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All posts tagged with “Post-Acute Care News | Home Health News.”
Alliance Member, Jonathan Fleece, testifies before Congress on the value of care at home
03/13/25 at 03:00 AMEmpath Health CEO to Congress: Invest in home-based care Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 3/11/25The federal government must invest further in home-based care, Empath Health CEO Jonathan Fleece told lawmakers at a hearing with the U.S. House of Representatives Ways & Means Health Subcommittee. leece was among several post-acute care leaders who appeared at the hearing, representing home health, hospice, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation hospitals and other stakeholders. In opening remarks, Fleece pointed to the benefits of home-based care for patients and families, as well as the sector’s ability to reduce health care costs.
How hospital merger oversight is shifting deal-making
03/13/25 at 03:00 AMHow hospital merger oversight is shifting deal-making Modern Healthcare; by Alex Kacik; 3/12/25 Health systems are increasingly pursuing mergers and acquisitions in the South, a region where demand for care is growing and there are fewer regulatory barriers. More than a dozen states have passed laws over the past several years designed to increase oversight of healthcare transactions, but Southern states have largely stayed on the sidelines. As a result, deals involving hospitals are expected to pick up in the South, particularly in markets that feature growing populations, a high number of Medicaid patients and less stringent merger reviews, merger and acquisition advisers said. Potential Medicaid cuts could also drive up deal-making in the 16-state region spanning from West Virginia to Texas, as well as Washington, D.C., advisers said.
New Day Healthcare acquires Patient Recovery Home Healthcare Services
03/13/25 at 03:00 AMNew Day Healthcare acquires Patient Recovery Home Healthcare Services Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 3/12/25 The Texas-based home-based care provider New Day Healthcare has acquired the home health agency Patient Recovery Home Healthcare Services in Houston. Financial terms were undisclosed. The transaction marks New Day’s 14th successful acquisition to date and comes approximately one month after it acquired Christian Senior Care, also in Houston. Patient Recovery Home Healthcare has been in operation for 15 years and will not rebrand post-acquisition. The company’s current staff will remain in place, according to New Day.
El Paso doctor pays close to $500K to settle allegations of hospice healthcare fraud
03/12/25 at 03:00 AMEl Paso doctor pays close to $500K to settle allegations of hospice healthcare fraud CBS 4 News, El Paso, TX; by David Ibave; 3/10/25 A doctor in El Paso agreed to pay almost half a million dollars on Monday to settle allegations that he was paid off by a hospice center to commit healthcare fraud back in 2021. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, John Patterson M.D. has agreed to pay the United States $468,626 to resolve allegations that he received kickback payments from Nursemind Home Care Inc. to certify patients for hospice care when they were not eligible for these services, submitting false claims to federal healthcare programs.
The rising importance of social workers on the home health team
03/12/25 at 02:00 AMThe rising importance of social workers on the home health team Home Health Care News; by Audrie Martin; 3/10/25 Addressing social determinants of health (SDoH) is becoming increasingly important due to new regulations from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the shift toward value-based care payment models. With ongoing staffing shortages and a growing demand for home-based care services, social workers are taking on greater responsibilities to support the health care system. ... Individuals requiring home health care often need complex support that addresses both their medical and psychosocial needs, especially if they are isolated from typical social interactions and services. Some home care teams are now integrating home health social workers (HHCSWs) to provide a comprehensive approach to care that considers these SDoHs.Ediotor's note: March is National Social Work Month. Click here for National Association of Social Worker's (NASW) Social Media Toolkit for Social Work 2025.
Assessing pain, anxiety and other symptoms of nursing home residents unable to speak for themselves
03/11/25 at 03:00 AMAssessing pain, anxiety and other symptoms of nursing home residents unable to speak for themselves Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, IN; by Kathleen T. Unroe, MD, MHA; 3/10/25 Revamped tool reliably addresses physical and emotional distress, well-being and end-of-life symptoms. As many as half of nursing home residents are cognitively impaired and may be unable to communicate symptoms such as pain or anxiety to the staff and clinicians caring for them. Therefore, information needed for the evaluation of symptoms and subsequent treatment decisions typically does not reliably exist in nursing home electronic health records (EHRs). A new paper reports on the novel adaptation of a commonly used symptom assessment instrument to more comprehensively acquire this difficult-to-obtain data with the ultimate goal of enabling knowledge-based expansion of palliative care services in nursing homes to address residents’ symptoms.
Poised for growth, Missouri’s largest aging services nonprofit changes name: Lutheran Senior Services is now EverTrue
03/11/25 at 03:00 AMPoised for growth, Missouri’s largest aging services nonprofit changes name: Lutheran Senior Services is now EverTrue St. Louis Business Journal; by Jackie Hamilton, VP of Advancement, EverTrue; 3/7/25 One of the oldest nonprofit agencies in the St. Louis region is changing its name to reflect a dynamic change and growth in desired services and offerings for those 60 plus. Beginning this week, the 165-year-old Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) organization, which also is the 11th largest nonprofit senior living provider in the country, will be known as EverTrue. “It’s a transformative moment for the organization,” said Adam Marles, president and CEO of EverTrue. “From right here in St. Louis, we’re leading the country in aging services. In this next chapter, we needed a name and a brand that positioned us for future growth and opportunities, while still being true to our mission.”
J-Sei Home closes after 30 years, leaving Bay Area Japanese seniors in need
03/11/25 at 03:00 AMJ-Sei Home closes after 30 years, leaving Bay Area Japanese seniors in need KQED, San Francisco, CA; by Cecilia Lei; 3/10/25 ... For decades, Bay Area Japanese American families have sought culturally sensitive senior care facilities like J-Sei Home for aging loved ones. Community members said that about a decade ago, there were approximately 10 Japanese senior care homes in the region. Today, that number has declined by about half. The most recent closure came in January, when the last residents of J-Sei Home moved out, and the facility permanently closed its doors after 30 years of operation. A majority of the displaced residents were Japanese Americans in their 90s and had cognitive impairment. ... They had tender caregivers who spoke Japanese. They ate familiar comfort foods like miso soup and pickled vegetables, and they participated in daily activities such as drum circles and singing Japanese songs. ...
Enloe Health to transition Palliative Care Program to new cancer center
03/10/25 at 03:00 AMEnloe Health to transition Palliative Care Program to new cancer center Action News Now, Chico, CA; by Matt Wreden; 3/7/25 Enloe Health is transitioning its Palliative Care Program to function under its soon-to-open cancer center. This shift means that Enloe Health will be phasing out its in-home palliative care services, a decision that has raised concerns within the local community. ... Enloe Health explained that this move is in line with the upcoming Symptom Management Clinic set to open as part of the new Cancer Center. Editor's note: Does this limit their palliative care services to only those with cancer? What about palliative care needs for persons with advanced heart disease? Strokes? Neurological diseases like ALS or Parkinson's? Advanced dementia?
The twofold challenge of an older population — and how systems are adapting
03/07/25 at 03:00 AMThe twofold challenge of an older population — and how systems are adapting Becker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch and Kristin Kuchno; 2/21/25 In less than a decade, older Americans are projected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history, sparking conversations about the need for age-friendly healthcare. At the same time, declining birth rates and longer life expectancies — half of babies born in 2020 are expected to live past 100 years — pose potential workforce challenges. Becker's connected with four health system leaders to explore the challenges this demographic shift presents and how they are preparing to address it. [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]
1 in 7 Medicaid users go to nursing home after cancer diagnosis, study finds
03/07/25 at 03:00 AM1 in 7 Medicaid users go to nursing home after cancer diagnosis, study finds McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Kristen Fischer; 3/5/25 One in 7 Medicaid beneficiaries received care at a nursing home after they were newly diagnosed with cancer, a new study finds. People who went to nursing homes were more likely to be white or Black, and dual-eligible for Medicaid and Medicare, compared to those who did not use nursing homes and primarily had short nursing home stays. The study was published Tuesday [3/4] in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. ... Investigators examined data from 338,767 Medicaid beneficiaries spanning 45 states who were newly diagnosed with cancer and were diagnosed with cancer in 2017 or 2018. ... The most prevalent cancer types associated with short and long stays were lung, breast and hematological. The high number of people who are dual-eligible and going to nursing homes after a cancer diagnosis is an important policy issue, the authors wrote.
Film: Lives well lived
03/07/25 at 03:00 AMFilm: Lives well livedSecond Wave Southwest Michigan and Lives Well Lived; film by Sky Bergman; 3/6/25A Life Well Lived, a series of community meetings and learning opportunities that concludes March 15, and the documentary "Lives Well Lived," by guest speaker Sky Bergman, ... On the film's website, filmmaker Sky Berman describes, "In our society, the elderly are often overlooked. Lives Well Lived celebrates the incredible wit, wisdom, and life experiences of older adults living full and meaningful lives in their later years. Their stories are about perseverance, the human spirit, and staying positive during the great personal and historic challenges. I hope these stories inspire people of every age to achieve the longevity of both health and spirit, and to realize that growing older can be a journey to be celebrated." ... Beginning with its premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Lives Well Lived has screened in more than 200 cities. The film has won eight awards, and the theatrical run garnered enthusiastic reviews and a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Organizations like Aging 2.0, AARP’s Movies for Grownups, Encore.org, and Leading Age have screened Lives Well Lived. Now the film is available on PBS! Editor's note: Click here for Second Wave Southwest Michigan use of this film for community outreach. Click here for the film's website, Lives Well Lived.
Lifelong ISU fan receiving hospice care attends Cyclone basketball game
03/07/25 at 02:30 AMLifelong ISU fan receiving hospice care attends Cyclone basketball game CBS KCCI News-8 YouTube channel, Des Moines, IO; 3/24/25 A care home in Boone worked to get a lifelong Iowa State fan to what might be her final men's basketball game tonight. Beverly Adrian is receiving hospice care. She is 79, but turns 80 at the end of the month. Her last wish was to attend an Iowa State event, and since she is such a huge sports fan, the workers at the home she lives in thought this game would be perfect. And as you can see, it was an emotional night for her. "Oh, awesome!" "Very good!" "I've been crying since I walked in." ...
Palliative care clinicians goals-of-care notes more extensive than other providers’ documentation
03/07/25 at 02:00 AMPalliative care clinicians goals-of-care notes more extensive than other providers’ documentation Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 3/5/25 A team of researchers has developed a standardized goals-of-care note to document patient wishes in the electronic medical record. Many patients do not experience goals-of-care conversations in a timely manner. But even among those who have, their wishes can get lost if they are not documented. The standardized note created by a research team from the Regenstrief Institute, the Indiana University School of Medicine and Indiana University Health can help health care providers be aware of and access patients’ goals of care, according to lead investigator Dr. Alexia Torke. ... The research on the note was published in the American Journal of Medicine.
Providence, Compassus finalize home health joint venture
03/06/25 at 03:00 AMProvidence, Compassus finalize home health joint venture HomeCare, Renton, WA and Brentwood, TN; 3/5/25Providence, a nonprofit health system serving the Western U.S., and Compassus, a national provider of integrated home-based care services, announced they have finalized the first phase of a joint venture for home health, hospice and community-based palliative care in Alaska, Texas and Washington. The new entity will operate under the name Providence at Home with Compassus. In Lubbock, Texas, the Covenant Health hospice program that is part of the Providence family of organizations will be rebranded as Covenant Health at Home with Compassus. Under the agreement, Compassus will manage operations for the joint venture, which will include six home health locations in Alaska and Washington, and five hospice and palliative care locations in Alaska, Texas and Washington.
Humana selects Thyme Care for oncology services
03/04/25 at 03:00 AMHumana selects Thyme Care for oncology services MociHealthNews and HIMSS Media; by Anthony Vecchione; 3/3/25 Humana has unveiled an agreement with value-based cancer care platform Thyme Care with the aim of providing oncology support for its Medicare Advantage (MA) members. The agreement impacts MA members who reside in Michigan, New York, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Eligible Humana members will have access to Thyme Care’s services, which include 24/7 virtual care navigation. Additionally, patients will be connected to a care team made up of oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers and resource specialists. Thyme Care's team will provide medication guidance, urgent care support, chronic condition management and palliative care support.
Mobile hospital-at-home pilot to deliver care to rural patients
03/04/25 at 03:00 AMMobile hospital-at-home pilot to deliver care to rural patients Modern Healthcare; by Diane Eastabrook; 2/26/25 Mobile medical units will deliver hospital-at-home care to patients in rural communities as part of a five-year pilot program aimed at expanding healthcare access in underserved areas. The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health recently awarded an undisclosed amount of funding to Boston’s Mass General Brigham, University of Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute and Kentwood, Michigan-based Homeward Health to develop programs that will extend hospital-level care to patients in remote communities using mobile platforms.
Breaking bad news: Guidance on disclosing a dementia diagnosis
03/04/25 at 03:00 AMBreaking bad news: Guidance on disclosing a dementia diagnosis Medscape; by Megan Brooks; 3/3/25 As biomarker testing for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) evolves, timely and compassionate disclosure of a diagnosis is more complex than ever. Yet, clinicians may struggle with how — or in some cases whether — to disclose that a patient has mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. A recent perspective offers a practical roadmap to help clinicians navigate these challenging conversations. The authors from the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, noted that disclosure of a dementia diagnosis “is particularly nuanced and requires a conscientious approach. Clinicians must assess patients’ understanding and appreciation of symptoms, goals for the evaluation, and desire for information.”
Local care specialists launch first-ever ‘memory cafe’ in the Upstate
03/04/25 at 03:00 AMLocal care specialists launch first-ever ‘memory cafe’ in the Upstate WSPA Greenville, SC; by Simone Jameson; 3/3/25 Some Upstate care providers are bringing a new concept to the region they said will benefit families of adults with dementia. The Blake at Hollingsworth Park Assisted Living and Think Different Dementia are two partners behind a first of its kind ‘memory cafe’ in Greenville. ‘The Upstate Memory Cafe’ provides a community setting where people living with dementia and their caregivers can bond. ... Organizers told 7NEWS the ‘memory cafe’ offers a space where attendees play cards, make flowers and do other activities together. They said ten to twelve home health care and hospice representatives are present for each meeting and educate families on best dementia care practices, while offering them support and respite services.
Pennant leaders tout record breaking’ home health growth, transformative deals
03/04/25 at 03:00 AMThe Pennant Group to ramp up hospice, home health transactions during 2025 Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 2/28/25 The Pennant Group (Nasdaq: PNTG) plans to ramp up acquisitions later this year as it works to integrate assets purchased in late 2024. Among those deals was The Pennant Group’s acquisition of Signature Healthcare at Home’s hospice and home health assets for a price tag of $80 million which closed in January. The company also completed some senior living transactions. Pennant is on the hunt for more deals but will likely be more active later in the year.
Bayada Home Health Care introduces first Director of Veterans Affairs
03/03/25 at 03:00 AMBayada Home Health Care introduces first Director of Veterans Affairs HomeCare, Pennsauken Township, NJ; 2/28/25 As part of its ongoing commitment to U.S. veterans and their families, BAYADA announced the appointment of U.S. Army Veteran Ally O’Neal to director of Veterans Affairs, BAYADA Hospice. BAYADA created this new position, with the help of O’Neal, to ensure its hospice services are tailored to meet the unique physical, emotional and psychological needs of veterans and their families. As BAYADA director of Veterans Affairs, O’Neal will work collaboratively with clinicians, clinical educators, service providers, community organizations and veteran service agencies to enhance the quality of care and support provided to veteran patients and their families, something dear to O’Neal's heart.
Care America Home Care enhances access to compassionate hospice care in Irvine, CA
03/03/25 at 03:00 AMCare America Home Care enhances access to compassionate hospice care in Irvine, CA East Coastsentinal, Irvine, CA; 2/28/25Care America Home Care, a trusted name in senior care, proudly announces its continued dedication to the Irvine community by expanding access to personalized hospice home care services. This initiative supports families navigating challenging times by providing compassionate and professional hospice support at home in Irvine, ensuring the highest standards of care and comfort. “At Care America Home Care, we understand families’ profound emotional and logistical challenges during end-of-life care. Our mission is to offer a reliable and comforting solution, enabling families to focus on cherishing their time together,” said Rina Boidon, the Founder and Co-Owner of Care America Home Care.
WVU nursing faculty aim to enhance rural home care for chronically ill through NIH award
03/03/25 at 02:00 AMWVU nursing faculty aim to enhance rural home care for chronically ill through NIH award WVU Today - West Virginia University, Morgantown, WC; Press Release; 2/26/25 Three West Virginia University nursing faculty know firsthand the difficulties faced by family caregivers and their chronically ill loved ones. With a $2.7 million award from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Nursing Research that is one of the largest ever for the WVU School of Nursing, the faculty researchers aim to support these families while increasing access to care in the rural reaches of the Mountain State by testing an integrated, nurse-led intervention for family home care management of end-stage heart failure and palliative care. ... Through their lived experiences, as well as their previous studies using nursing science to develop and test nurse-led interventions, the three said they hope to improve family caregivers’ and their loved ones’ overall health and well-being, including reducing depression and anxiety, and monitoring and managing end-of-life symptoms.
Home health patients, caregivers lack understanding of palliative care, researchers find
02/27/25 at 03:00 AMHome health patients, caregivers lack understanding of palliative care, researchers find McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Adam Healy; 2/25/25 Home healthcare patients, caregivers and clinicians have significant knowledge gaps surrounding palliative care, which are contributing to poorer health outcomes for sick patients, according to a new study published in Home Healthcare Now. ... Healthcare providers, including home care agencies, are partially responsible for this limited public awareness, according to the researchers. The majority of survey participants agreed that it is the responsibility of doctors and nurse practitioners to inform seriously ill patients about palliative care. However, Medicare policy may be at the heart of this issue, Ashley Chastain, the study’s lead author, said.
WesleyLife at Home expands services with palliative program
02/27/25 at 03:00 AMWesleyLife at Home expands services with palliative program Hospice News; by Kristin Easterling; 2/26/25 Des Moines, Iowa-based WesleyLife at Home has launched the area’s first home-based palliative care program. The organization is the fourth-largest home health provider in the state, according to Aaron Wheeler, vice president of home and community-based services. While analyzing their home health census, the organization identified a significant number of patients with chronic medical conditions who required an additional level of care.