Workgroups responsible for implementing the standardization of documentation codes across care settings under the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 (IMPACT Act) have been busy during the past year, and SNFs may have to be ready to report under the new assessment data as early as fall 2016, noted panel presenters at this week's Long-Term and Post-Acute Care Health IT Summit in Baltimore. Read More »
It’s just good “housekeeping” to go purge one’s living area of unwanted, unused, broken, dated or unimportant possessions. Sometimes during downsizing, however, things can go awry. Read More »
If strong, active and young people can become dehydrated, imagine how easily older adults can lose fluids if not closely monitored. Do you know the symptoms of dehydration? Read More »
Is there ever a good reason for staff not to respond to a resident’s call light? Of course, all call lights are not emergencies, but will one that is an emergency be overlooked? Read More »
Surveys repeatedly cite food as a major factor in customer satisfaction. If residents and their families aren’t happy with meals, they tend to find fault in other service areas. Read More »
Bring a sweater. It's difficult to maintain an air temperature that satisfies all residents in a congregate living setting. Some residents may be too warm and others may be too cold when the air conditioning kicks on. Read More »
Senior living is expected to be the second-most active segment of the multifamily housing area over the next three years, and trends related to older adults will be shaping real estate efforts for years to come, according to a new report. Read More »
More than 150 food companies, retailers, and human and animal health stakeholders have committed to the responsible use of antibiotics in conjunction with the June 2 White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship. Read More »
Those attending the Nurse Leadership Summit hosted by the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination identified top challenges facing directors of nursing in long-term care. Read More »
In long-term care, residents can observe and interact with each other in a variety of ways. When a resident passes, his LTC friends take time to remember. Read More »
New research reveals the most important times that nursing home workers should wear gloves and gowns to prevent the transmission of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from one resident to another. Read More »
Two California nursing homes persistently overmedicated residents, causing infection, sepsis, malnutrition, dehydration, falls, fractures, pressure ulcers and, for some residents, premature death, the federal government maintains. Read More »
The importance of complying with fire suppression regulations in U.S. nursing home facilities is underscored by a recent report of a Chinese nursing home destroyed by an undetermined blaze. Read More »
Every facility dining room has its own culture. The atmosphere may be casual or formal. When it is disrupted by surprise visitors, however, residents and staff may need to adapt. Read More »
Repackaging and distribution guidance proposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration inadvertently would undermine patient/resident safety in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and also would threaten regulatory compliance, the Senior Care Pharmacy Coalition said in a letter to the agency. Read More »
Omnicare acquisition expands CVS Health Corporation’s reach into providing pharmacy services to assisted living and long-term care facilities. Read More »
Communication devices are everywhere. Indiscriminate use of “bring your own device” policies can threaten privacy for residents and your organization. Read More »
On the heels of an analysis finding the Lone Star State be the one with greatest share of low-rated nursing homes, the Texas Health Care Association has released survey results indicating that nursing home quality there has improved over the past year. Read More »
Caregiving and assistance with activities of daily living in institutional settings require close body contact. If unknown rashes appear, implement infection control procedures. Read More »
