New MDS and RUG-IV rules are revamping how Medicare services are provided and reimbursed. But every indication is that additional changes are coming
Progress denied
By
John Hall
Feb 05, 2017
‘Prior level of function’ rule can complicate rehabilitation efforts, as providers wrestle with cost, quality of care and what a resident’s goals are in maintaining quality of life
Make it a clean sweep
By
John Hall
Aug 06, 2016
Laundry and housekeeping staff are key to survey success; they buff a provider’s record or can be the source of embarrassing, costly survey findings
Passing on the risk: managing pressure ulcers between care setting transfers
By
Julie Williamson
Jul 01, 2010
Long-term care providers need to closely monitor and manage skin conditions before and after hospital transfers. Many breakdowns can go unnoticed
Cleaning creatively: out-of-the-box bathing ideas for dementia care
By
Julie Williamson
Sep 01, 2010
Bathing and washing residents with dementia requires flexibility and some out-of-the-box thinking, experts say. Understanding their fears is paramount
Clean up the waste: cost savings through cleaner facilities
By
Julie Williamson
Mar 01, 2010
Inefficient laundry and housekeeping operations can generate unnecessary expenses. Improving cleaning practices is just one way to find extra savings
A sore subject
By
Julie Williamson
Jul 01, 2008
Wound management and prevention, like a wound itself, is a painful subject for many long-term care providers. It often ranks highest among their resident care-related concerns.
Disposing I.C. advice
By
John Hall
Jun 06, 2019
Nursing homes are in a constant state of war with stubborn pathogens. Diligently staying clean while contending with the latest infection control rules is no picnic. Every day, staff are confronted with...
Bugs and drugs
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jun 05, 2017
The focus shifts to infection control and medication management processes as preparations for Phase II of the new Final Rule ramp up for concerned providers
Antipsyched-out?
By
Julie Williamson
Oct 01, 2012
Amid the hubbub about alleged abuse and questionable deployment, experts remind that a multi-step approach can curb antipsychotic drug use