Residents cheer tractor parade
Many residents of the Oskaloosa Care Center in southern Iowa used to be farmers. They’re reminded of their past by the cornfield next to the nursing home — and, once a year, by a parade of antique tractors.
Nursing Home
No need for injury
Due to dynamic factors in moving residents, facilities must invest wisely in lifts, slings and batteries to make sure workers stay safe while performing transfers
DOJ forces observation stay showdown
Hospitals have been cast in a harsh light by long-term care advocates recently for allegedly over-using “observation stay” status. The practice can ultimately deny some patients subsequent Medicare coverage for nursing home admission.
Dirty hands needed
Gardening is magic. Gardening is mindfulness. Gardening is therapist, physician and personal trainer without spandex or a copay. And now researchers have confirmed that gardening can help nursing home patients suffering with dementia.
State News for September 2014
MAINE – The state’s nursing homes will get their first Medicaid rate increase in six years after a breathtaking display of mid-summer political brinksmanship. But dark days still loom in a state beset with closures and an over-65 population ratio that’s second only to Florida’s.
60 seconds with … Ed McMahon, Ph.D.
Q: You recently received the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award from the American Health Care Association. What are some of the biggest current obstacles to improving quality in long-term care?
Vast majority of nursing home residents chronically constipated, and it’s not well controlled, researchers say
Chronic constipation is highly prevalent in nursing homes and not well controlled, leading to a high likelihood that residents develop fecal impaction, according to findings from a first-of-its kind study.
Empowering nurse practitioners could reduce hospitalizations from SNFs, study finds
Granting more authority to nurse practitioners is associated with reduced hospitalization of skilled nursing facility residents, according to recently published findings.
Congressman requests briefing on nursing home five-star rating system
A leader in Congress has called for an evaluation of the nursing home five-star rating system in light of a recent New York Times article. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) requested that Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services officials brief his staff by Sept. 16. One area of concern is the heavy reliance on nursing homes’ self-reported data about staffing levels and quality of care, which may not be regularly audited for accuracy, Cummings stated in his Aug. 26 letter to CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner.
Focusing on a single word might improve nursing home residents’ quality of life
An affordable, easily implemented relaxation technique could improve nursing home residents’ psychological well-being. It also could potentially boost their immune systems, according to recently published findings.
