New MDS and RUG-IV rules are revamping how Medicare services are provided and reimbursed. But every indication is that additional changes are coming
The rule that rankles
By
Julie Williamson
Feb 01, 2011
The new Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR) rule could strain long-term care providers, but the new pay scheme is survivable, an association says
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
Beyond the bedsore: recognizing different wound types in long-term care
By
Julie Williamson
Aug 01, 2010
Pressure ulcers may be one of the biggest topics in wound care. But there are other serious types of wounds that nursing home caregivers need to know about
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
Time to come clean: Long-term care providers’ infection control practices are becoming more intensely...
By
Julie Williamson
Jun 01, 2010
In the battle to contain and prevent the spread of infections, staying vigilant about hand hygiene and other cleanliness procedures is critical in facilities
Safety comes first: keeping residents safe with bathing and lift equipment upkeep
By
Julie Williamson
May 01, 2010
Preventive maintenance is often overlooked, but performing it is essential to keeping a facility’s bathing and lift equipment in good working condition…
The task masters: recognizing occupational therapists during occupational therapy month
By
Julie Williamson
Apr 01, 2010
Occupational therapy is a critical component of rehabilitation, yet it’s often still the most misunderstood and underappreciated of the three major modalities
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 roadmap for EMRs: strategies and starting places for long-term care
By
Julie Williamson
Jan 01, 2010
It’s important to choose the right path when implementing electronic medical records. Starting small and identifying a strategy are good places to begin