Blogs, Guest Columns, Things I Think and Living Leadership
10 tips to avoid survey problems
By
Robert Figlerski, Ph.D.
Elizabeth Borntrager
Oct 12, 2018
Here are some suggestions to help guide facilities towards the goal of optimal psychotropic medication management so they can better manage the health of residents and position themselves for success during...
SNF Industry: It’s time for a PDPM ‘Come-to-Jesus’
By
Renee Kinder
Oct 11, 2018
I have, unfortunately, heard some off-track conversations about the “goals” and “outcomes” of what the Patient-Driven Payment Model will do to the industry. To say I have been shocked, appalled...
The evolving role of MDS as PDPM approaches
By
Rosanna L. Benbow
Oct 10, 2018
Next year’s PDPM implementation will be as significant to MDS Coordinators as OBRA 1988 and MDS 3.0 2010!! Invest in your future by learning and supporting the RAI Process and MDS role.
The sounds of LTC
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Oct 09, 2018
Observing the customary cacophony at the nursing station, I’d estimate that so-called “alarm fatigue” contributes to more than a few tragedies in long-term care.
The truth behind MLTSS
By
Brendan Williams
Oct 08, 2018
In studying “managed long-term services and supports” for a law review article, I was struck by the lack of accountability and cost overruns that have accompanied placing the administration of a vital...
Opioids and senior care—the ripple effect
By
Terri Fagan, R.Ph
Melissa Chase
Oct 05, 2018
The opioid epidemic is one of the most serious challenges this country faces, with far-reaching effects that ripple deep into senior care. By leveraging the expertise and experience of pharmacy partners,...
One little word, one big perception
By
Gary Tetz
Oct 04, 2018
A friend of mine had grown concerned about the condition of her mother, who is a resident at a skilled nursing facility in another state. It tears at her heart being so far away, and she doesn’t get...
Copernicus update! The Earth now revolves around ICD-10 codes
By
Steven Littlehale
Oct 03, 2018
In the past, our skilled nursing world has revolved around a sun of its own, known as resource utilization groups (particularly the lucrative high-therapy ones). Now, however, according to the details...
A house divided
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Oct 02, 2018
When it comes to our jobs as managers and department heads, we can’t hide. Nor can we go left or right. We have to walk that middle line and make sure we build a cohesive team, not do stuff to tear it...
Lawmakers should look to first-rate care for policy ideas
By
Tom Coble
Oct 01, 2018
I urge my colleagues in the long-term care profession to proactively reach out to elected officials to offer them tours.