Long-term care residents and caregivers in Washington State deserve better
By
Bill Ulrich
Aug 21, 2020
Nursing homes in almost every state are in a fight for survival. To a large extent this was true before COVID-19 reared its ugly head in our nation’s long-term care facilities. Unfortunately, Washington...
Caregiver training CPT codes finalized for CY 2024
By
Renee Kinder
Nov 09, 2023
In July we were pleased to share that the CY 2024 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule held exciting news for therapists and caregivers. These have now officially been finalized for use beginning...
Improving end-of-life care begins with honoring patient preferences
By
Scott T. Shreve and Susan C. Miller
Aug 07, 2017
While hospitalizations and aggressive disease treatment are common in serious illness, hospice and palliative care specialists support patients through the entire trajectory of disease to include educating...
Senior living innovation in rural America
By
Eric Schubert
Feb 27, 2013
The United States’ rural population of 50 million people is larger than nearly all the world’s nations. How can rural communities rethink and repurpose their nursing home or other infrastructure...
Capturing acuity: How MDS accuracy has a critical impact on Medicare/Medicaid payment systems
By
Steven Littlehale
Apr 20, 2012
There’s a familiar saying in the industry that “If it’s not documented, then it’s not done.” But what if it is documented, but just not documented correctly?
The evolving role of MDS as PDPM approaches
By
Rosanna L. Benbow
Oct 10, 2018
Next year’s PDPM implementation will be as significant to MDS Coordinators as OBRA 1988 and MDS 3.0 2010!! Invest in your future by learning and supporting the RAI Process and MDS role.
Do life plan communities really help people age well?
By
Cate O’Brien, Ph.D.
Nov 15, 2017
As senior housing professionals, we’re well aware of the many opportunities that Life Plan Communities offer residents. The programs, amenities, services, and health care provided create an opportunity-rich...
Building staff confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines
By
Rachel Shearer
Jun 09, 2021
Six months after the COVID-19 vaccines first became available, just 55% of the CNAs, nurses and therapists who work at our 50-bed skilled nursing facility have chosen to get vaccinated. It’s a challenge,...
The five big trends affecting all skilled nursing facilities
By
Patrick McCormick
Mar 06, 2020
Skilled nursing facilities across the United States continue to face daunting challenges. The average SNF is only able to break even, reflecting increased competition, upward wage pressure in a tight labor...
Building a capital plan for assisted living facilities
By
Ameeta Soni
Mar 23, 2011
Organizations that provide medical care serve one of the most vital roles in society today, whether it is a hospital, a doctor’s office or an assisted living facility. Given today’s economy,...