Assisted Living Sitemap - Page 2 2013-05-24
No Kidding - Staffing Levels Affect Readmissions
A study funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has revealed that a better work environment and improved staffing levels for nurses could lead to fewer hospital readmissions for patients suffering from common health problems such as heart failure, heart attack, and pneumonia.
OIG Blasts Nursing Home Industry for Over Payments
OIG Blasts Nursing Home Industry for Over Payments
Cirillo Appointed to CCAL Advisory Board
Anthony Ciriillo has been appointed to have been appointed to the Advisory Board of CCAL - Advancing Person-Centered Living
Enhancing the Dining Experience in Long Term Care - Serving Food in a Care Home
Home Instead Senior Care® conducted a survey regarding the mealtime and nutritional habits of elders living alone. The findings have implications for long-term care facilities.
Using Volunteer Bands in Nursing Home and Assisted Living Activities
Volunteer bands are growing in the country and activity directors can should incorporate them into their programs.
Technology Classes for Seniors
Project Looking Glass II, an effort that placed a researcher in a retirement community for one month, uncovered some interesting findings on technology’s importance and intimidation factors for seniors.
Policies Around Sex in Nursing Homes
The Hebrew Home for the Aged in Riverdale, New York is a benchmark organization when it comes to honoring resident preference among a sensitive topic - sex.
Two Thirds of Elders Unable to Comprehend Medication Instructions
Two Thirds of Elders Unable to Comprehend Medication Instructions
NAHC/HHNA Launch Second Annual Nurse Recognition Program
NAHC/HHNA Launc Second Annual Nurse Recognition Program
Medicare Overpayment Recovery Extended to Five Years
Medicare Overpayment Recovery Extended to Five Years
Food Prices to Rise This Year
Food prices in the long-term care sector will rise in 2013.
MDS 3.0 Swallowing / Nutritional Ststus
The ability to swallow safely can be affected by many disease processes and functional decline. Losing the ability to swallow can result in choking and aspiration, which can increase the resident’s risk for malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia. Adequate nutrition and hydration is essential to a quality of life for seniors. The MDS 3.0 guidelines on Swallowing and Nutritional Status can provide a blueprint for care.
Music Programs for Activity Professionals
The power of music and what it does to bring back memories is undeniable. In addition to enhancing quality of life, there are health benefits to an effective music program. It has been documented that seniors participating in music use fewer medications, fell less depressed, are less lonely, have higher morale and are more socially active.
Technology Driven Activities
This hub contains articles related to seniors and activities.
Pew Charitable Trust Launches Database to Track State Campaigns Agst Medicaid Fraud
Pew Charitable Trust Launches Database to Track State Campaigns Agst Medicaid Fraud
NCQF Endorses 12 Safety Measures
NCQF Endorses 12 Safety Measures
White Paper Detailing Values, Practices and Recommendations for Person-Centered Dementia Care Issued
Dementia Initiative Issues White Paper Detailing Values, Practices and Recommendations for Person-Centered Dementia Care
ALFA Art Showcase Accepting Entries
ALFA Art Showcase Accepting Entries
ParaProfessional HC Institute (PHI) Reports Shows Poverty Wages for Those Closest to the Care
The annual PHI analysis of wage trends for personal care aides (PCAs) -- the fourth fastest-growing occupation in the nation – shows that wages continue to be low and stagnant for these workers who provide services and supports to elders and individuals with disabilities in home and community-based settings.
AHCA Annual Report Shows Largest Medicaid Shortfall Since Study Inception
AHCA Annual Report Shows Largest Medicaid Shortfall Since Study Inception
Boomers Fat and Broke and Why You Should Care
An article in my local paper in Charlotte, N.C. recently read: Some N.C. boomers: Fat and flat broke. It caused me to pause. Some highlights: 55- to
You Have a Role in Identifying Senior Fraud - Jump In!
Security regulators nationwide plan to teach doctors and other medical professionals how to identify elderly patients who may have been victimized by
Accountable Care for Long-Term Care
Accountable care organizations key in healthcare reform. Learn about accountable care.
Assisted Living – the new nursing home?
Are assisted living facilities becoming the nursing homes of old and nursing homes turning into medical facilities?
Don't Look for Healthcare Reform to be Repealed
Healthcare reform is on the right track. Whether or not repealed there are features that the country needs.
RAC Your Brains Around This – RAC Audits to Expand to Medicaid
Recovery Audit Contractors are starting to move into long-term care, Get educated about RAC.
Caregivers of Veterans Under Enormous Pressure - You Can Help
Care for the caregiver is a huge issue in society and no more so than with caregivers of veterans.
Met Life Drops LTC Insurance – More Trouble for the Industry
When MetLife drops long-term care insurance underwriting that spells trouble. Find out why and where the industry is heading.
Don’t Stand By Silently as the Healthcare Rhetoric Flies
Repealing healthcare is not the best idea. There are ideas worth pursuing no matter what happens.
Tiss the Season for Technology
George Mason University Professor Andrew Carle recently released the top Nana technologies for 2010. Carle, director of the university's Program in Assisted
Are You Smoke Free in Your Hiring Practices? Can You Be? Should You Be?
Should a healthcare facility aving a smoke-free policy also extend it to the hiring and screening of employees? It's controversial and it's being done.
Healthcare Research Could Hold Secrets for You
Scientific research is advancing medicine every day. Are you considering how you can start to incorporate the findings into your care? Gain a competitive advantage in the process.
Telethon to Support Alzheimer’s Research Tomorrow
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is having what is billed as the first-ever telethon for this disease. Al Roker of The Today Show hosts.
National Influenza Vaccination Week - Are You Prepared for Flu Season?
National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond.
Help Caregivers and Help Yourself – Federal Funding FY 2011 Could Cut Vital Programs
There are two ways that the federal government can fund itself for the rest of the fiscal year (FY 2011). Let your voice be heard.
Issues Update - RUG-IV Remains in Place
Medicare’s RUG-IV system that began in October will remain in place, thanks to a $19.2 billion package passed today in the House of Representatives.
Important Survey for Your Clients that Will Benefit You Too
The National Alliance for Caregiving is conducting a survey on technology and its impact on family caregivers.
Guilty Until Proven Innocent? Reporting Facility Deaths to the Coroner
In Kentucky a legislator is proposing that deaths at long-term care facilities be reported to the county coroner. Law enforcement needs to become educated on recognizing abuse.
Do You Have a Safety Net for Your Residents? Escrow Accounts Being Sought in Certain States
New Jersey’s state Legislature recently passed a measure that would set up escrow accounts to protect assisted living residents in the event of a facility shutdown.
Healthy People 2010 – Do You Know How It Affects Elders?
Healthy People 2010 was developed through a broad consultation process.[R]Growing from this is “Healthy People 2020 which has a set of objectives built around older adults.
Claim Your Health Care Tax Credit
Included in the Affordable Care Act is the small business health care tax credit. It designed to encourage small businesses to offer health insurance coverage to their employees.
Some Inspiration for the Holidays - 90 and 100 Year Olds Living Life to the Fullest
A documentary featuring people in their 90's and 100's living extraordinary and passionate lives will be shown throughout 2011 on many PBS stations. Filmmaker
Disclosing Medical Errors – Good for Your Brand and Bottom Line
A study published in the journal Medical Care found when healthcare providers tell patients about medical errors, the patient is twice as likely to recommend that provider.
Caregiver Relief Fund a Good Cause You Might Consider
Limited time and chronic exhaustion are the two things that caregivers face in their lives. You may be interested to know about The Caregiver Relief Fund.
Brand Extensions (No Not Hair Extensions) and How You Can Benefit from this Marketing Strategy
There is a term for that in marketing. It is called brand extension. Brand extension or brand stretching is a marketing strategy.
Retirement Readiness - The Best Cities Could Spell Opportunity for You
Ameriprise Financial has released a study suggesting that where you live may influence your readiness to retire. The New Retirement Mindscape® 2010 City Pulse Index.
Advance Care Planning - Why Do We Have to Wait for Physicians to Do It?
Advance Care Planning - Why Do We Have to Wait for Physicians to Do It?
Medicaid Pays Less Than Minimum Wage to Nursing Homes According to AHCA
The American Health Care Association (AHCA) released a report examining the shortfall between Medicaid costs and funding. Nursing homes receive on average $.91.
MRSA Guidelines Issued – Worth Checking Out
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has released guidelines for the treatment of MRSA infections.
Aging Services Not Just for the Old
The Associated Press recently published an article about the number of younger people in nursing homes.
Two Items to Spark Hope for Alzheimer's Patients and Caregivers
The last couple of weeks have shed some good news in terms of Alzheimer’s treatment.
See, Click, Fix – Another Business Waiting to Be Born or Adapted
See, Click, Fix is an interesting societal experiment that connects citizens to each other and city hall to get things fixed.
Alzheimer's Tests Clears Hurdle
An advisory committee to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration voted that the FDA should approve a brain scan that can identify the plaques that characterize Alzheimer’s.
Medicare Competitive Bidding Stirring Controversy
On January 1, 2011, Medicare started a new “competitive bidding” program for durable medical equipment and supplies in nine metropolitan regions.
People Aware of LTC Costs but Have No Real Plan to Finance
The Lincoln Financial Life Stages Survey: Long- term care showed many know about the need for long-term care but misunderstand how financed.
Singing a Different Song – The Importance of Music Therapy
Songwriting Works™ Educational Foundation serves hundreds of elders, families and practitioners by pairing professional songwriters with elders.
Marketing Gimmick or Marketing Strategy - You Decide
CRL Senior Living Communities announced a new corporate partnership program that will allow companies to offer a family discount on long-term care as a benefit.
Federal Background Check Program Good Idea But Has Issues
Federal background checks for long term providers. It's a good idea but the program has unanswered questions.
Hospice Hocus Pocus - the For-Profit / Not-for-Profit Dilemma
Is hospice care better when for-profits or not-for-profits provide it? Are for-profits benefiting from lower acuity patients with higher lengths of stay?
NFL Agrees to Pay Retiree Long-Term Care Insurance Premiums
NFL to pay retirees long-term care insurance premiums. Adds to the growing debate of how to finance long-term care and the disparity between have and have nots.
National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners Staff Education Week Begins
The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) was formed in 2001 to promote standards of excellence in dementia and Alzheimer’s education.
Patient/Resident Access to Records - Are You Prepared?
The White House Office of Management and Budget is reviewing a new rule that would expand healthcare provider requirements for tracking patient health records
Unionization in LTC Facilities - Storm Brewing
There have been 3,000 petitions for unionization in long-term care. How those unions are organized is a subject of debate.
Lotsa Helping Hands - a Service Your Community Could Embrace
Lotsa Helping Hands wascreated to support family caregivers by empowering their family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and church or synagogue members to help.
Ombudsman Firing Justified? You Decide.
Florida’s Long-term Care Ombudsman head, Brian Lee,was fired. Lee had recently asked Florida’s nursing homes to submit detailed information regarding ownership.
Update to Nursing Homes and Flu Reporting
In a recently released position paper, APIC–the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology–has recommended mandatory influenza immunization as a condition of employment within healthcare facilities.
Commonwealth Foundation Concludes Medicaid Rolls Must Be Trimmed
The Commonwealth Foundation conducted a study in Penn. looking at long-term care funding and came to the conclusion that Medicaid rolls must be trimmed.
90 Percent of Nursing Homes Employ Criminals
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a report that showing 90 percent of nursing homes employ one or more people who have been convicted of at least one crime.
Nursing Home Disclosure Rule Changes March 23
The Affordable Care Act as of March 23 will require long-term care administrators to submit written notification to residents 60 days prior to facility closure.
Caregiver Survey Can Benefit Clients and Providers
A group of MBA Candidates from Temple University's Fox School of Business is conducting a market research study. They would be most appreciative if you would
RAC It Up - Medicaid RAC Delayed and CMS Resource Launched
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a Medicaid Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs) program. It is on hold. And here find a web resource.
New Study Provides Selling Points for Congregate Living
Recently published results of a six-month survey looking at satisfaction of seniors living in independent and assisted living communities.
Consumers Could Fall Through the Cracks as Medicaid Debate Heats Up
An Arizona state Senate panel voted 8-5 in favor of bill that would cut the state’s Medicaid program. The Medicaid debate is just beginning. Pay attention to it.
Technology Caregivers Want - Are You Providing?
United Healthcare in connection with the National Alliance for Caregiving recently conducted a survey to examine family caregivers’ receptivity to technology.
Expanded List of Providers May Be Obligated to Refer Consumers to State Quality Agencies
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a new rule that would require an expanded class of providers and suppliers of Medicare
60 Percent of Paid Caregivers Made Medication Errors
Northwestern University study has shown that more than one-third of paid caregivers had difficulty understanding health-related information particularly medications.
Update on DME Competitive Bidding
Members of Congress have now heard what people have been saying. There are structural flaws in the durable medical equipment (DME) competitive bidding process.
Long-Term Care Real Estate Outlook Good for Some Not for All
Long-Term Care Real Estate Outlook Good for Some Not for All
Does Race Impact Care? You Tell Me.
A recent New Old Age column in the New York Times covered how race complicates care in long-term care. Does it?
Long-term Care Insurance Companies Paid $10.8 million in Daily Claim Benefits in 2010
According to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, the nation’s leading long-term care insurers paid $10.8 million in daily claim benefits in 2010.
Get Listed with MySeniorCare
MySeniorCare supports families and their aging loved ones as they search for information, resources and providers of senior care. Get listed in their directory.
21 Quality Measures Coming to Nursing Home Compare
The National Quality Forum (NQF) came out in support of 21 measures to be used to care for both long-term nursing home residents and short-stay patients.
AHA/NCAL Publish Annual Review of Assisted Living Regulations
Assisted living regulations are not as well known or as prevalent as nursing home regulations. The American Health Care Association National Center for Assisted Living publishes an annual report that offers a state-by-state summary of assisted living regulations.
Hospice Reimbursements Threatened - Tell Your Story
A federal court recently ruled against a Medicare regulation that caps reimbursements to hospice care providers. The decision in Oklahoma is the latest in a
1.1 Million ED Visits Caused by 50+ for Adverse Rx to Meds
The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) reports that is 2008, 1.1 million people 50+ went to the ED for adverse medication reactions.
Iowa Eliminates 10 Nursing Home Inspector Positions
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad (R) recently cut 10 of the state’s 38 nursing home inspectors. The surveyor group monitors 442 nursing homes and 30,000 residents.
Accountable Care Organization Proposed Regs Released
Accountable Care Regulations - ACO - Healthcare Reform
Obesity, the Elderly and Medicaid – Trim the Fat
Diet and exercise better than either alone for elders. Arizona proposes tax for obese on Medicaid.
Worst Nursing Home Performers Sued Only Slightly Less
Nursing Home With Poorer Quality Not Necessarily Sued More Often
New Alzheimer's Guidelines Released
Three expert international work groups convened by the Alzheimer's Association and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) have issued the first new criteria and guidelines to diagnose Alzheimer's disease in 27 years.
Mother's Day Not Always Happy for Many- New Smartphone App Under Development Can Help Caregivers
May and June are joyous occasions for most people. Sadly, Mother's Day and Father's Day can be also be sad and stressful to many. Especially caregivers.
Women and Aging National Panel Convenes May 10 through Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America will host a panel discussion on women and aging on Tuesday, May 10, 9:30-11 a.m. at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Women over age 60 make up a rapidly growing percentage of the people retired or facing retirement and they make up 80% of the caregivers for chronically ill or aging relatives.
New Research Focuses on Functioning in Later Life
The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) is a new resource for the scientific study of functioning in later life. NHATS will provide the basiNHATS is intended to guide efforts to reduce disability, maximize functioning, and enhance the quality of life of older Americans.
15% of Nursing Homes Cited for Deficiencies in Infection Control
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), as reported in the American Journal of Infection Control, CMS cites 15% of nursing homes each year for deficiencies in infection control. Infections contribute to more than 380,000 deaths annually among nursing home residents, and cost estimates associated with such infections can reach as high as $2 billion.
Christie Signs Rights Law for Assisted Living Residents
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has signed Democratic-sponsored legislation into law that sets over 40 rights for senior and disabled New Jerseyans living in assisted living facilities.
New Information About Falls Can Help Your Clients
The American Geriatric Society (AGS) has issued practice guidelines for the prevention of falls among older persons. In related news, Texas A&M University reports that injuries from falls and other accidents among the aging can often be attributed to a decline in ability to mentally estimate and anticipate stepping and reaching distances.
Homebound Seniors More Likely to Get Alzheimer’s - What's Your Role?
New research shows housebound seniors are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease as more active individuals
25 States Report Double-Digit Increase in Residents with LTC Insurance - Your Role in Educating the Public
According to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, twenty-five states reported a double-digit percentage increase in the number of residents with long-term care insurance.
Home Care Anti-Fraud Rules Starting to Be Enforced
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is enforcing a rule that home health agencies and hospices must certify that their patients are eligible to receive their services as part of an in-person encounter with a physician.
Now for Some Good Home Health News
Frank Lichtenberg, a business school professor at Columbia University estimates the U.S. saved up to $25 billion in hospital payroll costs in 2008 due to the growth of the home health sector. Steven Landers MD, MPH, a Cleveland Clinic physician, offered more good news in an October 2010 commentary in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Nursing Homes Seek Exemptions From Health Law
Most nursing homes do not provide health insurance to their employees and home care is right there with them. Starting in 2014, the law will require employers with 50 or more full-time employees to offer affordable coverage or risk paying a penalty. Against that backdrop, the industry is asking for more time to comply with the requirement to offer coverage.
Your Role in Caregiver Help and Wellbeing
Caring.com recently released the results of a study, in which 86 percent of caregivers said that caregiving impacted their work situation because they had to take time away from their jobs, quit, retire early, reduce hours, or take a leave of absence. What providers can do to help.
Nursing Home Staffing Levels - Not All States Up to Par, Maybe Double Bogey
Charlene Harrington, Ph.D., R.N., professor emeritus at the department of social and behavioral sciences, University of California, San Francisco, has released an update of her report Nursing Home Staffing Standards in State Statutes and Regulations. According to the report, 14 states meet or exceed recommended minimum of 2.4 hours of care per day from direct-care staff.
Advancing Excellence Names New Co-Chairs
Cheryl Phillips, M.D., and David Gifford, M.D., will lead the Advancing Excellence in America's Nursing Homes Campaign. Their term with Advancing Excellence begins January 1, 2012.
Annual List of Largest Senior Providers Released
Assisted Living Executive magazine has released its annual list of the largest senior living providers and an accompanying article analyzing the results.
Pioneer Network Names Executive Director
The Pioneer Network named Peter Reed, PhD, MPH as new Executive Director
Some Question For Profit Hospice Motives
Some ethicists say that the goal of profitability of for profit hospice businesses interferes with the ability to provide quality end-of-life care.
Administration Proposing Rules to Prevent States from Being Sued Over Medicaid
he Obama administration has filed a brief with the Supreme Court essentially trying to keep Medicaid recipients and healthcare providers from suing state officials over cuts in Medicaid payments, even if such cuts compromise access to health care for poor people.
Florida Setting a New Bar with Medicaid
Florida now wants to charge most of its Medicaid recipients a monthly $10 premium as well as $100 for using the ER for routine care.
Institute for Person Centered Living Announced
The Consumer Consortium for Advancing Person-Centered Living (CCAL), and Sheryl Zimmerman, PhD, Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have announced the formation of the national Institute for Person-Centered Living (IPCL). The Institute is an independent, nonprofit joint academic/consumer venture dedicated to advancing the philosophy and practices of person-centeredness across home and community-based (HCB) long-term services and supports.
Twenty-seven Percent of Nursing Home Nurses Dissatisfied in Jobs
Even as demand is growing for nurses in all segments of healthcare, 27% of nursing home nurses and 24% of hospital nurses reported being dissatisfied with their jobs. Just 13% of nurses in other healthcare environments reported such feelings of dissatisfaction.
Increase in Mentaly Ill Seniors Likely
U.S. healthcare providers need to prepare for a big increase in the number of elderly people with dementia and other mental illnesses.
Industry Has a Change of Mind in Challenging Employee Mandate
The American Health Care Association (AHCA) and Leading Age said they would not seek a waiver for its members on mandated employee health insurance under a provision of the Affordable Care Act. And not a moment too soon because shortly after their announcement a federal appeals court in Ohio upheld that the individual mandate provision in the law is constitutional.
Leading Age Phone Call Urges Action Against Proposed Medicare/Medicaid Cuts
In a phone call yesterday, long-term care industry association Leading Age reviewed with more than 600 attendees the drastic cuts being proposed in Medicare and Medicaid and what they could do about it.
Staff Satisfaction - Two Studies Seemingly Contradict
Two seemingly contradictory studies of staff satisfaction have been published recently; one for registered nursing and one for certified nursing assistants.
Medicare Overpayments Has OIG Asking CMS for Immediate Action
Medicare Overpayments Has OIG Asking CMS for Immediate Action
West Virginia Rules Against Arbitration Agreements
The West Virginia Supreme Court has ruled that nursing homes cannot use arbitration agreements noting
60 Percent Over 50 Worried About LTC Costs
Nearly 60% of Americans over the age of 50 are worried about the costs of long-term care, while only 16% feel prepared financially, according to a recent study by Sun Life Financial and conducted by Kelton Research.
NLRB Proposes Rule to Shorten Unionization Time Period
The National Labor Relations Board proposed new rules that would shorten the lag time between a union petitioning for an election and holding a secret-ballot vote
Class Act Threatened. You Can Help.
The Community Living Assistance and Supportive Services (CLASS) Act is under threat of repeal and Leading Age is leading a charge to save it. Since this Act could become a viable means to pay for long-term care and therefore impact your revenue stream you may want to get involved and have your families and community get involved too. Here's how.
NY Medicaid Redesign Team Setting Model for Country
New York spends more than twice the national average on Medicaid and spending per enrollee is the second highest in the nation. It ranks 21st out of all states for overall health system quality and ranks last among all states for avoidable hospital use and costs. Clearly a state in trouble. In January, Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order creating the Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) to uncover ways to save money and improve quality within the Medicaid program for the 2011-12 state budget.
Survey Says New Medicare Rule Blocking Needed Home Health Care
According to the National Association of Home Care and Hospice, a Medicare rule intended to improve physician involvement and clinical integration with skilled home health care services is having negative health consequences for Medicare homebound patients. A new poll shows that the vast majority of physicians consider the rule will result in fewer patients referred to home care and that there will be a significant negative health consequences as a result.
S&P Puts Six For-Profits on Credit Watch
Standard & Poor's has put six for-profit nursing home operators on Credit Watch with a negative outlook
Readmission Big Target of CMS
The Department of Health and Human Services has announced a new federal initiative aims to cut hospitalizations among nursing home residents receiving both Medicare and Medicaid.
Minorities Entering Nursing Homes in Record Numbers
According to a new Brown University study suggests that elderly blacks, Hispanics, and Asians are gaining greater access to nursing home care. But the growing proportion of minorities in nursing homes is coming about partly because they do not have the same access to more desirable forms of care.
Hiring for an Unglamorous Job
Entrepreneur Magazine had an interesting post online recently about hiring people to fill crummy jobs. Now don't get me wrong, work in the aging services arena is a very fulfilling career. But it can be crummy - literally. Having watched a CNA work with my 89-year-old impacted mother I know. And believe me I am grateful for the job done. Yet encouraging people to pursue a career in aging much less a strenuous job at that is hard. And as the article points out -
INTERACT Tools Can Reduce Readmissions from Nursing Homes
According to a report published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, nursing homes that diligently employed INTERACT tools (Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers), reduced the hospitalization rates of their residents by 24 percent.
Tips for Minimizing Union Exposure
As we reported in the last blog, the National Labor Relations Board proposed new rules that would shorten the lag time between a union petitioning for an election and holding a secret-ballot vote. Let's look at some strategies to minimize the possibility of organizing.
Former Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Files Lawsuit
Former Florida long-term care watchdog has filed a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the Florida Health Care Association and the Florida Assisted Living Association for alleged
Key to Patient / Resident Experience Management is Culture Fit
Patient and resident experiences happen when employees are aligned with the mission, vision and values of the organization.
DON Salaries Rise But What About the Rest?
Nursing home directors of nursing saw an average salary increase of 2.47% in 2011, on the heels of a 1.96% increase the year before.
Gallup Poll Looks at Caregiving
A new Gallup poll delves into caregiving and the profiles of the people providing it. Because many of these same people are your friends and neighbors, it is worth noting the results. And since aging services providers offer solutions that can ease a caregivers burden, it is worth reviewing just for the marketing insights you might glean.
CCAL Consumer Survey - Pass the Word
The Consumer Consortium for Advancing Person-Centered Living would like you to review their web site.
SC Requires Licenses for Non-Medical Home Providers
Nonmedical in-home care services in South Carolina will now have to obtain licenses in order to operate.
Class Action Suit Could See 20,000 Moved Out of Nursing Homes
A proposed settlement to a class-action lawsuit in Illinois was filed in federal court requiring state agencies to offer subsidized apartments to thousands of Cook County nursing home residents who can function independently and want to move out.
Florida Follows New York in Medicaid Overall
Florida officials have applied to the federal government to transition the state’s Medicaid program to managed care.
Music Grants Available for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Communities
“Well-Tuned: Music Players for Health Programs” — a collaborative program between the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function and Music & Memory — has announced a grant program that homes may be interested in pursuing.
NCAL Focuses on Waiver Issue
Medicaid waivers to assisted living facilities are threatened.
ACO Update Proves You Need to Fight to Be in the Game
ACO Will Force Competition in the Long-Term Care Industry
Now Is the Perfect Time Says Parkinson
This blog reports on the first day of AHCA national convention events.
The Zappos Approach to Patient / Resident Experience
Anthony Hsieh of Zappos has the perfect approach to person-centered living in aging services.
Is It Always on the Leader?
Leadership as expressed through employee engagement affects quality of care in long term care. But employees play a role too.
Flu Video Helpful for Providers and Consumers
Flu video will be helpful to providers and consumers.
Right Brain Solutions Might Be the Answer for the Industry
Noted author and speaker Daniel Pink gave the opening keynote to the American Health Care Association last Monday with the message that the right brain may indeed save us.
AHCA Ad Campaign a Good Start
The American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care kicked off a nationwide ad campaign last Monday.
AHCA / NCAL Award Winners Honored at Convention
AHCA and NCAL Honor Award Winners
Unionization Heats Up
A new regulation issued by the National Labor Relations Board will soon require employers to post information about unionization rights on bulletin boards.
We Have No CLASS – For Now
The CLASS Act has been temporarily shelved and the staff reassigned.
Resident Assessment Instrument Manual Update Takes Effect 10/1
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released an update to the Resident Assessment Instrument Manual that takes effect on October 1, one year after the implementation of MDS 3.0
Culture Change is Not about Fish and Birds but Good Nursing Practice
Nursing home culture change is not about making things pretty but practicing good nursing.
Career Ladders Could Help Retain HC Workers
Long-term care workforce needs are great yet retention rates and recruitment rates are poor. Developing career ladders could help retain and attract talent.
Minnix Outlines Six Priorities
Larry Minnix, president and CEO of Leading Age, outlined six imperatives for the organization and its members during the opening session of Leading Age.
Hospice Payments Continue to be Targeted
A federal audit has found that Medicare spending on nursing home hospice patients increased by 69% over four years. Regulators are recommending a reduction in payment levels for nursing home-based hospice patients.
The Love 'Em or Lose 'Em Approach to Employee Engagement and Culture Change
In a Leading Age breakout session last month, Catherine Cape from Morrison Management Specialists, guided the audience through an approach to employee engagement and culture change using the book Love 'Em or Lose 'Em as a guidepost.
Berwick - Better Care, Better Health, Lower Costs
Dr. Don Berwick, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), addressed the 10,000+ attendees at the Leading Age conference earlier this month. His message - Better Care. Better Health. Lower Costs Through Improvements.
Age of Champions a Film to Consider
Age of Champions is the uplifting story of a group of athletes--a 100-year-old tennis champion, 86-year-old pole vaulter, octogenarian swimmers, and team of basketball grandmothers--all chasing gold at the National Senior Games.
Maya Angelou - The Rainbow in the Clouds
Maya Angelou asked the audience to be the rainbow in the clouds of others.
Mary Robinson Stresses Need for Moral Leadership
Mary Robinson, the former first woman president of Ireland, addressed Leading Age attendees with a message about leadership.
The Essence of a Brand - You Feel It
The essence of a brand lies in its emotional connection with its ambassadors.
Wiesel Urges Bridging of Young and Old
Dr. Elie Wiesel, a Romanian-born Jewish-American writer, professor, political activist, Nobel Laureate, and Holocaust survivor, urges Leading Age members to bridge the generations.
Some New Wrinkles on Social Media at Leading Age Session
Some New Wrinkles on Social Media at Leading Age Session
Flu Vaccinations on Rise for Long-Term Workers
Vaccine rates for long-term care professionals increased this year. Long-term workers had an influenza vaccine compliance rate of 64.4% during last year's flu season, compared with a 71.1% compliance rate among hospital workers
Bait and Switch? - Iowa Redirects Nursing Home Inspector Funds
Iowa's Department of Inspections and Appeals, which lobbied for funds to restore 10 nursing home inspectors, said it will use an awarded $650,000 elsewhere.
Competitive Bidding Expanded for DME
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is expanding its competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment to 91 new cities, for an estimated savings of $28 billion over 10 years.
Joint Commission Awards First Disease-Specific Certifications to Nursing Homes
Claremont Rehabilitation and Living Center in Buffalo Grove, Illinois and Forest Villa Nursing Care in Niles, Illinois, became the first nursing homes in the country to be certified under The Joint Commission's Disease-Specific Care Certification Program. This is significant because this elevates the playing field in terms of proving quality and makes these homes attractive ACO partners for hospitals.
Hospice Guide for Consumers Also a Guide for Your Competitive Positioning
Caring Connections, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), has created several new resources, including a worksheet that individuals and family caregivers can use to decide which hospice to choose.
Medical Tourism – Expanding Overseas
Seattle-based Cascade Healthcare, a joint venture between investor Columbia Pacific Advisors and U.S. senior living provider Emeritus Corporation, has received approval from the Shanghai government to open the first foreign-owned, for-profit senior care facility in China.
Medicare Part D - Healthier Seniors, Fewer Hospital and LTC Admissions
Medicare's prescription-coverage program is helping seniors to live longer, healthier lives according to a new study.
The Ripple Effect of the Economy on LTC
According to Kaiser, experts say thousands of seniors remain unable to move into senior housing because they can't sell their homes quickly enough or for the price they need.
Activity Directors Are the Unsung Heroes in LTC
Our December emphasis is on activities in long-term care facilities. At the center of a great activities program is the activity director.
AHRQ - Nursing Home Residents Are Well Cared For and Safe
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released findings on its first
More Quality Reporting for LTCH and Hospice Providers
Hospices and long-term care hospitals will come under more scrutiny with new quality reporting requirements from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS).
Getting Buy With Less – Providers Have to Tighten in Order to Survive
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued their a final rule that would reduce Medicare payments to skilled nursing facilities by $3.87 billion for fiscal year 2012.
People Choosing Less Acute Settings But Being Hospitalized More
More people are choosing your level of care as opposed to a nursing home. But there comes a price. Senior citizens with disabilities who live at home or in assisted-living settings are about twice as likely to be hospitalized as peers in nursing homes.
Caregivers Not Taking Care of Themselves - You Have a Role
Caregivers are not taking care of themselves. You can help.
Pioneer Network Announces New Food Clinical Standards
Pioneer Network has finalized new Dining Practice Standards. These nationally agreed upon new food and dining standards of practice support individualized care and self-directed living versus traditional diagnosis-focused treatment for people living in nursing homes.
Caregiving Grants Available - Deadline End of Month
The National Alliance for Caregiving and MetLife Foundation are accepting applications for the 2012 Innovations in Caregiving, a new seed grant program that will provide startup funds of $10,000 to five non-profit organizations for new caregiving education and support programs.
Injury Rates Among Nursing Home Workers Alarmingly High
According to Labor Department statistics, nursing home workers are accidentally injured on the job at a higher rate than workers in other sectors, including construction, manufacturing and mining.
Transitional Care an Emerging Care Coordination Option
Transitional care programs reduce hospitalizations and educate patients to better manager their conditions.
Alzheimer's Report
Alzheimer's from the Frontlines: Challenges a National Alzheimer's Plan Must Address is a collective effort to share the real and unrelenting struggles that must be addressed in the National Alzheimer's Plan now being created through the implementation of the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA). Ten barriers emerged during the research along with ten possible actions.
Met Life Survey of Long-Term Care Costs - Things Keep Rising
The Met Life Market Survey of Long-Term Care Costs published recently. Here are the highlights.
Leading Age Offers PEAK Leadership Summit
Leading Age has introduced a new conference for senior executives.
Disco and Dancing Boost Morale
Chicago-based NuCare Management -- which operates about 15 long-term care facilities in Illinois and Arizona -- hatched a plan to choreograph and film a video set to the Gloria Gaynor classic
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Staff Education Week
The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP) is offering The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners Alzheimer's and Dementia Staff Education Week February 14th to the 21st Tool Kit.
New Resolve in the New Year to Bridge Differences
As we enter a new year we need to adopt a new attitude toward cultural inclusion. The face of assisted and nursing facilities is changing but the industry is not changing to adapt to a diverse population.
MDS 3.0 Completion Up, Job Satisfaction Down
According to a survey by the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination, overall job satisfaction has dropped among long-term care workers and that may be partly due to the fact that assessments are taking longer to complete than MDS 2.0 did.
Cardiac Rehab Can Prevent Re-hospitalization
Research presented at the 2011 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress in Vancouver shows that cardiac rehabilitation boosts longevity, especially in patients with the lowest fitness levels.
ACO Final Rules Not Exactly Hailed But Welcomed by Providers
The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) released the final rule for accountable care organizations (ACO).
ALFA Others Respond to Alzheimer's Plan
We reported Monday on the challenges that the National Alzheimer's Plan faces. Comments regarding the plan are due February 8. CCAL, of which I am on the board will be submitting comments. More are weighing in.
Nursing Homes Need to Improve Communication
Laura M. Wagner, PhD, RN, GNP-BC, assistant professor of nursing at New York University College of Nursing says nursing homes need to improve communications processes and policies to make it easier for nurses to disclose errors.
Pioneer Webinar Series Continues This Week
The Pioneer Network's webinar series Using the MDS 3.0 as an Engine for High Quality Individualized Care continues this week with the program Promoting Mobility and Reducing Falls by Individualizing Care and Eliminating Alarms. It will be held February 9, 2012 from 2:00 – 3:00 ET.
PACE Recommendations Would Benefit Medi-Medi Patients
A Medicare advisory panel issued recommendations that would allow Medicare to strengthen Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) for dual eligibles. A dual eligible is a person who is receiving both Medicaid and Medicare.
CAST Report Highlights Barriers for IT Adoption
LeadingAge's Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) released a compilation of 18 case studies highlighting how providers are using technology to change their business while improving care and services.
For-Profit Nursing Homes - Yet Another Study Suggests Poorer Quality than Counterparts
Yet another study by the University of California at San Francisco research team led by Charlene Harrington, RN, Ph.D., and backed by the Service Employees International Union, suggests that lower levels of nursing staff in large for-profit nursing home chains have resulted in substantially lower quality of care when compared to government-owned or non-profit nursing homes.
Resident Satisfaction Up Citations Down
Since 2009 skilled nursing and post-acute care facilities have demonstrated improvement in nine of 10 quality measures, according to a report issued by The Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care and the American Health Care Association, in conjunction with Avalere Health.
90+ Market Expanding - Are You Ready?
According to the Associated Press, a census report shows that nearly 2 million people now are 90 or over, nearly triple their numbers of just three decades ago. Hey my mom is one of them.
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Needs Industry Input
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is an independent, non-profit health research organization. Its mission is to fund research that offers patients and caregivers the information they need to make important healthcare decisions.
You Need an ACO Strategy
SNF professionals are doubtful that proposed Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) will benefit post-acute facilities or their patients.
AHCA Opposes Mandatory Flu Vaccines
>The National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC), which advises the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), adopted a position this month that physician practices, hospitals, and other healthcare employers should
Video Compares Homelessness with Being in a Nursing Home
Two members of the Steering Team from Pilgrim Place in Claremont, CA decided to put together a skit to illustrate the similarities between being homeless and being in a nursing home to their peers. Independent Living resident Eleanor Scott Myers and Staff Developer Rachel Von Stein play a homeless person and elder in a nursing home respectively. The two characters have a frank and empathetic discussion about the parallel indignities in their lives.
Aetna - Genesis Partnership Trailblazes ACO and Medical Home Concepts
Genesis and Aetna Partner in an ACO Strateg.
Private Duty Benchmarking Study is Now Open
The 2012 Private Duty Benchmarking Study is now open.
Caregivers Need to Come Out of the Closet
Caregivers need to self-identify and employers need to be more sensitive to their needs.
Direct Care Worker Training - Some But Not All States Require More Training Than Federal Recommendations
A new PHI analysis found that only 15 states require home health aides to have more training hours than are federally mandated, yet 30 states and the District of Columbia require certified nurse aides (CNAs) to have more training hours than the federal requirements
Depression Common Among Low-Wage Nursing Home Staff
According to Harvard School of Public Health researcher Cassandra Okechukwu, the prevalence of depression is common among low-wage nursing home workers -- who also experience higher levels of stress than other workers.
Minnesota LTC Employs Criminals?!
Minnesota has granted waivers for 15,000 people with criminal backgrounds seeking to work in the state's long-term care facilities.
ALF Residents Becoming More Medicaid Dependent
The 2010 National Survey of Residential Care Facilities (NSRCF) from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a first-ever national probability sample survey that collects data on U.S. residential care providers, their staffs and services, and the people they serve. Four out of ten residential care facilities had residents dependent on Medicaid.
CMS Announces New Pgm to Reduce Nursing Home Hospitalizations
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a request for applications to participate in the Initiative to Reduce Avoidable Hospitalizations among Nursing Facility Residents. This new effort aims to improve the quality of care for people residing in nursing facilities.
Pioneer Next Webinar March 22 - Individualizing Dining: New Practice Standards
The Pioneer Network's next webinar covers individualizing dining practices.
PHI Report Provides Analysis of Home Care and Personal Assistance Workforce
PHI has published an in-depth analysis of the home care and and personal assistance aides workforce who provide long-term services and supports to elders and people living with disabilities in home and community-based settings.
Death With Dignity and the Hospice Conundrum
More than a dozen states have legislation pending regarding Death with Dignity. Two states have enacted Death with Dignity Acts: Oregon and Washington. The implications for hospice providers is huge..
Money Follows the Person Moving Along
Forty-three states have received federal funding to help transfer Medicaid beneficiaries from nursing homes to their communities, a new analysis finds. As of August 2011, nearly 17,000 individuals have transitioned back to the community and another 5,700 transitions are currently in progress.
Take the Advance in LTC Management Salary Survey
ADVANCE for Long-Term Care Management is conducting its annual salary survey of long-term care professionals. Help them compile the latest data by filling out a brief, anonymous survey.
Low Income Housing New Fed Focus
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a grant for private, nonprofit owners of eligible developments to convert some or all of the dwelling units in the project into an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) or Service-Enriched Housing (SEH) for elderly residents aging in place. And the LeadingAge Center for Applied Research has received a $698,000 grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to assess the effectiveness of affordable housing settings for meeting the long-term care needs of low-income older adults.
Medicaid Outlook Bleak
According to according to an annual study conducted by Eljay LLC, on behalf of the American Health Care Association, unprecedented state budget deficits will result in historically low Medicaid reimbursements to long-term care facilities.
Nursing Work Environment Improving But Some Things The Same a Decade Later
The American Nurses Association (ANA) recently published a report on workplace safety for nurses. Given their last report was ten years ago, it stood to reason that things should improve. And they did.
McKnight's Announces Tech Awards - Deadline 6/15
McKnight's Announces First-Ever Tech Awards
Age Wave Reports On Myths About CCRCs
Age Wave, a research and consulting company focused on the lives and needs of the age 50+ population, launched a new study sponsored by Vi, an operator of ten continuing care communities (CCRCs). This report was developed to better understand how older adults decide to move to a CCRC, and their priorities, hopes, concerns, and questions during the decision-making process. It concluded that here are prevailing myths and misperceptions about CCRCs which do not match today's realities.
Special Focus Facilities Receive Damaging Report
he Center for Medicare Advocacy
Cirillo Selected Healthcare Channel Partner for CEO2
Cirillo Selected Healthcare Channel Partner for CEO2.
Behind the Old Face An Inspirational Video That Should Make You Think
Behind the Old Face is a video that helps us to remember that seniors we see everyday have contributed much to our society and culture and we should be forever in their debt and grateful to them.
ALFA Ventures into Indian Partnership
The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) will be mentoring India’s first and only senior living association through a new partnership aimed at improving quality of life for India’s seniors and advancing excellence for India’s senior living providers.
Some Nursing Homes Skipping Resident Interview According to CMS
A key provision of MDS 3.0 is the resident interview. And some nursing homes are cutting corners according to CMS
CMS Clarifies Termination Rules
Section 6501 of the Affordable Care Act amends section 1902(a)(39) of the Social Security Act and requires State Medicaid agencies to terminate the participation of any individual or entity if such individual or entity is terminated under Medicare or any other State Medicaid plan. CMS has issued qualifying language around this issue.
ECRI Institute Provides Great Guidepost for Social Media Use
ECRI Institute has developed a great white paper around the use of social media by healthcare providers.
Nursing Home Nonprofit Employment Shrinking
The Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies published the Non-Profit Economic Data Project that shows the U.S. nonprofit sector posting a 10 year record of job growth. However, nursing home nonprofit employment shrunk in favor of their for profit counterparts.
Next Pioneer Network Webinar April 19 - Transitions of Care
The Pioneer Network's National Learning Collaborative Webinar Series on Using the MDS 3.0 as an Engine for High Quality Individualized Care continues next week with Part Six: Smooth Transitions in Care: Getting New Residents Off to a Good Start from Day One.
OSHA Stepping Up Inspections
Roughly 300 nursing homes can expect inspections by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA is targeting nursing and personal care homes with 20 or more employees that have a Days Away, Restricted or Transferred rate at or over 16 days.
Senior Housing Showing Modest Gains
According to the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry (NIC), the seniors housing occupancy rate continued its slow recovery in the fourth quarter of 2011, while construction activity continued to decline.
AHCA Weighs in on Hospital Readmissions
The American Health Care Association has a plan to reduce hospital readmissions and improve quality.
Curses NLRB Foiled Again
The U.S. appeals court granted an injunction blocking implementation of the National Labor Relations Board's notice posting rule.
Caregivers Pay the Cost with Their Own Health Issues
The National Alliance for Caregiving released their latest study on family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease. Caregiving Costs: Declining Health in the Alzheimer's Caregiver as Dementia Increases in the Care Recipient shows a significant decrease in family caregiver health over time and increased personal healthcare costs, as their care recipient's dementia increases. The study was conducted by examining the use of formal health services in a large sample of Alzheimer's disease caregivers.
Facility Air Quality Subject of Free Webinar Series
The Air Quality Academy is a free and comprehensive resource to distribute information, solutions and practical guidance related to indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns. Air Quality Academy offers complimentary Webinars to promote practical solutions to IAQ concerns.
NCOA Honors Fall Prevention Programs
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) awarded the Falls Free© “Falls Prevention Certificate of Appreciation” to recipients who demonstrated significant impact in falls prevention in their state. Recipients were selected by their state Falls Prevention Coalition leadership. Three states were noted.
Omnicare Introduces New Pharmacy Tech for LTC Providers
Omnicare, Inc. is piloting a new application for its OmniviewDr platform that allows prescribers, including physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants to electronically transmit orders for controlled substance prescriptions as well as other medications in real-time directly to Omnicare pharmacies that service frail and elderly citizens.
Cutting Down on Criminals in Workplace - DHHS Background Check Survey Results
he Department of Health and Human Services published the results of survey of long-term-care provider administrators to collect data on current practices regarding conducting background checks on potential employees and the effects on the long-term-care workforce.
Medicare Overpayments - 60 Days and 10 Years Ago
According to a new proposed regulation, healthcare providers must report self-identified Medicare over-payments within 60 days of noticing the incorrect payment or face monetary penalties.
Could Hospital Patient Aggression Tool Work in LTC?
American researchers studied more than 2,000 patients admitted to an acute care hospital over a five-month period. Using a specially designed risk assessment tool within 24 hours of admission was an effective way of identifying which hospital patients in medical and surgical units would become violent. They found that a disproportionate number of elderly patients and males became violent.
71% of Seniors Missing Out on Benefits
Many seniors are missing out on benefits of which they are entitled according to the National Council on Aging. In a recent brief they cited lack of awareness about benefits, perceived (real or otherwise) complexity of applications, the stigma associated with receiving entitlements, and not understanding who may be eligible.
Companionship Exemption - For and Against
The Department of Labor's proposal to narrow the companionship exemption--and require time and a half for overtime hours is controversial. Here are two sides of the story.
NQF Endorses Palliative Care Measures
The National Quality Forum (NQF) Board of Directors has approved for endorsement 14 quality measures on aplliative nd end-of-life care. The measures address a wide range of care concerns, including pain management, psychosocial needs, care transitions, and experiences of care.
NJ Assisted Living Partnership Ups Quality Focus
The NJ Department of Health and Senior Services has joined with the Health Care Association of New Jersey (HCANJ) to enhance quality and consumer information about assisted living residences in New Jersey.
How About We Let This Speak For Itself?
Matilda the 94 year old dancer should inspire us all.
Coming Out of the Closet with Caregiving
he AARP Public Policy Institute issued a paper entitled: A Call to Action: What Experts Say Needs to Be Done to Meet the Challenges of Family Caregiving
Advance Salary Survey Should Be of Interest
>Our colleagues at Advance for Long-Term Care Management recently published their expanded annual salary survey.
Home Health Under Increase Scrutiny; OIG Says Industry Non-Compliant in Assessments and Reporting
A recent report by the Office of Inspector General evaluated OASIS data submission from 2009 and the extent to which CMS oversaw the accuracy and completeness of OASIS data that HHAs submitted. The also evaluated whether the 2-percent payment reduction for HHAs was enforced and compared claims from 2009 against OASIS data submission.
Prison Within Prison: Dementia Rising in Incarcerated
This is something you rarely think about - aging prisoners. And how they are like the rest of society when it comes to aging. Could prisoner care be a business opportunity? Should it be?
ACHCA Leadership Panel Presentation Yours to Watch Free
The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) hosted a unique CEO Leadership Panel at its recently concluded Annual Convocation. The Panel engaged the top leaders of all the major long term health care associations in a dialogue about the challenges to providing care to older adults and disabled individuals in a time of tightening resources, fewer workers and an influx of patients.
Strickland Curing Cancer of the Spirit
Bill Strickland opened the Assisted Living Federation Conference of America (ALFA) conference last week telling attendees People are born into the world as assets not liabilities. It is about how you treat people.
Aging in Place in Assisted Living Debated at ALFA Conference
Aging in place is assisted living is a controversial topic.
Essentials of Performance Mgt Covered at ALFA - Getting the Monkey Off Your Back
An ALFA Session on Performance Management covered the essentials. Here is the rest of the story.
Sheahan WOWs at ALFA
Peter Sheahan, Founder and CEO of ChangeLabs, gave one the best keynotes at this year's Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) conference with a message about how to successfully change in challenging times.
NCOA Train the Trainer Webinar Focuses on Taking Medicines Safely - June 18, 3 p.m. Eastern
Taking Your Medicines Safely (TYMS), is a train-the-trainer program from the National Council on Aging to educate older adults about medication safety and the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222).
Partnering with Providers, a Common Theme at ALFA
Cory Rutledge, Partner, CliftonLarsenAllen LLP shared strategies for assisted living providers to position themselves as vital health care partners to other health care entities particularly hospitals in a breakout session at the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) annual conference.
Pinterest Being Used Innovatively By These Companies
Find out how companies are creatively using Pinterest.
ALFA Heroes Honored at National Conference
The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) honored the winners of the ALFA 2012 Hero Awards on May 17th, 2012 at COMMUNITY 2012, the ALFA Conference and Expo Hero Award Luncheon.
Housing Trends - Market Needs to Catch Up
Senior housing trends stable though secondary markets have potential.
Leadership Happens One Conversation at a Time
Leadership happens one conversation at a time and you are responsible for the quality of that conversation. The key to leadership is asking better questions.
ALFA Panel Discusses the Future of Senior Living
The future of senior living was debated by an illustrious panel at the Assisted Living Federation Conference in Dallas last month.
Nursing Home Quality Improving
The latest government report shows nursing home quality improving.
Ombudsman Lawsuit Can Proceed
The Florida ombudsman case against the state and long-term care provider groups can proceed.
More Bad News for Caregivers
The California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal) issued a report showing that caregivers in that program are disadvantaged on many levels and need help and support.
Leading Age CAST Provides EHR Selection Tools
Leading Age released a portfolio of free tools designed to help long-term and post-acute care (LTPAC) organizations identify electronic health records (EHR) products that might meet their needs.
National Family Caregivers Association Announces New Prez
National Family Caregivers Association Announces New Prez
New Govt. Agency Combines Three
The Department of Health and Human Services has created the Administration for Community Living was created bringing together the Administration on Aging, the Office on Disability and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
New Assisted Living Study Shows Industry Trends - Medicaid Prevalent Along with Multiple Chronic Conditions
A new report, Residents Living in Residential Care Facilities: United States, 2010, shows a large Medicaid population with multiple, chronic conditions.
Guest Blogs to Consider
Here are some guest blogs I have written for other publications that you may enjoy.
National Alzheimer's Plan Announces New Initiatives
A finalized National Alzheimer's Plan has been released.
Cirillo to Present at National Summit on Perspectives in Nutrition and Aging
Cirillo to Present at National Summit on Perspectives in Nutrition and Aging
Pioneer and Eden Announce Webinars
The Eden Alternative® and Pioneer Network are co-hosting a four-part webinar series.
Long-Term Quality Alliance Announces Webinars
The Long-Term Quality Alliance Announces Webinars to Help with Care Transitions
Final Rules Seeks to Streamline, Unburden Providers
CMS identified unnecessary, obsolete, or excessively burdensome rules on health care providers and beneficiaries.
CMS Competitive Bidding Showing Savings
CMS issued an update in April about the state of the controversial competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies. According to the report, it has saved the Medicare Fee-for-Service program approximately $202.11 million in its first year of implementation.
Alzheimer's Infographic
This is an interesting infographic of Alzheimer's over the years.
First Home Health CAHPS Data Released
CMS published its first data set for ome Health Care CAHPS (HHCAHPS) Survey based on data obtained between between October 2010 and September 2011.
The National Alliance for Caregiving and MetLife Foundation Award Grants
The MetLife Foundation and National Alliance for Caregiving recently announced the recipients of the new Innovations in Caregiving Grants Program. Five organizations received grants.