As this goes to press, lawmakers are deciding how to set aside $700 billion or so for distressed financial institutions. Most sides seem to agree that a massive capital infusion is the only way to avoid a complete economic meltdown.

An economic downturn that is causing convulsions in most states and many businesses has largely avoided the long-term care sector. But that doesn't mean that operators are breathing easy.

State officials and provider groups are up in arms over a recent federal report on nursing home survey violations. They argue that the aggregate deficiency totals present a biased perspective that does not accurately reflect care delivery in the nation's 16,000 nursing homes.

Historically, those in need of seniors housing and care options had but one real choice: nursing homes. But market changes and policy shifts have collectively reduced the role of nursing care as the nation's pre-eminent eldercare option.

With less than a month before Election Day, the fight to determine our next president has hit a fever pitch. By that, I mean both sides are working as never before to smear the other guy.

The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved anti-industry legislation that would put an end to pre-admission requirements mandating dispute resolution agreements.

I have to admit that my first visit to a nursing home was less than inspiring...

Like many revolutions, long-term care's recent embrace of technology-based brain fitness tools began quietly. Then it exploded.

Providers cheered a decision by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services not to trim $770 million from Medicare Part A payments to nursing homes during the coming fiscal year.

Whenever I talk with long-term care professionals, I like to ask why they have chosen to do this work. Let's face it, this is not a field for sissies.