A new report from the Institute of Medicine recommends several changes to the U.S. healthcare system to meet the needs of people nearing the end of life as well as the needs of their families. Read More »
The building crisis in financing and providing effective long-term care services and supports is an ever-growing problem as discussed in a report by the Commission on Long-Term Care. Read More »
While two pneumonia vaccines are recommended to seniors for optimal protection, will cost/coverage discourage them from receiving the second vaccine? Read More »
Living on a budget is hard for anyone. It takes discipline. Imagine if you had less than $100 a month to meet your needs, let alone your wants. Read More »
Almost half of Medicare beneficiaries aged at least 65 years, among them nursing home residents, reported trouble or the need for assistance with activities of daily living in a recent study. Read More »
After months of a pause mode due to backlogs in the appeals process, CMS has reinstated the recovery audit contractor (RAC) review process. Read More »
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is delaying launch of its dialysis center ratings, but a kidney disease-related coalition says it still has concerns. Read More »
Long-term care facilities will be able to collect controlled substances turned in by residents, under a new Drug Enforcement Administration regulation meant to combat prescription drug abuse and misuse. Read More »
The final chapter in the series “12 Steps to QAPI” shows how preparation, organization, data and action can correct and improve processes to enhance the quality of care your residents receive. Read More »
A new report from the Congressional Budget Office includes projections related to spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other programs for older adults. Read More »
Medicare’s five-star rating system for skilled nursing facilities is being called out again—this time on the front page of the New York Times. Read More »
Do you know what nursing facilities' obligations are when it comes to reporting and investigating claims of abuse or neglect? The Office of Inspector General has new recommendations to help ensure that you do. Read More »
The Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute is more than a third of the way to its $9 million goal in a campaign with the ultimate purpose of improving the jobs of nursing home assistants, home health aides and personal care aides. Read More »
Providing 24/7 RN coverage in nursing homes is the goal of a new bill introduced July 31. Having the most highly qualified professionals available ensures that residents receive optimal care at any hour of the day. Read More »
What’s for dinner? Are you planning and serving residents meals that are in line with the new dining standards? A new toolkit helps to implement these requirements. Read More »
It’s nearing that time of the year again when it's important to review your residents’ history of vaccinations and to schedule the various inoculations, including pneumonia, that will protect them from infections in the coming months. Read More »
Lawmakers push the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to ease long-term care (LTC) red tape for military vets to obtain healthcare services. But what are the prospects for accessibility to LTC services? Read More »
The organization's Center for Applied Research aims to translate research findings into real-world policies and practices that improve the lives of older Americans and their caregivers. Read More »
In Texas, some nursing homes with serious violations have avoided penalties without correcting violations, according to a recent report by the Texas Sunset Commision. Read More »
Making use of newer guidance and data from the government, as well as improving communication with other entities and perfecting a person-centered approach to care, should be priorities for clinical and operational leaders in long-term care, according to the executive director of an educational foundation and consultancy. Read More »
A Kentucky registry will enable long-term care employers to view a list of people who have records of substantiated maltreatment of adults who were in their care. Read More »
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an inhalation spray, olodaterol, to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Read More »
In long-term care, advance directives, medical power of attorney, living will and so on are acquired during the admissions process. Their importance becomes more relevant as resident experiences changes in health status. Read More »
