Recently, claims for hospital patients discharged to skilled nursing homes have come under increased review, particularly by various recovery audit contractors. If you know some background and better understand...
When good excuses go bad
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Dec 22, 2011
Do you ever sometimes just want to say, “I’m not buying that one” when you get some absolutely bizarre excuse from a staff member as to why she called out?
Lessons learned from analyzing fall prevention programs
By
Melvin Hector, MD, and Myunghan Choi, PhD, MPH, APR-BC
Nov 18, 2011
Falls in the elderly can be a devastating event. They are the leading cause of hospital admissions for trauma and the leading cause of injury deaths for this age group, and amount to a direct medical cost...
How to make your nursing facility RAC-ready
By
Bryan Baird
Nov 08, 2011
As skilled nursing facilities adjust to the changes to Medicare that arrived early last month, they must be ready for Recovery Audit Contractors. RACs are independent auditors for the government that are...
Has CMS gone too far?
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Sep 27, 2011
Previously, I’ve explained my position on the new rehab regulation changes to take effect on Saturday (Oct. 1). However, has CMS gone too far this time?
Preparing future long-term care leaders: Perspectives change after becoming residents
By
Jennifer Johs-Artisensi, Ph.D., MPH
Jun 30, 2011
The past 24 hours have been surreal for the new 21-year old nursing home resident. She has signed reams of forms. She has become overwhelmed with questions and left trying to understand and remember everything...
The Aging reality show
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
May 18, 2011
One of the things about working in long-term care is that it’s both a blessing and a curse — knowing about aging. For example, it’s not a good thing when you aren’t prepared for it,...
Care model adds meaning to lives of dementia residents
By
Kim Warchol
Dec 21, 2010
A skilled nursing facility in Creve Coeur, MO, examines the interests, routines, likes, dislikes and other personal preferences of residents with dementia.
Memory care is about nurturing the human spirit
By
Loren Shook and Steve Winner
Nov 30, 2010
A new book talks about the importance of connecting with and loving individuals who have dementia.
The growing cost of compliance in long-term care
By
Michael K. Loucks
Nov 09, 2010
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will expand compliance-related regulations for skilled nursing facilities.