News and Media | PALTmed

JAMDA

February 4, 2026

To Sit or Stand? Evaluating the End Position of the 5-Times Chair-Stand Test (5-CST) Among Older Adults

Policy Snapshot

February 3, 2026

Congress Ends Shutdown, Extends Key Telehealth Waivers for Two Years

Congress has passed a $1.2 trillion funding package that ends the latest government shutdown and keeps most federal agencies funded through September. The bill includes a two-year extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027, maintaining expanded coverage for virtual care, inclu...

JAMDA

February 2, 2026

Cognitive and Functional Trajectories Among Older Widowed Male Veterans: Findings From the Health and Retirement Study

Loss of a spouse increases risk for cognitive and functional decline in older age. However, literature examining bereavement effects on cognition and daily functioning in veterans is limited. This study therefore examined differences in cognitive and functional trajectories after spousal loss in older male...

JAMDA

February 2, 2026

Incidence and Factors Associated With Hospitalizations for Urinary Tract Infections Among Older People Residing in Long-Term Care Facilities

This study examined the incidence of hospitalizations for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and associated factors among residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) during the first 12 months of their LTCF stay.

News Release

February 2, 2026

February 2026 Issue | A New Chapter

Caring for the Ages February 2026 Issue | A New Chapter

Policy Snapshot

February 2, 2026

CMS Releases Updates to State Operations Manual

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced updates to the State Operations Manual (SOM), introducing revised and clarified guidance to strengthen survey and enforcement processes.

Caring for the Ages

February 1, 2026

Uncertified but Responsible: CNA Orientation Gaps Put Residents at Risk

While teaching a CNA class on death and dying, I asked my students how they explained a resident’s passing to others. One young nursing assistant raised her hand: “We are told to say the resident has gone to Montana.” I phoned the nursing director from the facility and asked if she was aware that the nurs...