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All posts tagged with “Post-Acute Care News.”
Home Health Spending Begins To Climb Again Post-Pandemic
12/15/23 at 03:24 AMHome Health Spending Begins To Climb Again Post-PandemicHome Health Care NewsDecember 13, 2023After stalling in 2021, spending on home health care returned to a more normalized growth rate in 2022, according to a new analysis from the Office of the Actuary at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Specifically, national health expenditures on home health care increased by 6% to $132.9 billion in 2022.
Occupancy on way to 10th consecutive quarter of growth
12/15/23 at 03:23 AMOccupancy on way to 10th consecutive quarter of growthMcKnight’s Senior LivingDecember 14, 2023Senior living occupancy is on its way to 10 consecutive quarters of positive growth, according to NIC MAP Vision’s November intra-quarterly snapshot report. The positive growth trend in senior living—independent living and assisted living combined—marks the longest period of uninterrupted gains since the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care and NIC MAP Vision began reporting data in 2005, Omar Zahraoui, principal at NIC, wrote in a blog.
Nursing Home and CCRC Spending Grew 5.6% to $191.3B in 2022—After Dropping 7.8% in 2021
12/15/23 at 03:20 AMNursing Home and CCRC Spending Grew 5.6% to $191.3B in 2022—After Dropping 7.8% in 2021Skilled Nursing NewsDecember 13, 2023Nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities made up $191.3 billion of national health expenditures in 2022, an increase from $181.1 billion in 2021, reaching levels close to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Pre-pandemic, such expenditures sat between $162 billion and $174.1 billion between 2016 and 2019, according to a survey published by Health Affairs.
31 positions eliminated as St. Mary’s lays off employees, cuts hours for some amid financial woes
12/15/23 at 03:16 AM31 positions eliminated as St. Mary’s lays off employees, cuts hours for some amid financial woesPortland (ME) Press HeraldDecember 12, 2023Lewiston, ME—St. Mary’s Healthcare System laid off at least 31 employees effective Monday, according to St. Mary’s news release. ... The decision comes as the hospital system has sustained operating losses over the last five years, according to the press release.
Report spots care planning gaps for nursing home residents
12/14/23 at 03:47 AMReport spots care planning gaps for nursing home residentsMcKnight’s Long Term Care NewsDecember 12, 2023A new report looks at what’s working to help residents in long-term care communities prioritize care planning and advanced care planning, or ACP. The study was published on Dec. 6 in The Journal of Long-Term Care. Researchers set out to look at studies and surveys on care planning interventions for older adults in long-term care communities. The team wanted to understand what types of programs are being used to drive better care planning overall
Repositioning Nursing Homes For Acuity, More Closures, Less Deal Making Expected in 2024
12/14/23 at 03:45 AMRepositioning Nursing Homes For Acuity, More Closures, Less Deal Making Expected in 2024Skilled Nursing NewsDecember 12, 2023As the skilled nursing industry heads toward a new year with continued labor shortages and reimbursement gaps, service repositioning and closures among operators are expected trends for the space. And although there are signs of positivity in the form of increased Medicaid reimbursement in some states, extensive rural closures are creating “nursing home deserts” and up to 450,000 nursing home residents are still at risk of displacement without a sufficient workforce.
Fitch downgrades Butler Health System’s bond debt
12/14/23 at 03:39 AMFitch downgrades Butler Health System’s bond debtPittsburgh Post-GazetteDecember 12, 2023Butler Health System’s financial challenges continued Monday with a ratings downgrade of its bond debt. Fitch Ratings issued a one-notch downgrade to ‘BBB-,’ outlook negative, because of accelerating losses and a “weaker than budgeted operating loss” of $12.97 million for the three months ending Sept. 30, up from a $1.6 million loss posted for the same quarter in 2022. BHS, a subsidiary of Independence Health System, is seeking a waiver from a debt service coverage requirement from bondholders, which otherwise could lead to a default.
Kroger Health boosts investment in senior primary care
12/13/23 at 03:58 AMKroger Health boosts investment in senior primary careModern HealthcareDecember 11, 2023Kroger is testing a strategic shift for its in-store clinics and moving into primary care for seniors. This month, its Kroger Health unit transitioned eight of The Little Clinic sites in Atlanta to focus on seniors, in addition to their regular services. If the change proves successful, Kroger wants to expand it to other existing locations and potentially new markets, said Jim Kirby, Kroger Health’s chief commercial officer. “We want to make sure that we’ve got the model right, and that we’re seeing the outcomes from the patients that we expect,” he said. “We want them to have that relationship with us, [so] that we can go deep with them, and we can do the best job we can to quarterback their care.”
Brookdale sees 25 consecutive months of occupancy growth in November
12/13/23 at 03:46 AMBrookdale sees 25 consecutive months of occupancy growth in NovembeMcKnight’s Senior LivingDecember 11, 2023Brentwood, TN-based Brookdale Senior Living wrapped up November with its 25th consecutive month of year-over-year weighted average occupancy growth, the company reported Friday. The company said that November’s weighted average occupancy was an increase of 40 basis points year over year, to 78.4%. Month over month from October to November, weighted occupancy dipped slightly, from 78.6% to 78.4%. Brookdale noted, however, that third-quarter occupancy was 77.6%, compared with the second quarter, which saw 76.5% average weighted occupancy.
Are nursing homes headed for an 80% direct-spend rule?
12/13/23 at 03:43 AMAre nursing homes headed for an 80% direct-spend rule?McKnight’s Long Term Care NewsDecember 12, 2023A national union on Friday skewed comments made by Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to imply federal regulators had proposed an 80% direct care spending requirement for the nursing home sector.
Fix needed now—America’s long-term care financing system is broken
12/13/23 at 03:33 AMFix needed now—America’s long-term care financing system is brokenBy Katie Smith SloanThe HillDecember 11, 2023Nonprofit providers of aging services have been warning for decades that America’s system for financing long-term care is dangerously broken. The dedicated professionals serving older adults in nursing homes, home health agencies, hospice programs, and senior living communities have toiled side-by-side with families across the country to cobble together care and services for parents, friends, and neighbors—connecting the tattered pieces of our patchwork long-term care system in an effort to ensure dignity, comfort and independence as the needs of our loved ones change. The New York Times KFF Health News’ series “Dying Broke” aptly illustrates the impact of the United States’ insufficient approach to financing of long-term services and supports. It’s an important and unflinching look at how our country is failing us. ... We can do better. A comprehensive and equitable long-term care financing system would make all the difference. The longer lives that many Americans will enjoy offers enormous potential for our nation. We must seize this opportunity and ensure that potential isn’t squelched by an oppressive and unfair long-term care financing system. The solutions are complicated—but smart approaches abound. The variable is political will. ... I urge our leaders to listen to the voices of their constituents, and join us in creating solutions. All of our futures depend on it.
Operating in the red
12/13/23 at 03:30 AMOperating in the redPuget Sound Business Journal (Seattle, WA)December 10, 2023... Across Washington, health systems representing 93% of the state’s beds have incurred more than $750 million in operational losses in the first half of 2023, according to data from the Washington State Hospital Association. ... Those losses were much steeper in 2022, but a majority of Washington hospitals are still operating at a deficit, burning through cash reserves to keep their doors open. Statewide, 17 hospitals have less than three months of operating costs in their reserves, per WSHA. ... “Folks have probably heard the term ‘no margin, no mission.’ So, no matter how foundational your mission statement is, if you don’t have the finances to run the organization, then there really can’t be a mission for you,” [EvergreenHealth Chief Medical and Quality Officer Dr. Ettorre] Palazzo said. ... As hospitals look for ways to stave off financial losses, they’re faced with another crisis—a population that is demonstrably sicker than it was prior to Covid 19. That’s leading to high hospital censuses and clogged emergency departments, further stressing hospital systems, employee well-being and financial viability.
Novant Health makes third round of layoffs in 2023 as it outsources IT services to Indian firm
12/13/23 at 03:26 AMNovant Health makes third round of layoffs in 2023 as it outsources IT services to Indian firmTriad Business Journal (Greensboro/Winston-Salem, NC)December 11, 2023Amid C-suite changes and large acquisition deals, Novant Health is making its third round of layoffs in 2023. The Winston-Salem health system is outsourcing some of its IT operations to Wipro, a technology company based in India. Novant declined to say how many employees would be affected but said it would “fluctuate based on individual interests... [with] some having the opportunity to consider newly assigned roles and responsibilities with the redesign of this new model.” ... In 2023, Novant has cut more than 200 jobs—the largest workforce reduction for the health system in nearly a decade.
Kansas’ unrivaled rural hospital crisis—58% at risk of closing, 82% lost money on patient care
12/13/23 at 03:23 AMKansas’ unrivaled rural hospital crisis—58% at risk of closing, 82% lost money on patient careKansas ReflectorDecember 12, 2023Topeka, KS—Financial weaknesses at four of every five rural Kansas hospitals provide leverage to Medicaid expansion advocates who are eager for the infusion of $680 million annually in new government investment into the state’s health care system. The Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform says 84 of the state’s 102 rural hospitals recorded financial losses on patient services in the most recent year data is available. The health policy organization reports 59 of the state’s rural hospitals are in jeopardy of closing. Twenty-eight are at immediate risk of collapse. A health care delivery calamity has been building for years, as 10 of Kansas’ rural hospitals closed since 2005. ... “How much more evidence do we need that rural communities need our support to keep health care affordable and accessible?” said Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. Kelly said expansion of Medicaid eligibility to about 150,000 lower-income Kansans will narrow coverage gaps and throw a lifeline to hospitals and communities. ... “We can only judge the impact of not expanding Medicaid by looking at the states around us that have,” Kelly said. ... Administrators at hospitals in Kansas are urging lawmakers to break from the 10 Southern and rural states that—so far—reject Medicaid expansion.
Aging population requires ‘bold leadership’ to protect human dignity—LeadingAge to House Speaker
12/12/23 at 03:28 AMAging population requires ‘bold leadership’ to protect human dignity—LeadingAge to House SpeakerMcKnight’s Senior LivingDecember 11, 2023The growing population of older adults requires “bold leadership” to ensure aging with dignity, as well as access to care and support, according to an open letter from LeadingAge to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA). The changing demographics and need to support older adults where they live and receive services presents a unique opportunity for Johnson to demonstrate leadership and commitment to “protecting human dignity,” according to the letter from LeadingAge President and CEO Katie Smith Sloan. ... “The US healthcare system is navigating a new and unfamiliar landscape in the wake of the COVID-19 public health emergency,” Sloan wrote. “Three years of sustained stress and increasing workloads have caused a dramatic shift in staffing patterns and an alarming rise in burnout across health professions.”
Home care largely unaffordable, especially for middle-class seniors, Harvard research shows
12/12/23 at 03:24 AMHome care largely unaffordable, especially for middle-class seniors, Harvard research showsMcKnight’s Home Care DailyDecember 11, 2023The majority of people in need of long-term care in the home are unable to afford it, according to a new Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies report. The study, sponsored by the National Investment Center and released on Nov. 30, used census data to investigate seniors’ ability to keep up with the rising costs of home care. According to the data, only 14% of single person-households aged 75 years and older can afford daily home health visits. Meanwhile, alternatives like assisted living, are also largely out of reach to a majority of average-income seniors. “The median cost of a home health aide in the U.S. is $27 an hour, and services typically must be purchased in four-hour blocks—resulting in a minimum cost of over $100 per day,” the researchers explained in the study.
Maine nursing homes lead in meeting proposed staffing standards
12/12/23 at 03:21 AMMaine nursing homes lead in meeting proposed staffing standardsMaine MonitorDecember 10, 2023Maine nursing homes are closer to meeting the Biden administration’s proposed minimum staffing standards than their counterparts in most other states, but recent payroll data show that still fewer than one in 10 are meeting these proposed standards every day. And while some long-term care advocates said the national standards should go further, nursing home industry leaders said it would be difficult for a rural state like Maine to find the workers to meet the required minimums, which could lead to more closures. ... During the second quarter of 2023—from April to June—Maine nursing homes met the proposed minimum care hours from both registered nurses and nurse aides an average of 59 out of 91 days in the quarter, according to analysis from The Maine Monitor, USA TODAY and Big Local News at Stanford University, the latest federal staffing data. ... However, only 8% of Maine nursing homes met both standards on all 91 days of the quarter.
CT hospitals need nurse-to-patient ratios. Legislators should mandate them
12/12/23 at 03:18 AMCT hospitals need nurse-to-patient ratios. Legislators should mandate themBy Kristin Henry, RNCT MirrorDecember 9, 2023As a registered nurse in Connecticut—one who graduated in 2019 shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic made its boisterous presence—I have seen firsthand the detrimental effects that inadequate staffing and unsafe nurse-to-patient ratios can have on the health of your loved ones. ... Appropriate nursing staff not only would achieve clinical and economic improvements in patient care, it would decrease nurse fatigue and burnout. ... Unsafe nurse-to-patient ratios have been statistically shown to increase patient mortality. ... Gov. Ned Lamont signed a bill into law effective October 1 of this year. Under Public Act 23-204, CT hospitals must create a dedicated staffing committee to develop nurse staffing plans. Hospitals that fail to comply can face penalties. This bill is a small step in a very long staircase. Nowhere in this bill does it mention mandating specific staffing ratios. Until nurses and patients are protected from unsafe situations by the state, the battle is not over.
State—Nursing home dumped alleged rape victim at homeless shelter
12/11/23 at 04:00 AMState—Nursing home dumped alleged rape victim at homeless shelterIowa Capital DispatchDecember 8, 2023An Iowa nursing home resident was evicted and dumped at a homeless shelter after complaining that an employee of the home raped her, according to state records. ... John Hale, a consultant and advocate for Iowa seniors, said “the story of what allegedly happened to this resident is absolutely sickening. It’s simply incredible that a nursing home and its parent corporation would allegedly have such an awful response to a rape allegation, allow an alleged rapist to continue to be employed, deal so inhumanely with a resident, and would suspend a facility employee who tried to do the right thing.” Hale also questioned the state’s response to the situation. “How the governor or any state legislator can sleep at night knowing that this kind of alleged cruelty exists in an Iowa nursing home is beyond me,” he said. “If this doesn’t serve as a wake-up call to take action, nothing will.”
Brookdale Reports November 2023 Occupancy
12/10/23 at 04:00 AMBrookdale Reports November 2023 OccupancyPRNewswireDecember 8, 2023Nashville, TN—Brookdale Senior Living Inc. reported today its consolidated occupancy for November 2023. November 2023 weighted average occupancy increased 140 basis points year-over-year to 78.4%. Achieved twenty-five consecutive months of year-over-year weighted average occupancy growth.
Study—Black Patients Less Likely Receive A Home Health Referral Following A Hospital Stint
12/10/23 at 04:00 AMStudy—Black Patients Less Likely Receive A Home Health Referral Following A Hospital StintHome Health Care NewsDecember 8, 2023Home health services are a vital component of care continuity. But nurses are less likely to give Black patients, compared to white patients, home health referrals when being discharged from a hospital stay, a new University of Michigan study found. Specifically, researchers found that roughly 22% of Black patients were receiving home health referrals by discharge nurses, compared to 27% of white patients.
MedPAC Advises Cutting Skilled Nursing Medicare Payment Rate by 3%
12/10/23 at 04:00 AMMedPAC Advises Cutting Skilled Nursing Medicare Payment Rate by 3%Skilled Nursing NewsDecember 8, 2023The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission is recommending that for fiscal year 2025, Congress should reduce the 2024 Medicare-based payment rates for skilled nursing facilities by 3%, citing strong margin projections, occupancy growth and access to capital for the sector.
Summit County nursing homes testing robots to address staff shortages
12/09/23 at 04:00 AMSummit County nursing homes testing robots to address staff shortagesAkron (OH) Beacon JournalDecember 6, 2023Two Akron-area nursing homes—Copley Health Center and The Village of St. Edward—are turning to robots to help alleviate staffing shortages in their facilities. The robots are part of a pilot program facilitated by the Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities. Each facility has adopted different procedures for their robot to help with. Examples of tasks the robots perform include meal and package delivery, hydration carts and cleaning food trays and dining areas. ... So far during the pilot program, the two robots have traveled more than 163 miles and have made over 2,220 deliveries to residents. Though the robots are used daily and have been well received by staff and residents, they are not intended to replace human contact, according to the news release.
California system to lay off 160 amid planned home health sale
12/09/23 at 04:00 AMCalifornia system to lay off 160 amid planned home health saleBecker’s Hospital CFO ReportDecember 6, 2023Walnut Creek, Calif.-based John Muir Health is laying off 164 employees in Concord ahead of a planned sale of its home health services division to Cornerstone Home Healthcare. John Muir announced in October that it would transfer its home health assets to a company currently owned by Cornerstone; that transaction is expected to close Jan. 1. Once the deal is closed, Cornerstone will be the majority owner and John Muir will operate a 40% minority stake, a spokesperson for the health system told Becker’s on Dec. 6. According to WARN documents filed with the state, 164 John Muir Home Health employees will be laid off by Dec. 29, but they have the opportunity to apply to the new company under Cornerstone.
Funding for nursing homes up 25% after state increase
12/09/23 at 04:00 AMFunding for nursing homes up 25% after state increaseSouth Dakota SearchlightDecember 7, 2023State funding for nursing homes is up an average of 25% statewide since the Legislature and Gov. Kristi Noem approved more money for them last winter. ... During the last legislative session, Noem and legislators approved 100% reimbursements for those [Medicaid] costs. The move, which went into effect in July, was a reaction to 15 nursing homes closing across the state in recent years, in part due to insufficient reimbursement rates. ... The higher reimbursement rate infused roughly an extra $49 million into nursing homes in the state.