McKnight's Long-Term Care News articles from February 2007

McKnight's Long-Term Care News archives from February 2007

Experts to ID vital issues.
February 1, 2007... Industry experts will address five top-of-mind issues during sessions at an upcoming McKnight's Online Expo. The free event will be held March 14 and 15. Among the scheduled sessions: * Harnessing technology * Dealing with unions...

Formation strikes gold with $1.7b Genesis buy.
February 1, 2007... Private equity firms continue to wheel and deal in the long-term care sector. A joint venture of Formation Capital LLC and JER Partners last month announced the purchase of Genesis HealthCare Corp., the fourth-largest U.S. nursing home...

SNF spending increases 6%.
February 1, 2007... Spending for U.S. nursing facilities rose 6% in 2005, significantly more than the 4.1% growth rate a year earlier, according to an annual government report. Overall spending for non-hospital based nursing facilities hit $121.9 billion in...

Docs unfazed by sleepiness.(NEWS)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Many elderly sleep poorly, but their doctors may not be noting it enough. Physicians recorded complaints just 19% of the time, according to a study of 1,500 adults aged 60 and older. "We hypothesize that doctors think that sleep...

Drug not tied to hip breaks.(NEWS)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... The use of sedatives, such as Valium, does not raise the rate of hip fractures among the elderly, a new study has found. In 1989, the state of New York implemented restrictions on benzodiazepine prescriptions. Harvard Medical School...

Providers rip Medicaid panel's reform package.(NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Medicaid reform advice issued by a federal panel fell far short of what's needed regarding financing reform, the leader of the nation's second-largest nursing home association recently declared. "Recommendations for improving long-term care...

House OKs hike in minimum wage.(NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Abiding by a promise made by its new Democrat leaders, the House overwhelmingly voted last month to increase the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour. If the Senate agrees, this would mark the first time in a decade that Congress has hiked the...

A surge in the number of young nurses entering healthcare may help lessen projected shortages in coming years.(At deadline)
February 1, 2007... A surge in the number of young nurses entering healthcare may help lessen projected shortages in coming years, researchers report. (See page 4 for more.)

State Medicaid.(At deadline)
February 1, 2007... State Medicaid payments to nursing homes operated by local governments could not exceed actual costs, under a federal proposal that targets matching federal funds. The measure would trim outlays by $3.9 million over five years, according to...

Ventas Inc.(At deadline)
February 1, 2007... Ventas Inc. will acquire Sunrise Senior Living REIT, in a deal valued at $1.8 billion. The transaction affects 74 assisted living communities across 17 states and two Canadian provinces.

Three organizations AARP, the Business Roundtable and SEIU, have forged a partnership.(At deadline)
February 1, 2007... Three organizations AARP, the Business Roundtable and SEIU, have forged a partnership to improve health and financial security for all Americans.

60 seconds with ... Peter Buerhaus.(NEWS)(Interview)
February 1, 2007... Q: Your most recent research shows providers should be happy that the nursing shortage may be only half as bad as predicted in 2000, right? A: If you can be happy living with a category 4 hurricane parked off shore, as opposed to a...

Success of Dems' 100-hour agenda remains to be seen.(NEWS)
February 1, 2007... Democrats congratulated themselves as they led the House of Representatives to pass six priority bills well within a self-imposed deadline of the first 100 legislative hours. Three of the measures--Medicare drug negotiations, a hike in the...

LTC costs still a mystery to many: AARP.(NEWS)
February 1, 2007... When it comes to understanding long-term care costs and coverage, most Americans underestimate costs and overestimate government assistance, a new report from AARP shows. While 60% of those surveyed claimed to be "somewhat familiar" with...

Healthcare workers who use physical restraints must undergo more rigorous training, according to a new final rule published by CMS.(Regulatory Update)
February 1, 2007... Healthcare workers who use physical restraints must undergo more rigorous training, according to a new final rule published by CMS. It also allows a trained registered nurse or physician assistant to conduct a patient evaluation.

Workers in hospitals and ambulatory settings should receive a single dose of a new tetanus.(Regulatory Update)
February 1, 2007... Workers in hospitals and ambulatory settings should receive a single dose of a new tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine as soon as feasible, CMS says.

President Bush signed the Respite Care Act (HR 3248).(Bill Watch)
February 1, 2007... President Bush signed the Respite Care Act (HR 3248), which provides $289 million over five years for states to train volunteers and provide other services to family caregivers.

Bipartisan lawmakers last month introduced legislation that would provide grants for states to test various healthcare reform strategies.(Bill Watch)
February 1, 2007... Bipartisan lawmakers last month introduced legislation that would provide grants for states to test various healthcare reform strategies. Grants could fund tax credits, Medicaid or SCHIP expansions, and health savings accounts.

Ask the care expert.(NEWS: Resident Care)
February 1, 2007... I have been an LPN in a skilled care facility for more than 22 years. I love working in long-term care, and I do MDS work for my facility. I want to feel more qualified, but I'm not in a place where I can go to school to get my RN. Is there an...

Balance training technique may help reduce falls: study.(NEWS: Resident Care)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Researchers believe they have found an improved way of helping decrease falls among the elderly. Their study of more than 200 elderly with balance problems found that an exercise program called "combined balance and step training" helped...

Using better hygiene and other preventive steps can virtually prevent often-deadly infections stemming from catheter use, according to a recent study conducted throughout 108 Michigan hospitals.(Caregiving Update)
February 1, 2007... Using better hygiene and other preventive steps can virtually prevent often-deadly infections stemming from catheter use, according to a recent study conducted throughout 108 Michigan hospitals. The study focused on procedures designed to...

Plain soap and water work just as well as hand sanitizers or antibacterial soaps if used correctly and often, according to a new report in the Harvard Health Letter.(Caregiving Update)
February 1, 2007... Plain soap and water work just as well as hand sanitizers or antibacterial soaps if used correctly and often, according to a new report in the Harvard Health Letter. Washing hands with soap and water for just 15 seconds removes 90% of bacteria,...

Ask the treatment expert.(NEWS: Wound Care)
February 1, 2007... We have a very high rate of skin tears at our facility. Do you have any specific recommendations? A comprehensive skin tear prevention program is the answer. Some key thoughts to include in your prevention protocols: * For bathing...

Daily temperature checks reduce foot ulcers: study.(NEWS: Wound Care)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Checking foot temperature each day with an infrared skin thermometer significantly reduces the recurrence of foot ulcerations, according to clinicians in Texas and Chicago. Dr. Lawrence A. Lavery, of Texas A&M University Health Science...

Burn researchers in Cincinnati have created genetically modified skin cells.(Treatment Update)
February 1, 2007... Burn researchers in Cincinnati have created genetically modified skin cells. When added to cultured skin substitutes, these cells may help fight off potentially lethal infections after severe burns.

Investigators found that skin cells that were genetically altered to produce higher levels of a protein known as human beta defensin 4 (HBD4) killed more bacteria than normal skin cells.(Treatment Update)
February 1, 2007... Investigators found that skin cells that were genetically altered to produce higher levels of a protein known as human beta defensin 4 (HBD4) killed more bacteria than normal skin cells. HBD4 is one in a class of proteins that exist throughout...

Avitar has signed a distribution agreement with Dukal Corporation for Avitar's Hydrasorb polyurethane foam wound dressing product line.(Treatment Update)
February 1, 2007... Avitar has signed a distribution agreement with Dukal Corporation for Avitar's Hydrasorb polyurethane foam wound dressing product line. The agreement took effect in January. The product is a topical dressing used for moderate to heavy exuding...

Australian researchers said that after nine years of work they have developed a new, cost-effective way to manufacture GGC, an anti-aging skin-care product.(Treatment Update)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Australian researchers said that after nine years of work they have developed a new, cost-effective way to manufacture GGC, an anti-aging skin-care product. GGC is a forerunner for the anti-oxidant glutathione and has a number of possible...

Ask the nursing expert.(NEWS: Nursing)
February 1, 2007... How do I take care of myself when facing another year of regulatory scrutiny, staffing challenges, expectations, and more? Sometimes, it feels like there is no end in sight, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that feeling. Does this sound familiar?...

Nurses rank 'most trusted' for eighth consecutive year.(NEWS: Nursing)
February 1, 2007... When it comes to honesty and ethical standards, nurses are the best. At least, that's the consensus among Americans who participated in a recent USA Today/Gallup poll. This marked the eighth consecutive year that nurses took top honors. ...

Pharmaceutical maker Eli Lilly encouraged the use of Zyprexa, a drug for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, in older patients with symptoms of dementia, according to The New York Times.(Medication Update)
February 1, 2007... Pharmaceutical maker Eli Lilly encouraged the use of Zyprexa, a drug for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, in older patients with symptoms of dementia, according to The New York Times. The company denied promoting the product for off-label...

Placebos actually help to relieve pain, a new study found.(Medication Update)
February 1, 2007... Placebos actually help to relieve pain, a new study found. When test subjects think a placebo is a real medication or treatment, the expectation of relief can release natural pain-killers, found Dr. James N. Campbell, professor of neurosurgery...

The Food and Drug Administration approved only 17 new prescription drugs in 2006, the lowest number in a decade, according to the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development.(Medication Update)
February 1, 2007... The Food and Drug Administration approved only 17 new prescription drugs in 2006, the lowest number in a decade, according to the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development. By 2010, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are expected...

The FDA proposed more prominent warnings about the potential risks associated with over-the-counter pain relievers.(Medication Update)
February 1, 2007... The FDA proposed more prominent warnings about the potential risks associated with over-the-counter pain relievers. The warnings, which would be displayed more prominently on the package, would highlight possible side effects.

Ask the payment expert.(NEWS: Payment & Policy)
February 1, 2007... Can a Medicare Part B resident be picked up by therapy to establish a restorative nursing program? There are times when the skills of a therapist are needed to determine the type and amount of restorative care that a resident needs. ...

MedPAC wants no inflation increase for nursing homes.(NEWS: Payment & Policy)
February 1, 2007... Providers quickly rebuked the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission for recommending that federal officials not provide a normal annual inflation update for skilled nursing providers. Operators are fearful that if a so-called marketbasket...

Surveys vary, report finds.(NEWS: Payment & Policy)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Separate teams of surveyors given the same information about nursing homes at the same time came to different conclusions, according to results of a new study that casts doubt on the current survey system. University of Kansas researchers...

Go figure.(NEWS: Payment & Policy)
February 1, 2007... 29 The percentage of seniors who die within a year of breaking a hip, according to researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. 42 The percentage of freestanding nursing homes in the nation's 30 biggest metro markets that...

National HealthCare Corp. Is buying back National Health Realty Inc., a real estate investment trust it spun off in 1998.(Business Briefs)
February 1, 2007... National HealthCare Corp. Is buying back National Health Realty Inc., a real estate investment trust it spun off in 1998. Since it is now a corporation, it makes sense for the operating company to own the real estate, said Gerald Coggin, NHC...

Touchstone Communities received a government contract to manage a new veterans home in Amarillo, TX.(Business Briefs)
February 1, 2007... Touchstone Communities received a government contract to manage a new veterans home in Amarillo, TX. The 120-bed skilled and Alzheimer's care facility will begin accepting residents in May, It is the fourth veterans home in Touchstone's...

Long-term care continues its shopping, selling spree.(NEWS: Companies)
February 1, 2007... Transaction activity throughout long-term care continued into 2007 at a steady pace, a sign of the industry's good health, experts say. Two of the more notable deals of recent weeks included large chains. Genesis HealthCare Corp. last...

Investors scrutinize Sunrise committee.(NEWS: Companies)
February 1, 2007... A pension fund that pressured Sunrise Assisted Living Inc. to investigate possible insider sales continues to put heat on the long-term care giant. The Service Employees International Union sent the company a letter in late December asking...

Metro monitor.(NEWS: Companies)
February 1, 2007... MetroMonitor The markets with the biggest and smallest increases in revenue per occupied nursing home bed (comparing third quarter 2006 to third quarter 2005). Figures reflect private-pay beds only. Rank Market ...

Operators can view ways to incorporate facility-level technology during next month's McKnight's Online Expo.(IT Update)
February 1, 2007... Operators can view ways to incorporate facility-level technology during next month's McKnight's Online Expo. Lydia Lundberg, owner of Elite Care, will moderate this session. To register or for more information about the free event, visit...

Although health information technology can reduce medical mistakes.(IT Update)
February 1, 2007... Although health information technology can reduce medical mistakes, provider adoption still lags, according to an issue brief by the Alliance for Health Reform.

Building clinical research into the planned Nationwide Health Information Network would enable faster discovery and verification of treatments and cures.(IT Update)
February 1, 2007... Building clinical research into the planned Nationwide Health Information Network would enable faster discovery and verification of treatments and cures, according to a report from FasterCures.

Efforts to create statewide electronic health record exchanges generally have had little success in attracting participation from state Medicaid programs.(IT Update)
February 1, 2007... Efforts to create statewide electronic health record exchanges generally have had little success in attracting participation from state Medicaid programs, according to recent comments before a Department of Health and Human Services advisory...

EMR Experts Inc.(IT Update)
February 1, 2007... EMR Experts Inc. just released a 48-page eBook that helps providers learn more about electronic medical records. For more information, visit www.emrexperts.com.

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich has called for a number of steps to encourage adoption of healthcare information technology.(IT Update)
February 1, 2007... Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich has called for a number of steps to encourage adoption of healthcare information technology. Among the top suggestions: new payment models and breaking down legal barriers to IT adoption.

Somark Innovations Inc.(IT Update)
February 1, 2007... Somark Innovations Inc. has launched a chipless radio frequency identification ink that can be used to track both animals and people. Visible or invisible ink "tatoos" can be tracked by RFID readers positioned a few feet away.

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's Pharmacy Informatics Task Force recently developed a definition for pharmacy informatics.(IT Update)
February 1, 2007... The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's Pharmacy Informatics Task Force recently developed a definition for pharmacy informatics: "The scientific field that focuses on medication-related data and knowledge within the...

Professor lists best 'nana' technology tools for seniors.(NEWS: Technology)
February 1, 2007... What are the top technology tools when it comes to helping seniors cope with daily fixing? An assistant professor at George Mason University's Program in Assisted Living/Senior Housing recently unveiled his top picks. Andrew Carle is known...

"I couldn't live without ...".(NEWS: Technology)
February 1, 2007... Before Chetwynde Nursing and Rehabilitation Center implemented the Building Engines system, noisy overhead pages about needed repairs and maintenance in the facility interrupted the privacy of its residents. With this unique computer...

Group home operator sued.(MIDWEST)
February 1, 2007... MISSOURI -- The state filed a civil lawsuit against the operator of the group home where 10 people died in November after a fire engulfed the facility. Joplin River of Life Ministries Inc., which also owns three other group homes in southwest...

Governor wants to pay providers for results.(VIRGINIA)(Timothy Kaine)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Gov. Timothy Kaine (D) unveiled a two-year budget proposal that includes provisions for skilled nursing facilities. It would establish pay-for-performance standards and would raise the state Medicaid personal needs allowance by $10 per month....

Minimum wage bill passes.(MIDWEST)
February 1, 2007... ILLINOIS -- Both the state House and Senate passed a minimum wage bill, continuing a nationwide trend. The Illinois bill would raise the hourly minimum wage to $7.50 in July 2007. Subsequent years get a 25-cent increase until the legislation...

Man accused of wife snatching.(MIDWEST)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... MICHIGAN -- Authorities have accused an 84-year-old man of kidnapping his wife from a nursing home in Michigan and taking her to Florida. Joseph Perez and his wife, Helen, lived in Titusville, FL, for nearly a year until authorities found...

AG: owner exploited board.(NORTHEAST)
February 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- The Attorney General's office filed a lawsuit alleging a nursing home CEO circumvented board oversight, benefiting herself, her son and others. Ruby Weston, CEO of the Marcus Garvey Nursing Home Inc. and the administrator of...

Election-free unionization.(NORTHEAST)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... PENNSYLVANIA -- In a twist to traditional labor organizing, a nursing home in Lehigh County became unionized without an election. Over the past 30 years, there were at least seven failed attempts to unionize workers at Cedarbrook through...

Ask the legal expert.(NEWS: Legal Matters)
February 1, 2007... What do you think of new federal guidelines concerning surveyors using photographic evidence? Keeping in mind that each state's statutes and regulations differ with respect to the use of photographic evidence, the guidelines appear to...

Residents sue CMS to stop glucose test restrictions.(NEWS: Legal Matters)
February 1, 2007... The government enforces policies that prevent residents with diabetes from receiving needed blood glucose tests, according to a proposed class action lawsuit filed against the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The complaint also...

State overrides federal arbitration law.(NEWS: Legal Matters)
February 1, 2007... In yet another setback for a provider trying to enforce an admissions arbitration clause, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has ruled that a federal arbitration law does not apply in a case involving the death of a nursing home resident. The...

How to do it ... wound care.(Business & Marketing)
February 1, 2007... Have you ever met a surveyor who wasn't very interested in your wound care practices? Didn't think so. In fact, there are signs that surveyors are looking at them with deeper interest than ever before. That means write-ups for those who don't...

Ignorance is not always bliss.(THE BIG PICTURE)
February 1, 2007... When it comes to paying for long-term care, many people just don't get it. Two recent developments suggest that this reality may be around for a while. One is yet another stupefying vote by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission...

Late arrivals offer respite, but outlook remains bleak.(Editor's DESK)
February 1, 2007... When news of the latest big nursing workforce study first broke last month, there was a buzz throughout long-term care land. Projections of shortages by 2020 are now only half as bad as previously predicted? That's great, we all said. ...

Reader poll: "how have you improved your residents' lives?(Opinion)
February 1, 2007... "Village On The Isle takes resident safety seriously. During the past couple of very active hurricane seasons, residents at Village On The Isle never had services interrupted. This was achieved by proper planning and having the correct...

Story, LTC computerized clinical systems fall short.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2007... I finished reading the article titled "Code Warriors" in the December issue of McKnight's(page 26) and find it very misleading for several reasons. First, the title of the article doesn't appear to match the content or various conclusions. Was...

Vaccination not a good time to take the gloves off.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2007... I must say I enjoyed reading many of the articles in the December '06 issue of McKnight's LTC News, but I was slightly shocked to see the picture posted on page 30, "Shots on Goal" under the heading of Infection Control. Times being as they are...

Climate change: thanks to favorable market conditions, the time is ripe for smaller long-term care operators to invest in their businesses.(Finance)
February 1, 2007... Note to small long-term care operators: You know that rehab gym you've been thinking about building for a few years? Well, here's a tip: It's time to do it. Low interest rates, relatively stable government reimbursements and growing...

Safe, not sorry: planning, sound judgement and attention to detail are keys to ensuring safe resident transportation--on every trip.(Transportation)
February 1, 2007... "Taken for a ride" and "taken for granted" are two phrases that have no place in the transportation of long-term care residents. Steve Winner knows that all too well. As the vice president and Chief of Culture at Silverado Senior Living,...

Recent arrivals: these new products provide you with the tools to conduct your business successfully.(New Products)
February 1, 2007... (1) Turning made easy NOA Medical has introduced the Wider Riser high/low bed, a wider bed to provide enhanced comfort to residents who need more space for turning or repositioning. The sleep deck on the Wider Riser is a full 39 inches and...

A day in the life: Christopher Cherney, Assistant Administrator.(Careers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... CHRISTOPHER CHERNEY CALLS it "his compassion fix." "There's something magical and special that goes on in that caregiver relationship," the 41-year-old assistant administrator says. Tending to resident and family concerns takes up more...

Salary snapshot: social service director.(Careers)
February 1, 2007... Salary Snapshot: Social Service Director Median salaries (all facilities) REGION SALARY($) 1 50,884 2 41,361 3 41,018 4 37,086 5 33,706 6 30,763 7 37,440 8...

Rehabilitation.(Buyer's Guide)
February 1, 2007... Rehabilitation The following firms offer theraphy services Genesis Healthcare Rehabilitation Systems & ...

His world of good.(Profile)(Biography)
February 1, 2007... Msgr. Charles Fahey MONSIGNOR Charles Fahey recalls the day in 1961 when he first began the somewhat surprising transition from parish pastor to central figure in the field of aging. The bishop told Fahey--a newly ordained Roman Catholic...