Pursuing Quality Long-Term Care

National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care

Long-term care is or will be a fact of life for many of us and our loved ones as we age. We all deserve care – whether in the home or in a long-term care facility – that meets the highest of standards, enhancing quality of life and ensuring the protection of rights. Join us as we talk with national experts and advocates about strategies you can use in the pursuit of quality long-term care.

  1. Utah's Upper Payment Limit Program: How Money Intended for Nursing Home Resident's Got Diverted Away

    14h ago

    Utah's Upper Payment Limit Program: How Money Intended for Nursing Home Resident's Got Diverted Away

    The Upper Payment Limit (UPL) program was established to support city and county-operated nursing homes by providing enhanced Medicaid payments for nursing home residents residing in those homes. Although the program was created with good intentions, over time concerns have arisen that some cities, counties, and states exploit loopholes to redirect these enhanced payments, originally intended for residents, toward unrelated purposes. In Utah, the UPL program has come under intense scrutiny in the past year. Advocates revealed that several city and county-run hospitals had acquired licenses for nearly two-thirds of all nursing homes in the state, more beds than there are residents in their areas. These hospitals then contracted private companies to operate these facilities. Investigative reports uncovered that funds meant for patient care were frequently diverted to unrelated projects, such as community health centers. A recent report by the Auditor General revealed that out of nearly $1 billion in UPL payments made between 2016 and 2024, only 49% were actually used by nursing homes. The remaining funds were diverted away, often to management fees and other unrelated initiatives. Further analysis indicated that care in UPL program facilities often declined compared to non-UPL program homes. Barry Toone, a Utah attorney, has been at the forefront of efforts to expose the flaws in Utah's UPL program. In this episode, Barry joins Sam Brooks to discuss how entities participating in the UPL program have benefited from UPL payments, often at the expense of nursing home residents. Together, they examine the program's failures and explore potential solutions. They also highlight the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability among nursing home owners and operators regarding the use of taxpayer dollars.

    43 min
  2. Dining with Dignity: Food Matters in Long-Term Care

    May 29

    Dining with Dignity: Food Matters in Long-Term Care

    Good food is something we all look forward to, something that tastes good, nourishes us, connects us to culture and community, and that we enjoy sharing with friends and family. That doesn’t change when someone moves into a long term care facility. In fact, food often matters more to people living in long-term care. At its best, food supports nutrition and health, triggers positive memories, and provides moments of comfort and connection. However, we know this isn't always the case. In fact, poor food is often one of the top complaints that residents share with Ombudsmen representatives and family members. When Consumer Voice conducted a survey of over 450 residents last year, two thirds of respondents said that their food usually doesn't look or smell appealing. In this episode, we’re joined by Vanessa Emm, the Operations Director for the National Association of Activities Professionals (NAAP) who has worked in the long-term care field for over 20 years. We are also joined by Summer Nancollas, a Culinary Director at a Senior Living Community in Nevada. Join us as we talk about why food plays such a central role in residents’ well being, what gets in the way of good meals in long term care, and the best practices that facilities can use to create dining experiences that truly honor residents’ needs, preferences, and dignity.

    50 min
  3. The Impact of State Minimum Staffing Standards on Nursing Homes

    Apr 30

    The Impact of State Minimum Staffing Standards on Nursing Homes

    When the Biden Administration announced its intent to implement a minimum staffing standard, the nursing home industry immediately responded with cries that a standard would result in closures, loss of money to nursing homes, and that the standards could not be met. These arguments, although unsupported by evidence, were effective and resulted in the current administration rescinding the staffing rule in March. Now, a new research paper shows that the implementation of state staffing standards over the years did not result in facility closures, paid for themselves, did not impact profit margins, and increased staffing levels. Join Consumer Voice’s Sam Brooks who talks with Dr. Rachel Werner, one of the authors of the study, as they discuss the new paper and what it means for policymakers considering the implementation of staffing standards. Guest: Dr. Rachel Werner, Physician and Economist

    30 min
  4. The Essential Caregivers Act: Protecting Connection in Long-Term Care

    Mar 4

    The Essential Caregivers Act: Protecting Connection in Long-Term Care

    This episode explores the Essential Caregivers Act of 2025 and the lessons learned from the COVID 19 visitation bans in long term care. Our discussion examines how isolation harms residents, why essential caregivers are irreplaceable, and how this legislation aims to protect resident rights during future emergencies. It’s a conversation about dignity, safety, and ensuring that no one in long term care is ever left without the people who know and love them most. Guests: Irma Rappaport, National Advocate, Caregivers for Compromise, Connecticut Virtual Family Council; and Amy Badini, Connecticut Caregivers for Compromise, Essential Caregivers Coalition, Connecticut Virtual Family Council

    44 min
  5. Inspections and Illusions: How Some Nursing Homes Game the System

    12/15/2025

    Inspections and Illusions: How Some Nursing Homes Game the System

    In this episode, Yiqun Chen and Marcus Dillender join us to discuss their revealing study on how nursing homes respond to government inspections. They explain how facilities often make short-term changes—like boosting staff and discharging patients—just to look better during inspections, only to revert immediately afterward. Despite this gaming, inspection ratings still offer meaningful insights into resident outcomes. The conversation covers why some citations lead to real improvements while others don’t; how inspection ratings relate to mortality risk; and what policymakers can do to make oversight more effective and less predictable. This episode offers a candid look at the strengths and blind spots of government monitoring, and what it means for the future of elder care. Guests: Yiqun Chen & Marcus Dillender, economists and authors of the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) paper “Government Monitoring of Health Care Quality: Evidence from the Nursing Home Sector”

    37 min
  6. What is it like to live in long-term care in 2025? (Part 2 of 2)

    11/24/2025

    What is it like to live in long-term care in 2025? (Part 2 of 2)

    Join us for part two of a conversation with long-term care residents. In spring 2025, Consumer Voice conducted a nationwide survey of residents to learn what daily life is like in their facilities. The questions ranged from whether residents feel they are treated with dignity and respect to how appealing their meals are, and everything in between. In part two of this podcast, we discuss the survey results and explore key themes with the residents themselves, who serve on Consumer Voice’s Consumer Advisory Council. They share their thoughts and experiences on what it’s like to live in long-term care in 2025 and offer valuable advice on how they advocate for themselves and others.

    47 min
  7. What is it like to live in long-term care in 2025? (Part 1 of 2)

    10/24/2025

    What is it like to live in long-term care in 2025? (Part 1 of 2)

    In spring 2025, Consumer Voice conducted a nationwide survey of long-term care residents to learn what daily life is like in their facilities. The questions ranged from whether residents feel they are treated with dignity and respect to how appealing their meals are, and everything in between. In this two-part podcast, we discuss the survey results and explore key themes with the residents themselves, who serve on Consumer Voice’s Consumer Advisory Council. They share their thoughts and experiences on what it’s like to live in long-term care in 2025 and offer valuable advice on how they advocate for themselves and others. Guests: Maurice Miller, Ray DiFrancisco, Cindy Jones, Margarite Grootjes, and Jeanette Sullivan-Martinez

    49 min
  8. Documenting Resident Concerns: Tools for Stronger Advocacy in Long-Term Care

    09/12/2025

    Documenting Resident Concerns: Tools for Stronger Advocacy in Long-Term Care

    When something goes wrong in long-term care, do you know what to do? In this episode, we introduce Documenting Resident Concerns in Long-Term Care, a new resource created to help residents and families respond with confidence. From falls and pressure injuries to conflicts with staff, knowing what questions to ask and what details to document can be the key to real solutions. Lori Smetanka and Jocelyn Bogdan of Consumer Voice share practical strategies for gathering information and advocating effectively. This joint project from the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care and the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) offers a clear path to stronger advocacy and better care. Guests: Lori Smetanka, Consumer Voice Executive Director, and Jocelyn Bogdan, Consumer Voice Senior Policy Specialist

    32 min
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4.9
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Long-term care is or will be a fact of life for many of us and our loved ones as we age. We all deserve care – whether in the home or in a long-term care facility – that meets the highest of standards, enhancing quality of life and ensuring the protection of rights. Join us as we talk with national experts and advocates about strategies you can use in the pursuit of quality long-term care.

Information

  • Creator
    National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Pursuing Quality Long-Term Care

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