Skilled care operators might want to curb their PDPM enthusiasm
By
John O'Connor
May 07, 2018
If some operators are getting the PDPM tingly-dinglys, I’m experiencing something else: a sense of déjà vu.
We’re shocked — shocked! — that bribery is going on here
By
John O'Connor
Apr 30, 2018
Few sectors are as vulnerable to Washington’s fickle winds as long-term care.
Bold moves that won’t do long-term care any favors
By
John O'Connor
Apr 09, 2018
By most accounts, the election of Donald J. Trump as our 45th President has been great news for long-term care operators. But amid various success stories, a serious misstep may be in the works.
The Big Picture: Things could be worse
By
John O'Connor
Apr 08, 2018
There’s no doubt the skilled care sector faces its share of challenges. While there have been hardly any new facilities built in recent years, occupancy levels remain myopic or worse. And the long-awaited...
AHCA issues quality improvement goals
By
John O'Connor
Apr 08, 2018
Skilled nursing providers recently were given new industry goals intended to improve care delivery during the next three years. Facilities should reduce hospitalizations by 10%, improve functional outcomes...
Medicare days tapering off?
By
John O'Connor
Apr 08, 2018
Medicare beneficiaries are spending 15% fewer per-capita days in skilled nursing facilities since 2009, according to a new analysis. The trend likely reflects a drop in days in hospitals — whose practices...
What’s a nursing home operator to do? Make adjustments!
By
John O'Connor
Mar 26, 2018
Operators who can make some adjustments and ride out the current regulatory and operating storm might not just survive, but thrive.
Are we entering skilled care’s Golden Age? The answer might surprise you.
By
John O'Connor
Mar 05, 2018
It’s very possible historians may look back at 2018 as a kind of Golden Age for skilled care. No, I have not been drinking.
This hospice study might make nursing homes less comfortable
By
John O'Connor
Feb 19, 2018
What’s the best eldercare development we’ve seen in the past quarter century? For my money, nothing compares to the ongoing expansion of hospice care services.
These 3 won’t happen
By
John O'Connor
Feb 08, 2018
There’s nothing quite like a new calendar to get media types acting like story forecasters. What might be more helpful is a brief list of things that won’t be taking place.