Many providers believe they “understand” waiver services because they submit claims and receive payment. However, true understanding goes far beyond billing. It requires clarity around authorization, service delivery, documentation, oversight, and compliance—all areas closely scrutinized by counties, managed care organizations (MCOs), and surveyors.

Serving residents who receive waivered services can enhance both resident outcomes and organizational sustainability, but only when done correctly.

PDPM is a documentation and systems model. If it’s not documented correctly, it doesn’t count.Here are the most common reimbursement opportunities we see being missed in both PDPM State Case Mix and Medicare PDPM.

The Nursing Home QRP remains one of the most misunderstood CMS programs. Many facilities don’t realize that QRP is not about scoring high-it’s about reporting correctly and completely.

In assisted living, small changes can signal big issues. Recognizing subtle shifts in a resident’s condition can prevent complications and reduce hospital visits.

Are you leaving money on the table because of incomplete or inaccurate Section GG coding?

The Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program is evolving — and fast. With new measures, shifting incentives, and increasing scrutiny, it’s time for nursing home leaders to move from confusion to clarity.

Elopement is when a resident leaves a facility unsupervised which can result in serious harm and regulatory consequences. This issue is especially critical in SNFs, where many residents have cognitive impairments.

Compliance isn’t just about passing inspections—it’s about protecting residents and building trust. At Senior Care Solutions, we believe ongoing audits are the key to stronger compliance programs and better care.

As the October 1st transition approaches, MN nursing facilities must pivot from Section G to Section GG within the Minimum Data Set (MDS). This change isn’t just regulatory—it’s an opportunity to elevate documentation practices, team collaboration, and resident-centered care.

As a Director of Nursing (DON) in a skilled nursing facility, survey readiness is always on your radar. But what if your policies and procedures could be your secret weapon—not just for compliance, but for confidence.

Medication administration is a vital care component in assisted living facilities. To ensure residents receive their medications safely and on time, many facilities delegate this responsibility to unlicensed personnel (ULP). When done properly, delegation supports care continuity, efficiency, and resident well-being. However, improper delegation can lead to errors, non-compliance, and potential harm.

It is often a struggle for nursing homes to develop comprehensive pain management strategies.

WHAT, WHEN and WHY of an Investigation: What Warrants an Investigation

A powered recliner may be considered a physical device which may be used by or for the care of a resident to promote, supplement or enhance resident’s function and/or safety. To ensure the residents’ safety, it is recommended to have this device included in your physical device assessment and ensure that it is appropriate for use and added to the plan of care.

Blog Post by Michelle Stober RN, BSN, PHN, CEO Senior Care Solutions — The MDS assessment is your invoice for getting paid and unless you are occasionally checking the coding of your “invoices” you might be losing out on significant revenue.

High staff turnover and COVID-19 focus on infection control have led to more regulatory scrutiny in nursing homes. Inappropriate sling use is a growing concern. Facilities should ensure proper sling size, documented plans, staff training, and regular audits to prevent resident injuries.

This blog by Julie Dietz summarizes changes to Minnesota's assisted living laws. Key changes include updating resident rights regarding privacy and adding contact info for complaint reporting. The assisted living contract must now include termination grounds and the facility ID number.

This blog post by Julie Dietz, a senior assisted living consultant, summarizes the most common deficiencies found in recent Minnesota assisted living facility inspections.

This blog post warns about the burn risk from hot coffee in healthcare facilities. While coffee should ideally brew at 195°F, safe drinking temperature is much lower (155°F can burn in 1 second!). Lowering brewing temperature sacrifices flavor. The solution is to prevent spills with locked machines, air pots, travel mugs, etc. pen_spark

This blog post tackles healthcare staffing shortages. It highlights the use of supplemental staffing agencies and offers 3 key tips for facilities: 1) Verify agency accreditation, 2) Ensure staff meet facility requirements, and 3) Conduct thorough agency orientations. These steps help maintain quality care and compliance during staffing shortages.

We offer tips for leaders to bring fun into the workplace. Ideas include holding meetings in new locations, having team lunches, taking walks, incorporating fun elements into stand-up meetings, and organizing monthly team-building activities. It emphasizes that having fun boosts morale and shows investment in employees.

Senior Care Solutions (SCS) announces a partnership with Lores Consulting, expanding into Home Care and Hospice services. Lores Vlaminck, a retiring expert, joins forces with SCS's Michelle Stober. Both are passionate about quality care and aim to serve a wider client base. SCS is also affiliating with relevant industry groups in Minnesota.

The holidays can be tough for those grieving. This blog post offers tips for coping, like acknowledging your feelings, creating new traditions, and setting boundaries. It also suggests honoring your loved one and practicing self-care. Remember, grief is personal, so be kind to yourself.

Assisted living holiday meals are social events, but food safety is crucial. Staff should prioritize proper hygiene, temperature control, storage, and kitchen checks. Consider adaptations for resident needs while maintaining festive flavors. By following these tips, communities can celebrate safely and spread holiday cheer.

The 2023 Legislative Session passed a law effective January 1st , 2024 stating healthcare entities must have an ergonomics program (healthcare entity includes Nursing Homes).

Mock surveys rehearse official inspections for hospices, pinpointing areas for improvement before real surveys. This helps staff prepare, identifies weaknesses, and boosts confidence.

A recent surge in concerns about hospice care quality led to stricter regulations. The Hospice Act of 2021 requires tighter oversight, improved quality metrics, and stronger patient protections.