Author: David Penn

One of the nation’s biggest health insurers, UnitedHealth Group, is reportedly under a Department of Justice criminal investigation for potential fraud within its Medicare Advantage division, the Wall Street Journal reported. This development adds another layer of scrutiny to the company’s business practices and has sent ripples of concern through the nursing home industry, which has long voiced concerns about Medicare Advantage plan practices. While UnitedHealth stated they have not been notified of any such investigation and stand by their Medicare Advantage program’s integrity, the news has industry experts on high alert. Maureen McCarthy, president and CEO of Celtic Consulting,…

A new study published in BMC Geriatrics sheds light on the crucial factors that determine the independence of older adults, revealing that depression and frailty status are strong indicators of an individual’s ability to maintain autonomy. The findings, based on an analysis of 1,277 adults aged 75 and older, have significant implications for the nursing home industry in terms of assessment, care planning, and intervention strategies. The researchers tracked participants over a 24-month period, utilizing the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) scale to gauge their level of independence. Their analysis identified a range of factors influencing independence at…

A contentious new bill proposed by New York Attorney General Letitia James is poised to drastically alter the landscape of debt collection for nursing homes, potentially equating them with “unscrupulous car salesmen” and other predatory businesses. The Fostering Affordability and Integrity through Reasonable Business Practices Act (FAIR) seeks to update the state’s 55-year-old consumer protection laws, a move that has sparked significant concern within the skilled nursing industry. The crux of the bill targets nursing homes that “routinely sue relatives of deceased residents for their unpaid bills despite not having any basis for liability.” This comes at a precarious time,…

A significant shift has occurred at Life Care Centers of America, one of the nation’s largest nursing home chains. A Tennessee judge has granted permanent control of the company and its vast financial holdings to Aubrey Preston, son of the company’s founder, Forrest Preston. This move comes amidst concerns about Forrest Preston’s declining health and allegations of financial mismanagement. Life Care Centers of America, with its 200+ facilities across 27 states and over 30,000 employees, now enters a new chapter under Aubrey Preston’s stewardship. The decision follows a period of legal uncertainty, marked by concerns about Forrest Preston’s mental capacity…

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has rescinded more than two dozen guidance memoranda issued during the Biden administration, a move that legal experts say signals significant policy changes ahead. The action, announced on February 14 by Acting General Counsel William B. Cowen, could have far-reaching implications for nursing home operators navigating labor laws and workforce regulations. Key Changes Affecting Employers Among the rescinded guidance are memoranda addressing severance agreements, noncompete clauses, stay-or-pay provisions, and employer surveillance of workers. Many of these policies were intended to expand employee protections, particularly in unionized settings. The rollback suggests a shift toward more…

The nursing home industry, already struggling with a severe staffing crisis, faces a new challenge as the Biden administration’s suspension of the U.S. refugee program threatens a vital workforce pipeline. Nonprofit resettlement agencies are suing the administration over the decision, warning of dire consequences for both refugees and long-term care facilities. A Critical Workforce at Risk Organizations like Church World Service, HIAS, and Lutheran Community Services Northwest have filed a lawsuit, arguing that the suspension and withholding of federal funding for refugee services constitute an “unprecedented and illegal attack” on their work. This has already resulted in thousands of layoffs…

February 3, 2025 – A recent study published in BMC Geriatrics has shed light on the interconnectedness of pain, sleep quality, and care dependency among older adults residing in long-term care facilities. The research, conducted between 2022 and 2023, analyzed data from 226 residents over the age of 60, revealing a concerning correlation between pain severity and both sleep disruption and increased dependency on care. The study found a clear link between deteriorating sleep quality and heightened pain levels. For every point decrease in sleep quality, researchers observed a corresponding increase in pain, dependency in daily activities, depressive feelings, and…

**New York, NY—** In the evolving landscape of healthcare, one sector poised for transformative change is skilled nursing. Industry leaders argue that to move forward, significant investments in innovation are crucial. The future of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), crucial components of the healthcare continuum, especially for the elderly and those with chronic conditions, hinges on adopting new technologies and models of care that cater to the shifting demographics and preferences of patients. A recent study by the National Health Investors revealed that approximately 70% of Americans over the age of 65 will require some form of long-term care, an insight…

**New York, NY—** In the convoluted world of healthcare and eldercare, myths about funding for skilled nursing facilities abound, leaving families confused and often misinformed about their options. As the aging population grows, understanding the financial avenues available for long-term care is more crucial than ever. Business Insider takes a deep dive into the realities of skilled nursing funding, debunking common misconceptions and shining a light on the facts. One of the most pervasive myths is that Medicare will cover long-term stays in skilled nursing facilities indefinitely. The truth, however, starkly contrasts this belief. According to the Centers for Medicare…

New York, NY—Amid a global aging population and healthcare systems under strain, a select group of countries stands out for their forward-thinking approach to skilled nursing—a critical component for maintaining quality of life for the elderly and individuals with long-term care needs. These nations are setting precedents, showing that prioritizing skilled nursing not only improves patient outcomes but could also be a linchpin in sustainable healthcare reform worldwide. A recent OECD report highlighted Norway as a leading example, where investment in skilled nursing facilities and staff education has translated into significantly lower hospital readmission rates and higher patient satisfaction scores.…