Month: November 2017

CMS puts 18-mo. hold on certain enforcements, 5-star ratings

The agency has issued a temporary moratorium on the enforcement of eight specific Phase 2 F-Tags, although the new survey process begins this week as scheduled. Read More »

K4Connect, Kisco expand partnership for health engagement technology

The deal expands K4Connect’s engagement and automation technologies across 16 Kisco senior living sites in multiple states. Read More »

Fire safety for the holidays

Deck the halls, but be safe about it. National fire and life safety expert Stan Szpytek shares tips on reducing fire risk during the holidays. Read More »

Muscle mass, BMI and osteoarthritis

Body Mass Index (BMI) alone isn’t a reliable factor on osteoarthritis quality of life, according to new data. Read More »

Connecting with a church

SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears shares how she wishes she had more connection time with her local church. Read More »

2017 OPTIMA Award: The power of No

The winner of the 2017 OPTIMA Award for Excellence in Memory Care has slashed its use of antipsychotics to just 3 percent by retraining its staff and implementing a strict “just say no” policy. Read More »

Volunteer hospice offers rural community end-of-life care for 40+ years

Since 1978, a volunteer hospice has offered end-of-life care for a remote Pacific Northwest city. The unlicensed and unregulated hospice operates on an annual budget of less than $400,000 and cares for 300 people each year. Read More »

Refusing to be spoon-fed

A Washington state agency has drafted guidelines for people with dementia who don’t want to receive oral foods or fluids.  Read More »

2017 OPTIMA Award: Under one roof

The winner of the 2017 OPTIMA Award for Excellence in Resident-Focused Care started an intergenerational living program to give new life to aging services and solve staff shortages at the same time. Read More »

Bill Gates invests $100M toward Alzheimer’s treatments

Gates is investing his own fortune toward dementia research and startups exploring new treatments. Read More »

CMS adds online tool for quality measures

The web-accessible version of the CMS Measures Inventory Tool (CMIT) will make it easier for providers to track their quality measures across the care continuum. Read More »

Healthcare isn’t ready for Alzheimer’s treatments, study finds

Administering dementia treatments may be more difficult than developing them, according to a RAND report on healthcare infrastructure.  Read More »

Personalized doors help residents with dementia to find their way

Door decals are giving a Canadian memory care facility a new look and helping residents with wayfinding and navigation. Read More »

AANAC, AADNS founder and CEO to retire in 2018

The founder of the two long-term care nursing associations plans to step down after a nearly 20-year career in improving senior care. Read More »

Championing infection control

As the CMS regulations for infection control programs kick in, providers are finding that leadership matters as much as training. Read More »

Giving thanks for my roommate

In a year filled with changes, many of which were unexpected, SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears reflects on a relationship that has brought her good tidings of great cheer. Read More »

AARP Foundation sues to stop nursing home evictions

The organization is taking up its first court case on behalf of a woman with Alzheimer’s who was discharged from her nursing home without warning. Read More »

End-of-life planning—for caregivers

A new report finds fewer than half of surveyed hospice workers have advance directives.  Read More »

Calendar men and women

A Michigan retirement community is raising money and getting ready for the new year with a classic Hollywood twist. Read More »

Shopping for good

 A Virginia resale boutique pledged $125k toward a memory care retrofit at an area senior living facility. Read More »

Deer crashes into nursing home

A deer visited a Bronx nursing home, causing panic for residents, staff and the deer. Read More »

Ready for anything

As the new CMS emergency planning regulations go into effect this month, a crisis-filled 2017 has already given many states multiple reasons to be ready for anything. Read More »

NADONA and Ocean Spray partner to target antibiotic stewardship

The long-term care nursing organization and the juice company are teaming up on educational efforts to combat antibiotic resistance. Read More »

Healthcaresource acquires Vikus

The two companies will combine their talents in healthcare workforce management and senior care hiring solutions. Read More »

Senate passes bill to help locate people with Alzheimer’s

Kevin and Avonte’s Law would renew and expand resources for family members, first responders to find missing loved ones who wander, including those with dementia.  Read More »

To vaccinate, or not to vaccinate

The decision of whether to get the influenza vaccine has added considerations and consequences for those who work and live in long-term care facilities.  Read More »

Three employees fired for videotaping residents

An assisted living facility is investigating after employees shared videos on social media that made fun of residents. Read More »

ACHCA names new president and CEO

Bill McGinley has been tapped to lead the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA).  Read More »