July, 2024

article thumbnail

CMS Rolls Out 2025 Hospice Final Rule With 2.9% Pay Increase

Hospice News

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has unveiled its final 2025 hospice rule, which includes a 2.9% increase in per diem payments alongside new quality reporting measures. The increase represents an estimated $790 million rise in total hospice payments compared to Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. It is also higher than the 2.6% hike that CMS initially proposed.

2025 305
article thumbnail

5 stages of dementia: What to expect & how to connect

HopeHealth

If your loved one has dementia, here’s what to keep in mind at each stage — and how to create moments of connection along the way. The post 5 stages of dementia: What to expect & how to connect appeared first on HopeHealth.

professionals

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Trending Sources

article thumbnail

How to Find Grace and Balance When Taking on More Responsibility as a Caregiver

Caregiver Warrior

Taking on more caregiving responsibilities is a challenging experience. Here are some things to consider for an easy transition. The post How to Find Grace and Balance When Taking on More Responsibility as a Caregiver appeared first on Caregiver Warrior.

Caregiver 260
article thumbnail

Six things you can do right now to prevent falls at home

Aging Life Care Association

The CDC reports one in four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year. With more seniors choosing to age in place and stay at home, the risk of falling increases. Here are some areas you can examine in your home right now to reduce the risk of falls. Tips to prevent falls at … Continue reading Six things you can do right now to prevent falls at home → The post Six things you can do right now to prevent falls at home appeared first on Aging Life Care Association.

220
220
article thumbnail

Real-Life Examples of HIPAA Violations and How to Avoid Them

Speaker: Jack Clough, Chief Growth Officer

Download our 30-minute webinar where we delve into real-life examples of HIPAA violations and preventative measures every organization should know! You will learn: The critical factors that lead to HIPAA violations and how to identify them. Three compelling real-life cases of organizations that faced severe HIPAA penalties. Proven strategies to safeguard YOUR organization against HIPAA violations.

article thumbnail

Traumatic Brain Injury: The Road to Recovery

Daily Nurse

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common occurrence that both healthcare professionals and laypeople should be aware of. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there were 69,000 deaths related to TBI in 2021, which amounts to approximately 190 deaths per day. Awareness is where it all begins with TBI. This includes but is not limited to the common causes of TBI, what the experience is like for patients and their loved ones, and what nurses need to know to intervene effectively in pa

ADLS 112
article thumbnail

On Crying

Donna Cardillo, The Inspiration Nurse

I’m feeling like I want to cry, need a good cry—release, tears of joy, tears of anguish—the yin and the yang of life. It’s OK to cry for both sides, embrace the dark and the light; one supports the other. You are beloved and whole because of it. You feel, you fall, you pick yourself […] The post On Crying first appeared on Donna Cardillo, RN.

104
104

More Trending

article thumbnail

“She healed my heart”: In grief support group, a friendship blossoms

HopeHealth

In 2022, Gina’s aunt and grandmother passed away within months of each other, two people who had been at the center of her life. Then she lost her job. At age 33, her world felt like it was crumbling beneath her. That same year, Pat, age 79, lost her husband. “We had been married 55 Read More The post “She healed my heart”: In grief support group, a friendship blossoms appeared first on HopeHealth.

Grief 264
article thumbnail

Normal Vital Signs for Seniors | Measuring Health of Older Adults

Caring Senior Service

Monitoring vital signs is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of seniors. As we age, our bodies undergo various changes that can affect these vital signs. Understanding normal vital signs for seniors and knowing what to do when they are not within normal ranges can help caregivers provide better care. What Are Vital Signs? Vital signs are measurements of the body's most essential functions.

article thumbnail

Tips for Rightsizing not Downsizing

Aging Life Care Association

Practical Tips from an Expert As many aging adults face the prospect of leaving their homes for smaller living spaces, there are a few key strategies that can make the transition happen in a much less stressful and smooth fashion. I like to think of it as rightsizing, not downsizing. Start with the basics Often … Continue reading Tips for Rightsizing not Downsizing → The post Tips for Rightsizing not Downsizing appeared first on Aging Life Care Association.

207
207
article thumbnail

Simulation Helps Clinicians Prepare for High-Risk Procedures

Daily Nurse

Simulation sessions can help maintain clinician proficiency and prepare staff members to be part of the multidisciplinary team during high-risk procedures that happen suddenly and infrequently. One such situation is an emergency resternotomy in the intensive care unit (ICU) for patients recovering from cardiac surgery who experience cardiac arrest. The surgery involves reopening the patient’s chest after defibrillation did not resuscitate them.

article thumbnail

The Ultimate Guide to Improving Caregiver Engagement & Retention

Want to learn how to retain your caregivers & improve caregiver retention X3? The home care industry is experiencing turnover rates of over 80%. How are you ensuring your agency is retaining caregivers? This FREE eBook from Smartcare Software is packed with industry secrets needed to keep your caregivers happy, engaged, and retained, unlocking the full potential of your agency.

article thumbnail

Blue Space

Chicago Caregiving

Access to water offers mental and physical benefits, however you choose to interact with it Fact checked by Catherine Gianaro The benefits of water run deeper than hydration. Blue space — bodies of water such as the expansive Lake Michigan and meandering Chicago River — benefit human wellness in myriad ways. People who spend time near natural bodies of water reported positive effects on their physical and mental health, according to BlueHealth, a pan-European research initiative focused on urba

2019 105
article thumbnail

NAHC President Bill Dombi: Hospices in for a ‘Bumpy Ride to New Era’

Hospice News

The Medicare Hospice Benefit is ripe for change nearly four decades after its establishment, but moving the needle will include a heavy lift around evolving regulations. This is according to Bill Dombi, president of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC). The hospice industry is undergoing tremendous changes amid rising demand and increased regulatory oversight, Dombi said at NAHC’s Financial Management Conference in Las Vegas.

Hospice 297
article thumbnail

“Dying is an important part of living”: Lessons from a hospice volunteer

HopeHealth

Hospice volunteers give so much of themselves to help patients and families. Often, they learn these life lessons along the way. The post “Dying is an important part of living”: Lessons from a hospice volunteer appeared first on HopeHealth.

article thumbnail

Benefits of Recumbent Bikes for Seniors | Caring Senior Service

Caring Senior Service

As someone who wasn't an avid cyclist, embarking on a 10,000-mile e-bike journey across 3 months was a transformative experience for me. The physical benefits were undeniable, and it opened my eyes to the value of biking as a form of exercise for all ages. However, I recognize that not everyone can hit the road for such extensive rides. Recumbent bikes allow seniors to enjoy the benefits of cycling without the risks of road biking.

article thumbnail

Best Practices for Sharing Protected Health Information (PHI)

Explore essential topics in this ebook, including what constitutes PHI and how to identify it using 18 indicators. Gain insights into the importance of safeguarding PHI to protect patient privacy and learn about the severe consequences of HIPAA violations. Discover practical strategies for securely exchanging PHI within your healthcare organization, including assessing risks and implementing effective safeguards.

article thumbnail

A Vision of Diversity, Equity, and Nursing Education 

Minority Nurse

In this time of increasing focus on efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion , creating a more diverse nursing and healthcare workforce is a goal that many would agree is worth pursuing. A more diverse workforce positively manifests for all parties involved, whether doctors, nurse practitioners , nurses, or other healthcare professionals. However, barriers to inclusion and diversity within the doctorally prepared nursing workforce are a challenge that some are beginning to address.

Nursing 98
article thumbnail

Tracking Hand Hygiene Adherence with Wearable Technology

Daily Nurse

Wearable technology has become more common in the care of cancer patients, but it can also boost adherence to certain protocols, such as hand hygiene. Anne Corbett, MS, BSN, RN, nurse manager of the stem cell transplant unit at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, is now using this technology at her hospital where it was first piloted in October 2022 in her unit, which consists of 34 beds total within two separate units right next to each other, to see how the staff of approximate

article thumbnail

In Celebration of Stroke Caregivers

Today's Caregiver

One of the most interesting things I have learned from speaking with family caregivers around the country over these past 29 years is that, although so many aspects of caregiving are similar no matter what the disease or illness our loved ones faces

article thumbnail

Unveiling the Key Priorities of Future Diverse Palliative Care Workforces

Hospice News

Recent research has found that career growth, organizational culture and impactful work are significant priorities among the next generation of palliative care clinicians, particularly those from underserved populations. Medical students indicated that these three key areas are “crucial” to their well-being and mental health in a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network.

article thumbnail

The Essential Guide to HIPAA-Compliant Messaging for Home Care Teams

Explore the risks posed by non-compliant consumer apps like Instagram and WhatsApp in healthcare settings. Learn about potential HIPAA penalties and use a self-evaluation flowchart to determine your organization's need for HIPAA-compliant messaging. Discover straightforward steps to implement secure communication solutions efficiently, ensuring compliance and protecting patient data effectively.

article thumbnail

After Hospital Discharge

Chicago Caregiving

How to vet care facilities — and make a decision under pressure Fact checked by Catherine Gianaro What happens when an older adult leaves the hospital but still needs care? Generally, the person or their loved one has to choose among assisted memory care, skilled nursing (a facility that offers care from licensed nurses), home care, rehabilitation, or sub-acute care (which requires specialized tools or treatments).

article thumbnail

Tips for Practicing Compassion as a Caregiver

Caring Senior Service

Being a caregiver — whether professional or family caregiver — is a rewarding but demanding role. It requires not only physical and mental strength but also a great deal of emotional resilience. One of the key elements that can make caregiving more effective and fulfilling is compassion. Explore practical tips for practicing compassion as a caregiver, enhancing your caregiving experience.

Caregiver 105
article thumbnail

2024 AAHPM Emerging Leader Lauren Treat, MD

AAHPM (American Academy of Hospice and Palliative)

Lauren Treat, MD University of Colorado AAHPM reached out to the 2024 Emerging Leaders to gain insight into what motivated them to pursue leadership positions and what they find more fulfilling in their experiences. Lauren Treat, MD has been recognized as one of the exceptional individuals chosen as a 2024 AAHPM Emerging Leader in Hospice and Palliative Care.

2024 95
article thumbnail

Three Philadelphia Nurses Recognized in this Year’s Celebrate Caring Campaign

Daily Nurse

Three outstanding nurses from Philadelphia have been recognized in this year’s Celebrate Caring Campaign by Independence Blue Cross. These nurses were nominated by patients, family members, and colleagues for their exceptional dedication and excellence in the nursing field. Daily Nurse proudly acknowledges the outstanding work of Allison Denman, Jasmine Hudson, and Francis Doran as the Nurses of the Week for their exceptional care and dedication to their patients, families, and communities

article thumbnail

The Cost of Inefficient Communication in Home Care & Beyond

This eBook explores the critical issues of using consumer-grade messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and SMS in healthcare, especially home care. It highlights the negative impacts on patient care quality, data security, and HIPAA compliance and provides practical solutions to enhance communication efficiency! You will learn how to: Consolidate Messaging Platforms: Streamline communication by reducing the use of multiple apps, improving efficiency in patient care.

article thumbnail

Objective Love

Today's Caregiver

I received a call from a dear friend of mine, who recently retired from the health care industry. You could say he was one of my first mentors, when starting out on my journey of caregiver support 25 years ago.

article thumbnail

‘Jury Is Out’ on Hospice CARES Act’s Proposed Payment Reforms

Hospice News

The hospice community is contributing input to the development of the forthcoming Hospice Care Accountability, Reform, and Enforcement (Hospice CARE) Act. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) is in the process of drafting the bill that, if enacted, would represent the most significant reforms to date for hospice payment and oversight. The legislation is currently in a discussion draft phase, which has been circulated among the nation’s major industry trade associations and their members for feedback.

article thumbnail

The Crucial Importance of Diversity in the Nursing Field

Diversity Nursing

In the constantly changing landscape of healthcare, Nurses play a vital role as the cornerstone of healthcare systems. They offer essential care, support, and education to patients. It is crucial for the field of Nursing to embrace Diversity, as it not only promotes social justice but also significantly improves quality of care, fosters innovation, and mirrors the diverse communities Nurses serve.

Nursing 95
article thumbnail

When Will Hospice Be There?

AT Home Care & Hospice

Understanding In-Home Hospice Care What is Hospice Care? Imagine comfort, peace, and dignity during a difficult time. That’s what hospice care is all about. It’s a special type of care focused on making the most of the final months for people with a serious illness. Hospice doesn’t try to cure the illness, but rather to The post When Will Hospice Be There?

Hospice 93
article thumbnail

The Secret to Supercharging Your Organizations Communications

Effective collaboration among all care team members is critical to delivering better patient outcomes. A key element to achieving effective collaboration is through the implementation of a clinical communication and collaboration platform. In a fast-paced, high-stress and critical environment, people tend to do whatever gets the job done. Therefore will scramble and use the systems, people, or processes around them to get an outcome more quickly - which can often be at the expense of quality.

article thumbnail

What Nurses Say About Nursing, and What Should Change

AJN Off the Charts

A novel AI-assisted approach identified issues and developed recommendations. There have been many articles about the current challenges in nursing and what might be done to improve nurses’ workplaces and retain nurses. While nurses have proven to be resilient long before, during, and since the COVID-19 pandemic, without changes by the systems in which they work, even the hardiest of nurses will become burned-out.

Nursing 88
article thumbnail

Nurses, Diseases, and Mosquitoes — Oh My! 

Daily Nurse

Did you know that mosquitos kill more humans than any other animal on the planet? (Forget sharks, who don’t even make the top fifteen killers on most lists.) From dengue to chikungunya, mosquitos are easy to hate and are a public health nightmare. Nurses and Mosquitos According to the National Library of Medicine website, there are over 3,500 mosquito species and approximately 110 trillion mosquitos worldwide, with only Antarctica being spared.

Nursing 105
article thumbnail

UV Safety Month: Sun Safety for Seniors

Community Home Health Care

Sun safety is crucial for seniors and UV Safety Month is here to remind us of the importance of protecting ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays. At Community Home Healthcare, our goal is to prioritize the health and wellness of your loved ones , whether it’s ensuring they can safely enjoy a sunny summer day or providing them with quality at-home care.

article thumbnail

Hospices Strategize Sustainable Growth for Veteran Programs

Hospice News

Hospices combat both operational and financial challenges as they seek to grow and evolve their veteran programs around the diverse and complex needs of patients and their families. Some of the largest expenses associated with offering veteran services include staffing and training costs, according to Carlos Graveran, executive director at Maryland-based Frederick Health Hospice.

Hospice 278
article thumbnail

Optimistic Aging: The Benefits of a Positive Outlook

Responsive Home Care

Caring for an aging parent often means becoming their confidant and cheerleader. It should never be just about managing medications or medical appointments; you are enriching their life, making each and every day more meaningful. It is amazing what a big change an optimistic aging attitude can have on a person’s wellbeing, and in your […] The post Optimistic Aging: The Benefits of a Positive Outlook appeared first on Responsive Home Care.