Skilled Nursing

‘Tis the (tech) season

What do seniors want for the holidays? Hint: It’s not slippers. We asked residents what types of technology they wish they had, and you may be surprised what's on their lists. Read More »

Shingles tied to increased risk of stroke, heart attack

Seniors who contract shingles have an increased risk of stroke or heart attack during the early days of the infection, notes new research. Read More »

The role of occupational therapists

Occupational therapy can promote healing, independence and well-being for residents, but all too often treatments are misunderstood or missing. That prevents barriers to providing the best possible care for long-term care residents. Read More »

Celebrating the season with people with dementia

The holidays are a time of togetherness and traditions. That can pose additional challenges for people with dementia. Changing how the holidays are celebrated can help everyone enjoy the season. Read More »

AADNS names Grachek and Hurley to exec team of new DON association

The two leaders will bring experience from ACHCA and the National Gerontological Nurses Association to the new director of nursing services association launching in the spring as a sister-association of AANAC. Read More »

AANAC to launch new association for LTC DONs

In 2016, AANAC will launch a new organization made specifically for LTC nurses and directors of nursing services. Read More »

Signature HealthCARE acquires Elmcroft Senior Living’s SNFs

Signature HealthCARE has acquired the skilled nursing division of Elmcroft Senior Living in an attempt to build the first post-acute network in Kentucky, where both companies are headquartered. Read More »

PBA and antipsychotic meds in SNFs: No laughing matter

Nursing home residents with symptoms of pseudobulbar affect (PBA) are twice as likely to receive antipsychotic medications in off-label mode, a new study shows. Read More »

Care conferences

Resident blogger Kathleen Mears discusses the process of resident care conferences. Read More »

Hospital software vendor to enter LTPAC software market

A community hospital software vendor will expand to the post-acute care market following a definitive agreement to acquire Healthland Holding Inc. and its affiliate American HealthTech, a provider of electronic health record software to more than 3,300 skilled nursing facilities. Read More »

Team approaches needed to curb elder abuse in LTC

Aggression and physical abuse toward residents often comes from other residents, and an interdisciplinary team approach can help unearth and curb violence, a new study shows. Read More »

Repurposing an old tool to yield new insights about quality of care

The National Core Indicators – Aging and Disabilities (NCI-AD) assessment tool has been adapted to measure quality for millions of seniors and adults with physical disabilities. Read More »

Finding peace and contentment: A SNF resident’s view

What helps long-term residents find fulfilling, content lives? A 15-year resident of a New York skilled nursing facility shares his view on how residents can fight depression and strive for a healthy state of mind. Read More »

A reality tea

Anyone can have a bad day, but resident blogger Kathy Mears shares how a simple gesture can show someone you care. Read More »

Study to test whether HRMS improves patient outcomes

Eventa and American Green Technology partner to measure how effective the Health Risk Management System (HRMS) is at improving outcomes for ventilator patients. Read More »

Planning for a new power chair

When it's time for new wheels, planning and communication are crucial for residents, provider and equipment vendors, says resident blogger Kathleen Mears. Read More »

Office of Inspector General plans to crack down on fraud and cut costs

The OIG released its Work Plan for fiscal year 2016. Long-term care providers can expect reviews of claims and payment documentation as well as consolidated equipment and pharmaceutical purchases. Read More »

A Round up of LeadingAge 2015

A look at what attendees were talking about in the hallways and online about LeadingAge's 2015 annual conference and expo in Boston. Read More »

LeadingAge transitions but pledges to continue leading

LeadingAge’s president-elect Katie Smith Sloan and board chair-elect Kathryn Roberts vow to keep changing to meet changing industry needs. Read More »

Skilled nursing facility provider accused of falsifying Medicare claims

Department of Justice intervenes in three separate lawsuits alleging SavaSeniorCare provided unnecessary therapy treatment and delayed discharges to increase Medicare payments to help meet unrealistic corporate financial goals. Read More »

Like sitting on a cloud

Over-the-road truckers and especially people with disabilities understand how extended sitting can have a negative impact on their “bottom” lines. Read More »

CMS issues proposed rule for patient preferences in discharge summaries

The proposal would affect long-term care hospitals, inpatient facilities and home health agencies that participate in CMS reimbursement programs. Read More »

UPDATE U.S. Senate passes budget bill to avert shutdown, keep 2% Medicare cuts

With Senate passage, the bill retains the reimbursement cuts created by the sequstration in 2011. Read More »

New video training solution designed to improve cognitive abilities

The Functional Brain Trainer is the first adaptive motion-interaction brain training platform. Read More »

Portable ventilator technology: Relief for COPD?

Portable ventilators can improve respiratory health for those with chronic COPD and reduce their need for acute healthcare services, one study notes. Read More »

A light-duty aide’s challenges

A long-term caregiver doesn’t realize importance manual dexterity plays in meeting residents’ needs until the ability to use both hands is compromised. Read More »

Fight brewing over proposed CMS arbitration rule

The long-term care industry argues that the CMS arbitration rule goes too far; state attorneys general seek an outright ban. Read More »

Secrets of Aging: Keep moving

Sage advice from a stage and screen legend on how to stay healthy and happy long after “senior citizen age.” Read More »

Robotic pets are beneficial to people with dementia

They don’t shed. make you sneeze or scratch, but robotic pets provide ongoing benefits to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Read More »

Managing anticoagulants

Anticoagulants like warfarin are very effective in reducing dangerous blood clots. But without proper monitoring and quick intervention when dosage changes are needed, these drugs can lead to hospitalizations or worse. Read More »