As assisted living regulations evolve and tighten, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements fluctuate, and healthcare reform begins to take effect, many states are facing their own challenges as they continue to develop, operate, and implement new rules and programs. Here is a collection of long-term care related stories from across the nation.
**Update — From NBC New York—Cabrini Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation to Close
“The Cabrini Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation on the Lower East Side will be closing after more than 20 years in operation, the center announced Friday,” reports NBC New York. “In a statement, the nursing home leaders said they ‘deeply regret that after nearly 20 years serving this community, we must close our doors.’ The building is reported to have been sold to a real estate developer for $20 million.” Read more…
From the Observer—New York’s Gillibrand Announces Plan to Keep Seniors At Home, Out of Nursing Homes
“Within the next five years, more than 100,000 of New York’s baby boomers will turn 60 years old. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand wants to ensure they are being taken care of and recently announced a plan to ensure their care,” reports the Observer. “In New York state, approximately 1.2 million people will reach the age of 60 over the next five years. One of the legislation that Gillibrand will push is trying to get more senior Americans the ability to stay in their own homes with additional care.” Read more…
From ABC Action News—Assisted Living Facility Shutting Doors, Forcing 140 Elderly Residents to Find New Place
“Open since 1965, Bayview Gardens in Clearwater is an assisted living facilities for independent seniors. But in the last few days, the 140 residents and their families have been told they have to go. Bayview Gardens is shutting its doors,” reports ABC. “The owner, Troy Hart, said he had no choice, that the bad economy has finally caught up with the facility. At just about 50% capacity, there is more money going out than there is coming in.” Read more…
From AZCentral.com—Arizona Panel OKs Plan for Long-Term Health Care
“The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously passed a bill Tuesday that would make long-term health care more affordable for middle-class families,” reports AZCentral.com. “Rep. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, sponsored House Bill 2713, which would allow Arizonans to set aside money in a tax-deductible savings account to pay for long-term health-care expenses. It would also create tax deductions for long-term health insurance premiums.” Read more…
From Press-Citizen.com—Iowa Officials: More to Nursing Homes Than the Ratings Show
“Most of the 14 nursing homes in the Iowa City area are making the grade under federal quality ratings, but two facilities with higher-than-average health inspection deficiencies have consistently received failing scores over the past three years, an analysis of government ratings shows,” reports Press-Citizen.com. “The ratings are issued by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which introduced the star system in late 2008 to give consumers a better way to compare nursing homes through an online database. Administrators say the grades—which take into account health inspections, staffing ratios and self-reported quality measures—are a useful tool for families who are scouting potential facilities. But many say the system fails to paint a complete picture, and they welcome changes that are set to be implemented this year.” Read more…
From PA’s Public Opinion—Pennsylvania’s Nursing Homes are in Crisis
“Pennsylvania’s nursing homes can no longer sustain themselves with the latest cuts to Medicaid, according to a health advocate for the elderly. Families who are likely to pick up the slack also are seeing their support threatened,” reports Public Opinion. “The proposed $102 million statewide cut in Medicaid funding would be felt at local nursing homes. The Pennsylvania Health Care Association estimates the cuts will amount to more than $700,000 for nursing homes in Franklin County, $2 million in Cumberland, $800,000 in Adams, $100,000 in Fulton and $2.8 million in York.” Read more…
