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.
From the Sinclair School of Nursing—86% of Nursing Home Residents Very Pleased With Their Facility
The University of Missouri’s annual survey about nursing home resident and family satisfaction with particular facilities revealed a high level of satisfaction: “Eighty-six percent of the resident respondents gave their facility an overall satisfaction rating of either “excellent” or “good”, and 87% rated as excellent or good their willingness to recommend the facility to others,” according to the survey’s key findings. “Family survey respondents rendered virtually identical global satisfaction ratings, with 86% giving an overall rating of excellent or good, and 86% also indicating a strong willingness to recommend the facility where their loved one was receiving care and services.” View more…
From the Times Union—Questions About Accuracy of Nursing Home Data Sent to State Health Department
“Red ink at county’s proposed new 200-bed nursing home would be less than half the $26 million projected by state health officials, according to the chairman of the County Legislature,” reports the Times Union. “But the state Department of Health on Wednesday reiterated that its figures—which are not disputed by County Executive Dan McCoy’s office—actually come from the legislature itself.” Read more…
From the Chron.com—Texas Can Keep Elderly Out of Nursing Homes
“Texas does a good job moving people out of nursing homes but could do better keeping the elderly out of the facilities in the first place, experts told a Texas House committee on Tuesday,” reports chron.com. “The state has moved 27,000 people out of nursing homes since 2001, said Chris Traylor, commissioner of the Department of Aging and Disability Services. He said nearly three out of every 10 people nationwide moved from nursing homes back into the community are from Texas.” Read more…
***Update: From San Mateo’s The Daily Journal—County-Run California Nursing Home Closure Underway
“Placing the 210 residents of Burlingame Long Term Care and a near-equal amount of staff are two priorities as the county begins the process of closing the Trousdale Drive facility by July 2013. Others are transferring the facility back to the owners and readying a 32-bed San Mateo Medical Center wing slated for short-term stays,” reports The Daily Journal. “In February, [the] Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed not to renew the nursing home contract, a move expected to save $9 million annually after approximately $18 million in closing and transition costs.The state just approved the county’s plan, allowing the Health System to now go ahead with finding the residents new places to live and giving employees an idea of when to expect pink slips.” Read more…
From the CourierPress.com: Catholic Sisters to Stop Operating Indiana Nursing Home
“After 130 years of caring for the elderly poor in Evansville, the Little Sisters of the Poor have announced that they plan to withdraw from operating their residential facility here,” reports the CourierPress.com. “Speaking on behalf of the Little Sisters, Regional Provincial Mother Maria Christine Lynch said the order was ‘deeply saddened to announce that, due to a lack of vocations and an aging community, we are obliged to withdraw from St. John’s Home, Evansville.'” Read more…
