In this episode of HealthCap Weekly Wrap, we cover the latest developments impacting senior living communities, with a special focus on workforce funding, infection control, and clinical guidance. We begin with the recent announcement from CMS confirming the launch of a $75 million nursing home training fund, a major federal step toward addressing ongoing staffing challenges. We then contrast that momentum with the still-unresolved funding issues surrounding the WisCaregiver Careers program in Wisconsin, highlighting the importance of advocacy at both state and national levels. Next, we explore new guidance from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which advises against routine screening of older adults for caregiver abuse due to insufficient evidence—raising important questions about best practices and frontline training. We also dive into practical resources for infection prevention, including APIC’s 2024 toolkit and the CDC’s latest LabID Event Protocol, both designed to support long-term care professionals. Plus, we look at Argentum’s newly released 2024 QALC-IPC Guidelines and the forward-thinking 2025 Technology Report, which showcases how emerging tools are reshaping the future of senior living. Tune in for thoughtful analysis, practical takeaways, and meaningful stories that help you stay connected and informed.

In this episode of HealthCap Weekly Wrap, we explore new tools and insights shaping care in senior living communities. We start with updated infection prevention resources from APIC and Argentum, including practical guides designed to help communities implement stronger, more resident-centered infection control practices. We then shift to an innovative study out of Stanford, where researchers are using gait tracking to predict fall risk with impressive accuracy—opening doors to earlier interventions. Next, we highlight a powerful study focused on improving transitions from long-term care to hospital settings, co-designed with residents and care partners to create practical tools like decision-aid flowcharts and hospital-ready lanyards. We also break down the upcoming 3-day rule waiver under CMS’s new TEAM model, which could significantly change how Medicare supports skilled nursing admissions. With emergency preparedness top of mind, we review Argentum’s latest white paper on scalable planning strategies for communities facing natural disasters and public health events. Finally, we reflect on how language impacts care culture, drawing on ASHRM’s guidance to avoid “never” words in healthcare communication. It’s a packed episode with practical takeaways you can bring back to your team this week.

In this week’s episode of HealthCap Weekly Wrap, we cover a wide range of stories shaping the senior living industry. We begin with a major policy development out of Oregon, where lawmakers have passed the first-in-the-nation bill to block corporate takeovers of medical practices, a move that could have far-reaching implications for provider relationships in senior living communities. From there, we turn to new research in JAMA showing that hospitalizations—even routine ones—are linked to an increased risk of long-term cognitive decline, highlighting the importance of care coordination and post-hospital support for older adults. We also review APIC’s newly released 2025 implementation guide for preventing catheter-associated bloodstream infections, a practical resource filled with checklists, tools, and strategies for infection prevention teams.

Balancing the clinical with wellness, we share nine mindful eating tips from the Mather Institute, a simple yet powerful resource that can enhance mealtime experiences and promote resident satisfaction. For those focused on team development, we highlight the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing’s NextGen Aging learning hub, which offers training modules and educational resources to strengthen staff skills in age-friendly and dementia-friendly care. Finally, we close with an inspiring workforce story from Arkansas, where the state’s Health Care Association has launched its first of three planned schools to help caregivers advance into med-tech and LPN roles, offering a promising model for “growing your own” workforce in long-term care.

Tune in for insights, resources, and practical takeaways to help you support your residents, strengthen your team, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving senior living landscape.