NJ governor signs nursing home reform package calling for higher Medicaid reimbursement, pay raises for providers … Occupancy at Connecticut nursing homes plummets to 55% … New Mexico nursing homes...
Dementia mortality skyrockets since lockdowns; CMS loosens visitor restrictions
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 18, 2020
An excessive number of deaths due to dementia have occurred since shelter-in-place orders went into effect this spring, a new analysis finds. Meanwhile, CMS has proposed a framework for nursing homes...
Clinical briefs for Friday, Sept. 18
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 18, 2020
Nursing home commission makes 27 recommendations, calls for ‘greater leadership role’ from CMS … Heparin nasal spray to be tested as COVID prevention … One in 10 older dental patients prescribed...
Chronic loneliness predicts type 2 diabetes onset in older adults, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 16, 2020
Isolation or living alone did not predispose study participants to diabetes, but loneliness due to poor-quality relationships did, investigators say.
Also in the News for Monday, Sept. 14
Sep 14, 2020
State orders 250K antigen tests for nursing homes … Massachusetts reform package for nursing homes includes up to $140M in investments, restructured Medicaid rates … AHCA/NCAL releases support tool...
Depression before surgery may limit functional recovery
By
Kimberly Marselas
Sep 10, 2020
Having more preoperative symptoms of depression was associated with a higher chance of functional decline in the year following orthopedic, gastrointestinal or vascular surgery, according to a study in...
Laundry practices often overlooked in infection control, accreditor says
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 09, 2020
Laundry practices deserve a bigger role in COVID-19 prevention strategies for nursing homes and senior living communities, experts warn.
Vitamin D deficiency may nearly double coronavirus risk, study finds
By
Kimberly Marselas
Sep 08, 2020
Researchers determined that the relative risk of testing positive for COVID-19 was 1.77 times greater for patients with a deficiency of the vitamin compared with those who had a sufficient supply.
Lab’s COVID testing errors ‘sowed fear,’ cost operators tens of thousands of dollars
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 08, 2020
Some nursing home operators were forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars and face staffing shortages following testing errors by a Massachusetts laboratory.
Proposed 9% therapy pay cut has providers up in arms
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 01, 2020
Provider advocates have warned that the Trump administration’s proposed 9% Medicare payment cuts for physical and occupational therapy could send some companies out of business.