Literature Review
All posts tagged with “Post-Acute Care News | Challenges.”
HHS proposal slashes Medicare SHIP funds
04/23/25 at 03:00 AMHHS proposal slashes Medicare SHIP funds MSN; by Mary Helen Gillespie; 4/22/25 The Trump administration is proposing federal budget cuts to Medicare State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) and seven additional elder health care safety net programs that assist older Americans. ... SHIP programs have been under the umbrella of the Health and Human Services agency Administration for Community Living. The pre-decisional budget lists funds for seven other ACL programs that would be eliminated are:
Do automated reminders decrease no-show visits in an outpatient palliative medicine clinic?
04/23/25 at 03:00 AMDo automated reminders decrease no-show visits in an outpatient palliative medicine clinic? Sage Journals - American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine; by Ruth L. Lagman, MD, MPH, MBA, Renato V. Samala, MD, MHPE, Ahed Makhoul, MD, Kyle Neale, DO, Chirag Patel, MD, Elizabeth Weinstein, MD, Wei Wei, MS, and Xiaoying Chen, MS; 3/23/25 Individuals who do not show up for medical appointments can lead to unfavorable outcomes for both patients and health systems. Automated methods are available to confirm appointments in addition to patient service coordinator (PSC) telephone calls. This study aims to determine the no-show rates for automated methods of confirmation, in-person and virtual visits, and patients living in underserved areas.Conclusion: PSC telephone calls, individuals living within COZ and virtual visits had higher no-show rates.
Attorneys general challenge Trump’s deportations, citing impact on home health workforce
04/21/25 at 03:00 AMAttorneys general challenge Trump’s deportations, citing impact on home health workforce McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 4/16/25 Nineteen state attorneys general filed an amicus brief Monday challenging President Donald Trump’s deportation policies. Among their arguments, they contended that deportations would have an outsized, negative impact on the home health industry’s ability to deliver care. “From a public health perspective, [states] depend on noncitizen healthcare workers who, like other immigrants, are forced to live in a climate of fear — nationwide over 1 million immigrants work in healt hcare, including 40% of home health aides and 18% of nursing home staff,” the brief said. The brief aims to block the administration’s so-called “ideological deportation policy,” established by executive orders 14161 and 14188. These orders intimidate workers, impair healthcare delivery and harm states’ economies, the attorneys general argued.
Death matters: Is there really no place like home when it comes to dying?
04/18/25 at 03:20 AMDeath matters: Is there really no place like home when it comes to dying? Sequim Gazette, Sequim, WA; by Jeanette Stehr-Green Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County; 4/16/25 While not everyone has the chance to decide where they will die, most Americans say that given the choice, they would prefer to die at home. For most people, home is familiar and comfortable. It is more private than a room in a hospital or nursing facility, and more likely to allow intimate gatherings with family and friends. In the home, the dying person and their caregivers are more in control, deciding when to have visitors, eat, drink, or take medications. ... Planning, realistic expectations, and adequate support are key to keeping a dying person at home. Consider the following steps: ... Home might not be best ...
Without support, seniors aging in place may elect facility-based care, study finds
04/18/25 at 03:00 AMWithout support, seniors aging in place may elect facility-based care, study finds McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 4/16/25 Older adults aging in place may rethink whether they want to receive care at home if they do not receive certain aging-in-place supports from their care providers and loved ones, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The researchers interviewed nearly 300 older adults receiving care at home and in long-term care facilities. ... The first theme was participants’ personal health experiences. ... Similarly, loss of health of loved ones and friends may also influence where patients want to receive care. ... The final factor influencing older adults’ aging preferences was time, the study found.
HHS cuts pose threat to older Americans' health and safety
04/18/25 at 03:00 AMHHS cuts pose threat to older Americans' health and safety Newsweek; by Kristin Lees Haggerty and Scott Bane - The National Collaboratory to Address Elder Mistreatment at Education Development Center (EDC); The John A. Hartford Foundation; 4/17/2 On March 27, 2025, the federal government announced major cuts to the department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ... Sounding the Alarm for Elder Justice: The population of older adults is rapidly growing, and one in 10 experience abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation—a risk that is even higher for those living with dementia. ... Cutting services to older adults will increase these risks and costs. Moreover, ... 11.5 million family and friend caregivers provide over 80 percent of help needed for people living with dementia in the U.S. Without access to services like Meal on Wheels, adult day care, and respite care, we can expect caregiver burden and strain to increase significantly and with it, rates of elder abuse, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and nursing home placements. We know this because of the abuse spike seen clearly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which doubled to over 20 percent of older adults, as services were limited, and older adults were socially isolated. HHS cuts are also likely to result in loss of specialized expertise in identifying and addressing elder mistreatment, so that when elder abuse does occur, we won't have the services to stop it and make sure it won't happen again.
CMS drops 5 proposed payment rules for 2026: 25 things to know
04/15/25 at 02:00 AMCMS drops 5 proposed payment rules for 2026: 25 things to knowBecker's Hospital Review; by Alan Condon; 4/11/25 CMS has released proposed payment rules for inpatient and long-term care hospitals, hospices and inpatient rehabilitation, psychiatric and skilled nursing facilities in fiscal year 2026. Twenty-five things to know: ...
Rural US loses 43% of independent physicians: 5 things to know
04/11/25 at 03:00 AMRural US loses 43% of independent physicians: 5 things to know Becker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 4/7/25 The number of independent physicians in U.S. rural areas declined 43% over five years — from 21,956 in January 2019 to 12,467 in January 2024 — according to an Avalere study sponsored by the Physicians Advocacy Institute. ... Five things to know:
How housing instability complicates end-of-life take care of growing old unhoused populations
04/10/25 at 02:15 AMHow housing instability complicates end-of-life take care of growing old unhoused populations Health Medicine Network; by Pilar Ingle; 4/8/25 Research estimates that one-third or more of the unhoused inhabitants within the U.S. is age 50 or older. Unhoused individuals of all ages face high rates of ... severe sickness. They additionally die at younger ages in contrast with people who find themselves not unhoused. Yet, there are few choices for palliative and end-of-life care for unhoused individuals. ... As a health care and aging researcher, ... I interviewed 17 well being care and social service suppliers in Colorado to grasp how they attempt to deal with palliative and end-of-life wants for his or her unhoused shoppers.
What role do immigrants play in the direct long-term care workforce?
04/10/25 at 02:00 AMWhat role do immigrants play in the direct long-term care workforce? KFF; by Priya Chidambaram and Drishti Pillai; 4/2/25 President Trump has made a slew of immigration policy changes focused on restricting entry at the border and increasing interior enforcement efforts to support mass deportation. While these actions are focused on undocumented immigrants, they likely will have ripple effects across immigrants of all statuses and millions more people living in immigrant families. Mass deportations could negatively impact the U.S. economy and workforce, given the role immigrants play, particularly in certain industries. ...
Global study finds 1 in 5 people with dementia receive no care
04/09/25 at 03:00 AMGlobal study finds 1 in 5 people with dementia receive no care McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Donna Shryer; 4/7/25 A comprehensive global study led by Yale School of Public Health researchers has revealed that at least 20% of people living with dementia receive no care helping them with daily living, regardless of their country’s wealth or development status. As the world’s population rapidly ages, this alarming care gap has persisted for years, creating what researchers describe as “a public health crisis.” The study analyzed data from over 10,000 individuals across the United States, England, 18 European nations, Israel and China. [Continue reading ...]
Senior living demand hits all-time high: NIC
04/09/25 at 03:00 AMSenior living demand hits all-time high: NIC McKnights Senior Living; by Kimberly Bonvissuto; 4/3/25 The demand for senior living is at an all-time high, with the first quarter seeing a record number of occupied units, almost 621,000, the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care said Thursday afternoon [4/3]. Senior living occupancy rates increased 0.3 percentage points to 87.4% in the first quarter, up from 87.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the latest NIC MAP Senior Housing Market Fundamentals report. Independent living occupancy rose to 89%, up from 88.6% in the fourth quarter, whereas assisted living rates increased to 85.8% compared with 85.5% in the fourth quarter.
Home care aides largest occupation in US as of last May, BLS reports
04/09/25 at 03:00 AMHome care aides largest occupation in US as of last May, BLS reports McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 4/7/25 As of May 2024, home health and personal care aides made up the largest single occupation in the US with 4 million workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wages Summary report released Wednesday. The next highest groups were retail salespeople and fast food counter workers, which each had 3.8 million. Registered nurses also were among the top 10 largest US occupations, and they were one of only two top 10 workforces that earned above-average wages. RNs’ average salary in May 2024 was just over $98,000. Meanwhile, home health and personal care aides earned an average yearly salary of $35,000, or about $17 per hour.
Strong social connections improve older adults’ well-being regardless of setting, study finds
04/08/25 at 03:00 AMStrong social connections improve older adults’ well-being regardless of setting, study finds McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Donna Shryer; 4/7/25 Social connections, trust in others in their community and community cohesion significantly improve elderly well-being whether seniors live at home or in nursing facilities, according to a new comparative study published in BMC Public Health. However, researchers found that nursing home residents generally reported lower subjective well-being compared to their community-dwelling counterparts, even after accounting for health status and demographic factors. ... According to the authors, these findings “indicate the necessity for tailored interventions that address the unique needs of each care environment to promote healthier aging experiences. [Continue reading ...]
National Healthcare Decisions Week highlights the importance of Advance Care Planning
04/07/25 at 02:00 AMNational Healthcare Decisions Week highlights the importance of Advance Care Planning JAX Chamber - Jacksonville News, Jacksonville, FL; 4/1/25 National Healthcare Decisions Week kicks off on April 14, 2025, with a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the importance of advance healthcare decision-making. This initiative encourages individuals to take proactive steps in planning for their future healthcare needs. Through various events and resources, the week aims to promote thoughtful conversations about healthcare decisions and the completion of advance directives to ensure patients' wishes are known and respected. ... For more information about National Healthcare Decision Day, please visit http://nhdd.org.
The most personal column I’ve ever written
04/03/25 at 03:00 AMThe most personal column I’ve ever written The Times, United Kingdom; by Professor Tanya Byron; 3/31/25 ... This column will be more personal than any other I have written in my now 20 years writing for The Times. I write it four days after my sister Katrina and I lost our beloved mum, Elfie, who ... had advanced end-stage dementia. Where do we start when trying to describe the many moments of heartbreak and the challenges that come with the long goodbye we have faced with our parents? Dementia is unpredictable. We say goodbye more than once and so the pain of bereavement does not begin at the time of death. Instead it is a prolonged pain marked by gradual losses. Watching a loved one slowly fade away over months or years brings grief, exhaustion and deep emotional turmoil. Amid all this is the experience of being on a rollercoaster of loss and hope, an experience that creates huge lurches between perceptions and emotions. There are moments of clarity and regression, ... [Continue reading ...]
White House cuts $12B in health funds: 5 updates
04/01/25 at 02:00 AMWhite House cuts $12B in health funds: 5 updates Becker's Hospital Review; by Madeline Ashley and Kristin Kuchno; 3/26/25 HHS has abruptly canceled more than $12 billion in grants to state health departments that supported efforts to track infectious diseases, expand mental health services and modernize outdated systems, according to The New York Times. Late March 25, state health departments started receiving notices that $11.4 billion in grants from the CDC and roughly $1 billion in funds from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration were being canceled immediately. “No additional activities can be conducted, and no additional costs may be incurred, as it relates to these funds,” the notices said, according to the Times. [Continue reading ...]
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital leverages telehealth in unexpected ways
04/01/25 at 02:00 AMMaineHealth Memorial Hospital leverages telehealth in unexpected ways MaineHealth, North Conway, ME; Press Release; 3/312/25 When a patient presenting with stroke symptoms arrives at MaineHealth Memorial Hospital's emergency department, time is of the essence. It could take hours to arrange for medical transport and get that patient to a tertiary care center like MaineHealth Maine Medical Center to see a stroke neurologist. Using telehealth, these patients can receive this specialized care if it is necessary in less than 30 minutes. While telehealth is often associated with remote home visits, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital also uses it to enhance on-site care. Using remote consult technology, MaineHealth specialists can offer local care teams expert advice at the bedside or in the exam room. [Continue reading ...]
Ohio reported its first measles case in 2025. Here’s what you need to know about this highly contagious virus.
03/26/25 at 03:15 AMOhio reported its first measles case in 2025. Here’s what you need to know about this highly contagious virus. Signal Cleveland, Cleveland, OH; by Sue Zake and Reegan Davis Saunders; 3/25/25 An unvaccinated adult in Ashtabula contracted the first case of measles in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Health. The individual had contact with someone who recently traveled internationally and was confirmed to have contracted the highly contagious respiratory virus. ... As of March 20, the CDC has reported 378 confirmed cases in the U.S. — 95% of those who became ill were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. Twenty-seven percent of children under 5 years of age who contracted measles have been hospitalized since Jan. 1. Here’s more information to help you understand the disease and protect yourself and your family [and prfoessionals]. [Continue reading ...]
The marginalizing and dehumanizing of our sickest and oldest Americans
03/26/25 at 03:00 AMThe marginalizing and dehumanizing of our sickest and oldest Americans ABA - The American Bar Association; by Charles P. Sabatino; 3/19/25 Being old and with a disability ranks high as a target for discrimination in American culture, where ageism and ableism often prevent the public from seeing marginalization as an aberration. ... Summary:
How a Lewiston health care nonprofit diversified to sustain services
03/24/25 at 03:00 AMHow a Lewiston health care nonprofit diversified to sustain services Mainebiz; by Laurie Schreiber; 3/20/25 Ken Albert leads Lewiston-based Andwell Health Partners, an independent, nonprofit home- and community-based health care organization. The former Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice, founded in 1966, focused on home health care and hospice in Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties. Rebranded in 2024 to reflect its expansion in recent years, Andwell now has locations throughout Maine, with additional service lines including in-home hospice care, Maine’s first inpatient hospice facility, the Maine Center for Palliative Medicine, community and behavioral health, mobile wound care, in-home care giving, private-duty nursing, therapy care, ad maternal and child health. This week, it opened Andwell Audiology in Lewiston.
Utah funeral home is first in state to offer "human composting" as a green alternative to traditional burials
03/24/25 at 03:00 AMUtah funeral home is first in state to offer "human composting" as a green alternative to traditional burials Salt Lake City Weekly, Salt Lake City, UT; by Aimee L. Cook; 3/19/25 ... Jason and Shayneh Starks, who opened [Starks Funeral Parlor in Millcreek] in 2005, offer their clients an innovative and environmentally conscious option—natural organic reduction (NOR), often called human composting. This process transforms the deceased into nutrient-rich soil over a period of 8 to 12 weeks. While the concept may sound unconventional to some, it's gaining traction with families in Utah and beyond, ... "We're seeing a lot of interest from environmentally conscious individuals who want a natural, meaningful way to return to the earth," observed Shayneh Starks, who has worked in funeral services since 1995. Natural organic reduction has already been legalized in states like Washington, Oregon and California, but Utah has yet to officially approve this process. Currently, Starks Funeral Parlor assists families who wish to choose this option by transferring remains out of state to Seattle, ensuring that those who value NOR have access to it.
Hastening death by stopping eating and drinking: Hope Wechkin, Thaddeus Pope, and Josh Briscoe
03/21/25 at 03:00 AMHastening death by stopping eating and drinking: Hope Wechkin, Thaddeus Pope, and Josh Briscoe GeriPal Podcasts; by Hope Wechkin, Thaddeus Pope, and Josh Briscoe Eric and Alex have featured discussions about complex bioethical concepts around caring for people at the end of life, including voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED), and multiple episodes about the ethical issues surrounding medical aid in dying (MAID). Recently, discussion has emerged about how these issues intertwine in caring for patients with advancing dementia who have stated that they would not want to continue living in that condition: for those with an advanced directive to stop eating and drinking, how do we balance caring for their rational past self and their experiential current self? Should these patients qualify for medical aid in dying medications? And is there a middle path to provide some degree of comfort while also hastening the end of life?
Oz does not rule out Medicaid cuts during Senate confirmation hearing
03/19/25 at 03:00 AMOz does not rule out Medicaid cuts during Senate confirmation hearing McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 3/14/25 Mehmet Oz, MD, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, did not give a direct answer when asked whether he was for or against Medicaid cuts Friday during a Senate Finance Committee hearing. “I cherish Medicaid and I’ve worked within the Medicaid environment quite extensively practicing at Columbia University,” Oz said when asked by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) if he would oppose cuts to Medicaid. “I want to make sure that patients today and in the future have resources to protect them if they get ill. The way you protect Medicaid is by making sure it’s viable at every level, which includes having enough practitioners to afford the services, paying them enough to do what you request of them, and making sure that patients are able to actually use Medicaid.”
Medicaid’s role in health and in the health care landscape: LDI expert insights and key takeaways from select publications
03/19/25 at 03:00 AMMedicaid’s role in health and in the health care landscape: LDI expert insights and key takeaways from select publications Penn LDI - Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, PA; by Julia Hinckley, JD; 3/17/25... Medicaid accounts for one-fifth of U.S. health care spending and covers more than a quarter of Americans. LDI researchers have examined the services it provides in supporting aging adults, people with disabilities, and children, as well as its role in health crises such as chronic disease and suicide. ... Below are select key findings from recent peer-reviewed research, along with expert insights for policymakers considering changes to Medicaid funding in the federal budget.