February 01, 2009

Kay Kallander, Senior VP, American Baptist Homes of the West

Even unusually snowy, bitter days, or torrential rains, or choking drought conditions will end eventually. That is how I feel about current economic conditions.

Call it a sign of the times: the American Association of Homes and Services of the Aging recently unveiled a new Web site that helps members cope with new economic realities.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released a new rating system to grade the 16,000 nursing homes in the United States that participate in Medicare or Medicaid.

Nursing homes are concerned about a new federal waiver that allows the state to reform its long-term care program to emphasize home- and community-based care.

Anne Marie Barnett, RN Former President, Maryland NADONA/LTC

Donna Sardina, RN, MHA, WCC President, Wound Care Education Institute

Sherry Dornberger, RNC, CDONA, FACDPMA President, NADONA

Larry Minnix, President and CEO American Assn. of Homes & Services for the Aging

A group of bipartisan U.S. senators and congressmen last month introduced legislation to offer more educational and training opportunities for healthcare workers in long-term care and gerontology.