Independent living

Can a caregiver sue for on-the-job injury?

The California Supreme Court decides that a rule covering institutional long-term care settings also applies to home health settings. Read More »

Study questions value of some home health providers

The findings of a new study have its authors questioning Medicare reimbursement for for-profit home health agencies. Read More »

Illinois task force to examine state’s LTC services

A new task force will examine the state of long-term care in the Prairie State, including ongoing social and medical services provided inside homes and at other locations. Read More »

Long-term care next VA focus, senator says

The legislative branch of the U.S. government will turn its focus to the renovation and rebuilding of long-term care facilities for veterans, says one lawmaker, but don't expect action right away. Read More »

Decision aids can encourage advanced planning

In long-term care, advance directives, medical power of attorney, living will and so on are acquired during the admissions process. Their importance becomes more relevant as resident experiences changes in health status. Read More »

Fall risk: Older adults safer when walking for pleasure rather than necessity

Older adults are at a greater danger of falling when walking for utilitarian purposes such as shopping and appointments than when walking for recreation, according to a new study. Read More »

ACHA/NCAL announces award winners

Programs and volunteers are being recognized by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) 2014 awards program. Read More »

Guest blog: Initiative ponders path for home healthcare in the future

Current Medicare requirements challenge home healthcare, but a new initiative is identifying infrastructure, workforce, research, technology and policy needs to facilitate change. Read More »

Nursing care, assisted living occupancy rates down

Overall seniors housing occupancy rates are up in the second quarter of this year compared with the previous quarter—spurred by the independent living sector, but occupancy rates are down in nursing care and assisted living communities, according to data released today by the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry's MAP Data and Analysis Service. Read More »

Projects for frail elderly receive federal funding

Collaboration and technology figure prominently in projects across the country earmarked for up to $360 million in funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Care Innovation Awards program. Read More »

Study: Benefits of type 2 diabetes treatments decline with age

While younger people benefit by improving glycemic control, some older individuals may experience negative side effects, according to new research. Read More »

Assisted living, HCBS growing in use, Census Bureau report finds

The share of older Americans living in skilled nursing facilities is decreasing, whereas options such as assisted living and home- and community-based services appear to be growing in popularity, according to a new report. Read More »

Home health payments reduced $58 million under CMS proposal

Payments to home health agencies would decrease by 0.3 percent in fiscal year 2015 under changes to the Medicare prospective payment system proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CMS will accept comments on the proposal until Sept. 2. Read More »

Dementia-related LTSS: Report offers policy blueprint

A new report offers suggestions for improving long-term supports and services for those with dementia, including changes for residential care and the direct-care workforce. Read More »

Long-term services and supports: Report ranks states

States that use nursing homes less and minimize transitions between care settings earn higher marks in a new report that ranks states in terms of their LTSS offerings. Read More »

ALFA unveils plans for future in wake of ASHA merger talks

The Assisted Living Federation of America has announced plans for a new name as well as an overall vision for its future in the wake of ended merger talks with the American Seniors Housing Association. Read More »

5 tips to keep seniors safe this summer

The official start of summer is just about a week away. Make sure you’re ready to assist and advise your residents on simple solutions to “beat the heat.” Read More »

Remembering D-Day

Today is the day to remember—and honor—those brave men and women of the armed forces who landed on the shores of Normandy, signaling the beginning of the end of World War II. Read More »

Ventas acquisition to make it largest healthcare REIT

Real estate investment trust (REIT) Ventas Inc. will acquire all of the outstanding shares of American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust Inc. in a $2.6 billion stock and cash transaction that will make it the largest healthcare REIT in the country. Read More »

Obama announces OMB, HUD nominations

President Barack Obama has announced nominations for the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and one organization representing aging-services providers is commenting on the decisions. Read More »

ALFA bestows awards

Dedication and innovation were recognized when the Assisted Living Federation of America bestowed awards on individuals and organizations at its annual conference. Read More »

Survey reveals senior living wishes of prospective residents

A new survey provides some insights into how Americans select senior living communities for themselves or their loved ones. Read More »

An extra cup of coffee may ward off diabetes

Adding just one more cup of coffee to your diet each day may help to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. Read More »

Adaptive spoon cancels hand tremors

People with Parkinson’s disease or essential tremors have difficulty getting food from the plate to their mouth. New technology helps to restore dignity in dining. Read More »

Senior housing development: Boom or bust for investors?

The senior demographic keeps growing, but is the senior housing market overbuilding and exceeding the demand? Read More »

Project aims to clarify home health role for future

The Alliance for Home Health Quality and Innovation is launching research, a workshop and a symposium to explore the delivery of Medicare skilled home healthcare to a growing population of older adults. Read More »

Protecting seniors from abuse is a national priority

Elder abuse happens more often than people like to admit. Whatever form the abuse takes—whether it’s physical, mental or financial—the costs are too high. Read More »

Leaders of Tomorrow: Beverley Laubert, MA

Congratulations to Long-Term Living 2014 Leaders of Tomorrow honoree Beverley Laubert, MA. The state long-term care ombudsman in Ohio is bringing her innovative efforts to the national arena as chair of the Advancing Excellence board. Read More »

6 questions to ask LGBT residents

Nurses are key contacts in addressing the challenges of LGBT older adults to improve quality of care for this culturally diverse segment of the LTC population. Read More »

CMS preparing home health rating system

Home health companies, dialysis facilities and hospitals reportedly will be subject to a five-star rating system similar to the one that currently applies to nursing homes and Medicare Advantage plans. Read More »