The day after Obama’s victory, sparks of excitement
By
Liza Berger
Nov 05, 2008
There is a special energy in the air today. I don’t think I’m making it up. I noticed it this morning when I went to pick up muffins at a local grocery store before work. The woman stuffing bags flashed...
Movie ‘Up’ takes new look at aging
By
Liza Berger
Jul 23, 2009
Finally, there is a movie that provides a positive depiction of seniors and old age. That film is “Up,” and I suggest you head out to the nearest theatre to see it, if you haven’t already. Unlike...
New survey shows Five-Star rating system’s flaws
By
Liza Berger
Jul 10, 2009
Many providers still are having a tough time embracing the new Five-Star rating system for nursing homes. A new survey shows that their concerns may be valid. Holleran, a national research and consulting...
Nursing-home evictions raise bigger questions
By
Liza Berger
Aug 11, 2008
Some disturbing news appeared last week in The Wall Street Journal. The highly respected newspaper found that nursing homes are evicting long-term, frail residents—many on Medicaid—to make room for...
Public reactions to healthcare reform depressing, disturbing
By
Liza Berger
Aug 19, 2009
I can’t help but cheer some comments Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) made on Tuesday. In his brash way of speaking, he summed up my sentiments exactly. On Tuesday during a town-hall meeting in his state,...
Who knew? Repeal of RUG-IV delay in bill one day and out the next
By
Liza Berger
Jul 26, 2010
When crafting legislation, horse trades are a well-established part of the ritual. What’s unfortunate is that many people who have a stake in these deals don’t know about them.
Singing the baby boomer blues
By
Liza Berger
Aug 26, 2008
So you think you’re a baby boomer? Try these characteristics on for size: -Being a boomer means 60 is the new 40.-You’ll probably live longer than your parents, only you’ll still be on a diet in...
Revisiting housing and care for the mentally ill
By
Liza Berger
Jul 01, 2009
A story this week sheds new light on the challenge of providing care and housing for the mentally ill. As McKnight’s reported today, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, a mental law advocacy group,...
The attraction of home- and community-based services
By
Liza Berger
Jun 25, 2009
You can’t ignore the signs. A new bill would allow states to use funds for home- and community- based services. A pending proposal would permit states to combine three separate HCBS Medicaid waivers....
Nursing homes’ quality campaign shows promise
By
Liza Berger
May 08, 2009
Nursing homes can pat themselves on the back this week. At least, nearly 7,400 can. That is the number of facilities participating in the Advancing Excellence Campaign, an initiative supported by both...