Congress recessed for the final holiday of 2017 without addressing the current Medicare therapy cap exceptions process, set to expire on December 31. Without the exceptions process or an alternative, therapists will not be allowed to provide services above the therapy cap in 2018. Read More »
2016 Leader of Tomorrow award recipient Bruce William thanks a former boss turned mentor for showing him how to serve and move the long-term care industry forward. Read More »
New research has found making memories may be tied to the synchronization of brain waves and that age and dementia can slow those rhythms down. Read More »
The dementia rates in rural areas have dropped faster than rates in urban areas, but the reason might be surprising, notes a study from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Read More »
SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears reminisces of holidays past spent at nursing homes, a reminder that this may be the most difficult time of year for some residents. Read More »
Bingo and movie night aren’t enough to keep most residents engaged and happy. Activity professional Susan Rauch shares unconventional ideas for expanding your activities offerings. Read More »
This year's mandates from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on recurring infection rates, new definitions for urinary tract infections in the 2017 RAI User’s Manual and the latest surveillance data on multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) made infection control one of 2017's biggest topics. Read More »
Memory care was top of mind for all provider sectors this year. The introduction of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ dementia-focused surveys, updates to the RAI Manual and definition changes in the state SOMs gave providers many reasons to improve their quality of care for residents with cognitive decline. Read More »
A growing number of healthcare providers are questioning the need for extensive cancer screening for seniors when the tests won’t significantly improve their quality of life. Read More »
Residents, ombudsman, associations and consumer advocates are raising their voice about a growing number of allegedly improper evictions and discharges. Read More »
The dementia rates in rural areas have dropped faster than rates in urban areas, but the reason might be surprising, notes a study from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Read More »
2017 brought attention to staffing shortages, initiatives to cross-train and a new push to educate caregivers in person-centered memory care. Here are our Editors’ Top 6 stories for 2017 on staffing, training and job leadership. Read More »
The Kentucky insurer is the latest to buy a piece of Kindred, and the deal could have significant impacts on Humana’s competitive edge in seniors’ at-home care. Read More »
The buildup of a specific chemical in the brain is an early sign of Huntington's dementia, and it could help with early detection of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, says a new study. Read More »
Medicare fraud squads are closing out 2017 by catching a wide range of health service providers in the crosshairs of crime, including several cases of opioid-related fraud. Read More »
Northwestern University researchers have found a relationship between brain health and positive relationships in a study of social butterflies age 80 and older with sharp memories. Read More »
Make the holidays the most wonderful time of the year by using time-honored traditions and faith-based celebrations to engage residents with dementia. Read More »
Most states don’t yet require dementia training for home care workers. Will deeper training in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias become the market differentiator in the home care sector? Read More »
Medication management can reduce the number of unnecessary prescriptions, many of which have potentially harmful side effects, and can improve overall health. Read More »
