Don’t get burned! Regulatory updates you need to know
By
Lisa Thomson, LNHA
Jan 02, 2013
As leaders in post-acute care, we need to stay abreast of the regulatory changes and its impact on our operations. In healthcare the one thing that remains consistent is change! Effective December 1, 2012,...
Survey and certification: Level that playing field!
By
Steven Littlehale
Dec 11, 2012
As you engage in quality improvement efforts, put together data-driven marketing materials, complete a HUD refinance application, or talk with families and other community members take care to make sure...
Ready Set: QAPI!
By
Steven Littlehale
Nov 05, 2012
Nursing facilities must submit written QAPI plans to CMS one year after promulgation of the regulation. This regulation will be in addition to current QAA standards.
Top 10 nursing home strategies to avoid hospital admissions
By
Marge Mercury, RN, MS, CMCE
Oct 30, 2012
Hospitalizations of frail nursing home residents can result in higher costs, complications, and death. Fifteen percent of long-term nursing home residents are hospitalized in any given six-month period,...
Accuracy with ADL coding
By
Mary Beth Newell
Sep 27, 2012
If there’s one overwhelming challenge in a long-term care setting, it’s how to code the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
The inherent bias in the Five-Star System
By
Jeff Petty
Sep 19, 2012
The Five-Star System has a systematic and profound bias that favors smaller facilities and penalizes larger facilities.
Hardwiring compassion and empathy
By
Anthony Cirillo
Sep 17, 2012
Despite all the technology, fancy buildings, dining and activity experiences, healthcare boils down to one thing: human relationships. Most skilled healthcare workers go into the profession with the best...
Shining some light on the new Five Star system
By
Steven Littlehale
Sep 05, 2012
The Five Star overall score is comprised of three domains: Survey, Staffing and Quality Measures. This month, look a little deeper into the overall Five Star Scores.
Minimizing caregiver risk
By
Carol J. Farran and Judith J. McCann
Sep 04, 2012
Memory care can be taxing on a caregiver. When a staff member is consistently charged with caring for more advanced Alzheimer’s residents, the care can be even more stressful.
Building up the executive director’s tool kit
By
Stephen R. La Pierre, NHA
Aug 24, 2012
Executive directors of individual CCRC campuses must fine-tune their tool kits to keep their facilities top of mind with consumers, and ahead of the impending sharp curve of consumer preference. Complacency...