We’ve passed the midpoint of the continuing series on Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI). Now it’s time to collect and analyze data to improve person-centered care. Read More »
Massachusetts’ implementation of a “medical marijuana law,” and how it applies to assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities, is, of course, of special interest to providers in that state, but it may hold lessons for senior living communities elsewhere as well. Read More »
Older adults in poor health or with disability are more at risk to suffer from long-term effects of medical injury (adverse medical events), a study finds. Read More »
President Barack Obama has announced nominations for the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and one organization representing aging-services providers is commenting on the decisions. Read More »
The reimbursement and information generated by the MDS is integral to a facility's financial health, quality care and outcomes. MDS coordinators need to connect with middle and upper management. Read More »
A state survey is an important facet of ensuring that residents receive quality care, yet it always creates a sense of dread for administrators and staff. Residents know instinctively when their home is being inspected. Read More »
A six-city effort has resulted in charges against 90 people for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes involving what the government says is approximately $260 million in false billings. Read More »
The Alliance for Home Health Quality and Innovation is launching research, a workshop and a symposium to explore the delivery of Medicare skilled home healthcare to a growing population of older adults. Read More »
Elder abuse happens more often than people like to admit. Whatever form the abuse takes—whether it’s physical, mental or financial—the costs are too high. Read More »
Congratulations to Long-Term Living 2014 Leaders of Tomorrow honoree Beverley Laubert, MA. The state long-term care ombudsman in Ohio is bringing her innovative efforts to the national arena as chair of the Advancing Excellence board. Read More »
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is proposing changes to payment rules under the SNF prospective payment system, a wage index update, and a Change in Therapy assessment policy update. June 30 is the last day to comment. Read More »
Home health companies, dialysis facilities and hospitals reportedly will be subject to a five-star rating system similar to the one that currently applies to nursing homes and Medicare Advantage plans. Read More »
Several former government officials and policy experts are coming together in an effort to find a way to improve the financing and delivery of long-term services and supports for the country’s aging population and working-aged people with disabilities. Read More »
The federal government has updated its plan to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease as well as improve care for those who have the disease. Read More »
Their numbers continue to grow and they still exert a powerful impact on their families, friends, community and society as a whole. It’s time to honor and celebrate older adults. Read More »
Jonathan Blum, principal deputy administrator at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, will be stepping down from his post effective May 16, according to preliminary news media reports. Read More »
In Step 5 of the continuing series on Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI), Nell Griffin, LPN, EdM, discusses the importance of establishing a plan to complete the prerequisites to ensure successful implementation. Read More »
It's not too late to inform your residents and community about Parkinson's disease, a chronic, progressive and life-changing movement disorder. Read More »
One state's Medicaid agency is paying for search and analysis of social media comments and complaints to improve customer service and address perceived problems. Read More »
Organizations serving those working in the long-term care industry are offering praise for the efforts of Kathleen Sebelius as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as she resigns, and they also are looking to the future. Read More »
President Obama publicly accepted the resignation of Kathleen Sebelius as HHS secretary and announced the nomination of Sylvia Mathews Burwell, currently OMB director, to replace Sebelius at an April 11 event in the White House Rose Garden. Read More »
The Social Security Act says that pharmacists aren't providers. But many in the healthcare industry are now saying the expanded role of pharmacists, especially in long-term care, deserves another look. Read More »
Care coordination is the victim of a recent opinion issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, according to electronic health record system vendor athenahealth. Read More »
