Literature Review
All posts tagged with “Post-Acute Care News.”
Opportunities to improve end-of-life care in assisted living: Results from a national survey of administrators
11/14/25 at 03:00 AMOpportunities to improve end-of-life care in assisted living: Results from a national survey of administrators The Journal of the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association; by Emmanuelle Belanger, PhD, Nicole Rosendaal, MSc, Michelle L. Rogers, PhD, Tamara A. Sequeira, RN, MSN, Kali S. Thomas, PhDe ∙ Joan M. Teno, MD, MS, Susan L. Hayes, MPAf, Xiao (Joyce) Wang, PhD, Pedro L. Gozalo, PhDa, David M. Dosa, MD, MPHh, Melissa A. Clark, PhD; 11/9/25 Among 4796 eligible assisted living communities invited, 2084 administrators completed the survey from all 48 targeted states, a response rate of 43.4%. ... This national study of administrators highlights important opportunities to improve end-of-life care both as part of assisted living care processes for dying residents and through collaboration with hospice. These novel survey measures will help determine how end-of-life care processes vary along state regulations and shape residents' outcomes.
Columbus Community Hospital unveils advance health care directives toolkit
11/12/25 at 03:00 AMColumbus Community Hospital unveils advance health care directives toolkit Columbus Community Hospital, Columbus, NE; News Release; 11/4/25 When you’re planning for future health care decisions, you need to talk to your loved ones about values, priorities and the quality of life you want. To help you in this process, Columbus Community Hospital’s ethics committee created an advance health care directives tool kit. ... This toolkit does not replace an attorney’s services; rather, it is a way for people to start thinking about what they want. ... Each toolkit contains the following resources:
Number of ‘solo-agers’ skyrockets, AARP survey finds
11/12/25 at 03:00 AMNumber of ‘solo-agers’ skyrockets, AARP survey finds McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 11/10/25The number of older adults living alone is rising quickly in the United States, but relatively few of these so-called “solo-agers” are confident in their ability to age safely on their own, according to a new survey by AARP.
‘Best and worst of times’ as skilled nursing providers face more uncertainty
11/07/25 at 03:00 AM‘Best and worst of times’ as skilled nursing providers face more uncertainty McKnights Long-Term Care News, Boston, MA; by Kimberly Marselas; 11/3/25 In a year in which uncertainty and inaction have been common themes, LeadingAge executives acknowledged ... that aging services providers are increasingly split into haves and have-nots. “We have all been navigating a great deal of uncertainty, and yet many organizations have had their best years, ... President and CEO Katie Smith Sloan told a standing room-only crowd. “Others are hanging by a thread, dependent on Medicaid, struggling on staffing, particularly in rural communities with old physical plants, and boards that are stuck on preserving the status quo. It is truly the best and worst of times.”
Lehigh Valley Health Network to drop UnitedHealthcare over reimbursement
11/06/25 at 03:00 AMLehigh Valley Health Network to drop UnitedHealthcare over reimbursement Becker's Payer Issues; by Andrew Cass; 10/29/25 Allentown, Pa.-based Lehigh Valley Health Network said it is planning to terminate its contract with UnitedHealthcare unless the payer works with the health system to remedy reimbursement issues. Without a resolution, LVHN will go out of network with UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage plans on Jan. 25, 2026 and commercial plans on April 25, 2026, according to an Oct. 27 news release from the health system.
Home health services drive elevated medical costs for UnitedHealth Group
11/06/25 at 03:00 AMHome health services drive elevated medical costs for UnitedHealth Group Home Health Care News; by Morgan Gonzales; 10/28/25 Home health services are touted as cost-saving for payers, and industry stakeholders often advise providers to share data demonstrating these savings with payers and policymakers. The cost-saving nature of home health may not always be evident, however. UnitedHealth Group reported that home health services have contributed to elevated medical cost trends when discussing Medicaid margins on the company’s third-quarter earnings call.
9 hospital, health system CEO exits in 7 days
11/05/25 at 03:00 AM9 hospital, health system CEO exits in 7 days Becker's Hospital Review; by Kristin Kuchno; 10/30/25 Becker’s has reported on nine hospital and health system CEO exits, from retirements to resignations, since Oct. 23. Three leaders announced retirement plans, while three others are moving organizations.
26 health system rating downgrades
11/05/25 at 02:00 AM26 health system rating downgrades Becker's Hospital Review; by Andrew Cass; 10/30/25 Multiple hospitals and health systems have suffered downgrades to their financial ratings this year amid rising expenses, ongoing operating losses and challenging work environments. Here are 26 hospitals and health systems that received credit rating downgrades from Fitch Ratings or Moody’s Investors Service in 2025: ...
Hospice of the Valley launches support group for people with mild cognitive impairment
11/04/25 at 03:00 AMHospice of the Valley launches support group for people with mild cognitive impairment Lovin' Life; by Lin Sue Flood; 11/2/25 Living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be an isolating experience, but a new program from Hospice of the Valley offers a welcoming space for connection and support. GATHER is a peer-led group where individuals diagnosed with MCI can share their experiences, navigate emotions, and discover new coping strategies together. ... GATHER provides a safe environment for members to lead their own discussions. Unlike traditional support groups, members are empowered to guide conversations toward topics that are most relevant to them. This novel format models successful programs in Europe.
Life beyond the grave: These morticians are both conservation heroes and undertakers
11/04/25 at 03:00 AMLife beyond the grave: These morticians are both conservation heroes and undertakers Sierra - The Magazine of the Sierra Club; by Marin Scotten; 10/31/25 ... Freddie Johnson could never see himself lying in a traditional cemetery. The idea of being buried with concrete, metal, and wood—materials that would stay in the ground forever—didn’t sit right with him. Cremation, the other conventional end-of-life option, also seemed jarring. ... Everything changed when he learned about natural or “green” burials while attending a community potluck more than 15 years ago. The relatively niche end-of-life movement uses entirely biodegradable products in the burial process and aims to connect human death to the natural world by restoring and protecting nature.
Here is what no one tells you about watching your wonderful dad slowly slipping away in front of you
10/28/25 at 03:00 AMHere is what no one tells you about watching your wonderful dad slowly slipping away in front of you HuffPost Personal; by Jill Bodach; 10/25/25 ... When I get the call at 2:30 a.m. from my dad’s nursing home, dread slaps me awake, and I answer in an almost whisper. They say, “Your father is having trouble breathing. We’ve sent him to Bridgeport Hospital.” ... In the emergency department, I am led into a waiting room. ... He is transferred to the ICU, and again I am told to wait. ... When I am finally allowed to see him, family members in other rooms look up when I walk by. Some smile and nod. A knowing. I smile back. We’re all in this together in some weird way the universe has planned. ...
55% of healthcare executives plan to change roles within 3 years: Survey
10/23/25 at 03:00 AM55% of healthcare executives plan to change roles within 3 years: SurveyBecker's Hospital Review; by Kristin Kuchno; 10/17/25More than half of healthcare executives plan to leave their roles within the next three years, according to a report from LHH, an executive search firm. Here are six more things to know from two 2025 surveys...
Why the infusion market is shifting to at-home care
10/22/25 at 03:10 AMWhy the infusion market is shifting to at-home care Modern Healthcare; by Diane Eastabrook; 10/21/25Key Takeaways
Study: Nearly two-thirds of nursing home residents were exposed to med combos linked to potential drug-drug interactions
10/22/25 at 03:00 AMStudy: Nearly two-thirds of nursing home residents were exposed to med combos linked to potential drug-drug interactions McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Foster Stubbs; 10/17/25 About 62% of nursing home residents experienced one or more drug-drug interactions (DDI) between 2018 and 2020, according to an October study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Researchers examined 485,251 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries 66 years or older living in nursing homes with observable Medicare Part D prescription drug data. Data were drawn from Medicare claims linked to Minimum Data Set 3.0 clinical assessments.
HCA rebrands 35-plus sites in South Carolina
10/21/25 at 03:00 AMHCA rebrands 35-plus sites in South Carolina Becker's Health IT; by Giles Bruce; 10/16/25 Over 35 sites of care in South Carolina have rebranded under the HCA Healthcare name. The Nashville, Tenn.-based health system said the new names will make it easier for patients to understand that the facilities, which have been part of HCA for decades, are connected. “By consolidating under the HCA Healthcare name, we’re reinforcing our collective commitment to the communities we serve,” said Hugh Tappan, president of HCA Healthcare’s Charleston, S.C.-based South Atlantic Division, in an Oct. 14 news release. ... The new hospital names include: ...
America’s best home health agencies 2026
10/16/25 at 03:00 AMAmerica’s best home health agencies 2026 Newsweek; by Alexis Kayser; 10/10/25 With over 10,000 agencies operating across the United States, narrowing the field to find trusted, high-quality care can be daunting. To help guide that process, Newsweek and global data intelligence firm Statista are proud to introduce the inaugural ranking of America’s Best Home Health Agencies 2026, highlighting top providers in the 25 states with the highest number of home health agencies, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. ... This year’s list recognizes 300 top providers across the country, evaluated on four data sources: quality metrics, peer recommendations, patient experience and accreditations. ... [Click here for the list.]
North Carolina hospitals wipe out $6.5B in medical debt
10/15/25 at 03:00 AMNorth Carolina hospitals wipe out $6.5B in medical debt Becker's Hospital Review; by Andrew Cass; 10/13/25 North Carolina’s medical debt relief program has surpassed its initial financial projections, relieving more than $6.5 billion in medical debt from 2.5 million residents over the past year. ... The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services partnered with Undue Medical Debt — formerly RIP Medical Debt — to support participating hospitals and help them identify medical debt that is eligible for relief. Hospitals are continuing to work with Undue Medical Debt to facilitate full implementation of relief over the next year.
Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter sees largest turnout for annual fundraiser walk
10/14/25 at 03:00 AMAlzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter sees largest turnout for annual fundraiser walk WABI-5, Bangor, ME; by Grace Bradley; 10/11/25 For more than two decades, folks have hit the streets of Bangor to help raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s. On Saturday, Maine’s chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association says they saw the largest crowd yet of about 400 people for their largest annual fundraiser. “We provide free care and support for families and community members walking through this disease, whether it’s Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. So what we do enables us to do everything for free. But we also take a portion of that money and put it towards research,” explains Kris Baker, Development Manager of Alzheimer’s Association Maine. Editor's Note: Do you support and partner with the Alzheimer's Association?
CFO tenures at the 10 largest health systems
10/13/25 at 03:00 AMCFO tenures at the 10 largest health systems Becker's Hospital Review; by Andrew Cass; 10/9/25 Healthcare CFOs’ tenures last an average of 4.7 years, according to a September report from Crist Kolder Associates. Here are the tenures of the CFOs at the 10 largest health systems in the U.S. (Health system size is determined by the number of hospitals, based on organizational data as of December.)
A CMO's guide to offering home health services
10/07/25 at 03:00 AMA CMO's guide to offering home health services HealthLeaders; by Christopher Cheney; 10/6/25 Offering home health services to patients after hospitalizations generates several benefits, including improved patient satisfaction, reduced readmissions, and lower cost of care. Key Takeaways:
Milton Village Open House builds community to support caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia, or other cognitive conditions
10/07/25 at 03:00 AMMilton Village Open House builds community to support caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia, or other cognitive conditions GreatNews.Life; by Lauren Grasham; 10/6/25 To help healthcare providers better understand the numerous resources available, Milton Village hosted an open house on Tuesday, September 30. Milton Village is a collaborative effort between Milton Adult Day Services (a program of the Center for Hospice Care) and Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana (a REAL Services program) to provide comprehensive care and support to individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive conditions and their caregivers. “Inviting healthcare providers to see our facility and learn more about our programs is a great way to help them understand our unique model,” said Sarah Youngs, director of Milton Adult Day Services. “As providers tour the facility and hear how our guests engage in the programming, it’s so satisfying to see them recognize what this can mean for their patients and the patients’ caregivers.”
Stamford-area seniors can now enjoy free daytime care
10/06/25 at 03:00 AMStamford-area seniors can now enjoy free daytime care Evergreen, Stamford, CT; by Evergreen Daytime Senior Care and CT Hospice; 10/3/25Thanks to a groundbreaking Medicare initiative, seniors living with dementia now qualify for benefits that help cover the cost of adult daytime care. Designed to improve quality of life, the GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) Model, offered by Connecticut Hospice's Stand By Me program, features a full range of valuable services, including care coordination, caregiver education, and an annual respite benefit for up to 25 free days at adult day centers like Evergreen Daytime Senior Care. ... "We're excited to partner with Evergreen to provide high-quality adult day services to families enrolled in the GUIDE Model program," explained Mark Olynciw, GUIDE Program Manager at Connecticut Hospice. "Having trusted partners like Evergreen ensures our families have excellent options for their respite benefits."
Landmark verdict awards over $510 million to Saint Mary’s Health Network
10/03/25 at 03:00 AMLandmark verdict awards over $510 million to Saint Mary’s Health Network Business Wire, Reno, NV; by Noel True and Mark Reece; 10/2/25 In a historic decision with national implications for healthcare, a Washoe County jury awarded Saint Mary’s Health Network, affiliate of Prime Healthcare, over $510 million in damages, including punitive damages, after finding Universal Health Services of Delaware, Inc. (UHS) and affiliated defendants liable for fraud, malice, and oppression in a coordinated scheme against Saint Mary’s Health Network during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. ... “This verdict delivers a resounding message for all of healthcare: integrity and compassion must guide every decision we make,” said Sunny Bhatia, M.D., President of Prime Healthcare.
Report sounds alarm about private equity’s growing involvement in PACE
10/02/25 at 03:00 AMReport sounds alarm about private equity’s growing involvement in PACE McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 9/24/25 The Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a program funded by Medicare and Medicaid, is an increasingly attractive target for private equity investors. This may be a cause for concern, according to a new report by the Private Equity Stakeholder Project. “Private equity sees PACE as a guaranteed revenue stream, not a care model,” Michael Fenne, report author and PESP’s senior healthcare research coordinator, told McKnight’s Home Care Daily Pulse Wednesday in an email. “The result is that PACE, once a nonprofit-driven model focused on keeping seniors healthy at home, is increasingly being treated as a financial opportunity for investors.”
Home health industry welcomes CMS’ repeal of nursing home staffing mandate
10/02/25 at 03:00 AMHome health industry welcomes CMS’ repeal of nursing home staffing mandate Home Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 9/20/25 Earlier this month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) drafted a rule that would repeal the federal staffing mandate for nursing homes – a move that would send ripple effects through the home health industry. The rule was controversial among nursing home operators, but it also received pushback from home health providers who were concerned that the mandate would lead to further staffing scarcity. “The repeal is positive for home health agencies,” Katy Barnett, director of home care and hospice operations and policy at LeadingAge, told HHCN in an email.
