Is Reform on the Horizon for SNFs?

reform

The COVID-19 pandemic brought on unprecedented challenges for the skilled nursing industry. Skilled Nursing News reports that the Biden administration agrees a reform is necessary for nursing homes moving forward. Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, stated in a recent press conference that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed many underlying problems in nursing home “when there…

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Unvaccinated Employee Causes COVID-19 Outbreak in Nursing Home

covid-19

Long-term care facilities were among the first to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Since December 2020, there have many efforts underway to get residents and staff vaccinated. Recently, a nursing home in Kentucky had a COVID-19 outbreak due to one unvaccinated worker who became infected. Skilled Nursing News reports that despite having a 90.4% rate of vaccination…

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What Does Increased Funding For HCBS Mean For Skilled Nursing Facilities?

skilled nursing facilities

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted patients and families to reconsider nursing homes as a option where loved ones can receive care. Increased infection rates and isolation have prompted individuals to look at other alternatives. The Biden administration proposed a $400 billion plan that will increase funding to home and community-based services (HCBS). Recently, the number…

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Mandatory Reporting of Staff Vaccinations in SNFs

mandatory reporting

This week the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a new SNF Prospective Payment System for the 2022 fiscal year. McKnight’s reports that one part of this proposal includes a new quality measure which will require skilled nursing facilities to track the vaccinations of its staff. If passed, nursing homes will be required…

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High-Intensity Therapy Leads to Better Outcomes for LTC Residents

high-intensity therapy

A study conducted by a pair of trade groups that represents physical and occupational therapists concluded that nursing home residents have better outcomes when provided with higher intensity therapy services. Skilled Nursing News reports that residents in long-term facilities had lower rates of 30-day hospital readmissions if they received higher intensity levels of therapy. This…

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What The J&J Vaccine Pause Means For LTCs

johnson & johnson

The recent pause on the Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine has raised concerns among many individuals especially for long-term care stakeholders reports McKnights. The vaccine has severely impacted seven women all under the age of 48 with rare blood clots causing strokes. The one-shot dose vaccine was initially a promising alternative compared to the two-dose…

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Skilled Nursing Industry Ready for a Rebound

skilled nursing

The skilled nursing home industry has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the past year 171,000 residents and caregivers have succumbed to coronavirus. An article published in McKnight’s claims that the industry is now on a rebound. Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of the American Healthcare Association/National Center for Assisted Living was quoted…

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Ensuring Success in a Post-Pandemic World for the SNF Industry

ensuring success

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for many industries including long-term care providers. As infection numbers have started to stabilize skilled, nursing providers should begin to strategize on how they will adapt to the new economic conditions. McKnight’s discusses how nursing home providers can re-structure their facilities and operations for a post-pandemic world. Census numbers…

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Additional Relief for Long-Term Care Facilities

On Wednesday, March 10th, the US House of Representatives passed the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill. This bill will provide relief to many struggling individuals and industries across the nation including the long-term care industry. An article published in the Skilled Nursing News discusses how the stimulus bill will help nursing homes. One component of the…

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Visitations to be Allowed in Skilled Nursing Facilities

skilled nursing facilities

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new guidelines for visitation rules in skilled nursing facilities this week. In an article published by Skilled Nursing News, it was stated that the federal government is allowing “responsible indoor visitations at all times and for all residents” with some exceptions. CMS chief medical officer Dr.…

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