McKnight's Long-Term Care News articles from November 2004

McKnight's Long-Term Care News archives from November 2004

Coalition indicted for big payout.
November 24, 2004... A major nursing-home alliance has been indicted by a Texas grand jury for allegedly making illegal payments to a political action committee. A preliminary hearing was set for Nov. 12 in what many observers believe will be a contentious legal...

Deficit spending is making a second Balanced Budget Act--and another round of drastic Medicare cuts--increasingly likely, according to an analysis by the Pricewaterhouse-Coopers' Health Research Institute released Nov. 9.(Late Breaking News)
November 24, 2004... Deficit spending is making a second Balanced Budget Act--and another round of drastic Medicare cuts--increasingly likely, according to an analysis by the Pricewaterhouse-Coopers' Health Research Institute released Nov. 9. "BBA like cuts" could...

In his first public address to members, Hal Daub, the new president and CEO of the American Health Care Association, said he wanted them to double overall contributions.(Late Breaking News)
November 24, 2004... In his first public address to members, Hal Daub, the new president and CEO of the American Health Care Association, said he wanted them to double overall contributions to the group's political action committee and triple visits to members of...

President Bush said he would make tort reform for cases involving healthcare providers a high priority during his second term.(Late Breaking News)
November 24, 2004... President Bush said he would make tort reform for cases involving healthcare providers a high priority during his second term. Election gains in the Senate and House improve the prospects of passing re form legislation.

The average price of a private room in a U.S. nursing home rose nearly 6% over the previous year.(Late Breaking News)
November 24, 2004... The average price of a private room in a U.S. nursing home rose nearly 6% over the previous year, to $70,080 annually, or $192 per day, according to the 2004 MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home and Home Care Costs.

The Consumers Union withdrew its 2004 Nursing Home Watch List for reconsideration after several cited facilities pointed out they had improved their records.(Late Breaking News)
November 24, 2004... The Consumers Union withdrew its 2004 Nursing Home Watch List for reconsideration after several cited facilities pointed out they had improved their records. The group originally said about 1 in 10 nursing homes has poor care.

Half of all older Americans will develop bone-thinning osteoporosis or be at high risk for getting it by 2020.(Late Breaking News)
November 24, 2004... Half of all older Americans will develop bone thinning osteoporosis or be at high risk for getting it by 2020, according to a warning from the Surgeon General.

Vaccine plan shot in arm for providers.
November 24, 2004... Providers' flu vaccine cupboards will be a little less bare, under a new federal distribution program announced Nov. 9. The measure will allocate 10.3 million more doses to states, based on states' high-risk populations and the number of doses...

Databank ... fill'er up.
November 24, 2004... Nationally, the avergae length of time it took to fill a vacant position in a nursing home last year: Department heads 45.62 days Registered nurses 47.65 days LPNs 36.45 days CNAs 19.22...

Hard data.(News)
November 24, 2004... 20 Percentage of patients 65 and older who were re-admitted to the hospital within 30 days. Older patients with heart failure have a two-fold higher rate of mortality and re-admission after undergoing non-cardiac surgery than other patients in...

Some HIPAA hysteria fades, but questions still linger.(Regulatory)
November 24, 2004... Fears and misconceptions sent many providers into overdrive when new medical records privacy rules went into effect last year. Hospitals began refusing to provide nursing homes with medical records. Long-term care administrators ripped...

First quality-commission members named.(Quality)
November 24, 2004... The next major step in the provider community's quest for quality excellence will take place Dec. 3, with the first meeting of the National Commission for Quality Long-Term Care in Washington. The commission's main tasks are to evaluate...

Health and Human Services Department.(Regulatory)
November 24, 2004... Health and Human Services Department Secretary Tommy Thompson announced the department will hand out $31 million in grants to 31 states to help people with disabilities or long-term illnesses live at home instead of seeking aid in long-term...

The Bush administration decided to back away from a plan that some observers said would have forced many elderly and disabled who use government vouchers to pay more of their own housing costs.(Regulatory)
November 24, 2004... The Bush administration decided to back away from a plan that some observers said would have forced many elderly and disabled who use government vouchers to pay more of their own housing costs. Lawmakers and housing advocates had asked the...

Rep. Stephanie Herseth (D-SD) introduced HR 5110.(Legislative)
November 24, 2004... Rep. Stephanie Herseth (D-SD) introduced HR 5110, a tax policy bill that would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals a deduction for qualified long-term care insurance premiums, a credit for individuals who care for those...

Caregiver attitudes, mental decline, flu help.(Nursing News)
November 24, 2004... Caregivers who respond to dementia patients with indifference or irritation may cause problem behaviors to worsen, according to a recent findings from a Dutch researcher. The study of 199 dementia patients and their caregivers during a two-year...

Bright colors boost Alzheimer's resident eating.(Nursing News)
November 24, 2004... Serving meals using brightly colored tablewear may encourge greater food consumption among Alzheimer's patients, according to a new study by Boston University researchers that appeared in a recent issue of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers...

Walking may help prevent mental decline, studies say.(Nursing News)
November 24, 2004... Regular walking may help reduce symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, according to two recent studies. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health who studied the exercise habits of more than 18,000 older women discovered that...

CDC: antiviral drugs a flu vaccine alternative.(Pharmacy News)
November 24, 2004... The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved three antiviral drugs as a means of "preventing" the flu. Although not to be taken as substitutes for the flu vaccine during this season's shortage, amantadine, rimantadine and...

Drug lowers fracture rate in elderly women.(Pharmacy News)
November 24, 2004... Taking strontium ranelate reduces spinal and non-spinal fractures by almost one-third in women ages 80 or older, according to a study presented during the recent annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. Strontium builds up...

Staff infections a concern: many caregivers put themselves at risk for workplace injuries, or worse. Personal infection control measures are helping.
November 24, 2004... Despite a keen emphasis on infection control in the resident population, many long-term care employees are failing to give their own health equal consideration. It's an irony that has some health officials increasingly concerned--both for...

These undercover residents deliver a stinging rebuke.(Regulatory)
November 24, 2004... When Chris Christensen, an undercover agent for the state of New Mexico, posed as a new resident and was admitted to Ruidoso Care Center's Alzheimer's unit, he expected to find the facility short-handed, poor quality food, and a dearth of...

Salary tally: administrators $72,761, DONs $62,500.(News)
November 24, 2004... Nursing home administrators' median annual salary rose 3.94% this year, the biggest leap in three years and the fifth straight increase of 2.95 % or higher. The uptick raised administrators' national median to $72,761, according to the...

Operators seek new ways to give residents more space.(Design)
November 24, 2004... As nursing home operators compete for private-pay residents, the pressure has never been greater to offer all of the comforts of home. In facilities around the country, designers are using new techniques to maximize space, promote independence...

Toledo, OH-based Manor Care's third quarter net income rose 25% over the year ago quarter, up to $39.1 million.(Earnings)
November 24, 2004... Toledo, OH-based Manor Care's third quarter net income rose 25% over the year ago quarter, up to $39.1 million. The firm also reported that revenue increased 6% to $807 million. In the nine months reported, Manor Care divested four assisted...

While warning investors of higher-than expected losses for the year, Sun Healthcare Group on Nov. 8 announced earnings were up during the third quarter of 2004.(Earnings)
November 24, 2004... While warning investors of higher-than expected losses for the year, Sun Healthcare Group on Nov. 8 announced earnings were up during the third quarter of 2004. The Irvine. CA, long-term care operator reported net income from continuing...

Louisville, KY-based Kindred Healthcare's net income rose to $15.6 million for the quarter ended on Sept. 30, up from $11.7 million in the year-ago quarter.(Earnings)
November 24, 2004... Louisville, KY-based Kindred Healthcare's net income rose to $15.6 million for the quarter ended on Sept. 30, up from $11.7 million in the year-ago quarter. Revenue increased 7% to $890 million.

For the quarter ending Sept. 30, National HealthCare Corp. announced earnings of $6.5 million, or 55 cents per basic share, on revenues of $128 million.(Earnings)
November 24, 2004... For the quarter ending Sept. 30, National HealthCare Corp. announced earnings of $6.5 million, or 55 cents per basic share, on revenues of $128 million. This represents a 22% increase over earnings of $5.3 million, or 46 cents per share, on...

By decade's end, Global Positioning System technology may allow Alzheimer's patients to travel alone.(Worth Watching)
November 24, 2004... By decade's end, Global Positioning System technology may allow Alzheimer's patients to travel alone, and house sensors that give verbal warnings to older persons may be as common as light switches. This and other findings were presented...

DONs take care of business.(Staffing)
November 24, 2004... Directors of nursing are gaining more authority in long-term care facility management, but with that enhanced stature also has come a heavier workload. Advocates say they are confident, however, that DONs can shoulder the weight if the...

Executive decisions.(Business)
November 24, 2004... Q You have spoken before hundreds, perhaps thousands, of trade groups. Yet you said this is the second most important presentation you have had to give (after an earlier presentation for elementary school principals). Why?. A Because the...

Help for sorting out a DON's work day.(Business)
November 24, 2004... Directors of nursing have numerous outlets for educational and training materials beyond the college setting. The professional association most likely to be able to help is NADONA/LTC--the National Association Directors of Nursing...

Some 'how-to' advice on arbitration agreements.(Legal Matters)
November 24, 2004... Q We're still wavering about the possibility of trying to insert arbitration agreement clauses in our admissions documents. Your thoughts? A The thinking seems to be that arbitration can be quicker and less expensive than litigation; it...

Changes to the '75% Rule' may be on the way.(Regulations/Compliance)
November 24, 2004... Q What is the latest update with the 75% Rule--is it being implemented or not? A In September, the House passed the Labor, HHS Appropriations bill, which included an amendment that would a place a moratorium on the 75% Rule until...

Prolonged, high-therapy claims scrutinized more.(Payment Answers)
November 24, 2004... Q I hear that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is really looking closely at medical necessity for therapy services. What does that mean for my facility? A One of the requirements for Medicare A is that therapy services provided...

Recognize all faiths at 'Christmas time'.(Staffing Concerns)
November 24, 2004... Q Every year I struggle with what to officially do to celebrate the holiday season at our facility. Being a Christian, I want to celebrate Christmas, but I also want to be sensitive to those who work and live in the facility who do not share my...

Premium issue for 2005: rising worker insurance costs.(Insurance)
November 24, 2004... Employers and workers can expect to pay more for health coverage next year. Inflation projections range from 8% to 13.5%. The result: higher costs and renewed calls for coverage mandates. Among the factors spiking health insurance increases...

IT contributions often very hard to measure.(Managing Technology)
November 24, 2004... Business was brisk for vendors exhibiting at the recent major nursing-home associations' trade shows. For attendees, the dozens of information technology-related booths dotting the exhibit halls offered a chance to find out what's new in data...

Direct Supply Eldercare Interiors.(Product Focus)
November 24, 2004... Eldercare Interiors, Direct Supply's team of professional consultants and designers, can plan your renovation or new construction from start to finish. The team offers interior design services, kitchen and laundry design, product consultation...

DawnMist Instant Alcohol Gel Hand Sanitizer.(Product Focus)
November 24, 2004... DawnMist" instant Alcohol Gel Hand Sanitizer is part of a complete hand hygiene program designed to help your facility reduce nosocomial infections. Increased awareness through posters, wall dispensers, inservice materials and a video will help...

Antron Total Cost of Ownership Calculator.(Product Focus)
November 24, 2004... Antron[R] Total Cost of Ownership Calculator provides "apples to apples" comparison for carpet with Antron[R] fiber and an alternate specification. It helps you make the best fiber choice for your investment by calculating the predicted savings...

Hertz Supply Co. Inc.(Product Focus)
November 24, 2004... Voelker, "The Healthcare Bed in Disguise," is again bringing the latest developments in bed technology to savvy healthcare customers. In addition to unique features such as disappearing side rails, disappearing casters, fine wood finishes, and...

Worth repeating.(People & Opinions)
November 24, 2004... "The government wants to make hay in an industry that is already over-regulated. It is front and center for federal and state prosecutors, much of it due to the sheer volume of Medicaid dollars that are expended in long-term care facilities."...

Giving aides a united voice.(Q & A)
November 24, 2004... Lisa Cantrell worked her way up from nursing aide to nursing director but she never forgot her roots. A decade ago, she helped found a national association for aides. She says progress has been made, but administrators still need to do more for...

New year, new look.(Commentary)
November 24, 2004... Get ready to say good-bye to the old McKnight's Long-Term Care News and say hello to the new. In continuing our commitment to give readers what they need and want, we have redesigned our award-winning publication. It's not the first time...

Not convinced on 'Quality First'.(Readers' Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 24, 2004... The Oct. 4 issue of McKnight's L T C News seemed to be exceptional. I read your little "chewing out" today in the Commentary section ("Time to grow up," p. 45) and felt like I needed to let you know what I thought about your comments. First....

Operators must rally for rights.(Readers' Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 24, 2004... Last month's issue (Oct. 4.2004, p. 11) contained an article concerning Beechwood Restorative Care Center putting the survey/certification system on trial in federal court. The article also mentioned a concurrent civil rights action seeking...

ACTS Retirement-Life Communities.(Milestones)
November 24, 2004... JEREMY NEELY has been appointed by ACTS Retirement-Life Communities as administrator of Normandy Farms Estates, a continuing care retirement community in Blue Bell, PA. Neely will be responsible for leading the operations of WillowBrooke Court...

Arbor Hill Care center.(Milestones)
November 24, 2004... TERRY KIPP, was recently appointed Director of Nursing Services at Arbor Hill Care center in Rochester, NY. Kipp brings nine years of experience as a nurse manager to the position.

Life Care Centers of America.(Milestones)
November 24, 2004... Life Care Centers of America recently promoted several individuals for their outstanding performance. CATHY MURRAY was named chief operating officer for Life Care, assuming operational oversight for more than 220 skilled nursing centers in 28...

University Retirement Community.(Milestones)
November 24, 2004... MICHAEL LOGAN was recently named the new Health Care Administrator at University Retirement Community in Davis, CA. Logan previously served as an Associate Administrator at Covenant Village in Turlock, CA.

Starr Farm.(Milestones)
November 24, 2004... RACHAEL PARKER assumed the role of administrator at Starr Farm in Burlington, VT. Parker

McKnight's ADL.(People & Opinions)
November 24, 2004... "Good morning. I'm your new nurse, Carol, and this is Beth, my replacement." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Reality TV, LTC style: a Wisconsin nursing home is the feature of a PBS documentary that aims to show the good with the bad.(McKnight's LTCN profile)
November 24, 2004... Camera crews are at the ready. There's drama. There's reality. And there are definite standout stars. Is this the latest reality show in the making? Sort of. There are no staged scenes, no game-show like contestants and certainly no $1...

Elections are over. Let's get back to work; with the races decided and the GOP in charge, it's time for us to move forward.(Parting Shots)
November 24, 2004... It always amazes me how two candidates can spend a year detailing the various shortcomings of their opponents, only to tell us it's time to "heal the wounds" once the election is settled. They invariably say this without the slightest trace of...