Month: January 2015

AHCA launches campaign for permanent SGR fix

The American Health Care Association has launched a campaign to educate lawmakers on the value of skilled nursing providers in advance of discussions related to the Medicare sustainable growth rate. Read More »

Joint Commission launches new infection prevention portal

The Joint Commission has gathered all of its online resources relating to infection control and healthcare-acquired infections in one place. Read More »

Few discharged patients get quality data on home health agencies

People who have had joint surgery or other hospital prodedures rarely see the state or federal quality reports about home health agencies when deciding which agency to hire. Read More »

Do tech companies patronize older adults?

A new survey shows that seniors have plenty to say about how they feel they're being treated by technology companies.  Read More »

5 steps to ACA compliance

2015 has dawned and, with it, the employer mandate of the Affordable Care Act. Here's what you need to do to make sure you're in compliance. Read More »

Jewish Home Lifecare gets $500K for dementia respite pilot, outpatient rehab programs

Jewish Home Lifecare has received $500,000 in grants to fund programs for outpatient rehab services and overnight stays for those with dementia. Read More »

Self-reporting dementia symptoms helps clinicians measure progression

A self-reported version of a well known dementia assessment tool is effective in helping clinicians measure the progression of the disease.  Read More »

Medication dispensing system gets smaller

A tabletop medication dispensing cabinet brings medication management technology to caregivers' fingertips without taking up the entire counter.  Read More »

Mourning the passing of the New Old Age blog

It’s said that “all good things must come to an end,” as Long-Term Living’s resident blogger says goodbye to a trusted friend and a reliable source of information and experience. Read More »

Medical director certification program has new name

A certification program for medical directors has been renamed, the latest reflection of the increasing prominence of post-acute care in the long-term care continuum. Read More »

Remember antiviral drugs for flu, CDC tells clinicians

One of four factors may be to blame for clinicians not prescribing antiviral medications to fight the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Their use, however, can prevent hospitalization and death. Read More »

2015 Leaders of Tomorrow award nominations open

Do you know a rising star who is passionate about his or her efforts for the benefit of this country’s older adults? Nominate him or her for a Long-Term Living Leaders of Tomorrow award by Feb. 20. Read More »

Clinical Data Collection: The Top Steps for MDS Accuracy, and Greater Reimbursements

It's simple, really.  No residents, no income.  Jayne Warwick addresses how inaccurate treatment records have become a growing problem for healthcare facilities. Inaccurate documentation of care is often where providers leave money on the table.  Avoid financial pitfalls by switching to electronic charting for a more complete record of care provided. Click here to read more. Read More »

Presenting prices to prospects

Should prices be posted on senior living pamphlets and websites? As tempting as it can be, senior marketing expert Luke Fannon says it isn't a smart strategy. Read More »

NIC MAP: Senior housing trends reflect improving economy

The National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry's MAP Data and Analysis Service has released fourth-quarter 2014 data related to occupancy, rent growth, annual absorption, inventory growth and construction in independent and assisted living as well as the nursing care sector. Read More »

New standards of care issued for those with diabetes

The American Diabetes Association is recommending two alterations to the standard of care for those with diabetes in the wake of recent changes to guidelines for cardiovascular risk management enacted by two specialty groups. Read More »

The move to improve hand hygiene compliance

As the number of influenza cases increase across the country, using recommended hand hygiene protocols helps prevent the spread of flu viruses and other healthcare-associated infections. Read More »

LeadingAge seeks input on new name for CCRC

Want to suggest a new name for continuing care retirement community? LeadingAge is accepting ideas until Feb. 15. Read More »

The vendor discount dilemma

When is a deal too good to be legal? Receiving discounts from vendors/suppliers may, in some instances, be considered "kickbacks" if you're not careful. Read More »

NQF endorses rehospitalization measuring tool

The National Quality Forum supports the use of a popular rehospitalization measuring tool.  Read More »

4 ways to manage slip-and-fall safety

Winter elements can cause safety issues. These steps can help reduce slips and falls and prevent legal issues. Read More »

What the ‘cromnibus’ means for healthcare

The $1.1 trillion spending bill approved by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama last month contains several provisions related to healthcare. Read More »

Hospital infection control affects elderly life span

Older adults admitted to intensive care units are about 35 percent more likely to die within five years of leaving the hospital if they develop an infection during their stay, according to new research. Read More »

SNF adopts pressure ulcer monitoring system

The developer of a pressure ulcer monitoring system gets its first skilled nusring client. Read More »

Can voice analysis detect Parkinson’s disease?

New voice analysis software can detect changes in speech that are characteristic of motor neuron diseases such as Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.  Read More »

MedPAC’s site-neutral payment recommendation draws criticism

Don’t count the Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation or the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association among the fans of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission recommendation of “site-neutral” payments for certain beneficiaries. Read More »

Lippincott Procedures adds physical therapy component

The nation's dominant clinical procedure guideline software adds physical therapy to its portfolio. Read More »

OIG seeks input on anti-kickback statute

March 2 is the deadline for comments on new “safe harbor” provisions, modifications to existing provisions or new fraud alerts to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Read More »

Managed care a growing force in post-acute care

Managed care is a growing force that will become far more prominent in post-acute care and will exert much influence over day-to-day operations. Read More »

Rebasing impact report concerns home health group

A rebasing impact report issued by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission suffers from data and methodologic flaws, the Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare maintains. Read More »