Health care transitions have always been susceptible to miscommunication. In the first cover feature, Contributing Editor Joanne Kaldy reports that providers are rising to the challenge by appointing dedicated liaisons to track and follow up as patients move through the continuum; others form strong partnerships with physician groups. One thing everyone agrees on is that “warm handoffs” involving caregivers, patients, and families are essential.

In a second feature, Kaldy finds that as facilities start coming out of pandemic hibernation, residents are relishing more social opportunities, and that includes physical activities. But because there has been some muscle wasting and strength decline due to the lockdowns, it is important to determine each person’s baseline and limitations to identify which exercises can be tailored to suit.

Epilepsy and seizures are more common in the nursing home than in any other population, and experts want to demystify them by promoting protocols and a streamlined approach to their treatment, Kaldy says. If facilities don’t have a protocol, staff may send patients to the ER, says Ilo Leppik, MD. “Most patients recover in a few minutes, so the seizure is often over by the time the ambulance arrives.”

In this issue’s Management column, Jennifer Labay, RN, says the nurse assessment coordinator must take care in assigning each patient’s assessment reference date so that it includes key conditions and diagnoses that affect Medicare revenue.

Results from a University of Colorado study show that high-intensity resistance training for older patients in skilled nursing facilities can safely and effectively accelerate improvements in their function.

Also in this AHCA/NCAL Convention Issue, don’t miss a full listing of the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award recipients, as well as a list of Expo Hall exhibitors.​