Skilled Nursing

Sudden weight loss may be a precursor to frailty

Frailty is not an inevitable consequence of aging. For some older Americans, however, weight loss can contribute to dependence on mobility devices and more assistance with ADLs. Read More »

Using the Readmission RRT (rapid response tool)

A new plan focuses on the reduction of avoidable transfers of residents from post-acute care facilities to hospitals and emergency department admissions. Read More »

Pharmacy group pleased with revised 21st Century Cures language

The Senior Care Pharmacy Coalition says it is pleased with the Energy and Commerce Committee’s revised language in draft 21st Century Cures legislation it is considering related to programs to prevent prescription drug abuse under Medicare Parts C and D. Read More »

Decorations highlight holidays

It might be a small gesture, but residents appreciate the time that staff--especially Activities staff--take to brighten the environment with colorful reminders of seasons, celebrations and people enjoying facilty events. Read More »

Provider organizations respond to Kaiser analysis of nursing homes

The lower five-star ratings forecast in February by the federal government are evidenced in a new analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The news is not surprising, say two organizations representing providers. Read More »

Larry Minnix reflects on his seriously fun time as LeadingAge chief

Looming federal elections present the perfect time to step aside and let a successor fill his shoes, LeadingAge President and CEO Larry Minnix tells Long-Term Living in an exclusive interview. Read More »

NOTICE Act introduced in Senate

Following passage in the House, legislation introduced in the Senate would require hospitals to notify Medicare beneficiaries of their outpatient status within 36 hours after the time of their classification or, if sooner, upon discharge. Read More »

Legislation to speed new drug development under way on Capitol Hill

The “21st Century Cures” initiative would spur innovation and drug “repurposing” to attack Alzheimer's and other difficult-to-treat diseases. Read More »

Intergenerational program is ‘a perfect match’

A continuing care retirement community receives national exposure for a program that uses technology to help older adults in the United States feel valued and assists students in Brazil with improving their English language skills. Read More »

Hurricane Sandy: A lesson in survival

Extraordinary events call for extraordinary measures, especially in caring for special populations. Evacuation is more than simply staying “high and dry.” Read More »

Bites and stings can be serious

Flying and crawling critters are not just seasonal, and to them, humans are a very tempting buffet. Sometimes the consequences of being a feeding zone require professional care. Read More »

Enjoy warm temperatures with an eye toward safety

Be “heatbusters” for your residents, visitors and staff by taking a few precautions and keeping a watchful eye for signs of heat-related health effects. Read More »

Online health records

The jury is out on the usefulness of online patient history sites, at least for Long-Term Living’s resident blogger. For some, keeping good notes after a doctor visit is more accurate and accessible. Read More »

AHCA begins next phase of quality campaign

The American Health Care Association is expanding quality improvement efforts related to its skilled nursing facility members, which it began three years ago, the organization announced May 7. Read More »

Study: Medicare beneficiaries’ melanoma excisions often delayed

Potential for increased stress, illness and death is increased when surgery for melanoma, a leading cause of skin cancer diagnosis, is delayed. Read More »

FDA rule requests safety, effectiveness data on OTC topical antiseptics

Gels, liquids or wipes—hand hygiene is encouraged everywhere. Healthcare professionals know how vital hand sanitation is in preventing the spread of infection. Read More »

Relocating a treasure

How many of us put heirlooms away for safekeeping? If they can’t be passed down, Kathy Mears has the right philosophy on realizing their value. Read More »

Report finds NY nursing home inspectors underreport bedsores

Nearly one in 10 New York nursing home residents have bedsores. An advocacy group has found investigators lax in issuing citations. Read More »

Institute of Medicine is renamed

The National  Academy of Sciences is renaming the Institute of Medicine as part of its broader reorganization efforts. Read More »

Patient handling, falls and violence top occupational injuries of healthcare workers

Nurses and aides incur more on-the-job injuries than physicians, dentists, interns and residents, according to data examined by the Occupational Health Safety Network. Read More »

Research: Temperature-sensing sock for people with diabetes

For people with diabetes a new fabric functions as a mood ring to provide a warning system for users. Still in development, this innovation may soon save the feet of diabetics. Read More »

5 steps to a total security solution

A completely secure long-term care environment only can be accomplished with thoughtful planning and performance. Take five steps to keep residents, staff, visitors and property safe. Read More »

Fall ends in death at an Illinois nursing home

A serious fall can happen at any facility, but an incident at a nursing home in southwest Illinois underscores the need for vigilance to keep residents safe. Read More »

Moments with Marie

Staff personalities and attitudes can make or break a resident’s day. Sincere friendliness can help a resident have a better day. Read More »

MDS items set to expand

CMS intends to implement new or revised MDS coding by October 2016 in its move toward creating a value-based Medicare payment system. Read More »

Senate votes to continue Independence at Home pilots

Independence at Home demonstration projects would continue under a bill passed by the U.S. Senate. The legislation now awaits consideration in the House of Representatives. Read More »

Bill would expand veterans’ access to skilled nursing

The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health deliberated today about a bipartisan bill that would expand veterans’ access to skilled nursing and other healthcare options. Read More »

Trade bill would affect Medicare, groups complain

Four large healthcare trade organizations have sent letters to the Senate and House expressing concerns over a plan to use healthcare dollars to fund provisions in trade bills, resulting in cuts to Medicare. Read More »

HCR ManorCare accused of fraud but disputes claims

The federal government says that HCR ManorCare routinely submitted false claims for rehabilitation therapy services that were not medically reasonable and necessary, but ManorCare asserts that the lawsuit boils down to a “billing dispute.” Read More »

Staff key to spotting, addressing resident depression

Caregivers play a vital role in identifying depression and ensuring that residents’ mental healthcare needs are attended to. Experts share signs to watch for and steps to take to help those in your care. Read More »