Literature Review

A look at nursing facility characteristics between 2015 and 2024 - KFF KFF; by Priya Chidambaram and Alice Burns; 12/6/24 In a KFF Issue Brief on nursing facility characteristics over time, KFF has described nursing homes and the people living in them. Data is pulled from Care Compare (Nursing Homes) and CASPER (Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports). Data includes the number of certified nursing facilities, hours of care by nurse staff type over years, survey deficiencies in nursing homes, and the share of residents by primary payer. The study confirms that Medicaid is the primary payer for 63% of nursing facility residents in 2024, followed by 24% for private and other payers, and 13% by Medicare. As reported by KFF,  “KFF polling shows that four in ten adults overall incorrectly believe that Medicare is the primary source of insurance coverage for low-income people who need nursing facility care.” Guest Editor's Note, Judi Lund Person: As we think about the impact of Medicaid cuts on nursing home residents, it is important to note that Medicaid is the primary payer for 63% of nursing home residents as of 2024. In some states, that percentage may be higher. See the KFF article.

Homewatch CareGivers president on moving into clinical care, building partnerships of the future Home Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwal 7/16/25 ... Denver-based Homewatch CareGivers operates in over 30 states and has 234 locations. The personal care franchise employs over 4,500 caregivers. The company’s goal to continue “filling the white space” has resulted in 20 new franchisees since 2023. Plus, Homewatch CareGivers is expanding into the clinical care space with the launch of a nursing services vertical, and through its partnerships with health systems and hospitals. Home Health Care News recently caught up with Homewatch CareGivers President Todd Houghton. During the conversation, he explained why hospitals benefit from home care partnerships, how Homewatch CareGivers is building out its clinical capabilities and how the company is utilizing AI tools.

100 great community hospitals | 2025 Becker's Hospital Review; by Anna Falvey; 7/11/25 Becker’s is pleased to release the 2025 edition of its “Great community hospitals” list. Community hospitals play a vital role in the fabric of the U.S. healthcare system, delivering accessible, affordable care to patients beyond major metropolitan areas. Whether serving rural regions or suburban neighborhoods, these hospitals are essential to keeping communities healthy and connected to quality care. The community hospitals recognized on this list are dedicated to clinical excellence, academic advancement and personalized, whole-person care delivery. Their mission is to elevate health outcomes within the communities they serve. 

Sutter’s CEO outlines its billion-dollar expansion and what’s next Becker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch 7/2/225 Sutter Health is doubling down on its growth strategy, with a focus on expanding access and attracting more physicians to California. Headquartered in Northern California, with executive offices in Sacramento and Emeryville, the health system‘s 57,000 staff and clinicians and 12,000 affiliated physicians provide care to more than 3.5 million Californians. Now, the organization counts San Francisco’s East Bay region among its opportunities for growth, President and CEO Warner Thomas told Becker’s.

189 hospital and health system CFOs to know | 2025Becker's Hospital Review; by Anna Falvey; 6/30/25 The chief financial officers featured on this list are leading the financial strategy and operations for hospitals and health systems across the nation. These accomplished leaders play a pivotal role in driving strategic planning, overseeing expansions and guiding joint ventures. Tasked with ensuring financial stability and long-term sustainability, these CFOs are essential to the overall success and growth of their organizations. Note: Becker’s Healthcare developed this list based on nominations and editorial research. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it an endorsement of included leaders or associated healthcare providers. Leaders cannot pay for inclusion on this list. Leaders are presented in alphabetical order.

Impending changes in Medicare payments affecting home health servicesInvestors Hangout; by Riley Hayes; 7/1/25 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced a proposed rule that outlines crucial adjustments in how Medicare compensates home health agencies (HHAs). ... [A] routine payment increase of 2.4% has been proposed, amounting to an additional $425 million in funding for home health agencies. However, accompanying this increase are three significant changes that are projected to lead to a reduction in overall payments:

6 healthcare layoffs in 1 weekBecker's Hospital Review; by Madeline Ashley; 6/26/25 Amid ongoing industry shifts, many hospitals and health systems are experiencing significant financial strain, prompting them to make difficult decisions such as laying off employees. Here are the six healthcare instances of layoffs that Becker’s has reported on since June 19:

209 women hospital and health system presidents and CEOs to know | 2025 Becker's Hospital Review - Leadership & Management; by Anna Falvey and Allie Woldenberg; 6/16/25 Becker’s is proud to recognize 209+ women presidents and CEOs leading hospitals and health systems across the nation. These inspiring leaders are champions of expanding care access, advancing equity and inclusion, and driving meaningful improvements in how healthcare is delivered. Their vision and leadership are shaping a stronger, more inclusive future for healthcare. ... This list was compiled based on nominations and editorial research. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it an endorsement of included presidents, CEOs, hospitals, health systems or associated healthcare providers. [The following persons have "hospice" in their profile.]

Nursing home is pressuring my mother-in-law to enter hospiceAging Care - Caregiver Forum - End of Life - Questions; question posed by "concerned8"; 6/12/25 I am her Health Care Surrogate but as they won't declare her incompetent it has not come into effect. I believe the home's intent is to prevent me from making the decision regarding hospice and instead to pressure her to enter it in various ways. ... I am not anti-hospice and expect her to enter it in the near future, but want that to be my decision, not the home's (even if it's portrayed as hers).  ... [An answer from another reader" Our family has only had bad experiences with three different hospice companies. Contrary to what most people believe, many patients are placed on hospice for free equipment and free services. I was told this by more than one hospice worker.Editor's Note: This post raises numerous troubling perceptions, with descriptions of poor hospice experiences. 

New report details ongoing staffing shortages in Iowa nursing homesIowa Capital Dispatch; by Clark Kauffman; 6/5/25The latest analysis of federal data on nursing home staffing shows the overwhelming majority of nursing homes in Iowa and the United States are operating with less than the recommended staff to meet residents’ needs.

From hospital to home: Mastering transitions of care and preventing re-hospitalizations Mayo Clinic; by Mayo Clinic Press Editors; 6/3/25 Physically moving from one healthcare setting to another — whether it be from the hospital to rehab, or rehab to nursing home — can be a complicated process, both logistically and emotionally. And in the midst of all of that hubbub, it can sometimes be hard for the person in the center of it all to feel like they’re properly being heard. On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Maria De la Garza talks about the commonality of communication errors between health providers during care transitions, the importance of caregivers and loved ones in the process, a how to center the patient and their wishes in their care.

Home health provider Intrepid USA files for bankruptcy Home Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 6/3/25Home health and hospice provider Intrepid USA has recently filed for bankruptcy. The company filed a petition for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the Southern District Court of Texas in late May, according to court documents. Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy results in a straight liquidation, according to Adam Stein-Sapir, a bankruptcy expert at Pioneer Funding Group LLC. ... In 2024, New Day Healthcare acquired Intrepid USA’s hospice operations in Missouri and Texas. Prior to these sales, Dallas-based Intrepid USA operated more than 60 home health and hospice locations across 17 states.

The Roaring ‘20s: Hospice of the Valley hosts senior prom Arcadia News, Phoenix, AZ; by Mallory Gleich; 6/1/25 At the Dementia Care and Education Campus in Arcadia, the spirit of the Roaring ’20s came to life as Hospice of the Valleyhosted its second annual senior prom. With pearls, feathers, vintage flair, and a whole lot of heart, this unforgettable evening was more than just a dance, it was a joyful celebration of life, connection, and music. Around 80 guests – a mix of Adult Day Club members, assisted living residents, spouses, family members, staff, and volunteers – attended the soiree. From the start, the event buzzed with anticipation and excitement. For many, this was a chance to relive a moment they had missed, or rewrite one that had fallen short in their youth.