HPH INSIGHTS

A resident can walk comfortably down a hallway and still struggle when the task changes.

Someone calls their name and they turn. They carry a cup while navigating a doorway. They walk through a busy dining room while listening to a conversation.

As we age, our bodies go through natural changes that can sometimes lead to chronic pain conditions, affecting mobility, daily functioning, and overall quality of life. According to the 2023 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), chronic pain is a significant health concern for older adults, with nearly one in three adults over the age of 65 reporting persistent pain. This chronic pain can be debilitating, often stemming from conditions like arthritis, back pain, or neuropathy, and can create challenges in maintaining independence and participating in social and recreational activities.

As the senior living sector continues to prioritize resident well-being, new research is shedding light on the importance of addressing frailty and other health risk factors early in the aging process. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association highlights the critical role of frailty interventions in preventing cognitive decline and reducing the risk of dementia in older adults. The study emphasizes that early, targeted interventions — such as physical therapy, health education, and wellness programs — can significantly improve both physical and cognitive health...

Wellness programming is crucial for promoting physical health, fostering social connections, and enhancing overall quality of life. By engaging in tailored activities and education, seniors can maintain their independence and vitality, reduce the risk of age-related ailments, and improve their emotional well-being. Here's a breakdown of the benefits that proactive wellness brings to senior living communities.

At a recent industry conference, I watched Dr. Vonda Wright put up three MRI scans side by side: the quadriceps of a 40-year-old triathlete, a 70-year-old triathlete, and a 74-year-old sedentary man. The two triathletes' scans were nearly identical. The sedentary man, younger than one of the triathletes, showed far less muscle.

Falls remain one of the most persistent threats to health and independence for older adults, and most fall risk assessments still rely on periodic, observation-based scoring. HealthPro Heritage's licensed therapists now pair that clinical judgment with objective, technology-supported gait and balance measurement through a partnership with Exer AI. The result is a way to identify risk earlier, build more targeted treatment plans, and give residents, families, and care teams a clear, measurable picture of progress over time. This paper explains the problem this addresses, how the approach...

As part of the federal annual rulemaking process, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published the FY 2027 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Proposed Rule. This year there were no major surprises, but CMS did include requests for stakeholder input. HealthPRO is highly recommending that the IDT discuss the overview below and assemble comments to reply to CMS regarding this proposed rule. The following brief summary of the proposed rule’s key impacts on SNF operations and the importance of stakeholder engagement in the response process.

Long-Term Care Options: Choosing What’s Right for Your Loved One

Dementia Home Care: Tips for Safe and Compassionate Support