November 2011 Issue of McKnight's Long Term Care News
November 2011
News
CLASS Act may be dismissed, but need for care still growing
Prospects for the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act appeared to fade at press time.
Hospitalizations lead to more SNF stays
Medicare beneficiaries who are hospitalized for acute-care treatment, including a stroke or hip fracture, are at an "extremely high risk" for needing long-term care in ...
Painkiller legislation flawed, AHCA says
The American Health Care Association has slammed proposed legislation aimed at easing painkiller regulations in nursing homes.
Debt-reduction concerns rise
Providers were anxiously wondering at press time if they should hope for the "devil" they know or the one they don't, regarding the work of ...
Hot water, iron kill bacteria
Ironing after washing nursing uniforms might be the key to keeping dangerous bacteria off of them, a new study finds.
iPads bolster memory skills
Call it one more legacy of Steve Jobs: One Florida nursing home found that use of Apple's iPad 2 tablet PC is able to rejuvenate ...
Common issue: ACO confusion
Healthcare providers are struggling to decipher new approaches to reimbursement, including accountable care organizations, according to a new survey.
No forgiveness for MDS errors?
Providers who aren't completely up to speed in understanding new MDS 3.0 requirements could be in for a very rude awakening, according to a well-known ...
White House pulling CLASS Act support
Following months of hand wringing, the Obama administration has decided it's time to give the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act a decent ...
Industry-backed report warns that cuts could hit $79 billion
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently unveiled a Medicare plan that trims Medicare payments by 11.1%, beginning Oct. 1. But the real impact ...
State News
Facilities angered by retroactive cuts
NEW YORK - That the state health department cut nursing home Medicaid funding this year was enough of a sting, but having to recoup payouts ...
Features
The power of feedback
Operators have discovered that keeping residents and their families satisfied can help all facets of managing the business — including the bottom line.
Economies of scale
From medical supplies to food service and even golf carts, group purchasing organizations are opening doors for providers looking for discounts.
60 Seconds with...
Ask the care expert
Ask the care expert: What are some infection control techniques for touch-screen medical records?
CDONA, FACDONA, President, NADONA
Resident care
'Humor therapy' may reduce agitation levels for residents
An intervention termed "humor therapy" was as effective as antipsychotic medications in reducing agitation in dementia patients, a recent Australian study found.
Feds approve device for those with ALS
A device that reduces dependency on mechanical ventilators for individuals with full or partial paralysis has been approved for use by individuals with amyotrophic lateral ...
Wound care
New developments buffeting wound company acquisition
Apax Partners' planned $6.3 billion leveraged buyout of wound firm Kinetic Concepts Inc. hit another bump at press time. The latest challenge: a debt crisis ...
Role of biomaterials is expected to grow
Biomaterials likely will play a larger role in helping chronic wounds heal among diabetics, according to experts who spoke at the European Conference on Biomaterials ...
Ask the treatment expert: What's the best way to manage incontinence-associated dermatitis?
Susan Wickard, RN, BSN, CWCN, CWS, CLNC, Clinical Advisor, American Association for LTC Nursing
Ask the nursing expert
Ask the nursing expert: How do I establish short- and long-term goals with my unit managers?
Anne Marie Barnett, RN, President, Maryland NADONA/LTC
Nursing
Leadership and technology vital in protecting the aged
Robust leadership skills, enhanced safety practices and adoption of key technologies are required to meet the needs of individuals needing long-term care, according to new ...
Nurses key in opioid pain management
Nurses are uniquely qualified to help control the pain of institutionalized patients undergoing pain management with opioid analgesics, according to new recommendations from a nursing ...
Ask the legal expert
Ask the legal expert: Is personal liability insurance ideal for key LTC executives and personnel?
John Durso, Esq., Ungaretti & Harris LLP
Legal Matters
Lack of oversight may make operators liable, court rules
A group of Pittsburgh nursing home operators' lack of oversight for their now-defunct nonprofit facility may leave them liable in the eyes of the law, ...
Life in prison for fraudulent company exec
A federal judge has imposed a 50-year prison sentence on a Florida executive found guilty of creating a $205 million Medicare fraud scheme that targeted ...
Pursuing excellence
Smart money: Still spooked? (Part II)
By William C. Fisher, President, Investment Advisory Group LLC
Design
Design Decisions: A tower of strength
Expanding occupancy in a finite amount of lot space occurs in a downtown six-story high rise that overlooks the heart of the city.
How to do it…
How to do it...Wound care
Done haphazardly, wound care can cost a provider dearly in terms of resident health and liability. From proper initial assessment and ongoing monitoring to 24/7 ...
A day in the life
A Day in the Life: Learning how to live
Marvell Adams knew as early as his freshman year in high school that he wanted to work with the elderly. While writing a paper for ...
I couldn't live without...
I couldn't live without...ReBound diathermy unit
Francis Rosana, a physical therapist at Christ the King Manor, in DuBois, PA, says ReBound is the most requested physical therapy modality at his facility, ...
Technology
Robotic equipment making LTC pharmacies quicker
When medications arrive at a skilled nursing facility from a long-term care pharmacy hub, chances are it was not just a team of people who ...
Company news
Operators limp to the end of 2011, consider new methods
Although major nursing home operators have lowered their 2011 outlooks for investors after factoring in reimbursement cuts, experts say some providers may survive better than ...
Foundation goes Green
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and NCB Capital Impact have begun a $10 million, 10-year low-interest credit facility to finance the building of more Green ...
Vendor news
Omnicare: New rules are not likely to harm the business
The nation's largest institutional pharmacy vendor does not expect proposed drug handling rules to adversely affect its business, even though they likely will increase drug-delivery ...
Roche launches onset Alzheimer's website
To commemorate World Alzheimer's Day, Roche has launched the first available website dedicated to early-stage (prodromal) Alzheimer's disease, at EarlySymptomsAlzehimers.com.
The big picture
Sky's falling? No biggie
When I joined this magazine 21 years ago, one of my first assignments was to cover a state convention. It was a real eye-opener.
Editor’s desk
Music video is tonic for the LTC survivor's soul
Hopefully a certain bound-to-be viral video has already gotten to you. If not, you can thank me later.
Profile
Not settling for one path
If you ever find yourself in the company of Joe Steier, you might get lucky and be treated to a delicious meal at Bearno's, a ...
