Here’s a collection of news bites pertaining to the senior housing and long-term care industries, gathered from around the nation. Many of the articles are state-specific, but could eventually have national implications or influence senior care trends. Click the links to access the full article.
From the Star Beacon (Ohio)—Nursing Home With Meth Lab Fire on Auction Block
“Park Haven Nursing Home, where a methamphetamine fire nearly a year ago made nationwide news, will be up for auction come March. Dave Bambeck of Bamback Auctioneers in Dover is in charge of the auction. Terms of the sale include a minimum opening bid of $250,000. Prospective buyers must present a $25,000 cashier’s check at time of auction to be qualified to bid,” reports the Star Beacon. “The former 50-bed long-term care nursing home closed its doors in late March after moving the facility’s residents to other area nursing homes, including Carrington Park in Ashtabula and Lake Pointe Nursing Center in Conneaut. More than $17,000 in back taxes is owed on the property, according to the county auditor’s website.” Read more…
From the Sacramento Bee (Calif.)—Deadly Falls on the Rise Among Seniors
“In recent years, California hospital emergency rooms have been flooded with older adults injured after falling, and deaths related to falls among seniors are rising, too,” reports the Sacramento Bee. “From 2000 to 2010, the number of Californians age 85 or older killed during falls more than doubled from 415 to 860, according to the state Department of Public Health. The rate of deaths related to falls among that age group rose about 50 percent during that period. With 76 million baby boomers edging into their senior years – many of them with the mindset that they’re eternally immune to growing older – the likelihood is that statistics related to falls will rise exponentially in coming decades.” Read more…
From CBS Connecticut—Court NIxes Delay to Rehire Nursing Home Strikers
“A federal appeals court in New York has rejected a request by a New Jersey nursing home company to delay an order that it reinstate striking Connecticut workers,” reports CBS Connecticut. “David Pickus, president of the New England Health Care Employees Union, District 1199, SEIU, said the decision is a “major victory” that will help protect workers. HealthBridge had said it acted legally because negotiations were at an impasse. It also refused to reinstate some workers it alleged sabotaged its nursing homes.” Read more…
From the New Haven Register—Staffing a Factor in High Use of Antipsychotics in Conn. Nursing Homes?
“In three-dozen Connecticut homes, at least a third of long-stay residents are on antipsychotics – yet nearly half of those homes have excellent overall ratings, of 4 to 5 stars. Only three have the lowest overall rating,” reports the New Haven Register. “Connecticut ranked in the top four states nationally from 2005-10 in administering antipsychotics to residents without appropriate diagnoses, and was the highest or second-highest nationwide in antipsychotic use among high-risk residents, federal data shows. Whether staffing levels are a factor in the use of sedating medications in nursing homes is a subject of debate. The Connecticut data indicates a correlation: 75 percent of the 61 homes with the lowest prevalence of antipsychotic use reported high staffing levels — 4 or 5 stars, under CMS’ five-star rating system.” Read more…
From FOX23 (Okla.)—Bill Would Require Video Cameras in Nursing Homes
“Senate Bill 587, also known as the “Protecting Our Loved Ones” Act, would put video cameras in nursing home resident rooms and common areas if it is passed. “Video monitoring can protect the residents. It can protect the industry. It can protect employees. It can protect owners,” Wes Bledsoe, who runs a statewide advocacy group for nursing home resident rights called A Perfect Cause, told FOX23,” reports FOX23. “When it comes to the cost of installing the cameras, Bledsoe says the State Senator proposing the bill has a plan. “We’re proposing in the bill that cost be reimbursed back to the faculties through a program right now called “Focus on Excellence,” he says. That state program right now gives nursing homes in the Sooner State about $1 million a month. Beyond the cost some nursing homes told FOX23 that privacy is their big concern when it comes to SB587. While all nursing home rooms would have a cameras, families or residents could opt out of having the camera turned on to protect their privacy.” Read more…
From Buffalo Business First (NY)—Batavia Nursing Home Under Ownership Transition Following Bankruptcy
“An ownership transition is underway at the Batavia Nursing Home, following a 2011 bankruptcy. Batavia Health Care Center LLC has applied to the state Department of Health to take over ownership of the Batavia Nursing Home LLC,” reports Buffalo Business First. “The 62-bed skilled nursing facility on State Street has been in flux for over a year since its former owner was charged by federal officials with illegally diverting funds raised for an unrelated charity to his own personal accounts. The facility was previously operated by Senior Associates LLC of Amherst. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2011.” Read more…
