For anyone who’s in the trenches caring for someone with Alzheimer’s — either in your own home or a long-term care community — the announcement of government initiatives aimed at finding...
Vigilan acquired by RealPage
Jan 18, 2012
Software manufacturer Vigilan was recently acquired by RealPage Inc. for $5 million, both companies announced. Vigilan’s software suite helps operators manage care, labor and billing. “We are...
App connects on-the-go staff
Jan 18, 2012
Wind Currents Communications Inc. recently released its iV2VIP Video Softphone app. The app visually connects mobile staff to facilities that have desktop videophones. It presents a large keypad display,...
Digital Care Systems unveils low-cost wireless emergency call system
Jan 17, 2012
Digital Care Systems Inc. has introduced a wireless emergency call system that costs $100 per resident room. This new option was designed for communities on a limited budget that need to upgrade an existing...
Does your therapy department have resolve?
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Jan 16, 2012
It’s that time of year again, time to settle down and get refocused on our goals and … New Year’s resolutions that might have already been broken! Have you kept your resolutions? Has...
Analytically Speaking: MDS data accuracy
By
Steven Littlehale
Jan 13, 2012
Since the late 1990’s, the Minimum Data Set has been a primary driver in the long-term care industry, influencing all areas of skilled nursing facility operations. With so much depending on it, ensuring...
Government releases Alzheimer’s taskforce plan
Jan 10, 2012
The National Institutes of Health would be required to collaborate with the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies on Alzheimer’s disease-related issues, according to...
CMS provides answers to auditor questions
Jan 09, 2012
Medicaid Recovery Audit Contractors will not be replacing existing program integrity contractors, according to new guidelines from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Rise of COPD: Not hopeless
By
John W. Walsh
Jan 09, 2012
With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become the third leading cause of death in the U.S. — 12 years earlier than predicted...
How to profit from the new regulation changes
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Jan 04, 2012
Has the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services underestimated us again? I hope so. On Oct. 1, 2011, CMS implemented new regulation changes that added a Change of Therapy, COT OMRA, MDS. I believe it...