By Diana Michele Yap, Published: May 28The Washington Post

KEY POINTS: * New research reveals an association between an increase in assisted living options and declines in nursing home occupants. * Assisted living, often financed by private resources, offers alternatives to nursing…

In early 2013, California's skilled nursing facilities could face Medicare  payment cuts totaling $75.9 million -- the largest amount of cuts among all  states -- if Congress fails to overcome an ongoing budget stalemate, according to a recent study commissioned by the Alliance for  Quality Nursing Home Care. Those cuts would come on top of a state…

STATE JOURNAL INVESTIGATION | Part 2 of 2

The Senate Appropriations Committee will consider a bill (SB 1228), by Sen. Elaine Alquist (D-Santa Clara), that would  establish a licensing category for a new nursing home model, known as the "Green  House Project." The model focuses on creating smaller, home-like facilities with  a maximum of 10 residents.

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Governor Quinn's attempts to trim the budget could put a strain on senior citizens and nursing homes here in Illinois.

"I love it here, I'm happy here," said Josephine Conrad. She's been living at Heritage Health for about five years. She enjoys it there and considers the staff and residents her family.

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