A Kirkland, WA, nursing home was identified as the first site of a U.S. outbreak of the novel coronavirus on Feb. 29. Just 12 days later, the World Health Organization stated it was a global pandemic.
Probe: SNF, site of first outbreak, acted slowly
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 01, 2020
A federal investigation found that the Washington state skilled nursing facility where the first U.S. coronavirus outbreak occurred acted slowly in response to warning signs.
CMS delivers provider relief
By
Liza Berger
Apr 01, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services made numerous bold moves in mid-March to give nursing homes and other providers relief in the battle against the novel coronavirus.
PPE shortages make for a ‘perfect storm’
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 01, 2020
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued expansive guidance on the best ways to conserve personal protection equipment, such as gowns and masks, as supply shortages became a massive concern...
Ban targets visitors, dining
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 01, 2020
Nursing homes were directed to prohibit all visitors to its facilities and cease all communal dining under federal guidance issued March 13. The directive aimed to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus,...
CMS delays MDS 3.0 push
By
Liza Berger
Apr 01, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has delayed the release of an updated Minimum Data Set — another indicator of how the agency was refocusing its resources on efforts to stem the coronavirus...
Creative ideas, thanks to virus
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 01, 2020
Providers unleashed an array of entertaining ways to boost resident morale and stave off feelings of isolation following a nationwide order to close all nursing homes to nonessential visitors.
CMS to update preadmission resident screening demands
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 01, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services disclosed in February that it is in the process of revising the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review regulations. It would be the rule’s first major...
Docs: Go low-risk first for chronic pain
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 01, 2020
A careful combination of drug and non-drug therapies is the best strategy for safely improving quality of life in residents with chronic pain, according to Mayo Clinic geriatricians.
Ask the care expert: Any suggestions for changing the colostomy so it doesn’t leak?
By
Sherrie Dornberger
Apr 01, 2020
We have a resident with a new colostomy. Any suggestions for changing the colostomy so it doesn’t leak?