Caring for the Ages RSS feed: Current Issue. http://www.caringfortheages.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 American Medical Directors Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Caring for the Ages1526-4114111January 2010 © 2010 American Medical Directors Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600017/abstract?rss=yesSusan Birk is a freelance writer in Chicago. CHICAGO — Certified nursing assistants in long-term care who leave their jobs are most likely to do so to pursue better opportunities with other LTC organizations, not because they dislike direct-care work and want to leave the field, a longitudinal study of 1,355 direct-care workers has shown.Survey Shows Surprising Staff Job Satisfaction: Certified nursing assistants leave jobs but often stay in long-term care.SUSAN BIRKCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News11http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600029/abstract?rss=yesSenior contributing writer Joanne Kaldy is a freelance writer in Hagerstown, Md., and a communications consultant for AMDA and other organizations. A recession affects everyone, including researchers. However, some physicians have not let economic challenges interfere with their long-term care studies.Researcher Overcomes Recession HurdlesJOANNE KALDYCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News110http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600030/abstract?rss=yes SUSAN M. PETTEY has directed health policy and advocacy programs for long-term care physicians, administrators, and other professionals, including AMDA and the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Her experience also includes work with the Health Care Financing Administration (now the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and the National Association for Home Care. She currently is a health policy consultant. To submit a health policy question for possible discussion in this column, e-mail us at caring@elsevier.com.Despite Reform, Medicaid Woes ContinueSusan M. PetteyCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2Public Policy22http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600042/abstract?rss=yes DR. NICHOLS is the vice president for medical services of the Cabrini Eldercare Consortium in New York City, which includes two skilled nursing facilities, three home care agencies, two adult day care programs, and a senior housing complex. He invites your questions for possible discussion in this column. Please submit them by e-mail to caring@elsevier.com.How to Prepare for an Annual State SurveyJeffrey NicholsCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2Dear Dr. Jeff33http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600054/abstract?rss=yesSusan Birk is a freelance writer in Chicago. CHICAGO — High turnover and staffing shortages are undeniable realities of long-term care, but providers can begin to tackle the issues by taking stock of what their organizations are doing right, according to a leader of a large retirement-services organization.To Keep Staff, Evaluate and EducateSUSAN BIRKCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News44http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600066/abstract?rss=yesPhysicians and other health professionals participating in Medicare's Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) received a total of $92 million in incentive payments under the program in 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced.Data Show 2008 Jump in Quality ReportsJoyce FriedenCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News44http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600078/abstract?rss=yesCaring for the Ages asked four of its editorial advisers to predict the major issues coming up in their field during 2010. Whether because of their divergent perspectives—a nursing home–group administrator, a geriatric nurse practitioner and nursing educator, a rural family physician–medical director, and a university-based medical director and consultant—or the endless supply of issues to choose among, their responses varied widely. Only one topic, efforts to reduce hospital readmissions, was offered per se by more than one adviser.‘What Are the Top Issues for LTC in 2010?’ Caring for the Ages advisers expect a year marked by manpower and funding stresses.Caring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News55http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS152641141060008X/abstract?rss=yesDoug Brunk is with the San Diego bureau of Elsevier Global Medical News. Nicole Lurie, MD, of the Department of Health and Human Services recently fielded an e-mail question during amdepartment Webcast on H1N1.fra clinician who works in a nursing home. sked ifnursidents or just the staff should receive the H1N1 vaccine.Time for Elders' H1N1 VaccineDOUG BRUNKCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News66http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600091/abstract?rss=yesMiriam E. Tucker is a senior writer with Elsevier Global Medical News. BETHESDA, MD. — Monitoring of influenza A(H1N1) vaccine safety in studies conducted across multiple U.S. government agencies have shown no safety signals of concern so far, nationally or internationally.H1N1 Vaccine Continues to Appear SafeMIRIAM E. TUCKERCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News66http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600108/abstract?rss=yesJonathan Gardner is a freelance writer in London. Although the number of infections with the pandemic virus influenza A(H1N1) is plateauing or shrinking in many countries, the World Health Organization has not begun formal discussions about when to declare an end to the pandemic, an agency official said in early December.Officials Say Pandemic's End UnclearJONATHAN GARDNERCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News66http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS152641141060011X/abstract?rss=yesThe U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is offering commonsense fact sheets that employers and workers can use to promote safety during the current H1N1 influenza outbreak. For more information and to access the latest fact sheets, contact OSHA by visiting its Web site at www.osha.gov/h1n1.OSHA H1N1 Fact SheetsCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News66http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600121/abstract?rss=yesMitchel L. Zoler is with the Philadelphia bureau of Elsevier Global Medical News. COPENHAGEN — Women with high cardiovascular disease risk faced a high risk for osteoarthritis in a study of nearly 9,000 women who were followed for 30 years. Data from 15,000 men showed a similar but less dramatic relationship.Cardiovascular, Osteoarthritis Link FoundMITCHEL L. ZOLERCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News88http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600133/abstract?rss=yes DR. OSTERWEIL is medical director of S+AGE at Sherman Oaks Hospital near Los Angeles. He also serves as clinical professor in the division of geriatrics at the University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine.Concierge Practice: Boon or Threat to Care?Dan OsterweilCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2Community LTC1111http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600145/abstract?rss=yesDoug Brunk is with the San Diego bureau of Elsevier Global Medical News. SAN DIEGO — The more advanced the stage of chronic kidney disease, the greater the risk of developing congestive heart failure and subsequent risk of death, results from a large analysis of Medicare patients demonstrated.Kidney Disease Affects Heart Failure RiskDOUG BRUNKCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News1212http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600157/abstract?rss=yes DR. WIRFS is medical director of Lincoln Lutheran of Racine, Wis., an ecumenical ministry of care for the aging. She has practiced nursing home medicine in several settings for more than 20 years. Dr. Wirfs is active in the Wisconsin Association of Medical Directors and a faculty member of the AMDA Core Curriculum.Mr. and Mrs. J, People With Divergent Needs: Each partner attempts to support the other while having significant needs of his or her own.Bonnie WirfsCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2IDT Rounds1313http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600169/abstract?rss=yesMitchel L. Zoler is with the Philadelphia bureau of Elsevier Global Medical News. BARCELONA — U.S. and European researchers have completed studies indicating that two anticlotting drugs could change cardiovascular care options. Ticagrelor, a new type of oral antiplatelet drug, showed impressive efficacy and safety in a pivotal, head-to-head comparison with clopidogrel in 18,000 acute coronary syndrome patients. And the new oral anticoagulant dabigatran batted a grand slam against warfarin in a study of strokes and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation, according to several experts at the annual congress of the European Society of Cardiology.Anticlotting Drugs Emerge in Pivotal Trials: Long-term care could be most affected by getting an alternative to warfarin therapy.MITCHEL L. ZOLERCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News1415http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600170/abstract?rss=yesAlicia Ault is an associate editor with Elsevier Global Medical News. President Obama on Dec. 19 signed a Defense Department spending bill that included a 2-month delay in the scheduled 21% cut in the rate Medicare pays physicians.Sustained Growth Rate Fixed For NowALICIA AULTCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News1515http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600182/abstract?rss=yesThe past decade of development has armed AMDA with substantial intellectual capacity. Now we need to be able to deliver it effectively and benefit by its use. Last year was one of investment and growth for AMDA. Now, 2010 will see the beginning of new capabilities and new directions as a result of the acquisition of space, systems, and staff, as well as a growing, diverse membership.AMDA Sets Plans for 2010 and BeyondCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News from the Association1616http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600194/abstract?rss=yesOver the past 18 months, AMDA has been working with the Pioneer Network to define competencies for medical direction in person-centered care. Chaired by AMDA board member Matthew Wayne, MD, CMD, a process with survey and ratification led to the development of Task 9, an addition to the policy “Roles and Responsibilities of the Medical Director in the Nursing Home.”Board Moves Toward Defining CompetenciesCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News from the Association1616http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600200/abstract?rss=yesAMDA has worked with members who are experts in the field to come up with recommendations for medical directors and attending physicians on the newly released Quality of Life and Environment F-tags, better known as the culture change F-tags.Synopsis of Regulations Has New Culture Change TagsCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News from the Association1616http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600212/abstract?rss=yesThe AMDCP Board of Directors has accepted a proposal by the Johns Hopkins University Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology to create a prototype for a 2-year program that includes medical direction.Hopkins Includes CMD TrainingCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News from the Association1616http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600224/abstract?rss=yesThe Futures Program, which is one of the cornerstones of the AMDA Foundation's mission because it educates and inspires up-and-coming long-term care physicians, has seen a dramatic decrease in corporate funding since 2007. The Foundation is therefore searching for new and creative ways to secure financial support for this important program, to be held during Long Term Care Medicine–2010 in Long Beach, Calif. Listed below are opportunities for you to support this popular program, which for many is an important step in deciding on a career in long-term care.Programs Strengthen Future of LTCCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News from the Association1717http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600236/abstract?rss=yesMeet expert J. Thomas Heywood, MD, at “Long Term Care Medicine 2010.” Dr. Heywood, director of the heart failure program at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, Calif., will present “Geriatric Heart Failure: Diagnosis and Treatment with a Special Focus on End of Life Care” at the annual meeting in March.Expert Will Discuss Heart Failure in ElderlyCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News from the Association1717http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600248/abstract?rss=yesDonald W. Reynolds Mini-Fellowship Program at UCLA Los Angeles, Calif.Don't Miss These EventsCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News from the Association1717http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS152641141060025X/abstract?rss=yesIn today's tough economy, landing your dream job may seem impossible, but AMDA is here to help. We have put together our first- ever job fair designed to help experienced professionals as well as students just entering the long-term care workforce.The Long-Term Care Job Fair Is ComingCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News from the Association1717http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600261/abstract?rss=yes DR. WINAKUR has practiced internal and geriatric medicine for 34 years and is a clinical professor of medicine and an associate faculty member at the Center for Medical Humanities and Ethics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. His book “Memory Lessons: A Doctor's Story” (New York: Hyperion Books, 2009) is a “memoir-manifesto” about caring for his father with Alzheimer's disease and the changes Dr. Winakur has witnessed in the practice of medicine.The Power of Story in Long-Term CareJerald WinakurCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2Meditations on Geriatric Medicine1818http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600273/abstract?rss=yesMary Ann Moon is a freelance writer in Clarksburg, Md. Three classes of drugs—sedatives and hypnotics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines—substantially raise the risk of falling in the elderly, according to a meta-analysis.Study Links Psychoactive Drugs and FallsMARY ANN MOONCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News1919http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600285/abstract?rss=yesDr. Tangalos is professor of medicine and codirector for education at the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. PROVIDENCE, R.I. — How can long-term care professionals accomplish a interdisciplinary approach to dementia, delirium, acute behavioral issues, and depression? Four speakers offered answers at AMDA's first continuing medical education offering on geriatric psychiatry, “Navigating Geriatric Psychiatry in Long-Term Care,” in November.Practitioners Address Geriatric Psychiatry: First continuing medical education session on topic teaches practical approaches.ERIC TANGALOSCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News2021http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600297/abstract?rss=yesAMDA member Karyn Lieble, MD, CMD, talks about the ways to make sure transitions between settings are successful and to keep our elderly safe and comfortable. Care for seniors is complex and often involves settings from community-based care, hospitals, and home care to assisted living and nursing facilities. As someone gets sicker or better, they may move from setting to setting; and it is important to have good communication/information between these settings.Smooth Moves Between Care SettingsCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2Caring for Consumers2020http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600303/abstract?rss=yesAs a result of AMDA detecting an error in the Medicare physician fee schedule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued technical corrections to the relative value units (RVUs) for the nursing facility services initial-visit codes 99304, 99305, and 99306.Corrections Yield Higher Code ValuesCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News2121http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600315/abstract?rss=yesElizabeth Mechcatie is a senior writer with Elsevier Global Medical News. The Food and Drug Administration is recommending that patients not take clopidogrel and omeprazole together on the basis of new data recently submitted to the agency indicating that the effectiveness of the antiplatelet drug is reduced when taken with the proton pump inhibitor.FDA: Avoid Clopidogrel With OmeprazoleELIZABETH MECHCATIECaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2News2222http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600327/abstract?rss=yesOn Oct. 1, 2005, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) mandated that all CMS-certified nursing facilities offer influenza vaccinations to their residents. Between that date and Dec. 31, 2005, 72% of long-term care residents in the United States were vaccinated against seasonal flu, according to data on nearly 2 million long-term care residents collected by the CMS.From the November Issue of the Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationCaring for the Ages 11, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Caring for the Ages2010-01-01111S1526-4114(10)X6001-2Journal Highlights2323