid assistance–is growing, according to speakers at the Assisted Living Federation of America annual conference. They shared tips for those interested in operating properties under this model. Read More »

Stroke? Think FAST

I thought all healthcare workers knew the signs and symptoms of stroke. I was wrong. But May, National Stroke Awareness Month, presents an ideal opportunity for long-term care facilities to offer education. Read More »

Wanted: Qualified nurse leaders

Beyond the DON’s office door awaits a field of opportunity for nurses to advance in long-term care leadership roles. Read More »

FDA glucose meter standards: Proposal concerns some

Some healthcare professionals are raising concerns that more stringent glucose monitoring system standards proposed by the FDA would affect availability of the devices for use in nursing homes and other settings. Read More »

Reducing ostomy infection risk

Proper care of an ostomy site can avoid unnecessary infections and maintain a resident’s dignity and comfort. These tips and resources can help caregivers manage the challenges associated with pouching systems and help them foster positive attitudes in residents who have them. Read More »

Acute and post-acute care unite

From courtship to a permanent union, hospitals and long-term care facilities have a lot to gain by working together. A look at the evolution of the AC/PAC relationship. Read More »

Focus groups: A window into your organization

Stakeholder surveys can reveal what organizations and residents value—and where long-term care facilities are missing the mark. Read More »

Flooring trends: Carpet’s new options

Is your long-term or post-acute care facility ready for a remodel? Carpeting choices may deserve a fresh look in your flooring decisions. Read More »

CCRC shopping: One couple’s view

This Kentucky couple embarked on a six-state journey seeking a continuing care retirement community that could suit their needs. What they learned from their multiple-day stays at CCRCs can serve as important lessons for all LTC communities on what future residents are looking for—and not looking for—in their next home. Read More »

Legal logjam in Medicare appeals process

The Medicare appeals process allows providers to challenge payment denials—once you can get a hearing date. Read More »

One-on-one with… Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC

The rising acuity of nursing home residents and the prevalence of increasingly resistant infections are compelling many long-term care organizations to ramp up infection control training and institute antibiotic stewardship programs. Read More »