In this week’s episode of HealthCap Weekly Wrap, we dive into the critical role of preparation in senior living with highlights from PharMerica’s disaster management webinar and HealthCap’s new 2025 Emergency Preparedness Manual. We then review the latest CDC MMWR report on measles outbreaks, Lassa fever, and gaps in tobacco cessation services in behavioral health, reminding communities to stay vigilant with infection prevention and vaccination reviews. Compliance updates take center stage as we break down CMS’s revised CLIA guidance on lab testing for organ and tissue donations, before shifting to groundbreaking research from the Diabetic Foot Consortium showing how transepidermal water loss can predict diabetic foot ulcer recurrence. We also explore the Alzheimer’s Association’s new My ALZ Journey app, a free digital companion for individuals newly diagnosed with dementia and their care partners, and examine a cutting-edge bioluminescent test from Nature Biomedical Engineering that detects viral antigens in minutes without external power. We close on a practical, resident-centered note with the COE-NF Comfort Menu, a simple tool that empowers residents to choose non-medication comfort strategies.

From regulatory updates to innovative research and everyday resident care, this episode brings together stories that matter for senior living communities.

In this week’s episode of HealthCap Weekly Wrap, we explore the NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant, nicknamed “Nimbus,” and what senior living teams should watch for. We break down PALTmed’s latest Choosing Wisely recommendations and highlight a successful deprescribing initiative in New York that reduced polypharmacy risks. We also spotlight an inspiring collaboration in Pennsylvania connecting nursing schools with nursing homes to promote Age-Friendly care, and review MedPAC’s proposed overhaul of the Five-Star Quality Rating System. A new study on using structured huddles to address unprofessional staff behavior shows promising results, and we close with CMS’s latest fraud prevention efforts, including phishing scam alerts every community should know about. Packed with insights and takeaways, this episode is designed to help senior living professionals lead with clarity, safety, and compassion.

In this episode of HealthCap Weekly Wrap, we highlight key developments shaping senior living today. We explore PointClickCare’s new digital move-in tool, “Senior Sign,” which simplifies admissions and frees staff to focus on resident connection. We also break down a practical three-step dementia diagnosis framework for primary care, along with a bipartisan bill supporting caregivers balancing elder and child care. Clinically, we examine the INSPIRE-3 study on reducing unnecessary antibiotics, and raise concerns about opaque AI tools like NarxCare influencing medical decisions. Plus, we dive into Mather Institute’s Social Wellness Framework and discuss the implications of CMS removing focused infection control surveys from routine inspections.

For more details and full article links, visit Angie’s blog at healthcapusa.com/angies-blog.

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of senior living care, from new dementia and palliative care standards to critical updates in public health and compliance. We begin with senior living groups challenging proposed federal dementia care requirements and discuss the American Heart Association’s push for earlier palliative care interventions. We also dive into new referral guidelines for dementia-related palliative care, equity in long-term care, and insights from the CAHPS End-of-Life Care Survey.

Plus, we highlight two timely public health alerts on the global rise of scabies and a pertussis outbreak in Mississippi, and close with discussions on using security upgrades as both risk mitigation and a marketing tool—and what communities need to know about CMS’s latest QRP non-compliance letters.

Whether you’re an administrator, clinical leader, or care team member, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you stay ahead in a fast-changing senior care environment.

In this week’s episode of HealthCap Weekly Wrap, we cover the latest industry updates and clinical insights shaping senior living communities. We start with key changes from CMS, including a new approach to nursing home deficiency postings that prioritizes the most severe violations, as reported by McKnight’s, and updated Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) guidance clarifying the tracking of remote workers. Next, we dive into important clinical developments: updated treatment guidelines for peripheral artery disease (PAD) that emphasize dual drug therapy and structured exercise, as well as a new study revealing how measuring skin water loss can predict the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers. We also turn our attention to pharmacy practices, exploring strategies for improving medication adherence and ensuring compliant drug disposal, both highlighted in PharMerica’s latest e-guides. Finally, we take a closer look at two in-depth resources from PharMerica—a whitepaper on biologics and biosimilars and a guide on oral phosphate binders—providing practical takeaways for clinical teams and care planning. Tune in for actionable insights designed to help senior living professionals deliver exceptional care and stay ahead of evolving regulations and trends.

This week on HealthCap Weekly Wrap, we dive into the essential summer safety risks facing senior living communities—and how to get ahead of them. From sunblock mishaps and medication-related photosensitivity to the growing impact of heat intolerance and heat-related illnesses, we unpack practical strategies for keeping residents comfortable and well-protected. Special attention is given to courtyards, which remain one of the most common settings for summer-related incidents like dehydration, sunburn, and elopement. We also highlight HealthCap’s new webinar series, Summer Safety: Heat, Water, & Weather Risks, which features four on-demand sessions covering everything from Legionella prevention to emergency preparedness. Each module offers ANCC or NAB credits and comes with toolkits, infographics, and policies to support real-world implementation. Whether you're updating protocols or training new staff, this episode will help you turn summer challenges into opportunities for safer, more responsive care. For links to the resources discussed and to access the full webinar series, visit healthcapusa.com/angies-blog.

In this week’s episode of HealthCap Weekly Wrap, we explore several critical updates that impact the day-to-day operations and long-term strategy of senior living communities. We begin with new multisociety guidance published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, which outlines updated best practices for sterilizing and disinfecting reusable medical devices—an essential read for infection preventionists and clinical leaders. From there, we turn to the Alzheimer’s & Dementia journal, where the Alzheimer’s Association discusses how AI and wearable technology are transforming the future of dementia research and care by improving early detection, data accuracy, and inclusion in clinical trials.

Next, we highlight a new study reported by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News that reveals how many frontline aides struggle to fully understand what constitutes elder abuse. The piece offers practical solutions to close those gaps through better training and clearer reporting structures. We also review the July 2025 edition of PALTC’s Moving Needles Project Newsletter, which offers performance improvement strategies tied to interdisciplinary teamwork, survey readiness, and data-driven quality initiatives.

We then pivot to a financial focus with highlights from the June 11, 2025 HUD ORCF Lean 232 email blast, which details the agency’s tightened expectations for underwriting, capital planning, and borrower communication—key considerations for operators managing capital projects or debt refinancing. From there, we unpack PharMerica’s user-friendly guide, “Five Tips to Be OK with GG Documentation,” offering practical advice to help MDS nurses and therapy teams improve accuracy and confidence in functional scoring under PDPM. Finally, we close with insights from CMS Compliance Group on F-Tag 20132, which emphasizes the importance of timely, interdisciplinary discharge planning and documentation that reflects resident engagement and care continuity.

For links to all these stories and more, visit the Weekly Round Up on Angie’s blog at healthcapusa.com/angies-blog.

In this week’s episode of HealthCap Weekly Wrap, we explore critical topics shaping care in senior living communities. We begin with a look at schizophrenia—what it is, how symptoms present in older adults, and why accurate diagnosis is essential. Drawing on resources from the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities, we discuss the importance of distinguishing schizophrenia from conditions like dementia-related psychosis and highlight best practices for care planning. We also take a closer look at substance use recovery, with four practical strategies communities can use to support residents on their recovery journey. From there, we examine the ongoing challenges related to Medicare’s two-midnight hospital policy, including how it can disrupt care transitions and create financial stress for residents and families. Finally, we turn to the CDC’s newly updated measles preparedness toolkit, which offers clear guidance for vaccination protocols, outbreak response, and protecting vulnerable residents. For more details and links to all the resources mentioned, visit the Weekly Round Up on Angie’s blog at healthcapusa.com/angies-blog.