News & Articles

CMS is providing clarification to recent guidance for visitation (see CMS memorandum QSO-20-39- NH REVISED 11/12/2021). While CMS cannot address every aspect of visitation that may occur, we provide additional details about certain scenarios below. However, the bottom line is visitation must  be permitted at all times with very limited and rare exceptions, in accordance with residents’ rights.  In short, nursing homes should enable visitation following these three key points:  

• Adhere to the core principles of infection prevention, especially wearing a mask, performing hand hygiene, and practicing physical distancing; 

• Don’t have large gatherings where physical distancing cannot be maintained; and

• Work with your state or local health department when an outbreak occurs. 

States may instruct nursing homes to take additional measures to make visitation safer, while  ensuring visitation can still occur. This includes requiring that, during visits, residents and visitors  wear masks that are well-fitting, and preferably those with better protection, such as surgical masks  or KN95. States should work with CMS on specific actions related to additional measures they are  considering. 

Message from SWG’s Executive Director:

Today, June 15, 2020 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). WEAAD was launched on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of elder mistreatment by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic factors that drive and influence elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.This annual day of recognition focuses global society’s attention on the need for all people to take responsibility for preventing and aggressively advocating for elimination of elder abuse in all of its forms. According to the American Society on Aging, each year in the U.S., an estimated 5 million older persons are abused, neglected and exploited. Older adults in America lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation, funds that are desperately needed to pay for basics such as housing, food and medical care. And it is estimated that only about one in five of those crimes are ever reported. Certainly as we know, every older adult in each community in the U.S. and around the world has the right to be free of such abuse and treated with respect and dignity.As we continue to address the most seriousissues of racism and police brutality against African-Americans in U.S. Society, along with the great impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic crisis, we all want to do our part to spread the word about this matter of world-wide elder abuse and its vital importance!

Thank you for reading,

Dr. Greg Kotlarz

Seniors Wellness Group of Michigan Clinical Director Sharon Jones Ph.D.

on Mature Matters: Depression @SWGMichigan

Who are we? Seniors Wellness Group, P.C is a provider owned and operated organization which was established in 1995 and currently services over 160 long-term care facilities.  Our clinical staff comprises over 60 members, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants and clinical social workers. They are an experienced staff who enjoy and value their professional roles working with the elderly in the Long Term Care market.

What do we do? Seniors Wellness Group, P.C. works with our partner facilities to achieve mutually desired outcomes on shared priorities including better patient outcomes, improved quality of care, appropriate drug utilization, regulatory compliance, and family and staff education. Our focus is on providing individualized treatment plans with the most appropriate, efficient, and least restrictive interventions for restoring and maintaining a strong sense of self-worth and general well-being.

Stay connected! We look forward to hearing from you