Author: Blake Caldwell

New York, NY—In an industry already grappling with staffing shortages and increased demand due to an aging population, nursing homes across the nation are facing a new challenge that threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of care they strive to provide: the rise of staffing agencies. While these agencies promise a temporary solution to the persistent problem of understaffing, their increasing involvement in the nursing home sector may be causing more harm than good. The fragmented care resulting from their use is raising concerns among industry experts, caregivers, and families alike about the quality of care and its long-term effects…

New York, NY—Amid an ever-tightening financial vise, skilled nursing facilities across the United States are feeling the acute pressure on their operational margins, exacerbated by the increasing strain on Medicaid reimbursements. As one of the primary funding sources for skilled nursing care, Medicaid’s financial constraints are now prompting a widespread reevaluation of care delivery models in the sector. With the average cost of care outstripping Medicaid reimbursements, facilities are encountering profound challenges in maintaining quality care while ensuring financial sustainability. According to a recent report by the American Health Care Association (AHCA), Medicaid underfunded nursing home care by $7 billion…

New York, NY—Across the nation, nursing homes are increasingly relying on agency nurses to fill staffing gaps caused by a shortage of healthcare professionals, a trend accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While agency nurses play a critical role in maintaining patient care levels, their growing presence in nursing homes has sparked concerns about the quality of individualized care residents receive. This shift not only raises questions about continuity of care but also about the long-term impact on the nursing profession and the well-being of the elderly population. Agency nurses, who may work at multiple facilities within a short time frame,…

New York, NY—In the throes of an ever-escalating wage war, skilled nursing facilities across the nation are grappling with a formidable challenge: can they compete with hospitals for the medical professionals essential to their operation? With a health care sector still reeling from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this question has never been more critical. The battleground is set over wages and working conditions, as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and hospitals vie for a limited pool of nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and other health care workers. At the heart of this competition is a stark wage disparity. According…

New York, NY— The high turnover rate of temporary staff in nursing homes is not a new problem, but its implications on the quality of care and operational consistency are becoming impossible to ignore. As staffing agencies increasingly fill gaps in nursing home staffing, the lack of consistency is emerging as a concern not only among industry insiders but also among families of residents who expect stable and high-quality care for their loved ones. The use of temporary staff, such as nurses and caregivers, has soared in recent years, largely due to chronic staffing shortages that have plagued the industry.…

New York, NY—The growing reliance on agency workers in nursing homes across the United States has raised concerns among experts, families, and resident advocates about its adverse effects on the quality of life and care for the elderly. A recent study titled “Strangers in the Hallway: Agency Workers and the Impact on Resident Relationships” sheds light on the unsettling trend and its detrimental implications. Nursing homes, designed to be safe havens that offer personalized care to the elderly, are increasingly turning to staffing agencies to fill gaps caused by chronic staff shortages and high turnover rates. However, this practice, according…

New York, NY— In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate investment, the battle lines between Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and private operators in the skilled nursing sector have become increasingly pronounced. This tension highlights critical strategic differences in the approach to ownership and management of skilled nursing facilities, which serve as a crucial component of the healthcare system for aging populations and those requiring long-term care. The crux of the debate centers around the ownership and operational models that are best suited to deliver quality care while also ensuring financial sustainability. REITs, which own the physical assets and lease…

New York, NY—The allure of skilled nursing facilities has captured the attention of private equity firms, propelling a wave of acquisitions that have reshaped the landscape of long-term care in America. As baby boomers age and the demand for skilled nursing services escalates, private equity has seen an opportunity for substantial returns. Yet, this burgeoning interest raises a question that looms large over the sector: Will the drive for profit compromise the quality of care, thus presenting a peril to some of the most vulnerable populations? In the past decade, private equity investment in health care has surged, more than…

New York, NY—In a significant shift that has sent ripples throughout the healthcare sector, skilled nursing facilities nationwide are bracing for impact following the announcement of upcoming changes to Medicare reimbursement rates and methodologies. The pivot, which aims to streamline costs and enhance patient outcomes, is stirring anxiety among facility operators who worry about its potentially detrimental effects on their financial sustainability and the quality of care they can provide. Under the new rule set to take effect shortly, Medicare will alter how it compensates skilled nursing facilities for the services they provide to beneficiaries, transitioning to a model that…

New York, NY—As economic clouds gather and fears of a recession loom, investors and health care providers are scrutinizing the skilled nursing sector, traditionally viewed as a recession-proof haven due to its critical nature and enduring demand. However, recent trends and expert analyses suggest that, contrary to popular belief, skilled nursing facilities may not be entirely shielded from economic downturns, potentially positioning them as a looming liability rather than a safe harbor. Amid rising operational costs and a challenging reimbursement landscape, skilled nursing homes are navigating a precarious balancing act. According to a recent report by the National Health Care…