Advocacy

IOM report: Healthcare must behave more like a business, reward quality and learn from data

In a milestone report released today, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) analyzes why the U.S. healthcare system needs a new business-based attitude, and why it struggles to learn from its own data. Read More »

No mandatory overtime for nurses in 17 states

In early August, Massachusetts became the 17th state to protect registered nurses from mandatory overtime. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed a healthcare law that identifies restrictions. In California and Missouri, regulations contain provisions for mandatory overtime. Read More »

The carrot or the stick? Paying for nursing home quality

Ohio is the latest state to launch a pay-for-quality program for skilled nursing reimbursement. But with 10 percent of reimbursement riding on passing the quality program, is the test tough enough? Read More »

Survey reports boomers are upbeat about aging

As boomers reminisce about their skateboards while shopping for bed boards, the nation’s communities, healthcare systems, and long-term care are preparing to meet their expectations. A recent survey discovered how this generation views aging—their concerns and their outlook. Read More »

HHS: Long-term care is the next step in national plan to combat infections

The Department of Health & Human Services has released the LTC chapter in the national plan to reduce infections: C. difficile and urinary tract infections are the first of many high-priority targets. Read More »

Moving forward on the National Alzheimer’s Plan

Advisory Council met on Monday to continue discussion on how to implement the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s. Read More »

Leaving life on your terms

As the boomers deal with aging parents, while they are aging themselves, dying with dignity has become a concern. Do your residents and their families have advance directives? If not, do they know what to do to create these documents? Read More »

Widespread neglect, abuse reported in Calif. nursing homes

California Attorney General’s “Operation Guardians” find “terrible conditions” in 14 nursing home across the state. Read More »

Healthcare and drug costs still surprise retirees

What tops your retirement wish list? Most retirees would gladly trade the dream of a beach house in Florida for lower healthcare and prescription drug costs, as well as more education on financial planning, an insurer survey shows. Read More »

Bill to repeal the ACA may reach House floor this week

Several U.S. House of Representatives committees plan to hold meetings this week on the Accountable Care Act, including a proposed bill to repeal the law. Read More »

Compassionate LTC care for some prisoners in Connecticut

In Connecticut, the state has given permission to its corrections commissioner to release the sickest and most frail inmates to palliative or hospice care. Read More »

LTC leaders analyze impacts of ACA decision

Leaders digest: So the ACA stays. What now? Long-Term Living’s editors speak with leaders in the long-term and post-acute care industry the day the Supreme Court decision is announced. Read More »

Supreme Court upholds Affordable Care Act

BREAKING NEWS: Supreme Court has decided the Affordable Care Act will stay in place. The majority voted to keep individual mandate and the right for Congress to offer funding for state reform programs. Read More »

eHDS User Group: While CMS continues to innovate, unpredictable Congress could cut healthcare funding

NASL’s Cynthia Morton shares insights on Congressional legislation and CMS innovation projects with attendees at this week’s eHDS User Group meeting. Read More »

The waiting game

It’s been a week of high anxiety for the long-term care industry as anticipation builds for the U.S. Supreme Court’s impending decision on the fate of the Affordable Care Act, expected to come down before the end of the month. Read More »

Long-term care scores big in Texas

Throughout the country, select organizations have received CMS Innovation awards for projects that aim to improve healthcare and access to people enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs. Read More »

ALFA recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, with online tools to combat abuse

Around the world, senior living communities are raising awareness of and education to prevent future elder abuse. Read More »

Seniors continue to fall victim to financial exploitation

America’s senior citizens continue to be the target of swindles and scams. According to e a recent online survey, nearly all respondents agree that older adults are vulnerable to financial exploitation. Read More »

ALFA urges measures to fight ‘pension poaching’

Problems in the VA Aid and Attendance program have created a cottage industry of predators that target vulnerable seniors to convince them that they are entitled to a pension. The senior is then marketed financial products that he or she does not need and might not benefit from. Read More »

What’s for dinner? Nothing

In 2012, it's hard to believe that people still go hungry in the United States. When a senior doesn't have enough food or good nutrition, that is a recipe for health complications. Read More »

HHS funds Aging and Disability Resource Centers

Funds for improved access for consumer information on community services and supports for seniors and others with disabilities is on the horizon. 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 »

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 »

HHS names its first Health Care Innovation Award winners

The Health Care Innovations initiative encourages organizations to develop ideas to improve healthcare quickly and affordably. Read More »

Florida AL operators have few rules for evictions

When assisted living is no longer the appropriate care setting for an individual, a “move out” may be necessary. Regulations regarding resident eviction reasons and notifications vary from state to state. Read More »

Older Americans Month—Seniors get playful

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter designated May as Older Americans Month, originally called Senior Citizens Month by President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Read More »

Long-term care, a global challenge

The challenges of funding social care and services to the elderly put on hold in Britain. Read More »

A call for more nurses, fewer antipsychotics in nursing homes

Eliminating the inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs among elderly residents of nursing facilities combined with adequate staffing levels could result in higher quality of care as well as dramatic cost savings. Read More »

Calling full-court press on Alzheimer’s disease

Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity award presented at National Alzheimer's Dinner in Washington, D.C. Read More »

LeadingAge members take to Capitol Hill today

By the end of business today, LeadingAge members will have tallied upwards of 270 congressional meetings, with representatives of 43 states in a single afternoon. Their goal is to advocate for those issues that most directly impact their organizations, residents, clients and staff. Read More »