G. Allen Power, MD, author of “Dementia Beyond Drugs: Changing the Culture of Care,” proposes a simple yet, for many providers, radical idea: Stop thinking of dementia patients as people with diseases to be treated, and start thinking of them as people with a terrifying, shifted reality who still have lots left to give if their trust can just be earned. Negative attitudes toward people with dementia are a big factor in the combative atmosphere that can arise at times between those with the disease and their caregivers, writes Power in his recent award-winning book.

One of the best risk management tools a provider can use is an expression of compassion and a genuine commitment to remedying problems. Saying “I’m sorry,” in fact, is statutorily protected and not an admission of liability, thanks to “I’m Sorry” laws adopted in 36 states.

Every day on the 12,000-member American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination (AANAC) community discussion groups, MDS coordinators submit questions and challenges concerning the scheduling of their MDS assessments. On far too many occasions, their situations result in loss of payment.

A recent study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, for instance, found that nursing home stays among people aged 65 or older increased from 6 percent in 2000 to 8.5 percent in 2010. The problem is that those who stayed longest in nursing homes were also the poorest.

Sunrise Senior Living, McLean, Va., will be acquired by Health Care REIT for $14.50 per share in all-cash transaction, the companies announced on Wednesday.

The Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiative will soon be circulated by CMS as proposed rules for nursing homes. Providers are advised to prepare now.

Wounds and pressure ulcers afflicting long term care residents incite visceral reactions in lay persons due to the fragile population served and the misconception that poor care is always the causative factor. In addition, such misconceptions have been known to lead to criminal charges, malpractice suits, and federal regulations to protect this vulnerable population.

Assisted living providers are meeting the challenge with a wide range of strategies and preparations, from the use of tools and protocols to help them better manage conditions associated with readmissions, to enhanced staffing, the adoption of electronic medical records systems, and, in some cases, renovations to accommodate new services and levels of care.

Direct care workers and the strength of their relationships with the individuals they support are the key to both the quality of caregiving services and the quality of life for millions of Americans. Yet, employers sometimes perceive these staff members—who provide the majority of hands-on care—as unskilled laborers who can be easily replaced.

With the number people aged 65 and older set to double in the next 20 years, the growth in assisted living will likely continue. Still, market uncertainties have always been challenging. With fluctuating costs and the future of government spending in question, running a successful food service program is always a challenge. In addition, long term care communities must also balance freshness, quality, and nutritional concerns, both to maintain the health of residents and to attract new ones.