Author: Blake Caldwell

New York, NY—In an alarming trend that underscores the challenges facing skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and the broader healthcare system, a significant number of patients discharged from hospitals to SNFs are being readmitted to hospitals within 30 days. This revolving door scenario not only highlights issues of care quality and coordination but also raises serious concerns about the fiscal and health impacts on patients and healthcare providers alike. A report released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) found that nearly one in five Medicare patients discharged from a hospital to a skilled nursing facility had to be…

New York, NY—In recent months, state governments have intensified their scrutiny and regulatory enforcement on staffing agencies, particularly those serving healthcare facilities such as nursing homes, citing practices that allegedly exploit workers and inflate healthcare costs. This crackdown, while aiming to protect workers and manage healthcare expenses, poses significant challenges for nursing homes already struggling with severe staffing shortages. The move to regulate these agencies more strictly comes in the wake of numerous reports suggesting some staffing agencies engage in predatory pricing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are accused of charging exorbitantly high rates for staffing services, creating financial…

New York, NY—In a revelation that raises concerns about patient safety, a recent study indicates a significant portion of patients in skilled nursing facilities may be receiving an unnecessary and harmful abundance of medications, highlighting the peril of polypharmacy in a vulnerable segment of the healthcare system. Polypharmacy, defined as the concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient, is a growing concern in healthcare, especially among the elderly and those in long-term care settings. The practice can lead to adverse drug events, increased hospitalizations, and even deaths. A startling statistic from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society notes…

New York, NY—In an industry already under pressure from the challenges of the pandemic, the alarming trend of temp agency “price gouging” has come to the forefront, shedding light on a troubling aspect that significantly strains nursing homes across the nation. This often-overlooked issue has caused financial strain and operational difficulties for many long-term care facilities, potentially compromising the quality of care that America’s elderly population receives. The practice—which involves charging excessively high rates for temporary staff, often with little to no notice—has become rampant, with nursing homes left with few alternatives as they scramble to fill staffing shortages exacerbated…

# New York, NY—The Silent Crisis: Mental Health Care Lags in Skilled Nursing Facilities In the dimly lit corridors of skilled nursing facilities across the nation, a silent crisis is unfolding, often overshadowed by the demands of physical health care: the struggle to effectively address depression and anxiety among its residents. Despite the critical need, mental health care remains a marginalized priority, leaving countless individuals grappling with untreated or inadequately managed conditions. A sweeping examination reveals a stark shortfall in mental health services within these institutions, historically designed to cater primarily to physical rehabilitation and long-term care needs. This oversight…

New York, NY—The ongoing staffing crisis in nursing homes across the United States has sparked fervent debate among industry experts, health care professionals, and policymakers. At the heart of the matter is the increasing reliance on staffing agencies to fill employment gaps, a solution that some argue is exacerbating the problem rather than alleviating it. But with nursing homes grappling with severe staffing shortages, are agencies really the main culprit, or just a symptom of a much deeper issue? A recent study by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) highlights the severity of the situation, revealing that 99% of nursing…

New York, NY—In the realm of skilled nursing facilities across the United States, a preventable epidemic is silently wreaking havoc, not through infectious disease, but through falls and fractures that significantly impact the elderly population they serve. Each year, an estimated 1.5 million residents in these care settings suffer from fall-related injuries, underscoring a crisis that calls for immediate attention and action. The consequences of falls among the elderly are severe and multifaceted, leading not only to physical injuries such as fractures, cuts, and bruises but also to a substantial decrease in their quality of life. More alarming, however, is…

New York, NY—The question of whether agencies have a place in nursing home staffing models has emerged as a contentious issue, as industry observers and experts argue that reliance on staffing agencies could be detrimental to the quality of care in nursing homes. With the ongoing staffing crisis in healthcare facilities across the nation, many nursing homes have turned to agencies to fill gaps in their workforce, often at a significant cost. A report published by the American Health Care Association highlighted a staggering statistic: nearly two-thirds of nursing homes are currently relying on temporary staffing agencies to maintain operational…

New York, NY—Skilled nursing facilities across the nation are facing unprecedented challenges in their efforts to contain deadly pathogens, a struggle that has put both patients and healthcare workers at significant risk. These facilities, which provide critical care to some of the most vulnerable populations, have been battling against a relentless wave of infection outbreaks, from the notorious MRSA to the emerging threats posed by novel viruses. The situation has been exacerbated by the aging infrastructure of many nursing homes, insufficient staffing levels, and the often inadequate training of personnel in infection control practices. The consequence is a heightened environment…

New York, NY—Amidst ongoing healthcare debates and a persistent staffing crisis, the industry’s trend towards prioritizing in-house training and development for temp workers has been celebrated by many as a one-size-fits-all solution. However, this approach raises significant concerns within nursing homes, potentially compromising the quality of elderly care and straining already tight budgets. For years, nursing homes across the country have relied on temporary staff to fill gaps, particularly during peak times or when facing staffing shortages. However, the move towards converting these temporary workers into permanent team players through in-house training and development, while well-intentioned, is not the panacea…