Identifying New Funding Opportunities: How One Society Chapter Weathered the Pandemic
A typical chapter of AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine relies on membership dues and state conference revenue to maintain its level of services. But, as we all know, there are risk factors that we often cannot control. From estimating the number of exhibitors or attendees, the amount of sponsors hip income, or the impact of a deficit, the best hedge against these risks is to diversify your income streams so that in those years when the financial results are less than expected, the chapter has sufficient cash reserves to cushion the impact. (Source: Caring for the Ages)
Source: Caring for the Ages - February 27, 2024 Category: Health Management Authors: Ian Cordes Tags: AMDA in The States Source Type: news

American Assisted Living Nurses Association: The Best Hidden Resource for Assisted Living Nurses
As the demand for assisted living communities continues to rise, so does the need for competent and skilled nursing professionals to care for the older adult population residing in these communities. The American Assisted Living Nurses Association (AALNA) is a professional nursing association dedicated to promoting safe, effective, and dignified nursing practice in assisted living settings. With over one million older adults currently residing in assisted living communities, AALNA plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of these individuals and maintaining the highest standards of nursing care. (Source: Caring for the Ages)
Source: Caring for the Ages - February 27, 2024 Category: Health Management Authors: Mandy K. Curtis Tags: Partner Perspective Source Type: news

Reflecting on Death and Grief in the Nursing Home
When the first resident I ’d cared for at the nursing home died, I was overwhelmed with sadness. I was unsure what to do or what would happen next. Should I call her family to offer my condolences? I had only known Mrs. G and her family for three months, yet I had felt connected to them. During the frequent visits needed f or various medical complications, we talked about her long life, her children and grandchildren, and her previous stint on hospice after her first stroke a few years back. I had watched her gracefully break up an argument between other residents and persevere through the communication challenges tha t ...
Source: Caring for the Ages - February 27, 2024 Category: Health Management Authors: Collin Burks Source Type: news

Honoring Women Living in Long-Term Care
Working in long-term care (LTC), I have had the privilege of interacting with and caring for numerous extraordinary women. Today, one of my residents told me she is publishing a word-search for chronic diseases to help other residents who experience boredom or loneliness in LTC. Another resident with whom I discuss the new respiratory syncytial virus vaccine recounts her work as a public health nurse during the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome pandemic. Thes remarkable residents are just two examples of women in LTC who deserve a tribute. (Source: Caring for the Ages)
Source: Caring for the Ages - February 27, 2024 Category: Health Management Authors: Elena Cabb Tags: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Source Type: news

Don ’t Miss These Events
MARCH 9-11, 2024 (Source: Caring for the Ages)
Source: Caring for the Ages - February 27, 2024 Category: Health Management Source Type: news

In the Thick of It: How to Survive as a Caregiver of an Aging Relative
I am in the thick of it now, and honestly, I don ’t know how I am surviving. But the sun continues to rise every day and with it, brings new challenges and new responsibilities. (Source: Caring for the Ages)
Source: Caring for the Ages - February 27, 2024 Category: Health Management Authors: Elizabeth Galik Tags: Caring Collaborative Source Type: news

Medicare Quality Improvement Programs
A Medicare program aimed at improving quality among poorly performing nursing homes may have only minimal impact, a study found. (Source: Caring for the Ages)
Source: Caring for the Ages - February 27, 2024 Category: Health Management Authors: Jeffrey S. Eisenberg Tags: Journal Highlights Source Type: news

Reasons for Staff Turnover in Nursing Homes
Individuals who have spent less time in the field and who experience resident aggression are more likely to report burnout and fatigue, resulting in staff turnover, a study in Hong Kong found. (Source: Caring for the Ages)
Source: Caring for the Ages - February 27, 2024 Category: Health Management Authors: Jeffrey S. Eisenberg Tags: Journal Highlights Source Type: news

Leadership and Staff Turnover
The turnover among nurses in long-term care facilities may be lower when employees believe the facility ’s leadership is committed to worker safety, health, and well-being. (Source: Caring for the Ages)
Source: Caring for the Ages - February 27, 2024 Category: Health Management Authors: Jeffrey S. Eisenberg Tags: Journal Highlights Source Type: news

Fall Prevention and Liability in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Falls are the leading cause of injuries among nursing home residents. More than 25% of Americans over 65 years old sustain a fall annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the number of older adults increases, the incidence of falls with both nonfatal and fatal injuries is also likely to increase. Apart from the toll on individuals ’ health and quality of life, the financial impact is staggering. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), by 2030 the financial costs related to falls may exceed $101 billion (“Get the Facts on Falls Prevention,” March 13, 2023, https://bit.ly/3U8...
Source: Caring for the Ages - February 27, 2024 Category: Health Management Authors: Alan C. Horowitz Tags: Legal Issues Source Type: news

My Loved One is Moving into Long-Term Care, but What Can I Do About Their Pet?
Daniel Haimowitz, MD, CMD, talks to Senior Contributing Writer Joanne Kaldy about what happens when a loved one goes into a facility but has beloved pets at home. (Source: Caring for the Ages)
Source: Caring for the Ages - February 27, 2024 Category: Health Management Source Type: news

Nursing Home Work Was Anything but “Ruff” for Mike
Mike was an important part of the care team at the facilities he visited, and he was popular among residents and staff alike. But Mike didn ’t have an MD, RN, NP, or other degree. He was a D.O.G., a yellow Labrador retriever owned by David Smith, MD, CMD, president of Geriatric Consultants in Brownwood, TX. “I often took Mike to facilities with me. Both residents and staff just adored him,” said Dr. Smith. (Source: Caring for the Ages)
Source: Caring for the Ages - February 27, 2024 Category: Health Management Authors: Joanne Kaldy Tags: We are PALTC Source Type: news

Program Offers Even More of a Good Thing for the Challenge of Staff Retention
Two years ago, AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine convened a series of six virtual roundtable discussions (https://paltc.org/goodthing) guided by the themes of the 4Ms for staff, based on the 4Ms of the Age Friendly Health System: What Matters (facility culture and respect), Medication (hea lth promotion and workplace safety), Mentation (mental health and emotional well-being of staff), and Mobility (opportunities for personal growth, ongoing education, and career advancement). (Source: Caring for the Ages)
Source: Caring for the Ages - February 27, 2024 Category: Health Management Authors: Joanne Kaldy Tags: News from The Society Source Type: news

Remembering Steven Levenson, MD, CMD
It is with great sorrow that I write about the unexpected passing of Steven Levenson, MD, CMD, on January 24, 2024, at his home in Maryland. Steve was a champion of quality care for older adults. He influenced several generations of post-acute and long-term care practitioners and staff to strive for excellence in their clinical practice and in all care interactions with patients. (Source: Caring for the Ages)
Source: Caring for the Ages - February 27, 2024 Category: Health Management Authors: Elizabeth Galik Source Type: news

Medical Aid in Dying Laws: The Hidden Conflicts and Controversies
For decades, the right to self-determination has been a fundamental bioethical principle. The Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA) regulations incorporate the notion of the “right to choose” and self-determination throughout. For some, this also relates to the right to die. (Source: Caring for the Ages)
Source: Caring for the Ages - February 27, 2024 Category: Health Management Authors: Steven Levenson Source Type: news