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Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.

4 min

Understanding Regulations: How long do restraint orders last in nursing?

By federal law, the use of restraints in nursing homes is heavily regulated and restricted to specific, limited circumstances to protect residents' rights. This strict oversight directly addresses the critical question: **How long do restraint orders last in nursing?** and ensures resident safety and dignity.

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5 min

When should the BIMs be completed? A Comprehensive Guide

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations, the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) is a mandatory assessment tool used in long-term care settings to screen for cognitive impairment, but when should the BIMs be completed?

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5 min

Are Side Rails Allowed in Nursing Homes? Regulations and Safety

According to the FDA, bed rails, while sometimes helpful, pose serious safety risks like entrapment and falls, necessitating strict regulation in long-term care facilities. Addressing the question, **are side rails allowed in nursing homes?**, requires a deep look at federal rules, safety assessments, and patient rights.

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4 min

When should the staff assessment of resident mood be completed?

According to CMS, the staff assessment of resident mood (PHQ-9-OV) is only to be completed under very specific circumstances, primarily when the resident cannot be directly interviewed. Knowing exactly when should the staff assessment of resident mood be completed is crucial for regulatory compliance and ensuring that care plans accurately reflect the resident's needs.

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4 min

Is 4 Side Rail Up a Restraint? What Families and Caregivers Need to Know

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bed rails carry significant risks, including death from entrapment. For families and caregivers, understanding when **is 4 side rail up a restraint?** is critical for both legal compliance and patient safety. This guide offers clarity on a complex issue, helping you make informed decisions about senior care.

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4 min

Is the use of 4 side rails up considered a restraint?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), hundreds of incidents involving bed rails have been reported, highlighting significant risks associated with their use in healthcare and home settings. This crucial data brings a central question to light in senior care: is the use of 4 side rails up considered a restraint?

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3 min

How does CMS rate nursing homes? A Guide to the Five-Star System

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched its Five-Star Quality Rating System in 2008 to help consumers compare nursing homes more easily. The rating, from one to five stars, provides a snapshot of a facility's overall quality based on three critical areas: health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. A higher rating indicates better performance, but CMS advises using this information alongside other research, including facility visits.

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4 min

Understanding How is Quality Measured in Long-Term Care?

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), standardized quality measures track specific areas of care for long-term residents, including health inspections, staffing levels, and clinical outcomes. This comprehensive guide will explore how is quality measured in long-term care, providing clarity on the complex systems in place to protect senior health and well-being.

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5 min

Understanding the MDS: What is the purpose of the minimum data set?

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Minimum Data Set (MDS) is a federally mandated assessment for all residents in Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing homes. This standardized tool plays a critical role in clinical assessment and care management, directly answering the question: what is the purpose of the minimum data set?

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