‘Neighborhoods’ network to manage medication, opioids
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jan 04, 2019
A new partnership in Indiana aims to improve quality and costs for the state’s Medicaid long-term care patients by targeting transitions and medication management in linked provider “neighborhoods.”
Staff texting can be a lifeline, but convenience comes with a cost, experts warn providers
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jan 03, 2019
Late last year, anyone using the right search terms could have stumbled onto an open database containing valuable text messages that should have remained private — including appointment and billing information...
Latest infection control battle puts mobile tech in the crosshairs
By
Kimberly Marselas
Dec 05, 2018
Computer tablets can carry entertainment to residents, helping them create connections with their caregivers and the world around them.
Antibiotics under fire: Providers must master new methods to keep use down
By
Kimberly Marselas
Nov 02, 2018
Skilled nursing facilities must treat both pressure ulcers and surgical site wounds, and never has there been more focus on treating them successfully to minimize infection. The profession is also under...
‘Code Silver’ simulations are enhancing staff confidence
By
Kimberly Marselas
Nov 02, 2018
A workplace violence training program developed by an Ohio health system equipped staff with new responses and for reacting to potentially violent situations. Summa Health System’s efforts included classroom...
Study finds ‘rare’ instance when age helps wounds heal
By
Kimberly Marselas
Nov 02, 2018
A compound whose presence in the bloodstream decreases with age likely helps older people develop fewer scars. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine found that stromal...
Foreign-born workers could fill gaps, would need support
By
Kimberly Marselas
Oct 29, 2018
Overseas talent may be key to filling nursing home hiring gaps, according to a research series published by The LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston.
Medicare demo trims SNFs and saves $62 million: CMS
By
Kimberly Marselas
Oct 25, 2018
Nearly $62 million in Medicare savings generated by affiliated healthcare providers since 2016 came largely at the expense of skilled nursing facilities, according to data from the Centers for Medicare...
Hospitals get more choosy
By
Kimberly Marselas
Oct 25, 2018
tudy of Medicare provider and claims data found hospitals are choosing to work more closely with skilled nursing facilities that use fewer resources, record shorter lengths of stay, and perform better...
High pain levels, impaired memory linked
By
Kimberly Marselas
Oct 25, 2018
A long-term study of seniors with pain found those who reported the highest levels of pain were more likely to develop cognitive impairment than those with lower levels.