Literature Review
All posts tagged with “Post-Acute Care News | Private Duty News.”
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.
Revamped tool can reliably assess pain symptoms in dementia patients: researchers
03/19/25 at 02:00 AMRevamped tool can reliably assess pain symptoms in dementia patients: researchers McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Zee Johnson; 3/17/25 ... A team of researchers reconstructed the End-of-Life Dementia-Comfort Assessment in Dying, or EOLD-CAD, after a multifacility study showed that caregivers could adequately and reliably address a host of pain symptoms seen in end-of-life dementia patients. ... When clinicians working in the SNFs that were part of the trials used the EOLD-CAD, they were able to detect patterns in more than 600 residents that fell into four categories: physical distress, symptoms of dying, emotional distress, and well-being. Common symptoms observed across these categories were restlessness, shortness of breath, choking, gurgling, difficulty in swallowing, fear and anxiety. ...
Is Medicare ready for an aging america? Home-based care offers hope
03/17/25 at 03:00 AMIs Medicare ready for an aging america? Home-based care offers hope RealClear Health; by Jonathan Fleece, JD (President and CEO of Empath Health) and Dr. Steve Landers (CEO of the National Alliance for Care at Home); 3/12/25Too often, families face an impossible situation: a loved one is ready to leave the hospital, but no home health provider is available. Or they’re told hospice is the best option, but administrative red tape delays access to comfort and support. These failures put patients at risk. ... This experience underscores why policymakers must protect and expand access to home-based care—before more patients fall through the cracks. ... According to one analysis, in a recent three year period, hospital stays for patients waiting to be discharged to post-acute care providers increased by 24 percent, deteriorating health outcomes and quality of life. Discharge delays – caused by hospital capacity issues and workforce shortages – not only cause harm to patients; they also add unnecessary strain and costs on our healthcare system.
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.
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.”
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.
The number of family caregivers helping older US adults increased from 18 million to 24 million, 2011–22
02/17/25 at 03:00 AMThe number of family caregivers helping older US adults increased from 18 million to 24 million, 2011–22 Health Affairs; by Jennifer L. Wolff, Jennifer C. Cornman, and Vick A. Freedman; 2/25 The evolving composition and experiences of the family caregiver workforce have profound ramifications for public policy but are not well understood. Drawing on the linked National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving, we found that the numbers of family caregivers providing help to older adults increased by nearly six million between 2011 and 2022, rising from 18.2 million to 24.1 million. ... For family caregivers as a whole, challenges persist, and for those assisting people with dementia, tailored surveillance and effective support programs are needed.
Flu cases continue to rise across the country
02/13/25 at 03:00 AMFlu cases continue to rise across the countryABC 6 News, Rochester, MN; by KAALTV; 2/10/25Flu cases are continuing to rise across the country as doctor visits for flu-like symptoms are now reaching their highest point in 15 years. The CDC estimates at least 24 million illnesses this flu season alone, with 13,000 turning deadly. Right now, about 31% of flu tests are coming back positive, nearly double the peak from last season. Doctors say your best line of defense is vaccination.Editor's note: We see this surge across news media sources, and compiled this state-specific list for you.
New report details financial, emotional toll of Parkinson’s on family caregivers
02/07/25 at 03:00 AMNew report details financial, emotional toll of Parkinson’s on family caregivers McKnights Home Care; by Foster Stubbs; 2/4/25 A new report sheds a light on the unique challenges faced by family caregivers who care for loved ones with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The report, Parkinson’s Disease Caregiving in the US, features insights from secondary analysis and supplementary interviews with 10 PD caregivers. These caregivers average 31 hours of unpaid care per week; half of interviewed caregivers exceed 100 hours each week, according to the report. The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), with support from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) and Arcadia University, released the report.
16 states where virus activity remains high: 5 updates
01/31/25 at 03:00 AM16 states where virus activity remains high: 5 updates Becker's Clinical Leadership; by Alexandra Murphy; 1/27/25 The CDC is reporting high levels of respiratory virus activity across the U.S. While respiratory syncytial virus levels are beginning to peak in many areas of the country, flu-related emergency department visits are at very high levels and are still rising, according to the latest data. Thirteen states are experiencing "high" respiratory virus activity: Texas, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Minnesota, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Hawaii and Washington, D.C. Three states are experiencing "very high" levels: New Hampshire, New Jersey and Wisconsin. [Click here for the CDC's "Respiratory Virus Activity Levels," with more detailed data and maps for all 50 states.]
Hospice of Savannah awarded grant for safety improvements
01/28/25 at 03:00 AMHospice of Savannah awarded grant for safety improvements NBC WSAV Savannah News, Savannah, GA; by Eric Dorsch; 1/27/25 Hospice of Savannah Inc. (HSI) has announced it has been awarded a grant for repairs and home modifications. HSI will receive $1,999,111 in Older Adults Home Modification Program grant funding to complete safety and functional home modifications and limited repairs in the primary residences of two hundred eligible homeowners and renters over age 62 with low income. The work aims to improve general safety, increase accessibility, reduce falls, and improve residents’ functional abilities in the home for their safe and successful aging in place.
How innovation is changing [hospital] length of stay
01/27/25 at 03:00 AMHow innovation is changing [hospital] length of stayHealthLeaders; by Eric Wicklund; 1/23/25 Allina Health is using technology and new ideas to reduce the time a patient spends in the hospital. They're seeing improved outcomes, reduced costs and more capacity to treat patients who need to be hospitalized. One of the key metrics in clinical care is patient length of stay (LOS), traditionally defined as the time between a patient's admittance and discharge from a hospital. ... New technologies like AI and concepts like remote patient monitoring (RPM) and Hospital at Home are helping healthcare executives gain a better understanding of LOS, and in turn they're reducing costs and improving care management.Editor's note: How do these hospital technologies interesect with and impact your referrals for palliative and hospice referrals? For discharges to home health or senior facilities that receive care from your agency?
Healthcare Industry Team 2024 Year in Review
01/24/25 at 03:00 AMHealthcare Industry Team 2024 Year in Review JD Supra; by Claire Bass, S. Derek Bauer, Kevin Bradberry, Ernessa Brawley, Sarah Browning, Charlotte Combre, Payal Cramer, Emily Crosby, Vimala Devassy, Shareef Farag, Amy Fouts, Winston Kirton, Caroline Landt, Charlene McGinty, Justin Murphy, Lynn Sessions, Gregory Tanner; 1/22/25As we begin a year that will once again be transformative for the industry, we are excited to present our comprehensive 2024 year-in-review, highlighting all that has happened and the trends that will shape 2025. [Downloadable PDF from BakerHostetler, bakerlaw.com. Large categories include the following:]
Transforming care: Spencer Health Solutions and Pharmerica partner to simplify medication management and improve lives
01/23/25 at 03:00 AMTransforming care: Spencer Health Solutions and Pharmerica partner to simplify medication management and improve lives The MarCom Journal, Morrisville, NC; by Leigh White, PharMerica and Daphne Earley, Spencer Health Solutions; 1/21/25In a move set to redefine how medication is managed, Spencer Health Solutions (SHS), a leader in innovative healthcare technology, and PharMerica, one of the nation’s largest and most trusted long-term care pharmacy services provider, are joining forces. This transformative partnership aims to make managing medications easier and more reliable for individuals with complex medication needs, senior living communities, and payers nationwide. ... Spencer Health Solutions (SHS) is dedicated to transforming medication management through innovative healthcare technology. ... PharMerica ... serves the long-term care, senior living, hospital, home infusion, hospice, behavioral, specialty and oncology pharmacy markets.
The 'paradigm shift’ of hospice service diversification
01/21/25 at 03:00 AMThe 'paradigm shift’ of hospice service diversification Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 1/17/25 Some hospices have delved deeper into service diversification to improve timely access and expand their patient reach, while others remain focused on end-of-life care delivery. The decision to launch into new service realms can come with a range of operational and reimbursement questions. Among the keys to diversifying services is establishing a business infrastructure that allows for innovative growth based on communities’ needs, according to Leslie Campbell, COO of Touchstone Communities. The San Antonio, Texas-headquartered company provides hospice, home health, veterans services, assisted living and skilled nursing services. ... Hospice leaders need to ensure that both back-office administrative and interdisciplinary teams are educated on how business growth impacts them, particularly when it comes to quality and compliance across the care continuum, Campbell stated.
Caregiver confessions: ‘How much more can we take?’
01/14/25 at 03:00 AMCaregiver confessions: ‘How much more can we take?’ New York Magazine - The Cut - Family; as told to Paula Aceves and David mack; 1/13/25 Eleven people who care for aging and sick relatives share their fears, resentments, and guilt. “Where did those ten years ago?”: the daughter struggling to make ends meet while caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s. I never left home, like a good Cuban. My dad died when I was 9, and my mom never remarried, so I always felt a responsibility for her as her only child, especially since I’m not married and don’t have children of my own. [Click on the title's link to read this and other caregiver stories.]
Seven trends in senior living that will define 2025 and beyond
01/07/25 at 03:00 AMSeven trends in senior living that will define 2025 and beyond McKnights Senior Living; by Michele Hollerand, PhD, MBA; 1/6/25 Senior living is in the midst of a major transformation, and seven major trends have emerged as key drivers of the strategic plans adopted by boards across the country. Those trends will shape the way organizations position themselves for the future to capture a new customer base in 2025 and beyond.
Top Modern Healthcare stories of 2024
01/03/25 at 03:00 AMTop Modern Healthcare stories of 2024 Modern Healthcare; by Mary Ellen Podmolik; 12/31/24 Ups and downs in healthcare kept Modern Healthcare reporters plenty busy in 2024, and 2025 is shaping up as a critical year for the industry, particularly as a new administration takes over in Washington, D.C. Our reporters this year did what Modern Healthcare excels at — bringing readers the news along with the context and analysis our audience needs to stay ahead. Get ready for 2025 by catching up on some hot topics during 2024.
Big senior living stories of 2024
12/31/24 at 03:00 AMBig senior living stories of 2024McKnights Senior Living; by Lois A. Bowers; 12/23/24Here’s a look at some of the big stories involving senior living providers that captured the attention of McKnight’s Senior Living readers this year.
U.S. health care spending reaches $4.9 trillion
12/26/24 at 03:00 AMU.S. health care spending reaches $4.9 trillion Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 12/20/24 The nation’s total health expenditures rose 7.5% to $4.9 trillion in 2023, a new analysis by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) found. This growth took place at a faster pace in 2023 than prior years. In 2022, health care spending rose at a rate of 4.6%. Total Medicare hospice spending accounted for $25.7 billion last year, according to a separate report from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC). ... About 21% of U.S. health care spending in 2023 was via Medicare, with private insurance representing a 30% share. Medicaid accounted for 21%, and the remaining 10% were out-of-pocket costs. “Hospital care, physician and clinical services, and nursing care facilities and continuing care retirement communities, which collectively accounted for 33% of all out-of-pocket spending in 2023, were the main contributors to the faster growth in 2023,” CMS indicated.
Palliative care may improve quality of life for stroke survivors and their family members
12/17/24 at 03:00 AMPalliative care may improve quality of life for stroke survivors and their family members American Heart Association - Stroke News & Brain Health; by Newsroom; 12/16/24 Palliative care ... can help improve quality of life for stroke survivors as well as their family members, according to “Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Stroke,” a new scientific statement published today in the Association’s peer-reviewed scientific journal Stroke. ... The new statement complements the Association’s 2014 Scientific Statement on Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Stroke, which covered core palliative care competencies and skills for health care professionals who treat stroke patients. The statement includes strategies to improve communication about prognosis and goals-of-care, address psychosocial needs such as coping with loss, navigate complex health care systems and prepare for death with end-of-life care when necessary. It also highlights the substantial inequities that exist in palliative care after stroke across sociodemographic and regional characteristics and the need to reduce those disparities.
Health gap at end of life is now wider in US than any other country
12/17/24 at 03:00 AMHealth gap at end of life is now wider in US than any other country Science Alert - Health; by Carly Cassella; 12/16/24 A data-crunching survey covering 183 member nations of the World Health Organization has now confirmed what some scientists feared: while years are being added to most people's lives, healthy life is not being added to most people's year. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that people around the world in 2019 were living 9.6 years of life burdened by disability or disease – an increase of 13 percent from 2000. In that same time frame, global life expectancy has increased 6.5 years, and yet health-adjusted life expectancy has only increased 5.4 years. In the US, the gap between lifespan and 'healthspan' is growing particularly wide. Between 2000 and 2019, life expectancy in the US increased from 79.2 to 80.7 years for women, and from 74.1 to 76.3 years for men. When adjusting for healthy years of added life, however, the span only increased by 0.6 years among men. And among women, while health-adjusted life expectancy fluctuated slightly over time, in 2019 it matched the figure seen in 2000. The expanding gap means if an American woman lived to the expected 80.7 years of age, the last 12.4 years of her life would on average be impacted by disease or disability.
Characteristics of patients enrolled in hospice presenting to the emergency department
12/17/24 at 03:00 AMCharacteristics of patients enrolled in hospice presenting to the emergency department American Journal of Emergency Medicine; by Kayla P Carpenter, Fernanda Bellolio, Cory Ingram, Aaron B Klassen, Sarayna S McGuire, Alisha A Morgan, Aidan F Mullan, Alexander D Ginsburg; 12/9/24, online ahead of print Emergency Departments (EDs) frequently care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, with nearly 1 in 5 patients enrolled in hospice presenting to an ED during their hospice enrollment. This study investigates the reasons patients enrolled in hospice seek care in the ED, the interventions they receive, and their outcomes. ... Patients enrolled in hospice most frequently presented to the ED for trauma [36%; with 15% for pain, 12% for catheter/tube malfunction]. Most received laboratory studies and imaging. Nearly half of patients were admitted to the hospital and short-term mortality was high, particularly for patients enrolled in hospice for needs for ED care? Ie.,
What they love and loathe: Medscape Nurse Career Satisfaction Report 2024
12/16/24 at 03:00 AMWhat they love and loathe: Medscape Nurse Career Satisfaction Report 2024 Medscape; by Jon McKenna; 12/13/24 Despite well-publicized issues buffeting their profession, nurses in a Medscape survey overwhelmingly said they are happy with their career choice, and most said they would make it again. They also told us about their most- and least-favored job features, recounted any experiences with abuse at work, revealed possible alternative careers, and reported union membership, among other insights. [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]
UConn John Dempsey Hospital joins National Age-Friendly Health System Movement
12/13/24 at 03:00 AMUConn John Dempsey Hospital joins National Age-Friendly Health System Movement UConn Today; by Jennifer Walker; 12/12/24 UConn John Dempsey Hospital was recently accepted for participation in the national Age-Friendly Healthy Systems Movement to improve health care for older adults. The Age-Friendly Health Systems Movement, sponsored by The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States, is a national collaboration of hospitals and health systems implementing a set of evidence-based interventions to make the care of all older adults equitable and age-friendly. This initiative addresses the reality that a growing proportion of the US population is elderly and has complex healthcare needs which challenge many institutions. This movement is built upon a framework of a set of four best practice interventions known as the 4Ms.