Top Stories

Person-centered care: The bottom line

Cindy Heilman
In many LTC communities, the basic need for excellent service has been overshadowed by a single-minded adherence to numerous state and federal regulations, medical regimens and cost pressures, even though service and an environment conducive to healthy living were stated objectives of the organizations. Somehow, companies have not been paying attention to their own core values.

New palliative/end-of-life care measures for LTC

Lisa Erbstoesser, RN
With approximately 2.5 million people dying each year, the need for quality palliative and hospice services is at an all-time high. There is an increased focus on palliative and hospice care by the public and private sectors to ensure that high-quality end-of-life care is available to our aging population.

AL providers consider negative effects of community-based rules

Bob Gatty
According to NCAL, both proposed rules would disqualify a community-based provider, such as assisted living or a group home, from participating in Medicaid because they are on or near a property containing an institutional setting.

Hot Topics

Study: People with dementia more likely to die at home than in nursing home

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Healing garden's new dimension: Edible gardens

U.S. senators propose federal guidelines for use of antipsychotics in nursing homes

May 25, 2012    
news
A proposed amendment to pending legislation would require federal regulators to issue guidelines requiring nursing homes to get permission from patients or designated advocates before administering antipsychotics.

Long-Term Living takes brief holiday break

May 25, 2012     Long-Term Living
article
In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, Long-Term Living will take a break from publishing news, articles and blogs. We'll be back Tuesday, May 29.

Kindred CEO urges Senate to delay Medicare cuts, consider payment reforms

May 24, 2012    
news
Diaz urged the committee to consider the impact of additional payment cuts—including the impending 2 percent sequestration cut to Medicare payments beginning in January 2013 and continuing for 10 years—on LTC's ability to continue innovation pilots.

Program reduces use of physical restraints in nursing homes, study shows

May 24, 2012    
news
Study shows that a multifaceted intervention, including continuing education can help reduce fall risks.

Assisted living options grow, while nursing home occupancy declines

May 23, 2012    
news
A new study indicates that private-pay nursing home residents are seeking assisted living or home- and community-based options. Without the subsidies provided by private-pay residents, nursing homes are left to rely on Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements.

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June 2012 CE Test

May 22, 2012     Long-Term Living
article
Each Test is approved for 1.75 CE Credits for nursing home administrators and 1.75 contact hours for nurses. Register, pay and take the test online, and you will receive your certificate of completion immediately.

ACHCA leadership panel addresses LTC challenges

May 22, 2012     Long-Term Living
article
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.

Nursing home quality shows improvement

May 22, 2012    
news
Quality ratings are on the rise in the nation's skilled nursing facilities, according to recent government data

Son billed $93K for mom’s nursing home care

May 21, 2012    
news
In Pennsylvania, a nursing home, unwilling to wait for a woman's Medicaid approval and reimbursement, sues her son to recover the $93K debt. It's called the "filial responsibility law" and it's on the books in 30 states.

HHS urges healthcare workers to be aware of hepatitis risk

May 18, 2012    
news
HHS declares May 19 as the first-ever National Hepatitis Testing Day. Millions of Americans carry the virus, presenting a danger to themselves and others.
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Blogs

Dining out? Make sure it’s senior friendly

May 25, 2012    
Dining is the ideal way to socialize. Residents eagerly check out their monthly activity calendar to see what local restaurant they will be visiting.

Nursing’s top 10 pressing issues

May 23, 2012     Patricia Sheehan, Editor-in-Chief
A newly released book, “The Power of Ten—2011-2013: Nurse Leaders Address the Profession’s 10 Most Pressing Issues,” takes on hot button topics, with input from more than 30 international nurse leaders.

Direct care, America’s fastest-growing occupation

May 22, 2012     Susan Misiorski
The growth in home care positions, both home health aides and personal care aides, is expected to far surpass positions for nursing aides, as more elders demand—and states seek to provide—home and community-based services.

Necessary faith

May 21, 2012     Kathleen Mears
Without faith in the mix, living in a facility would be vast wasteland for me even though there are other things to do and much in the world to learn. It helps me to have faith in something larger than myself. Faith gets me through most days.
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