Blogs, Guest Columns, Things I Think and Living Leadership
Tough lessons to swallow on MDS Section K?
By
Renee Kinder
Aug 30, 2018
Coding accuracy is going to be more important than ever, particularly when it comes to swallowing evaluations, under the government’s new payment model. Here’s the rundown.
Improving outcomes and reducing readmissions
By
Benjamin Zaniello, M.D.
Aug 29, 2018
In a healthcare system perpetually challenged with care coordination, older patients – especially those admitted to skilled nursing facilities – represent the biggest challenge of all.
9 reasons why it’s better to congregate than disperse short-term rehab residents
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 28, 2018
In most of my long-term care career, I’ve witnessed short-term rehabilitation residents housed together. But not always. I don’t know the reasoning behind dispersing residents, but from my...
Improved staff flu vaccination rates benefits everyone in LTC
By
Christopher Laxton
Aug 27, 2018
Flu season can start as early as the end of August and last through April, and nursing homes would do well to put this in context: Between 71% and 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in people age...
Ball girl, stand down!
By
Steven Littlehale
Aug 24, 2018
There is something you and your team must do immediately, the success of which will make or break your transition to the government’s new payment model. Relax. Refresh. Recharge. Only with a clear...
Long-term care in the land of ‘Sorry’
By
Gary Tetz
Aug 23, 2018
People often ask me what long-term care is like in Canada.* Trying to keep the peace, I usually answer, “Different.” I choose this passive path because a) I’m Canadian, so it’s...
How honesty pays in long-term care
By
Alan C. Horowitz
Aug 22, 2018
One can easily make the argument that full disclosure of medical errors is the legal, moral, and ethical approach, if not the only acceptable approach.
All we are saying is give pees a chance
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Aug 21, 2018
Ok nurses and practitioners, this one is for you. Quit prescribing antibiotics for cloudy, funky-smelling pee. Weird pee is sometimes OK.
Good providers need more Medicaid help
By
Brendan Williams
Aug 20, 2018
In the face of many challenges, dedicated workers provide quality private facility care throughout the country.
A huge fiscal cliff looms for skilled nursing
By
Tom Coble
Aug 17, 2018
Our goal is to treat everyone like family and provide your loved ones with the highest level of quality care. But we are in an increasingly difficult situation.