McKnight's Long-Term Care News’ Post

Union representation is linked to a significant reduction in nursing home staff turnover, according to a first-of-its-kind research letter published today in JAMA Network Open. Among the 17.3% of nursing homes that were unionized in 2021, researchers found a 3.2% relative drop in turnover. In counties where more than 75% of nursing homes were unionized, the effect was a 17.1% reduction.

On Friday, September 6, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced a proposed rule, seeking to establish minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes in the United States. The proposal builds on a breadth of initiatives that the Biden Administration has undertaken to improve safety and quality of care in U.S. nursing homes. It is, however, the first of such initiatives to specifically target direct support to workers in these facilities. In our latest blog, labor attorney Jordan Konell examines the potential impacts of this proposed rule on nursing home workers. #LaborLaw #NursingHomeJobs #HealthCareWorkers

Amidst growing concerns over understaffing in healthcare, particularly within aged care, it's crucial to address the issue head-on. Despite the efforts of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to boost caring minutes in October 2024, understaffing remains a challenge, often exacerbated by agencies charging premium fees for their solutions. At Aktrapid, we understand the gravity of this issue and offer high-quality staffing solutions without the hefty price tag. Our recruitment process is streamlined with the help of our partners at Chandler Services, who utilize AI programs specifically designed for our industry. We believe that staffing costs should not overshadow the primary focus on quality care. Treating our staff with kindness and ensuring fair compensation fosters pride within the workforce and translates to exceptional care for clients, just like family. Join us at Aktrapid, where quality care meets affordability, and staff are empowered to uphold our commitment to excellence. Aktrapid Nursing Chandler Services Chandler Personnel April De Silva Maria Simitsis Perry De Silva #AgedCare #StaffingSolutions #QualityCare #nursing

Mechanicsburg-based LeadingAge PA said its latest survey shows nursing homes continue to struggle to fill shifts despite wage increases, causing them to close beds to people who need long-term care. “Since July 1, when new state staffing standards were implemented, nearly 60% of respondents said they’ve been unable to fill shifts, despite working with staffing agencies. As a result, nearly 63% will be forced to further reduce the number of beds available if new proposed federal staffing regulations are approved, and nearly 16% will have to consider closing their facility or selling to a for-profit entity,” LeadingAge PA said. “Some facilities have taken as many as 60% of their beds offline.” Full survey results: https://lnkd.in/em5CR3ay “The proposed federal staffing mandate is well-intended, but as these survey results show, it will have the opposite effect of improving care in Pennsylvania,” said LeadingAge PA President and CEO Garry Pezzano. “Without adequate funding and a sufficient supply of qualified workers, the best nursing homes across the state will have no choice but to further reduce their available beds. The ultimate outcome will be stranded families who have a loved one in desperate need of skilled care.”  https://lnkd.in/eZGguKY7 Central Penn Business Journal

Bill Introduced to Block Federal Nursing Home Staffing Mandate Rep. Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota has introduced legislation to halt CMS from implementing its proposed nursing home staffing mandate. The bill – dubbed the Protecting Rural Seniors Access to Care Act – would, instead, require the federal government to create an advisory panel to study the issue. https://lnkd.in/eDkKJmUP According to Rep. Fischbach, the staffing requirement should not go into effect until CMS “can prove it will not result in the closure of skilled nursing facilities, will not harm patient access, and will not make workforce shortage issues worse in areas that are already struggling.” The legislation comes on the heels of a letter sent last week by 28 U.S. Senators to CMS urging it to rescind the federal staffing mandate for nursing homes. https://lnkd.in/ea9taZ4w #Health Care #Nursing Homes

Primary Care Crisis On the verge of a strike. I was a GP for 30 years and never thought of a strike. But the Tories have undermined and sabotaged GPs. Alongside SNP in Scotland they cut medical Student intake 2011-2014. It takes ten years to train a GP and same or more for a hospital consultant. Tories and SNP both promised big increases in numbers but the Fulltime equivalent numbers have been nearly static since 2010. With increasing population Increasing older patients and very old patients = increasing complexity+multimorbidity With the transfer of work from secondary to primary without additional funding Some welcome additional health care professionals in Primary care. But District nurse numbers down and centralised, so less part of a team same for Health Visitors and Midwives largely totally separate from GPs. Result growing loss of partnership practices replaced by bureaucratic. 2c Board run in Scotland. With Covid and Hospital waiting times the challenges have grown even more. Almost every practice GPs are overloaded. In Scotland a failure by SNP to copy England in electronic signing of prescriptions which adds 30-40 minutes to a GP day manually signing scripts. No time for meaningful checks Also Lack of urgency in ensuring extensive implementation of Community Pharmacist stable chronic prescribing introduced after the report by Lewis Ritchie more than a decade ago. If fully implemented alongside review of prescribing will reduce GP time and iatrogenic adverse effects. Specific lack of urgency in managing CAMHS where i did an FOI to Health Boards Combined with available data this showed 15% of referrals toCAMHS were rejected. 2/3 from GPs. Anecdotally far too many signposted to alternatives already tried. The long delays with failed waiting time targets since 2015 [at least] has resulted in an additional 15% not attending The phase 1 of the current Scottish GP contract was also particularly unhelpful to rural and remote practices. And SNP and BMA bear responsibility for this and it must be addressed.

Rural healthcare is a crucial aspect of America's healthcare system. But CMS seems to be making it harder for rural healthcare providers to serve their residents and communities. Unfunded mandates and outrageous regulations are only making it more difficult for providers to operate. Instead of shutting down rural healthcare, CMS should work with grassroots populations to support long-term care. Collaboration and transparency are key to making this happen. #RuralHealthcare #LongTermCare #Collaboration #Transparency

🏥 Concerning Update in Skilled Nursing! 🏥 A recent article highlights a critical issue in the skilled nursing industry. According to the report, nearly 450,000 residents could face displacement if a certain mandate is put into effect. Access challenges are further exacerbating the situation. The potential impact on vulnerable residents is alarming, and it underscores the need for careful consideration of mandates in the healthcare sector. Let's stay informed and advocate for solutions that prioritize the well-being of those in need. #SkilledNursing #HealthcareMandates #ResidentCare #NurseRecruitment #NurseHiring #NursingOpportunities #NurseJobs #NurseLife #NursingCareer #nurseIO

Can someone please explain to me why #legislators think these mandates are a good idea? Go ahead. I'm listening. #helpmeunderstand #skillednursing #eldercare #longtermcare #SNF #LTC #legislation #mandates #nursing #nursinghomes