The New Wave of Foodservice Technology in Senior Care

Month: May 2012

End-of-life discussions shouldn’t be saved til the end, ACPEL conference urges

Experts at this week’s International Society of Advance Care Planning & End of Life Care conference discuss medical ethics, caregiver responsibilities, and a culture of avoidance when it comes to end-of-life care decisions. Read More »

The case for hospice in the skilled nursing setting

In my years as a med nurse, unit manager and DON I always enjoyed working with hospice. My experience was that they were also there for the resident and staff. That is why hospice belongs in long-term care. Let us help you help the resident. Let’s collaborate and share the load. How can we help you today? Read More »

Dedicated staff enhances a facility’s reputation

In every walk of life there are people who go beyond the parameters of their job description. Long-term care has no shortage of these dedicated employees who give the best of themselves to the residents they serve. Read More »

Eden Alternative acquires Lifespan Network’s Wellspring program

Lifespan Network's Wellspring program will merge with The Eden Alternative to advance excellence through culture change. Read More »

The changing landscape of assisted living

The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) conference, held earlier this month in Dallas presented this observer a close-up look at the critical issues and opportunities facing a senior living sector in transition. Read More »

CMS announces partnership to reduce improper antipsychotic drug use

CMS announces a new partnership initiative to combat the improper use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes. Through better reporting and data sharing, the partnership vows to cut the use of antipsychotics in nursing homes by 15 percent before the end of this year. Read More »

Overcoming unhappiness

A resident’s withdrawal from life’s opportunities does not have to be a permanent condition. How can you help a resident who is unhappy, has lost interest in life, or has become testy and difficult? Read More »

Study: Telerehab improves functioning after stroke

Researchers at the Indianapolis-based Regenstrief Institute have developed STeleR, a home telerehabilitation program that they are reporting can improve lower body physical functioning after a stroke. Read More »

Pennsylvania adopts electronic fingerprinting for LTC workers

In Pennsylvania, all applicants to LTC facilities and other agencies that care for the elderly must pass criminal background checks. Read More »

Alleviating compassion fatigue before it drags down productivity

The challenging nature of long-term care can make caregivers easy victims of job stress and depression, putting both the residents and the organization at risk. Learn how to assist employees in maintaining the balance between taking care of others and taking care of themselves. Read More »

Nursing home profits soar in Q1 2012, yet many facilities provide “lousy” care

Strong revenues may please corporate shareholders, but CMS data shows that many nursing homes are providing substandard care for residents. Read More »

When power or manual chairs break

My power chair was purchased by Medicaid in 2008. I had absolutely no input into what was bought. Though this chair turns on a dime, it is not as well built as I think it should be. Many quadriplegics who subscribe to an online list feel the same way. Read More »

Dining out? Make sure it’s senior friendly

Dining is the ideal way to socialize. Residents eagerly check out their monthly activity calendar to see what local restaurant they will be visiting. Read More »

U.S. senators propose federal guidelines for use of antipsychotics in nursing homes

A proposed amendment to pending legislation would require federal regulators to issue guidelines requiring nursing homes to get permission from patients or designated advocates before administering antipsychotics. Read More »

Long-Term Living takes brief holiday break

In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, Long-Term Living will take a break from publishing news, articles and blogs. We'll be back Tuesday, May 29. Read More »

Kindred CEO urges Senate to delay Medicare cuts, consider payment reforms

Diaz urged the committee to consider the impact of additional payment cuts—including the impending 2 percent sequestration cut to Medicare payments beginning in January 2013 and continuing for 10 years—on LTC's ability to continue innovation pilots. Read More »

Program reduces use of physical restraints in nursing homes, study shows

Study shows that a multifaceted intervention, including continuing education can help reduce fall risks. Read More »

AL providers consider negative effects of community-based rules

According to NCAL, both proposed rules would disqualify a community-based provider, such as assisted living or a group home, from participating in Medicaid because they are on or near a property containing an institutional setting. Read More »

Nursing’s top 10 pressing issues

A newly released book, “The Power of Ten—2011-2013: Nurse Leaders Address the Profession’s 10 Most Pressing Issues,” takes on hot button topics, with input from more than 30 international nurse leaders. Read More »

Assisted living options grow, while nursing home occupancy declines

A new study indicates that private-pay nursing home residents are seeking assisted living or home- and community-based options. Without the subsidies provided by private-pay residents, nursing homes are left to rely on Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements. Read More »

Direct care, America’s fastest-growing occupation

The growth in home care positions, both home health aides and personal care aides, is expected to far surpass positions for nursing aides, as more elders demand—and states seek to provide—home and community-based services. Read More »

New palliative/end-of-life care measures for LTC

With approximately 2.5 million people dying each year, the need for quality palliative and hospice services is at an all-time high. There is an increased focus on palliative and hospice care by the public and private sectors to ensure that high-quality end-of-life care is available to our aging population. Read More »

ACHCA leadership panel addresses LTC challenges

The top leaders of the major long-term healthcare associations gathered recently during the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) Annual Convocation to take on the challenges of providing care to older adults and disabled individuals in a time of tightening resources, fewer workers and an influx of residents. Read More »

Nursing home quality shows improvement

Quality ratings are on the rise in the nation's skilled nursing facilities, according to recent government data Read More »

Person-centered care: The bottom line

In many LTC communities, the basic need for excellent service has been overshadowed by a single-minded adherence to numerous state and federal regulations, medical regimens and cost pressures, even though service and an environment conducive to healthy living were stated objectives of the organizations. Somehow, companies have not been paying attention to their own core values. Read More »

Son billed $93K for mom’s nursing home care

In Pennsylvania, a nursing home, unwilling to wait for a woman's Medicaid approval and reimbursement, sues her son to recover the $93K debt. It's called the "filial responsibility law" and it's on the books in 30 states. Read More »

Necessary faith

Without faith in the mix, living in a facility would be vast wasteland for me even though there are other things to do and much in the world to learn. It helps me to have faith in something larger than myself. Faith gets me through most days. Read More »

HHS urges healthcare workers to be aware of hepatitis risk

HHS declares May 19 as the first-ever National Hepatitis Testing Day. Millions of Americans carry the virus, presenting a danger to themselves and others. Read More »

Pa. nursing homes recognized for excellence

Four Pennsylvania nursing homes show excellence in quality measures and are recognized by the state for their three-year achievement. Read More »

Medicaid cuts threaten nursing home jobs

Budget cuts to social service programs at the state and federal levels threaten staffing levels at nursing homes. Read More »