‘Twas the morning of Christmas, when all through the buildingNo staff member was sitting, but everyone scurrying.The residents were washed and groomed with care,Knowing that visitors (finally) soon...
Better access to better PPE is critical for long-term care providers
By
Stephen Bird
Dec 14, 2021
Last month the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, a division of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), issued a request for information soliciting “public...
Supreme Court denies religious challenge to NY vaccine mandate
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 14, 2021
The U.S. Supreme Court has said that New York can proceed with its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for nursing home employees and other healthcare workers even though it does not grant religious exemptions.
‘Not a shock:’ MedPAC considering 5% pay cut for SNFs
By
Danielle Brown
Dec 14, 2021
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission is leaning toward recommending a 5% pay cut for skilled nursing facilities in fiscal 2021 after a new report found that Medicare margins may indicate SNF pay rates...
Clinical briefs for Tuesday, Dec. 14
By
Amy Novotney
Dec 14, 2021
COVID-19 has killed 1 in 100 older adults in the U.S. … Blood pressure levels among U.S. adults has increased amid pandemic: study … Changes in immune system agent may be key to treating recurrent...
Strategic planning for long-term health and safety
By
Kenny Thomas
Dec 13, 2021
A year ago at this time, the world was even more uncertain than it is now. Families were not gathering for the holidays and the decision of whether to see elderly family members became a difficult one...
CMS pressured by consumer advocates to end nurse aide training waiver
By
Danielle Brown
Dec 13, 2021
Consumer advocates are putting the heat on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to end a temporary waiver on nurse aide training implemented during the public health crisis. Providers say it has...
Boosted: Just over half of fully vaccinated residents have gotten third dose
By
Danielle Brown
Dec 13, 2021
Nearly 51% of fully vaccinated nursing home residents have received a booster shot, according to new data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Iowa nursing home worker who quit rather than wear mask denied jobless benefits
By
Danielle Brown
Dec 13, 2021
An Iowa nursing home won its appeal against a worker who quit her job over the facility’s personal protective equipment policy and collected nearly $5,000 in unemployment benefits.
Anxiety meds, antidepressants tied to post-surgery delirium in seniors: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 13, 2021
Older patients should be temporarily weaned off these drugs whenever possible — well before their scheduled surgery, the researchers say.