The coronavirus was officially declared a pandemic one year ago this month. The news is filled with articles reflecting on the dramatic changes in our lives from last year to this — lost jobs, remote...
November’s drop in COVID deaths may hint at early nursing home success, experts contend
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2021
Between spring pandemic lockdowns and November, mortality rates due to COVID-19 in nursing homes declined significantly — well before a vaccine was approved to treat the disease, according to a new study.
Leading long-term care industry advocates are eyeing a registered nurse staffing requirement and enhanced Medicaid funding under a set of “bold” reform measures aimed at improving that long-term care...
Lawmakers aiming for yearlong relief from 2% Medicare sequester cut
By
Danielle Brown
Mar 16, 2021
The moratorium on the 2% Medicare sequester cuts would be extended through the end of the year under a new proposal from federal lawmakers.
Despite vaccine hesitancy, coronavirus cases among nursing home staff nose-dive 83%
By
Danielle Brown
Mar 16, 2021
Like nursing home residents, COVID-19 cases among workers have plummeted at a rapid rate since peaking in late December.
Providers want weekly ongoing pledge of 50,000 COVID vaccines for LTC
By
Danielle Brown
Mar 15, 2021
Nursing home, senior living and aging advocates are pushing the federal government to commit to allocating between 50,000 and 75,000 weekly COVID-19 doses to long-term care pharmacies enrolled in the Pharmacy...
Silver lining? Surgical and N95 masks ease spring allergies in nurse study
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 12, 2021
Nurses who recorded allergic rhinitis symptoms during a two-week period in the pandemic reported significantly decreased symptoms while wearing an N95 or surgical face mask vs. wearing no mask.
CMS opens visitation to nursing homes after year of isolation
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 11, 2021
“Facilities should allow responsible indoor visitation at all times” — no matter the vaccination status of resident or visitor, the agency now says. Its action follows the remarkable, apparent...
‘The right thing to do’: Providers praise CMS decision to restart nursing home visits
By
Danielle Brown
Mar 11, 2021
Federal health officials’ decision to reopen the nation’s nursing homes to visitors Wednesday was “the right thing” to do, leading long-term care advocates said. The decision was made in light...
93% of SNFs reported no new cases of COVID-19 to end February
By
Danielle Brown
Mar 11, 2021
Coronavirus cases at skilled nursing facilities continued to drop at a dramatic rate following more widespread access to COVID vaccines, according to the latest research from the National Investment Center...