April 30, 2012, is the new deadline for nearly all private sector for-profit and not-for-profit nursing facilities and assisted living communities to display posters informing employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), according to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

This case study helps to illustrate some of the complex and important issues identified regarding the use of the MDS 3.0 assessment tool, particularly around the psychosocial sections. In this case study, Mr. S, age 80, was admitted as a Medicare SNF-stay resident after hip surgery because of a fall at his group home.

The graying of America is in full force, and the long term care facility workforce is not exempt. Instead of seeking a fountain of youth for staff, facilities are finding innovative ways to employ the experience and knowledge of older staff while keeping them safe and healthy, and they are encouraging intergenerational relationships that enhance quality care and teamwork. And in the process, they are finding that caring is ageless.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 2012 Office of Inspector General (OIG) Work Plan offers providers a helpful overview of Medicare enforcement priorities.

The juxtaposition of new federal and state laws with current reimbursement and budget cuts has created a disparity for today’s providers. Federal regulations like the Affordable Care Act of 2010 will require nursing homes to institute a facility-wide compliance program by 2013, while mandating enhanced nurse aide training and a comprehensive quality assurance and performance improvement program not long after.

The national theme for the 2012 National Nursing Home Week (NNHW) is “Celebrating the Journey,” and for this year’s event it all starts on Mother’s Day, May 13, and continues through May 19.

Amenities become more than marketing prerequisites or necessary appointments when providers use them to weave a social fabric. Managed use of common areas can transform a community.

While laundry might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the quality of care at a long term care facility, it does play an important role. How clean and fresh-smelling linens, towels, and garments are impacts the comfort level of patients, residents, and visitors.

About one-third of Americans 64 and older suffer from hearing loss, and more than half of those 85-plus do as well. That amounts to millions of older individuals struggling with the frustrations and disappointments of hearing loss every day.

The health care industry is buzzing about Life Care Centers of America’s (LCCA’s) success in reducing rehospitalizations from 40 percent to 15 percent in one year among facilities participating in their latest effort to improve quality care, says Beecher Hunter, LCCA president.