Enacting Medicare cuts in name of healthcare reform is reckless, irresponsible
By
Liza Berger
Jul 30, 2009
This healthcare reform debate is swirling faster than a Tilt-A-Whirl at an amusement park. It has been swinging from a move toward the removal of a public option to reports of senators still bogged down...
Proposed Medicare commission could disregard funding realities
By
Liza Berger
Jul 28, 2009
I don’t know about you, Readers, but this push for an Independent Medicare Advisory Council (IMAC) makes me nervous. If approved by Congress, this new body could make it more difficult for nursing homes...
Movie ‘Up’ takes new look at aging
By
Liza Berger
Jul 23, 2009
Finally, there is a movie that provides a positive depiction of seniors and old age. That film is “Up,” and I suggest you head out to the nearest theatre to see it, if you haven’t already. Unlike...
Walter Cronkite’s last broadcasts
By
Liza Berger
Jul 22, 2009
I was too young to remember the legendary broadcasts of Walter Cronkite. But thanks to the cable channel Retirement Living TV and its companion Web site (www.rl.tv), I can say I watched the consummate...
NADONA offers hot conference for education
By
Liza Berger
Jul 14, 2009
As usual, there was plenty to learn at this week’s annual conference of the National Association Directors of Nursing Administration/Long Term Care (NADONA). The scorching mid-July Phoenix heat did not...
New survey shows Five-Star rating system’s flaws
By
Liza Berger
Jul 10, 2009
Many providers still are having a tough time embracing the new Five-Star rating system for nursing homes. A new survey shows that their concerns may be valid. Holleran, a national research and consulting...
CLASS Act receives president’s endorsement
By
Liza Berger
Jul 07, 2009
The CLASS Act has Obama’s back. Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, said as much today in a letter to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP)...
Obama offers harsh cuts to fund reform
By
Liza Berger
Jul 01, 2009
The president delivered unsettling news to nursing homes last month. He recommended trimming Medicare and Medicaid by $313 billion over 10 years to help pay for healthcare reform.
Revisiting housing and care for the mentally ill
By
Liza Berger
Jul 01, 2009
A story this week sheds new light on the challenge of providing care and housing for the mentally ill. As McKnight’s reported today, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, a mental law advocacy group,...
Profile: Joshua M. Wiener, Senior Fellow, RTI International
By
Liza Berger
Jul 01, 2009
You may not know Josh Wiener, but if you’re in long-term care you are probably familiar with his work.