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DOJ Pushes Back on Nursing Home Staffing Rule Challenge The DOJ argues against halting the federal staffing mandate, claiming it protects residents. Critics say it’s costly and unrealistic, sparking a legal battle that’s far from over. Read more:?https://lnkd.in/gfnX3NQy #nursinghomes #nursinghomecare #skillednursing #senior #longtermcare #healthcare #health #news #Patient #advocacy #nonprofit #care #cms #SNF #accesstothetop #chicago #unitedstates

?? Building Leaders in Nursing Homes: Addressing Challenges & Shaping the Future. Leadership cultivation in nursing homes, through programs like Administrator-in-Training (AIT), faces challenges such as high turnover, financial constraints, and pandemic-induced stress. Operators like EF Senior Care and A.G. Rhodes are addressing these issues by tailoring programs to individual needs, emphasizing company culture, and creating diverse leadership pathways. From clinical to financial training, these initiatives prepare future leaders to navigate the industry's complexities. However, roadblocks like funding shortages and the emotional toll on existing leaders remain pressing issues for growth and retention. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gkh5iiWQ #nursinghomes #nursinghomecare #skillednursing #senior #longtermcare #healthcare #health #news #Patient #advocacy #nonprofit #care #cms #SNF #accesstothetop #chicago #unitedstates

?? Athena Health Care to Close Two More Nursing Homes Amid Financial Struggles. Athena Health Care, once Connecticut’s largest nursing home operator, plans to close two more facilities, affecting 200 residents. The closures come as Athena grapples with staffing shortages, rising costs, and overdue building upgrades. This move will leave Athena with just six nursing homes in the state, down from 22 two years ago. Despite high occupancy levels, financial pressures have driven the decision. Athena pledges to support displaced residents, families, and employees during the transition, while the state reviews the closures over the next six months. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gJmfUPyZ #nursinghomes #nursinghomecare #skillednursing #senior #longtermcare #healthcare #health #news #Patient #advocacy #nonprofit #care #cms #SNF #accesstothetop #chicago #unitedstates

?? Study Reveals Medicaid Rates Fall Short of Nursing Home Care Costs. A new study highlights financial struggles for nursing homes, as Medicaid payments in 2019 covered only 82% of care costs on average in 44 states. Nearly 40% of facilities reported even lower reimbursement rates, often below 80% of costs. Funded by HHS, the report underscores the urgent need for proper funding to meet the growing demand for long-term care, especially as more people require services. Nonprofit nursing homes fared worst, with payment-to-cost ratios at 0.76, compared to for-profit (0.83) and government-owned facilities (0.80). Read more: https://lnkd.in/ggkBdvvM #nursinghomes #nursinghomecare #skillednursing #senior #longtermcare #healthcare #health #news #Patient #advocacy #nonprofit #care #cms #SNF #accesstothetop #chicago #unitedstates

?? Journey Skilled Nursing Expands with Eight New Facilities in Georgia Indiana-based Journey Skilled Nursing has acquired eight nursing homes in Georgia, strengthening its presence in the state. These facilities, selected for their quality care and strong community ties, join Journey's growing portfolio, now totaling 21 properties across four states. CEO Bernie McGuinness emphasized a shared commitment to compassionate care, while Chief Nursing Officer Jody O’Mara highlighted the focus on empowering caregivers to deliver top-quality services. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g-252ZMR #nursinghomes #nursinghomecare #skillednursing #senior #longtermcare #healthcare #health #news #Patient #advocacy #nonprofit #care #cms #SNF #accesstothetop #chicago #unitedstates

?? Ensign Group Optimistic on Growth, Staffing Trends, and Regulatory Outlook. Ensign Group leaders express confidence in their future, highlighting steady Medicaid rates, reduced staffing costs, and disciplined acquisitions. CEO Barry Port expects the federal staffing mandate to be reversed under the Trump administration, easing regulatory burdens. COO Spencer Burton reported progress in reducing agency labor reliance, while CFO Suzanne Snapper projected stable Medicaid funding with a focus on quality-linked payments. Ensign also emphasized strict compliance practices amid industry billing controversies. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g-r5xH7j #nursinghomes #nursinghomecare #skillednursing #senior #longtermcare #healthcare #health #news #Patient #advocacy #nonprofit #care #cms #SNF #accesstothetop #chicago #unitedstates

??? Former Nursing Home CEO Faces Up to 10 Years for $38M Tax Fraud Joseph Schwartz, ex-CEO of Skyline Healthcare, pleads guilty again in a $38M tax fraud case that impacted nursing homes nationwide. His prior plea deal, proposing one year in prison, was rejected. Schwartz now faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250K fine, with sentencing set for April 2025. His actions caused significant losses to the U.S. government and included mismanagement of employee 401(k) funds. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gyut-6s8 #nursinghomes #nursinghomecare #skillednursing #senior #longtermcare #healthcare #health #news #Patient #advocacy #nonprofit #care #cms #SNF #accesstothetop #chicago #unitedstates

??? Big Changes Coming to Nursing Home Rules in 2025 Starting February 2025, nursing homes will follow new rules to improve care and fairness. These updates from CMS will focus on medication use, infection control, resident rights, and reducing unnecessary paperwork. New rules aim to prevent financial pressure on residents' families and address health equity concerns. Training for surveyors and staff will begin soon to ensure smooth transitions. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g8yEHcMK #nursinghomes #nursinghomecare #skillednursing #senior #longtermcare #healthcare #health #news #Patient #advocacy #nonprofit #care #cms #SNF #accesstothetop #chicago #unitedstates

?? Medicare Advantage is Changing Nursing Homes Nursing homes are facing challenges as more people join Medicare Advantage plans, which pay less than traditional Medicare. This makes it harder for facilities to stay profitable, even with more residents. Experts say focusing on quality care, better planning, and smarter use of resources can help nursing homes adapt and succeed. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gpE8RMHU #nursinghomes #nursinghomecare #skillednursing #senior #longtermcare #healthcare #health #news #Patient #advocacy #nonprofit #care #cms #SNF #accesstothetop #chicago #unitedstates

?? Honoring Anne Markwardt: 2024 Future Leader in Skilled Nursing Anne Markwardt, administrator at Champion Care, has been named a 2024 Future Leader by Skilled Nursing News! Recognized for her passion, empathy, and vision, Anne advocates for better mental health resources and personalized care in skilled nursing. Her advice? Empower others to innovate and collaborate for a brighter future. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g2bvU7aZ #Leaders #nursinghomes #nursinghomecare #skillednursing #senior #longtermcare #healthcare #health #news #Patient #MentalHealth #advocacy #nonprofit #care #cms #SNF #future #accesstothetop #chicago #unitedstates