Alzheimer’s disease is very good at taking. It takes away memories. It takes away personalities. It can be argued that Alzheimer’s essentially takes away a person’s essence. And as almost...
When long-term care experts speak, things can get foggy
By
John O'Connor
Mar 11, 2013
I was hoping to get clear answers about the sector’s future at the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry’s regional meeting last week in San Diego. I did, but I...
AHCA’s Parkinson ‘cautiously optimistic,’ despite sequester and other looming fiscal...
By
John O'Connor
Mar 07, 2013
A newly enacted sequester may be trimming Medicare payments to skilled nursing operators, but the sector remains strong and poised for future growth. That assessment was delivered Wednesday by the head...
LTC insurance adjustment: Smart business move or blatant sexism?
By
John O'Connor
Mar 01, 2013
There’s an adage about insurance coverage: While the big print giveth, the small print taketh away. Genworth Financial — one of the nation’s largest long-term care insurance carriers –...
Latest funding deal sidesteps fiscal cliff
By
John O'Connor
Feb 01, 2013
Providers generally lauded a deal that kept the nation from going over the so-called fiscal cliff in January. Spared were automatic Medicare cuts to physicians and facilities.
This pilot long-term care program might require actual pilots
By
John O'Connor
Jan 25, 2013
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services often backs pilot programs that might help improve long-term care services. In recent years, the agency has funded efforts to do things such as update employee...
Peppering the CLASS Act’s demise
By
John O'Connor
Jan 04, 2013
If there’s one thing early January always delivers, it’s a cornucopia of coming-year predictions. But as far as long-term care is concerned, it might be more helpful to look back to 1990. The...
Tech driving improvements, as well as workflow changes
By
John O'Connor
Dec 02, 2012
Technology payoffs such as automation and electronic health records are allowing healthcare providers to better manage care and information.
The Affordable Care Act is here to stay, even if nobody seems to know what that means
By
John O'Connor
Nov 12, 2012
As late as Friday, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) indicated he still would like to upend Obamacare. But he really needs to find a less frustrating way to spend his working hours.
Best is yet to come? Don’t tell that to providers
By
John O'Connor
Nov 09, 2012
When he gave his acceptance speech Tuesday night, President Obama told the nation that “the best is yet to come.” Many long-term care operators may not be in full agreement.