Industry News

Data privacy and security are not new issues to senior living operators, and many have made serious headway in protection of protected health information (PHI) with the onset of technology advances. But recent changes to the The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) are causing providers to revisit, refresh and in some cases overhaul their policies when it comes to PHI.

The Affordable Healthcare Act has been under a microscope lately but now its getting ready for its likely more flattering Hollywood closeup.

Simply creating more physicians wont fix an expected workforce shortage because of the high demand for them and too few medical students are choosing to go into primary care.

The 2014 Best of the Best awards are now open, recognizing innovative new programs and services that are defining the future of senior living. Whats innovative? Take a look at The Orchards at Southingtons energy and recycling program that won ALFAs Going Green category in 2013.

ALFA hosted 13 senior administrators from Chinas National and Provincial Aging departments and committees in early November.The Chinese delegation requested the meeting to learn more about senior living communities in the United States.

The state of Florida has more than 325,000 drivers who are over the age of 85 and those swelling ranks could be harbingers of things to come across the United States, Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman and Floridian Bill Nelson said last Wednesday.

Data privacy and security are not new issues to senior living operators, and many have made serious headway in protection of protected health information (PHI) with the onset of technology advances. But recent changes to the The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) are causing providers to revisit, refresh and in some cases overhaul their policies when it comes to PHI.

Its the small things making a big difference that attracts Rick Banas to bettering senior living communities and the resident experience.Its enhancing peoples quality of life, giving them purpose, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the company of others, said Banas, who recently became an ALFA Knight, a program recognizing members exhibiting loyalty and excellence to ALFA principles and advocacy.

The government agency responsible for updating national workforce projections has failed to publish any new reports, leaving lawmakers to rely on data that is more than a decade old, according to a newly released Government Accountability Office report.

ALFA is extremely proud of our nations veterans and their service to the United States.As we officially honor the nations veterans Monday on Veterans Day, please consider learning more about Lukes Wings and its partnership with ALFA and ALFA members.

New data from the 2010 National Survey of Residential Care Facilities show most residential care communities do not use electronic records.In 2010, just 17% of residential care communities in the United States used electronic health records.

The 2014 Best of the Best awards are now open, recognizing innovative new programs and services that are defining the future of senior living.Whats innovative? Take a look at Senior Living Communities Evolve program that won accolades in 2013 and received recognition from ALFA as a Program to Spotlight.

The aging population in the United States and around the globe is arguably the most seminal topic of today, panelists agreed during a roundtable discussion before the Senate Special Committee on Aging.

The aging population in the United States and around the globe is arguably the most seminal topic of today, panelists agreed during a roundtable discussion before the Senate Special Committee on Aging.

A group of federal regulatory bodies has issued a new set of guidelines to help curb financial exploitation of older adults by allowing financial institutions to voice concerns about suspected financial abuse.

AMDA, formerly the American Medical Directors Association, is calling on communities caring for seniors to review or institute policies on sex among older adults.

While a number of factors contribute to the success of a senior living community, a crucial piece of the puzzle is strong leadership at the top.Executive directors play a vital role at the helm of their communities, and many share key characteristics of being a good listener, openminded, and willing to walk the walk and talk the talk, say two executive directors who have been recognized by ALFA for outstanding leadership.

ALFA has opened up nominations for its annual awards program, designed to recognize outstanding individuals and best practices in the field of senior living. Changes to the programs this year include a public voting process for the Hero Awards and new categories for the Best of the Best Awards.

Although hepatitis C is largely thought to affect mostly intravenous drug users, more doctors are now recommending Baby Boomers get tested for the potentially fatal liver virus.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid announced pricing structures for 2014 this week.The premiums for Medicare Part B will remain the same in 2014 as they were in 2013, according to CMS.