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Advocacy

5 LTC commissioners propose alternative LTSS solutions

One-third of the membership of the federal Commission on Long-Term Care say that recommendations issued by the commission Sept. 13 are not broad enough, so they have issued alternative suggestions. Meanwhile, organizations representing the long-term care industry react to the official commission report. Read More »

World Alzheimer Report calls for changes to care system

In the midst of World Alzheimer’s Month and a day before Alzheimer’s Action Day, the World Alzheimer Report 2013 has been released, containing seven recommendations to address the disease globally. Read More »

Direct-care workers win battle for minimum wage

Direct-care workers, previously exempt from national minimum wage and overtime laws, will now be considered the same as any other employee. Will the change in the compensation laws help or hinder the role of direct-care workers in the expanding field of home care? Read More »

Commission on LTC tackles tough issues but can’t agree on financial support system

The federal Commission on Long-Term Care makes headway but agrees to disagree on how to handle the financial burden of nation's long-term services and supports used by millions each day to assist with daily living. Read More »

Research seeks ways to improve long-term care offerings in reformed healthcare system

An academic powerhouse and several senior living service providers are joining forces to try to find ways to increase the quality of long-term care while decreasing unnecessary healthcare spending. Read More »

Assisted living: Some are doing it right

As we observe National Assisted Living Week, let’s celebrate the communities delivering high-quality care for residents. What lessons can we learn from them? Read More »

Nursing homes serving black residents have fewer resources for care, study finds

A study of more than 11,500 nursing homes reveals racial disparities in care, and researchers have some ideas about why – and some potential solutions, too. Read More »

Author’s royalties to benefit the National Hospice Foundation

Award-winning author and photographer Judith Fox supports hospice and palliative care on a national level, donating royalties from her newly released book One Foot Forward. Read More »

In Maryland, a new treatment directive replaces standard DNR form

How far does a “Do Not Resuscitate” order go? In Maryland, the state doesn’t think it goes far enough and replaces the DNR with a new, more comprehensive form. Read More »

Informed consent provisions strong in only 7 states, group says

The informed consent rights of nursing home residents in 43 states may not be fully realized due to weak or nonexistent provisions, according to a nonprofit organization’s new analysis. Read More »

Step into September

As we say good-bye to August and begin the “dog days” of summer, there are a number of exciting events and seasonal advisories to share. Read More »

Same-sex couples guaranteed equal access to nursing homes

Same-sex couples will no longer be denied visitation of a partner in a nursing home, according the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They will also have access to equal coverage in the facility where spouses live. Read More »

Need for institutional care may increase, AARP report says

Population trends mean that the current model of family members serving as the primary caregivers for their elders may not work in the future, according to some policy advisers. Read More »

Does Parkinson’s need to meet Mary Jane?

New drug-extraction techniques have turned the spotlight back on how CBD can help to treat those with neurological tremor disorders like Parkinson’s—and the new interest in a “transformed” version of medical marijuana. Read More »

Healthcare workers and the risk of needlestick injuries

Needlestick injuries are a frightening and costly, yet preventable, risk for hospital and other direct care workers. Read More »

In the news: Consensual sexual expression or rape?

Residents with dementia face another challenge in the area of sexuality. Long-Term Living blogger Kathleen Mears reviews and comments on a recent news item. Read More »

OIG recommends revision of proposed CMS rule

The passage of the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2013 could resolve beneficiaries’ access to SNF care with revision of CMS rule on observation stays. Read More »

New dementia care standards proposed for Mass. nursing homes

Massachusetts regulators work to close a loophole that allows senior care sites to advertise dementia services even though staff might have no dementia-specific training. Read More »

Supportive services, private insurance topics for long-term care commission

Government, university and nonprofit organization representatives suggested ways to improve Medicare- and Medicaid-related long-term supportive services and private long-term care insurance at yesterday’s hearing of the federal Commission on Long-Term Care. Read More »

House reps votes to delay employer, individual insurance mandates by one year

Following President Obama’s July 2 announcement to delay the employer insurance benefits mandate required by the ACA, the U.S. House voted today to delay the individual insurance mandate as well. But will the Senate agree? Read More »

9 ACOs plan to leave Pioneer Program

After one year, quality benchmarks may be up, but cost savings are not—and nine ACOs have decided to leave the Pioneer ACO program, CMS announced today. Read More »

Report lists 30 ways to address cognitive health

More than 280 public health experts put their heads together to come up with 30 ways to promote cognitive functioning and address impairment. A new report contains advice for those working with or caring for those with dementia. Read More »

Capitol defense: United LTC industry tackles Washington challenges

Washington correspondent Bob Gatty shares his recent conversation with Mark Parkinson, AHCA president/CEO, on LTC's efforts to bring equitable solutions to Washington's challenges. Read More »

Congress misses work-study reauthorization deadline

A key provision of the Veterans’ Benefits Act of 2010 expired on June 30, leaving some part-time workers at veterans’ homes o... Read More »

Same-sex couples guaranteed access to partners in nursing homes

While LGBT couples are celebrating the Supreme Court’s decision that they should receive the same rights and benefits as straight married couples, they might not be too happy with some of the financials.   Read More »

$30 million in funding earmarked for falls prevention study

A serious fall at home can have far-reaching consequences to a senior’s quality of life. A government-funded study will look into ways to reduce or prevent the instances of debilitating falls in community-dwelling seniors. Long-term care providers are asked to help. Read More »

The challenges of hiring or housing registered sex offenders

Even people with criminal histories grow old; others have served their time and need to work. Caroline Berdzik, Esq, offers some tips to follow in this tricky situation. Read More »

Federal LTC Commission is set to begin its work

When the CLASS Act was kicked off the “fiscal cliff,” Congress established the Commission on Long-Term Care to serve in its stead. With a six-month lifespan, is the Commission a boon or a boondoggle? Read More »

Medication costs may lead to higher ER use

Those who have difficulty affording their medications may alter their doseage, skip doses or never fill the prescription at all--increasing the risk of a trip to the ER. Read More »

Texas passes the nation’s first Medicaid life settlement law

To help defray long-term care costs, Texas seniors about to apply for Medicaid can cash in their life insurance policies to cover the costs of long-term care. Read More »