The cost of a private nursing home room increased an average of more than 3% annually during the past five years, and currently averages more than $94,000, according to a new survey.
Readmission fines target skilled care
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 01, 2013
Skilled nursing operators often want the same treatment as hospitals. They might get their wish soon, though not necessarily in the way they hoped.
Ask the legal expert … about winning resolution proceedings
By
John Durso
Sep 01, 2013
I’m tired of losing informal dispute resolution proceedings. How can I win one?
Residents find their mojo
By
Tim Mullaney
Sep 01, 2013
Shuffleboard. Bingo. And juggling, plate spinning, hat tricks and tightrope walking. This might be a typical nursing home activities schedule — if more centers follow the lead of Providence Pavilion...
Giving a lift to safety
By
Dave Surico
Sep 01, 2013
Employers must adopt tools and embrace policies that keep caregivers as well as residents safe during the bathing process — or pay the price in injuries.
Taming the MDS
By
Julie Williamson
Sep 01, 2013
Providers will be greeted at the end of the month by more important tweaks and changes to multiple parts of the Minimum Data Set resident assessment tool.
Sleepy? Have a waffle
By
Gary Tetz
Sep 01, 2013
My initial plan was to get up early to write this column. Refreshed and invigorated by a good night’s sleep, I would leap out of bed with synapses alert and firing, and my inspired mind would cut...
Progress in the hospital ‘observation stay’ chaos
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 01, 2013
When you complain about bizarre government conditions or regulations, as columnists are wont to do, you usually have to assume you’re just whispering into a stiff wind. But now comes word that no...
Nothing to smile about
By
John O'Connor
Sep 01, 2013
A friend who happens to be a dentist once regularly saw nursing home residents. During these calls, he would examine patients and make arrangements for them to visit his dental office, should the need...
Reviewing RUG levels
By
Steven Littlehale
Sep 01, 2013
From the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual Chapter 8, we know rehabilitation skilled level of care requires the delivery of skilled therapy five distinct days a week. While this requirement is usually easy...