Hospice Census: Where’s It At?

A common question I am fielding has to do with the current “no growth” pattern of hospice census; in some cases, decline is more operative of the pattern.  Briefly, there are a number of factors at play, some recurring themes and some driven by more aggressive CMS intervention. The biggest culprit in the current no-growth … Read more

SNFs: What to do Now for October 1

As known by now, a lot of change is occurring with Medicare effective 10/1.  Daily, I field questions from around the country regarding what exactly is happening and what if anything an SNF should do to “minimize” the impact.  To a certain extent, at least as far as reimbursement reductions go, it is difficult and ill-advised … Read more

Post-Acute Outlook Post Debt Ceiling, Post Medicare Rate Adjustments, Etc.

OK, the title is a bit wordy and trust me, I could have included more “posts” but I think I got the point across.  First, I’ll admit to having a crystal ball however, the picture I see is a bit like the first (and only) television set I remember having as a kid: Not in … Read more

When and Why Projects Go Bad: Traps and Pitfalls to Avoid

Creeping slowly out of a period of recession where financing was nearly impossible to get, providers, operators and developers are starting to look favorably at new development and refreshment of existing properties and infrastructure.  Though capital is less than free flowing, money is entering back into the long-term care and seniors housing world fluidly enough … Read more

Presentation on Strategic Pricing for Senior Housing

I’ve posted a Power Point presentation one of my partners and I did at a trade show/conference last week.  The title is  “Strategic Pricing Strategies for Senior Housing” and it is available for viewing or download on the Reports and Other Documents page of the site (menu listing on the right).

Hospices Looking for Census Improvements: Add Some Innovations

Most hospices I talk with are finding census gains difficult these days.  As I’ve written before, a number of factors are conspiring at the moment to keep census somewhat depressed and referrals tough to come by. With a struggling economy, all providers are looking for paying patient days.  Referrals that should (or would) routinely go … Read more

As the Home Health and Hospice World Turns: Part II

In Part I, I wrote about my last week’s conversations, etc. regarding the home health industry, specifically Amedysis, the Senate Finance Committee inquiry, the industry impact via the PPACA and the likely consolidation and merger trends that are approaching.  Suffice to say, not all of last week’s news and conversations focused on the home health … Read more

As the Home Health and Hospice World Turns: Part I

Sorry for borrowing (piece of)  a soap opera title for this post but it is rather appropriate given the news that occurred over the past 30 days.  Just this past week, I’ve been interviewed by two business newspapers and on the phone with an investment banking firm I consult with from time to time regarding … Read more

Senior Living/Housing M&A and Fitch

The title of this post likely appears a tad bifurcated but as you read through it, the title should make a bit more sense.  In the past two weeks, I’ve had numerous conversations with potential buyer’s looking at or for (to acquire), senior housing projects  (AL, IL, some CCRC and a few SNFs).   Invariably, the conversations … Read more

Health Care Reform and Assisted Living

In a bit of an indirect manner, Assisted Living got a boost from health care reform, albeit in a typical governmental fashion.  With the Feds willing to use Medicaid as the vehicle for expanded coverage programs for underinsured (those within 150% of the poverty limit with high-deductible plans) and the uninsured, coupled with additional funding for Home … Read more