Posts by Tim Mullaney:

• Welltower Acquires QCP for $1.95B, Health System to Take Over ManorCare

  Apr 26 2018

  The fates of skilled nursing giant HCR ManorCare and its former landlord, Quality Care Properties (NYSE: QCP), have been determined. Welltower Inc. (NYSE: WELL), one of the largest U.S. health care real estate investment trusts (REITs), has reached an agreement to acquire QCP in a $1.95 billion all-cash deal. Going forward, Welltower will own the Read More

• Signature Explores Home Health Expansion Amid Skilled Nursing Troubles

  Apr 03 2018

  After a pointed entrance into the home health care market in 2014, Signature HealthCARE has largely shied away from expansion in favor of focusing on its core skilled nursing business. But while its home health footprint has not yet grown, the Louisville, Ky.-based company still has an eye toward expansion in the space — once it works Read More

• Mainstreet Calls Off Post-Acute Projects, Lays Off 70 in Arizona

  Mar 08 2018

  The distressed skilled nursing industry appears to need fresh approaches to operations and real estate, but bringing new types of properties to market is far from easy. Mainstreet, one of the largest developers of post-acute facilities in the nation, is the latest example, as the company is scaling back the rollout of its new Rapid Read More

• Welltower CEO Describes ‘New-Age SNF’ Concept

  Mar 07 2018

  The skilled nursing industry will emerge from its current period of duress and be reinvented in the coming years, according to Tom DeRosa, CEO of real estate investment trust (REIT) Welltower Inc. (NYSE: WELL). This belief is one reason why Toledo, Ohio-based Welltower is maintaining a foothold in skilled nursing, with about 10% of the Read More

• Two Visions of the 21st Century Skilled Nursing Facility

  Mar 06 2018

  The skilled nursing world is in upheaval, but too many providers are complacently running the skilled nursing facility of yesterday rather than creating a successful model for the future. That’s according to Anne Tumlinson, founder of consultancy Anne Tumlinson Innovations and a nationally recognized authority on post-acute and senior care. She previously led Medicaid oversight Read More

• Quality Care Properties to Take Over HCR ManorCare

  Mar 02 2018

  Quality Care Properties (NYSE: QCP) has reached an agreement to take over full equity ownership of its tenant, skilled nursing provider HCR ManorCare. As a result of the transaction, QCP expects to lose its status as a real estate investment trust (REIT), the company announced this morning. The transaction follows a long period of financial Read More

• Provider Battles for Skilled Nursing Innovations in New High-Rise

  Feb 08 2018

  With skilled nursing besieged from all sides, there is a pressing need for fresh designs and improved services. Recognizing this, a non-profit provider in Wisconsin has gone to great lengths to bring an innovative offering to the Milwaukee market, highlighting that it’s possible — but often difficult — to push the envelope in skilled nursing. Less than a decade Read More

• Industry Insider Leads ‘Best Workplaces in Aging Services’ Project

  Jan 11 2018

  When Fortune magazine publishes the inaugural “Best Workplaces in Aging Services” list in September 2018, it could provide a much-needed boost to skilled nursing providers facing a workforce crisis. That’s certainly the hope of Jacquelyn Kung, a senior care industry insider who is spearheading the effort to compile the new list. It will be a Read More

• New Data and Operational Models Drive SNF-Hospital Partnerships

  Jan 11 2018

  For years, skilled nursing providers have been jockeying to participate in narrowing health care networks, as hospitals and other referral sources have raised the bar on what they need from post-acute partners. In this competitive environment, some of the nation’s largest SNF providers continue to up their game. A case in point can be found Read More

• Up-and-Coming Genesis Administrator Optimistic About SNF Workforce

  Jan 07 2018

  With a staffing crisis looming over the senior care sector, industry surveys and news reports routinely trumpet the steep challenges in skilled nursing facility recruitment and retention. Success stories are harder to come by, but they are out there, providing examples of how SNFs can successfully attract top talent and develop the next generation of Read More

• Therapy Cap Repeal Could Be Pushed Back to 2018

  Dec 05 2017

  Congress has a packed agenda, which means a long-awaited repeal of Medicare’s therapy caps might not happen until 2018. The repeal likely will bring related reductions in skilled nursing facility payments. Comprehensive tax reform legislation—now in conference committee—is a pressing priority for federal lawmakers at the moment, as is the need for a budget deal Read More

• Green House Founder Bill Thomas Unveils MAGIC Concept

  Nov 28 2017

  Dr. Bill Thomas is already well known for creating the Green House model of care as an alternative to institutional skilled nursing settings. Now, he is introducing a new concept for senior housing and care, which he has dubbed MAGIC. The acronym stands for multi-ability/multi-generational inclusive communities. The first MAGIC development is in the works, Read More

• Lawsuits Drive 33 Preferred Care SNFs to Seek Bankruptcy Protection

  Nov 15 2017

  Facing a slew of lawsuits, 33 skilled nursing facilities affiliated with one of the largest SNF operating companies in the nation have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Twelve of the SNFs are located in New Mexico and 21 are in Kentucky. They are all affiliated with Plano, Texas-based Preferred Care Partners Management Group, which Read More

• How SNFs Can Ace the Nurse Hiring Process

  Nov 14 2017

  Skilled nursing providers are facing a workforce crisis, with facilities fiercely competing to attract top nursing talent. In fact, among wide-ranging labor challenges, attracting frontline nursing and aide workers is a particular pain point, according to survey findings released earlier this year from provider association LeadingAge. Kimberly Nolet, a research program manager at the Center Read More

• Sabra Cuts Genesis Rent by $19 Million in Exodus Plan

  Nov 13 2017

  Sabra Health Care REIT (Nasdaq: SBRA) has released details of a previously announced restructuring of its Genesis HealthCare (NYSE: GEN) portfolio, with the goal of making the skilled nursing and post-acute properties more marketable to potential buyers. Kennett Square, Pennsylvania-based Genesis, the largest skilled nursing provider in the nation, has been beset by problems during Read More

• Welltower Working on Deal to Improve Genesis’ Capital Structure

  Nov 07 2017

  A deal is being hammered out between skilled nursing giant Genesis HealthCare (NYSE: GEN) and its landlord Welltower Inc. (NYSE: HCN), which is meant to improve Genesis’ capital structure. Welltower, a Toledo, Ohio-based real estate investment trust (REIT), announced the likely transaction in conjunction with releasing its third-quarter 2017 earnings results Tuesday, though details were Read More

• New CEO Focused on LCS’ Evolving Post-Acute Strategy

  Nov 05 2017

  A new CEO is set to take the helm at one of the nation’s largest senior living and skilled nursing organizations, and honing the company’s post-acute strategy is among his top priorities. As of Jan. 1, 2018, Joel Nelson will become the CEO of Des Moines, Iowa-based LCS, after Ed Kenny’s 11-year tenure in the Read More

• Skilled Nursing Provider Creates a Buzz with Cannabis Program

  Nov 02 2017

  The Hebrew Home at Riverdale has a reputation for being a progressive skilled nursing facility, thanks to its stance and policies regarding sexual expression. Now, it’s taking a lead role on another controversial topic: medical marijuana. A non-profit organization, the Hebrew Home is part of the RiverSpring Health campus, which includes a variety of senior Read More

• SNF Compliance Tips for Care Plan, Pharmacy, Smoking Requirements

  Oct 31 2017

  Skilled nursing providers across the country continue to work hard as Nov. 28 approaches. That’s when the second phase of the new SNF Medicare and Medicaid requirements of participation take effect. The so-called “mega rule” is being implemented in three phases, and this second phase brings a host of new requirements. Here are a few Read More

• CMS Official: Focus on Intent of New SNF Regulations

  Oct 19 2017

  Skilled nursing providers are trying to understand the details of sweeping new Medicare requirements and survey process changes. But SNFs should not get so preoccupied with the finer points that they lose sight of the fundamental goals that the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS) intends to achieve with the updates. “The main point Read More

• Staff, Resident Outcomes Soar in Comfort-First Dementia Care Model

  Oct 19 2017

  Beatitudes, a life plan community in Phoenix, Arizona, has become well known for how it provides dementia care, with articles appearing in The New York Times and other publications. That comfort-first approach is spreading throughout the country, with providers seeing better resident outcomes and operational performance in the model. Three not-for-profit New York City communities—Cobble Read More

• AHCA CEO: Skilled Nursing Providers Must Branch Out to Survive

  Oct 18 2017

  This year might have presented the hardest operating environment ever for skilled nursing operators, American Health Care Association (AHCA) President and CEO Mark Parkinson said this week at the organization’s annual conference in Las Vegas. Favorable demographics ultimately will be a boon to the sector, but in the meantime, there are some strategies that can Read More

• 3 Tips to Ace the New Skilled Nursing Survey Process

  Oct 17 2017

  Skilled nursing facilities are counting down to Nov. 28, when a new survey process will begin. The updated survey is part of the sweeping regulatory overhaul that began to take effect in November 2016, with implementation to occur in three phases. The new survey is part of the second phase, and it includes a number Read More

• Kindred Makes Everyone a Recruiter to Win New Staff

  Oct 10 2017

  Post-acute giant Kindred Healthcare (NYSE: KND) is not afraid of making changes—including currently exiting the skilled nursing industry after years of being a major provider. But for staff recruitment, the Louisville-based company is a big believer in tried-and-true methods. Like other providers across the health care spectrum, Kindred has been utilizing social media and other digital Read More

• Greystone Taps Golden Living Alum To Be Chief Nursing Officer

  Oct 09 2017

  Greystone Healthcare Management has named Melissa Purvis its new chief nursing officer, in charge of overseeing operations of 35 skilled nursing facilities that the Tampa, Florida-based company manages. Formerly, Purvis served as national director of clinical practice for Golden Living from 2014 to 2016; the Plano, Texas-based company operates about 300 skilled nursing facilities across Read More

• StoneGate Modernizes SNF Referral Approach with New Intake Center

  Oct 09 2017

  After boosting referrals and admissions through a pilot program, StoneGate Senior Living is launching a “Central Intake Center” at its Dallas headquarters. The new CIC is meant to create a more streamlined admissions process for its 12 buildings in the Dallas market, making StoneGate a provider of choice for referral sources like hospitals as well Read More

• Sabra CEO: Days are Numbered for Custodial Care in SNFs

  Sep 27 2017

  If skilled nursing operators are planning to provide custodial long-term care for years to come, they might want to think again. “Custodial care has no place in skilled nursing, in my opinion,” Rick Matros, CEO of Sabra Health Care REIT (Nasdaq: SBRA), said Wednesday at the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) Read More

• Skilled Nursing M&A Action Slows, Occupancy Hits 10-Year Low

  Sep 26 2017

  Investors have been less interested in buying skilled nursing properties this year, as they have shifted their attention more toward private-pay assisted living. Overall transaction velocity in the skilled nursing sector has declined 17% over the past year, according to a new report from Marcus & Millichap, a Calabasas, Calif.-based commercial real estate brokerage and research Read More

• Death of 8 Residents Causes Alarm Over SNF Safety After Irma

  Sep 14 2017

  In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the lack of air conditioning at a Florida skilled nursing facility (SNF) appears to have led to the death of eight residents, spurring action to ensure resident safety at other SNFs throughout the state. Early Wednesday, police arrived at the 152-bed Rehabilitation Center of Hollywood Hills in Hollywood, Fla., Read More

• Skilled Nursing Facilities in Crisis Mode as Hurricane Irma Batters Florida

  Sep 11 2017

  Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in Florida and elsewhere in the Southeast are facing an enormous test. Hurricane Irma forced an unprecedented number of evacuations prior to making landfall in Florida early Sunday morning, with the storm’s size and severity creating complications as SNFs executed their emergency plans. Irma is expected to weaken by Monday morning, Read More

• Sabra Takes Steps to Improve Underperforming CCP Properties

  Sep 07 2017

  Sabra Health Care REIT (Nasdaq: SBRA) is pursuing a multi-pronged repositioning strategy to improve the performance of certain new additions to its portfolio, following the mega-merger with Care Capital Properties. The merger with real estate investment trust CCP added 359 properties, mostly skilled nursing, to Sabra’s existing portfolio of 205 skilled nursing, private-pay senior housing, Read More

• Skilled Nursing Providers Help Spread ‘Old People Are Cool’ Message

  Aug 31 2017

  A new campaign is trying to spark conversations about aging and senior care by spreading a simple message: old people are cool. These conversations are crucial to combating ageism and dispelling myths and fears about skilled nursing and other types of care, says Charles de Vilmorin, who started the project. He is CEO and co-founder Read More

• QCP Seeks Receivership for HCR ManorCare Properties

  Aug 18 2017

  Quality Care Properties (NYSE: QCP) has begun legal proceedings to have an independent receiver take over the operations of its skilled nursing and assisted living/memory care communities that currently are being operated by HCR ManorCare. Toledo, Ohio-based ManorCare operates more than 500 skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), assisted living communities, outpatient rehab clinics, memory care communities, Read More

• Major Chicago Health System Shutters SNF, Pushes Home Health

  Aug 17 2017

  It’s no secret that the number of skilled nursing beds is declining across the nation. A situation currently playing out in Chicago illustrates some of the reasons for this trend, including a push for more care to be delivered in people’s homes. Northwestern Medicine, a major Windy City integrated health care system, is shutting down Read More

• Kindred Strikes Deal to Sell SNF Business for $700 Million

  Jun 30 2017

  About six months after announcing its intention to cease being an owner and operator of skilled nursing facilities, Kindred Healthcare (NYSE: KND) has struck a deal to sell its SNF business for $700 million in cash. The total value of the transaction to Kindred is expected to be $910 million, the Louisville-based company announced late Read More

• New Center is ‘One-Stop Shop’ for Senior Care Workforce Solutions

  Jun 26 2017

  With skilled nursing facing a labor crunch that could explode into a full-scale crisis, one major provider association has launched a Center for Workforce Solutions. Washington, D.C.-based LeadingAge — an organization with more than 6,000 members, mostly consisting of non-profit senior care providers — officially announced the Center for Workforce Solutions last week. It will Read More

• Symphony Shares Secrets of the ‘Super SNF’

  Jun 13 2017

  Symphony Post Acute Network has helped redefine the skilled nursing, transitional care business—so much so, some other providers in Symphony’s markets are banding together to stay competitive. But what exactly does Symphony’s model involve? It’s a mixture of elements that together create a “super SNF,” Symphony President Tim Fields said Tuesday at the Post Acute Read More

• Tips for Retaining SNF Caregivers from Millennials to Boomers

  Jun 07 2017

  Younger certified nursing assistants (CNAs) tend to have different complaints about the skilled nursing workplace than older CNAs, and awareness of these generational differences could be the first step toward more effective retention efforts. That’s one key takeaway from a small study out of Armstrong State University in Savannah, Ga. Researchers surveyed 100 CNAs at Read More

• SNF Occupancy Projected to Fall Further in 2017

  Jun 04 2017

  Anyone hoping for skilled nursing occupancy to bounce back this year might want to adjust their expectations. Occupancy for skilled nursing is projected to dip 40 basis points in 2017, hitting 86.4% by year-end, according to a recently released Marcus & Millichap Seniors Housing Research National Report for the first half of 2017.  The Calabasas, Read More

• Amid Skilled Nursing Exit, Kindred Launches New Division

  Jun 01 2017

  Kindred Healthcare (NYSE: KND) may not be a skilled nursing operator for much longer, but the company plans to remain a major force in post-acute care—and it has just launched a new business division to help achieve that goal. Louisville-based Kindred has tapped Brian Holzer, M.D., to serve as president of the new division, Kindred Read More

• Second ‘Margaritaville for Seniors’ Could Draw Thousands of Residents

  May 26 2017

  Skilled nursing developers looking for prime markets for new construction might have 3,000 reasons to consider Hilton Head, South Carolina. That’s because Hilton Head will soon boast a Latitude Margaritaville community, featuring more than 3,000 homes for those who are at least 55 years old and want a lifestyle inspired by the iconic songs of Read More

• Seniors Lose Confidence in Ability to Age at Home

  May 24 2017

  Seniors routinely say they would prefer to age at home rather than enter a care facility. However, it appears they are becoming increasingly nervous about their ability to do so. Compared to how they felt a year ago, nearly three in 10 seniors feel less prepared today to live independently in their own homes as Read More