Nursing care occupancy rose for the second consecutive quarter, although it remains near its cyclical low. During the fourth quarter of 2012, nursing care occupancy was 88.1 percent, which was a 10 basis point increase from the prior quarter but a 10 basis points decline from a year ago. Read More »
As their revenues get squeezed, hospitals’ post-acute partners are more important than ever in the fight against unnecessary readmissions to protect their top line. Check out three free resources to help you prepare your pitch for in negotiating with a hospital CFO. Part one of a three-part series. Read More »
The research and experiences of evidence-based design will continue to lead to innovations in creating senior living environments that enhance quality of life and quality of care. Read More »
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released its proposals for rate and payment changes for 2014. Seniors may be happy about the Part D drug changes, but insurers aren't as pleased with their end of deal. Read More »
In a new JAMA study, researchers question aggressive medical treatments that may keep terminally ill patients in acute care or skilled nursing instead of referring them to hospice care. Read More »
Some $85 billion in across-the-board cuts in federal programs are expected to take place between March 1 and September 30 unless Congress, with some form of last minute heroics, can cut a deal to avoid those reductions, mandated by law, from being imposed. Read More »
The stunning news earlier this week that Pope Benedict XVI was stepping down as leader of the Catholic Church put all the complicated and often confounding issues surrounding aging in a global spotlight. Read More »
Long-term Living will take a short break from news, articles, blogs and social media on February 18. We'll be back on Tuesday, February 19. Read More »
Nursing homes have become breeding grounds for community-assisted MRSA, a new strain of bacterial infection that can be contracted by residents, their visitors and employees. Read More »
A new study finds that healthy menopausal women carrying a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease showed measurable signs of accelerated biological aging. However, in carriers who started hormone therapy at menopause and remained on that therapy, this acceleration was absent. Read More »
The long-term and post-acute care (LTPAC) industry made some good inroads last year in terms of information technology and electronic records, but 2013 should be a hallmark year of cooperation, connectivity and shared mission among LTPAC providers, acute care providers and the vendor community. Read More »
Rather than hooking up with other nursing groups, this nursing union is joining forces with another group of nurturers--the American Federation of Teachers. Read More »
On August 13, 2008, CMS published a final rule requiring all long-term care facilities to have automatic sprinkler systems installed throughout the facility. The deadline for compliance with the new regulatory requirement is August 13, 2013. On February 7, CMS issued a proposed rule that would extend the August 13, 2013 deadline. Read More »
One of the nation's largest assisted living and memory care providers on Thursday announced plans to hire at least 1,000 former members of the military and military spouses over the next five years. Read More »
A measure used by Medicare that penalizes hospitals for poor performance is not related to how many patients die after admittance, according to a new study. Read More »
The use of psychotropic drugs in long-term care is a significant issue that every facility deals with. This article examines a highly unusual case and also suggests what nursing facilities can expect from government regulators. Read More »
President Barack Obama addressed challenges and opportunities facing the federal Medicare program, citing value-based purchasing in particular as an important change to the U.S. healthcare system, as well as proposing changes in pharmaceutical policy and in Medicare rules for wealthy seniors. Read More »
With the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' mandated penalties at issue, hospitals and long-term care organizations are strategizing ways to reduce readmissions. Local communication and partnerships can go a long way in cutting down on traffic through the emergency room's "revolving door." Read More »
Harnessing the energy of interior spaces can change an institutional building into a home. An interior designer takes a look at the power of light, variety and focus points to create peace and comfort within the care environment. Read More »
Hospitals made little progress on hospital readmission rates between 2008 and 2010, and some regions have far more readmissions than the national average. Read More »
New codes, regulations and guidelines for the design of senior living facilities are being developed to support culture change and resident-centered care. Now is the time for long-term care providers to become involved in the development of these guidelines. Read More »
The government’s healthcare fraud prevention and enforcement efforts recovered $4.2 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, up from nearly $4.1 billion in FY 2011, from individuals and companies that attempted to defraud federal health programs. Read More »
A San Diego hospice company files for bankruptcy protection amid federal investigations, while Scripps Health steps in to cover hospice needs in the region. Read More »
New trio of commissioners brings a wealth of experience to addressing the serious issues of services and supports for seniors and others with disabilities across the healthcare continuum. Read More »
