The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ wide-ranging rule bolstering its regulatory authority to address issues relating to the COVID-19 public health emergency contains two notable directives for federally regulated long-term care facilities: (1) an increase in civil monetary penalties for failure to timely report information relating to COVID-19; and (2) a new requirement for…
Since the pandemic began, one thing has become abundantly apparent: There is a gap in the continuum of care for our nation’s most vulnerable patients. All too often, medically complex patients aren’t ready to return to their home or living facility when Medicare or private insurance will no longer cover their hospital stay. This problem…
Language is important. Whether we realize it or not, the way we speak about people reflects our beliefs about them and ultimately affects how we treat them. Whether we are aiming for a community-wide culture change or simply looking for a way to better support a person living with dementia, language matters. So let us…
Using established technologies in innovative ways can help long-term care facilities navigate the “new normal” of clean needed to meet pandemic and post-pandemic standards. Electrostatic sprayers can help facilities disinfect large areas in far less time than would be required when using manual trigger spray and wiping methods. This is particularly important in long-term care…
The elderly of our society were among our most vulnerable even before the COVID-19 pandemic, but those living in senior care settings might be most at risk. It’s not just the heightened risk of contagion and perhaps death for seniors residing in close proximity, especially if they are already suffering from chronic underlying health conditions…
While the numbers fluctuate, it is estimated that in the U.S., more than 40% of all the deaths from COVID-19 are from people living in long-term and senior care facilities and nursing homes. In Canada, it’s even worse, where more than 60% of all deaths are among those living in senior care facilities. This number…
We all know that the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in the over-65s remains the humble (yet hazardous) fall. While some 25% of seniors fall each year, that figure rises to an incredible 50-75% in long-term care facilities. Recovery from falls (when possible) often results in lost independence and move to a facility…
The pursuit of purpose is a basic human right. Older adults in senior living and long-term care communities deserve to experience meaningful engagement every day. As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded in the past six months, the community lockdowns and physical distancing measures have increased social isolation resulting in a devastating impact on the physical,…
As the healthcare industry turns to value-based care models, and providers focus on health and wellness goals, incorporating “human-centric lighting (HCL)” in long-term care facilities can create therapeutic environments that increase the safety and well-being of residents and staff. HCL aims to enhance the biological safety, health and emotional well-being of people through an expanding list…
Long-term care facilities face a unique challenge right now. Elderly residents are high risk, yet employees interact with and care for them at all times. In a highly populated community, the risk of an outbreak among employees and residents is great. The No. 1 one priority is to keep residents safe while simultaneously keeping employees…
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