Author: Charles Adams

Skilled Care Journal – The FDA’s recent approval of Ozempic for adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) marks a significant development with potential implications for the nursing home industry. This decision makes Ozempic the first GLP-1 treatment option for this patient population, addressing a critical need given the high prevalence of CKD among diabetic nursing home residents. Ozempic, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, has demonstrated promising results in clinical trials. Novo Nordisk, the drug’s maker, reports that Ozempic reduced the risk of death from CKD and major cardiac events by 24% in people with diabetes.…

In a move that could have significant implications for the state’s senior care landscape, 92 nursing homes have filed a lawsuit against the New York State Department of Health. The lawsuit centers on the department’s decision to cease reimbursing older facilities for capital improvements, a move the nursing homes allege is discriminatory and threatens their financial viability. The crux of the issue lies in the state’s assessment of a facility’s “useful life,” a metric used to determine eligibility for reimbursement. According to the lawsuit, the Department of Health has arbitrarily set this threshold at 40 years, effectively denying older facilities…

David Smith, a junior at Victor High School, is no stranger to adversity. Despite undergoing 16 surgeries for a spinal disorder, Smith remains determined to pursue a career in nursing, inspired by the compassionate care he received throughout his medical journey. “I want to give back to the profession that has given me so much,” Smith shared in an interview with the Ravalli Republic. “The nurses who cared for me were always so kind and supportive. They made a difficult time in my life a little easier, and I want to do the same for others.” Smith’s story is a…

A shocking case of alleged elder abuse has rocked a Colonial Heights nursing home, sending ripples of concern throughout the industry. Two former employees of the Rehabilitation & Nursing Center at Colonial Heights, Jaleyah Chambers and Jayla Jones, are facing serious charges, including felony abuse and neglect of a helpless adult, as well as misdemeanor assault and battery. The charges stem from a deeply disturbing video that appears to show the two women verbally and physically abusing an elderly resident. The video, which was reportedly shared on social media, allegedly depicts the women taunting the resident, striking her, and even…

A recent report highlights the increasing demand for residential care facilities in Maine, driven by an aging population and evolving resident needs. According to the report, the average age of residents is 81, and they stay for an average of 941 days. “These facilities are becoming increasingly vital as Maine’s population ages,” says Dr. Sarah Smith, a leading geriatric specialist. “We need to ensure they have the resources to meet the complex needs of this vulnerable population.” One significant trend is the rise in residents with dementia. The report reveals that 54% of residents have been diagnosed with this condition,…

A recent report revealing Texas Representative Kay Granger’s move to an independent living facility has reignited concerns about aging leaders in Washington. The 81-year-old congresswoman, who has represented Texas’s 12th District since 1997, has not cast a vote since July. Her health challenges, described as a rapid decline linked to dementia, have prompted q100uestions about transparency and leadership responsibilities in Congress. A Quiet Transition Granger’s son, Brandon, confirmed her move to an independent living facility, emphasizing that she is not in its memory care unit, despite speculation. He described her health issues as progressing “very rapidly and very difficult,” but…

Ensuring Nursing Home Residents Stay Connected During Public Health Emergencies A significant piece of legislation, the Never Alone Act, is on its way to Governor Mike DeWine’s desk. This bill, officially known as House Bill 236, aims to safeguard the rights of nursing home and long-term care residents to have access to loved ones, even during public health emergencies. The Need for the ‘Never Alone Act’ The devastating isolation experienced by nursing home residents during the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a driving force behind this bill. Families were separated for months, leaving residents without essential social support. Theresa Knapik, Director…

The shocking assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has rocked the health care industry and shone a harsh light on the deep roots of the alleged shooter, Luigi Mangione, in the very systems he appeared to target. As investigators piece together Mangione’s motives, his family’s long-standing ties to the nursing home and health care industries raise troubling questions about the interplay between legacy, systemic frustrations, and extreme violence. The Mangione name, once a symbol of health care innovation and philanthropy in Maryland, is now under scrutiny—revealing how a generational empire built on nursing homes and hospitals has been dragged into…

Elderly residents from seven Louisiana nursing homes, who were placed in a crowded warehouse during Hurricane Ida in 2021, are being offered shares of a nearly $9 million settlement after years of legal proceedings. A retired state judge overseeing the case explained that the 427 residents or their surviving families who filed claims will soon receive letters detailing their individual settlement amounts. However, Judge William “Rusty” Knight acknowledged the difficulties many have faced. “It’s been a longer road than we hoped,” Knight said. “Sadly, there’s not enough money to make up for what these residents endured.” The Incident As Hurricane…

New York City, NY — The investigation into the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has taken a significant turn, with New York City detectives uncovering fresh leads that suggest the suspect is closer to being identified. Thompson, 50, was gunned down in Midtown Manhattan early Wednesday morning in a chilling, premeditated attack that has left the corporate and legal worlds reeling. A Premeditated Strike The attack occurred outside the Hilton Midtown hotel, where Thompson was scheduled to attend an investors’ conference. According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, the gunman waited in hiding before firing multiple rounds at…