NIC Notes

Insights in Seniors Housing & Care

By: NIC  |  November 18, 2015

How to Survive & Thrive in the Health Care Model Transition

Economic Trends  |  Ideas and Discussion

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With the fast-moving changes in the health care delivery and payment system, how can providers make the most of the coming opportunities and navigate challenges, not only to survive but thrive?

According to recent industry news reports, retirement communities should have continuum of care, a segway from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing, with both long and short-term stay options. Skilled nursing properties can partner with hospitals and accountable care organizations (ACOs) along the post-acute continuum. While this is easier said than done for non-CCRC established communities, a good plan, partnerships and point of care solution is a great way to start.

The road to integration is not straight forward, and a perfect map to follow has yet to be created. However, endless opportunity awaits those brave enough to start the journey. Juniper Communities, CEO, Lynne Katzmann recently spoke with Senior Housing News about their innovative partnership with Redwood Health Partners, an on-site primary care provider that solely operates within assisted and senior living residences, skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, and special purpose memory care communities.  The partnership stemmed from a realization that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is here to stay, and Juniper saw this as an opportunity to make a critical impact on preventing readmissions to the hospital. Lynne Katzmann recently participated as a NIC Talks presenter at the 25th NIC National Conference you can watch her talk here, and will be speaker at the upcoming 2016 Spring Investment Forum in March.

For skilled nursing providers, having several assisted living partners is ideal, primarily because when the resident leaves the hospital they often need a place to receive short-term rehab. A good working relationship will result in referrals. Likewise, the relationship benefits assisted living communities since roughly 50% of residents are referred by skilled nursing communities. This could be a win-win opportunity for all.

Other ways to be progressive include providing therapy in the assisted living setting, have physicians make transitional care visits, form a partnership with the pharmacy, implement a point-of-care technology to help make the care of the resident seamless. All of these solutions require time, money, and a bit of patience to fully reap the benefit.

The 2016 NIC Spring Investment Forum in Dallas, March 9-11, will look at how providers can navigate the rapidly changing health care payment and delivery model with a focus on partnerships, risk taking, data and quality. The conference program is tailored to address key issues including:

  • Entering partnerships and going at-risk
  • Finding the right tools to capture data and demonstrate quality outcomes
  • Opportunities for AL providers in the new health care continuum
  • Assessing the investment opportunities in the emerging care continuum

Change is upon us, a little collaboration to brainstorm innovative new practices with your peers can go a long way in paving the road to a brighter and more profitable future. 


About NIC

The National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to support access and choice for America’s seniors by providing data, analytics, and connections that bring together investors and providers.

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