Tag: SNF

Surge Rehabilitation and Nursing Pioneers ACP Facility Certification

Surge Rehabilitation and Nursing Pioneers ACP Facility Certification 

Last year, we launched the ACP Certified program to help our partners enhance their clinical expertise, improve patient outcomes, and stand apart in their communities. Since then, it has been our pleasure to see rehab and nursing clinicians across the country find value in becoming certified—for themselves and their patients. We are thrilled to share that Surge Rehabilitation and Nursing in Middle Island, NY, has become the first facility in the nation to achieve ACP Certification in both Cardiopulmonary Rehab and Fall Prevention. This remarkable achievement underscores Surge’s commitment to clinical excellence and innovation in post-acute care.

Elevating Cardiopulmonary Care 

To become ACP Certified in Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Surge’s staff demonstrated excellence in specialized therapy interventions and clinical protocols and in integrating advanced technology to support cardiopulmonary recovery and long-term management.

Following extensive training and the implementation of evidence-based practices, Surge reported the following improvements in patient outcomes:

  • 54% of patients required less supplemental oxygen by discharge
  • 84% of patients showed improvement in BORG score from admission to discharge, indicating reduced perceived breathlessness
  • Average increase in ambulation distance from admission to discharge was 93 feet, reflecting endurance and functional mobility gains
  • Average length of stay decreased from 52 days to 37 days, showing increased efficiency and care delivery
  • 93% of patients demonstrated improvement in Timed Up and Go (TUG) scores, indicating better functional mobility

“This certification is a milestone and affirmation of a promise to our residents and families that we deliver the highest level of cardiopulmonary care available today,” said Ahmed Joudah, Administrator of Surge Rehabilitation and Nursing.

Leading the Way in Fall Prevention

Falls are a significant risk for older adults, and Surge is taking a proactive, interdisciplinary approach to reduce risk and optimize clinical outcomes. Since implementing the evidence-based practices outlined in the Fall Prevention certification, the Surge team has achieved notable improvements: 

  • Average increase in ambulation distance of 56 feet from admission to discharge 
  • 81% of patients demonstrated improvement in TUG scores, and 30-second sit-to-stand scores improved by 5 repetitions, showing better functional mobility and reduced fall risk 

In their program reflection, they had this to share:  

“…participating in the ACP Fall Prevention Program has been a transformative journey for [their] interdisciplinary team, enhancing not only [their] clinical outcomes but also [their] communication, collaboration, and shared commitment to resident safety. One of the most critical elements that [they] have embraced is the importance of clear and consistent communication across all disciplines, ensuring that every team member – from therapists to nursing staff to physicians – is aligned on goals, strategies, and individual resident needs.”

Celebrating Clinical Excellence

As an ACP-certified facility, Surge continues to lead by example in clinical excellence, ongoing education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This dual certification is not just a milestone for Surge but also ACP, and we are grateful for their exemplary partnership and dedication to better patient outcomes. 

It has been an incredible experience to witness the journey of ACP Certification, from its initial concept and development to its successful launch, culminating in the achievement of the first two facility certifications by Surge. The staff and administration at Surge are committed to ensuring the individuals under their care receive the best possible care, using all available resources to maximize clinical outcomes.

Kelly Contreras, Senior Manager, Remote Clinical Services

Become ACP Certified

Ready to level up your clinical expertise? Learn more about how you and your facility can become ACP Certified.

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Since launching the ACP Certified program, it has been our pleasure to see rehab and nursing clinicians nationwide find value in becoming certified. We are thrilled to share that Surge Rehabilitation and Nursing in Middle Island, NY, has become the first facility in the nation to achieve ACP Certification. Read on to learn how their Cardiopulmonary Rehab and Fall Prevention certifications are enhancing patient care.

Addressing Swallow Function with E-Stim and sEMG Biofeedback

Addressing Swallow Function with E-Stim and sEMG Biofeedback

This 83-year-old patient was admitted to a skilled nursing facility following hospitalization for a bilateral hemisphere stroke (affecting both sides of the brain). As a result, he developed opharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty chewing and swallowing). He was placed on a modified diet and referred to speech-language pathology services to improve swallowing ability. Before his stroke, he lived alone, consumed a regular diet, and drank thin liquids. 

Therapy Protocol

Speech Therapy

  • 5x/week x 3 weeks

Omnistim® FX2 Portable PENS 

  • Patterned Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (PENS) head and neck protocol to improve the effectiveness of swallowing exercises 

Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions by ACP®

  • Effortful swallow exercise using Kangaroo virtual reality representation of muscle output to improve swallowing coordination and effort 

Additional Interventions

  • Patient education for swallowing strategies 

Omnistim® FX2

Portable PENS

Synchrony

Dysphagia Solutions by ACP®

Addressing Swallow Function with E-Stim and sEMG Biofeedback

This patient went home to an assisted living facility and is very happy to have recovered his swallowing capabilities, enabling him to eat the food he loves with no restrictions! His speech-language pathologist credits the Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions System: 

Synchrony is a very effective tool that improved his swallow function.

Therapist

Improve Dysphagia Outcomes

Combining sEMG with a virtual environment, Synchrony engages patients in fun, interactive swallowing and speech exercises that improve motivation and promote better functional outcomes.

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After being hospitalized for a stroke, this patient had trouble chewing and swallowing. As a result, he was placed on a modified diet and referred to speech-language pathology services. Following three weeks of speech therapy, he was able to enjoy a regular diet and return home. Keep reading to find out how his care team did it.

Breathing Therapy After Stroke: Enhancing Recovery & Quality of Life

Breathing Therapy After Stroke: Enhancing Recovery & Quality of Life 

Stroke is a debilitating condition that can cause significant muscle weakness throughout the body, including the muscles responsible for respiration. This can severely impact a patient’s ability to perform daily activities. Respiratory dysfunction occurs in 60% of stroke cases—what’s more, research has found an association between post-stroke apnea and cognitive decline.1  Fortunately, innovative devices like the ACPlus® Respiratory Assessment (ARA) and OmniFlow® Breathing Therapy Biofeedback System are designed to proactively identify and address these respiratory issues, enhancing recovery and improving quality of life for stroke patients. 

Proactively Identifying Breathing Issues with ACPlus® Respiratory Assessment (ARA) 

Stroke-induced respiratory dysfunction (SIRD) is associated with a higher 1-year mortality rate and worse functional outcomes, making it critical to catch as early as possible. ACPlus Respiratory Assessment (ARA) is uniquely designed to help clinicians proactively identify undiagnosed respiratory deficits. A clinician can conduct breathing tests that capture baseline metrics using an iPad and Bluetooth spirometer. ARA interprets that data to suggest possible lung disease patterns and severity levels. The clinical team can then use that data to develop the best treatment plan for that patient.

Delivering Targeted Interventions with OmniFlow® 

Once respiratory deficits are identified, targeted interventions can be initiated. The OmniFlow Breathing Therapy Biofeedback System offers a variety of engaging exercises designed to improve respiratory muscle function, including: 

OmniFlow Breathing Therapy Biofeedback System
  • Rhythmic Breathing: Focuses on rhythmical inspiratory and expiratory breathing 
  • Deep Inhalation: Improves inspiratory muscle power and inspiratory vital capacity (IVC) 
  • Forced Expiration: Targets expiratory muscle power 
  • Controlled Expiration: Improves controlled expiratory volume and flow 
  • ACBT/Huff Technique: Teaches patients the Active Cycle of Breathing (ACBT)/Huff technique to clear secretions from the lungs 

OmniFlow provides valuable inhalation and exhalation data, helping clinicians better assess the patient’s condition and guide their treatment accordingly.

Benefits of Breathing Therapy Post-Stroke 

Incorporating clinically appropriate breathing therapy into post-stroke rehabilitation offers numerous benefits. Respiratory muscle training effectively improves pulmonary function, strength of expiratory and inspiratory muscles, and walking ability, which can help patients perform daily activities more efficiently.2 Better respiratory control can also reduce the risk of complications like pneumonia. Including innovative tools like ARA and OmniFlow in treatment plans can help stroke patients recover faster and more effectively.

Enhance Your Respiratory Rehabilitation

For information on bringing ARA and OmniFlow to your patients, contact our team today.

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  1. 1. Patrizz, A., El Hamamy, A., Maniskas, M., Munshi, Y., Atadja, L., Ahnstedt, H., Howe, M., Mulkey, D., McCullough, L., & Li, J. (2023). Stroke-induced respiratory dysfunction is associated with cognitive decline. Stroke, 54(7), 1863-1874. https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.122.041239  ↩︎
  2. 2. Pozuelo Carrascosa, D., Carmona-Torres, J.M., Alberto Laredo-Aguilera, J.A., Pedro Ángel Latorre Román, P.A., Párraga Montilla, J. A., Cobo-Cuenca, A.I. (2020). Effectiveness of respiratory muscle training for pulmonary function and walking ability in patients with stroke: A systematic review with meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(15), 5356. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155356 ↩︎

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Did you know that respiratory dysfunction occurs in 60% of stroke cases? What’s more, research has found an association between post-stroke apnea and cognitive decline. Fortunately, innovative devices like the ACPlus Respiratory Assessment (ARA) and OmniFlow Breathing Therapy Biofeedback System are designed to proactively identify and address these respiratory issues, enhancing recovery and improving quality of life for stroke patients.

Swallowing Post-Stroke

Rebuilding Swallow Ability Post-Stroke

After experiencing a stroke that resulted in hospitalization, this 65-year-old patient was admitted to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation services. His swallow initiation was inconsistent, and he had difficulty managing his secretions, ultimately being diagnosed with oropharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). He enjoyed a regular diet before his stroke, but because he could not take any food or liquid by mouth, a feeding tube was placed. 

Therapy Protocol

Speech Therapy

  • 5x/week x 3 weeks

Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions by ACP® with OmnisEMG Biofeedback 

  • Typical swallows with ice chips for swallow initiation using Trace Display and Bow and Arrow virtual reality (VR) representation of muscle movement 
  • Effortful swallows with nectar thick consistency and progressive challenge with increased viscosity and volume to improve swallow strength using Bar Graph VR representation 

Additional Interventions

  • Thermal stimulation to facilitate swallow initiation 

Synchrony Portable

Dynamic Balance System

Trace Display

Bow and Arrow

Bar Graph

Swallowing Post-Stroke

This patient is thrilled with the outcome of his therapy. He had this to share about his treatment using Synchrony: 

Thank you for everything you did! I can’t wait to get home and eat food again.

Patient

Improve Swallowing with Advanced Biofeedback

Ready to revolutionize your approach to dysphagia therapy? Discover how Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions by ACP® can transform patient outcomes with its innovative combination of sEMG and VR technology.

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After experiencing a stroke that led to hospitalization, this 65-year-old patient was admitted to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation services. His swallow initiation was inconsistent, and he had difficulty managing his secretions. As a result, he was diagnosed with oropharyngeal dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and a feeding tube was placed. Learn how his speech therapy team utilized Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions by ACP® to improve his swallow coordination and help him return to an oral diet.

2025 Skilled Nursing Facility Industry Outlook

2025 Skilled Nursing Facility Industry Outlook 

The highlights:

  • A 4.2% increase in Medicare Part A payments to SNFs for FY 2025 provides essential financial support amid rising operational costs.
  • CMS is taking steps to reform prior authorizations in response to growing concerns over Medicare Advantage denials.
  • Occupancy rates are recovering and projected to return to pre-pandemic levels, while staffing shortages remain a major concern.
  • Technology will continue to play an increasingly significant role in driving operational efficiencies.

The skilled nursing facility (SNF) landscape continues to evolve in 2025, shaped by regulatory changes and challenges, rising demand, continued workforce shortages, and technological advancements. As the industry adapts to post-pandemic realities, several key trends are emerging that will impact patients and providers in 2025.

Medicare Rate Increases

In a welcomed development for SNF operators, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a 4.2% increase in Medicare Part A payments to SNFs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. This adjustment provides much-needed financial support for facilities facing rising operational costs.  

Medicare Advantage Denials Draw Scrutiny

The U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations published a report last year on the growing denial rate for post-acute care for Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries. Their investigation found that the largest MA insurers are disproportionately leveraging the prior authorization process to deny stays in post-acute care facilities. In an effort to improve access, CMS has taken steps to reform prior authorizations and hold MA and Part D plans more accountable for delivering high-quality coverage.  

SNF Value-Based Purchasing Program Focuses on Hospital Readmissions

Through the SNF Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program, CMS awards SNFs incentive payments for improved quality of care. For FY 2025, performance in the SNF VBP Program is centered around a single measure of all-cause hospital readmissions. Facilities that excel in preventing readmissions will be well-positioned to maximize their incentive payments in 2025. By leveraging ACP’s evidence-based clinical programming and advanced rehab technologies, SNFs can identify at-risk patients earlier, implement targeted interventions, and reduce readmission rates.  

Occupancy Trends Up

The industry is seeing encouraging signs of recovery in occupancy rates. According to recent data from the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), senior housing, assisted living, and independent living occupancy rates reached 86.5% in Q4 2024 and are projected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year. This growth and a decline in operational bed inventory suggest a strengthening demand for SNF services. 

Workforce Challenges Continue

Staffing challenges remain a concern for many SNFs in 2025 and beyond. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) predicts a deficit of nearly 80,000 full-time RNs in 2025, a concerning shortage that could continue into 2037. With increased demand for post-acute care, the industry must embrace creative staffing solutions and care delivery models to bridge this gap. Through robust training programs and ongoing clinical support, ACP helps facilities maximize their workforce capabilities. By equipping staff with the latest techniques, ACP enables SNFs to maintain high care standards despite staffing constraints.  

Leveraging Technology to Drive Efficiency

In 2025, providers will continue to turn to technology to help solve some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. As SNFs seek solutions to enhance operational efficiencies, reduce costs, and maintain high-quality care, platforms like ACPlus will lead the way. By interconnecting patients, devices, and EHR systems, ACPlus can streamline clinical workflows and drive better outcomes. Through the app, clinicians can conduct objective assessments to inform care planning. Our latest module within the app, ACPlus Respiratory Assessment (ARA), transforms respiratory care by helping SNFs identify patients with pulmonary dysfunction and generating treatment recommendations – demonstrating how sophisticated technology can both improve patient outcomes and drive efficiencies. 

Get Ahead with ACP

ACP provides the innovative technology, clinical expertise, and ongoing support SNFs need to thrive in today’s challenging environment. Discover the advantages of partnering with ACP.

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The skilled nursing facility landscape continues to evolve in 2025, shaped by regulatory changes and challenges, rising demand, continued workforce shortages, and technological advancements. As the industry adapts to post-pandemic realities, several key trends are emerging that will impact patients and providers in 2025.

ACP Certification for Nursing Clinicians

Introducing: ACP Certification for Nursing Clinicians

Last year, we introduced ACP clinical program certifications for clinicians and facilities. These certifications provide advanced training in five of our evidence-based clinical programs and are designed to enhance clinicians’ expertise, elevate facilities’ standard of care, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.  

Thanks to the positive feedback we have received from clinicians nationwide, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our certification offerings to include nursing clinicians. This underscores our dedication to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and expands our existing nursing clinical education offerings, providing our partners with even more opportunities for professional development.   

ACP Nursing Certification 

ACP Clinical Program Certifications are now available for rehab and nursing clinicians and facilities for the following clinical programs: 

To become ACP Certified in a specific program, nursing clinicians must complete the following: 

  • Program-specific core content 
  • One program or patient reflection summary 

Additional Online Nursing Continuing Education Courses 

In addition to our clinical program certifications, ACP also offers 15 BRN-approved* on-demand nursing continuing education courses via ACP University. These courses are designed to address geriatric patient conditions and facility program needs, covering essential interdisciplinary competencies such as chronic wound management, COPD management, fall prevention, and more, (with neuro courses coming soon)! View the entire on-demand course library here.

Non-CE Nursing Education Opportunities 

ACP partners also have access to non-CE education via live and on-demand webinars at no additional cost. Topics range from clinical programming to partner support. Live webinars are accessible through the partner login and you can view on-demand webinars here.

Become an ACP Certified Nursing Clinician

If you already have a login to ACP University, you can access the ACP Clinical Program Certifications free of charge. If you would like to enroll in ACP University, you can request access through your Clinical Program Consultant or by emailing [email protected].

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* Hanger is Approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing’s Approved CE Provider, Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics (CA BRN 12814). ACP is a Hanger Company. 

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Last year, we introduced ACP clinical program certifications for clinicians and facilities. These certifications provide advanced training in five of our evidence-based clinical programs and are designed to enhance clinicians’ expertise, elevate facilities’ standard of care, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Thanks to the positive feedback we have received from clinicians nationwide, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our certification offerings to include nursing clinicians. Keep reading to learn more.

Moving Beyond Aerobics: The Benefits of Cycling in Rehabilitation

Moving Beyond Aerobics: The Benefits of Cycling in Rehabilitation  

While it’s been proven that cycling is an effective rehab tool for building aerobic capacity and improving strength1, its benefits extend far beyond—from improving gait and core stability to boosting mental health and cognitive function. Keep reading to learn why cycling is a key component of many of our evidence-based clinical programs and how to incorporate it into your rehab program to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. 

1. Preparing for Gait Training  

Cycling is an excellent pre-gait activity that helps patients improve their motor control and reciprocal patterning for leg movement and arm swing. It also helps improve gait characteristics like limb symmetry, step length, speed, and distance. Cycling can also reduce patients’ risk and fear of falling, setting them up for more successful gait training.  

2. Improving Task Performance Ahead of ADL Training  

Cycling can significantly improve task performance by enhancing muscle activation and timing, which is crucial for self-care activities. For patients with conditions like Parkinson’s disease, cycling can help reduce upper extremity tremors and improve movement and balance.  

3. Boosting Core Strength & Power 

Cycling effectively engages core stability muscles, including the abdominals, back muscles, pelvic floor, and diaphragm. By activating spinal stabilizers, it can promote upright posture and balance, which are essential for daily activities and reducing fall risk.  

4. Reducing Pain & Physiological Stress 

Cycling aids autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulation and can be a helpful pain management tool for patients experiencing hip and knee pain. It can also significantly decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure.  

5. Decreasing Anxiety & Elevating Mood 

Cycling can have a profound impact on mental health and cognitive function. It decreases anxiety and increases happiness by boosting endorphins, which help elevate mood and sleep quality. By increasing blood flow to the brain, it can also improve cognitive function, including coordination, planning, and memory.   

6. Reducing Abnormal Muscle Tone & Stiffness 

Active and motorized active-assisted rhythmical cycling facilitates the body’s relaxation response, which can decrease abnormal muscle tone and improve patients’ range and quality of movement.  

Supercharge Outcomes with Biofeedback & Virtual Reality

Moving Beyond Aerobics: The Benefits of Cycling in Rehabilitation  

The OmniCycle Connect can improve patient outcomes by using biofeedback to help patients execute upper and lower cycling exercises. Paired with OmniTour, our immersive virtual cycling technology, patients stay engaged and motivated, ensuring they get the most out of each training session.

Explore OmniCycle Connect

Transform therapeutic exercise with the OmniCycle Connect Active-Assist Cycle by Accelerated Care Plus.

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  1. Kardan, M., Akter, T., Iqbal, M., Tcymbal, A., Messing, S., Gelius, P., & Abu-Omar, K. (2023). Cycling in older adults: A scoping review. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 5, 1157503. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2023.1157503 ↩︎

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While it’s been proven that cycling is an effective rehab tool for building aerobic capacity and improving strength, its benefits extend far beyond—from improving gait and core stability to boosting mental health and cognitive function. Keep reading to learn why cycling is a key component of many of our evidence-based clinical programs and how to incorporate it into your rehab program to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

Improving Functional Mobility Using Dynamic Balance Training

Improving Functional Mobility Using Dynamic Balance Training 

A 67-year-old patient was referred to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation services after hospitalization due to a second stroke, which resulted in lower extremity weakness and decreased balance. Before this stroke, he lived at home with his wife and walked with a hemi-walker. To help him regain his strength and independence, his care team incorporated the OmniStand® Dynamic Balance System into his balance training.

Therapy Protocol

Occupational Therapy

  • 3x/week x 8 weeks

OmniStand Dynamic Balance System

  • OmniStand dynamic balance standing exercises to improve lower extremity strength and balance during standing and ambulation with decreased fall risk 

Additional Interventions

  • Therapeutic exercises, transfer and gait training, and bed mobility and balance exercises 

OmniStand

Dynamic Balance System

Improving Functional Mobility Using Dynamic Balance Training

This gentleman is thrilled with his therapy accomplishments! Thanks to his care team, he has returned home with his wife and is walking throughout the house with improved leg strength and balance. 

Upgrade Your Balance Training with OmniStand

OmniStand’s fall-safe design enables therapists to safely work with patients to perform balance, pre-gait, and standing tolerance exercises.

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A 67-year-old patient was referred to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation services after hospitalization due to a second stroke, which resulted in lower extremity weakness and decreased balance. Before this stroke, he lived at home with his wife and walked with a hemi-walker. Find out how his care team incorporated the OmniStand® Dynamic Balance System into his balance training to help him regain his strength and independence.