Blogs, Guest Columns, Things I Think and Living Leadership
Five-Star makes complaints against nursing homes even more serious
By
Tyler J. Smith
Jul 06, 2009
Nursing homes have a difficult enough time contending with the survey and certification system. Now that the Five-Star Quality Rating System has begun, they have to work even harder to protect themselves...
A good combination: assisted-living communities and at-home service providers
Jun 30, 2009
Partnering care managers of at-home service providers with assisted-living communities can improve seniors’ quality of life, strengthen caregiving and help recruit new residents.
A concept worth exploring: using clinical data to develop a marketing campaign
By
Steven Littlehale
Jun 24, 2009
Information is readily available, so why not use it to your advantage? Developing a marketing strategy based on clinical evidence from your skilled nursing facility could prove invaluable in attracting...
Getting a grip on falls prevention
By
Susan Harris
Jun 16, 2009
It is not easy to reduce the number of resident falls at a long-term care facility. But Daughters of Israel in West Orange, NJ, has done it, and shares the concepts behind its award-winning program.
When formulating advance directives, the more detailed the better
By
Ira Rosofsky
Jun 10, 2009
Advance directives such as “do not resuscitate” and “comfort measures only” do not provide sufficient guidance with more complicated end-of-life situations.
Home care versus nursing home care: Who decides?
By
Jeff Petty
Jun 02, 2009
It’s easy for people to say, “I want home- and community-based services.” But there are certain things to consider, such as who’s picking up the tab.
Satisfaction slipping among long-term care residents, but rising among employees during recession
By
Lisa Scott Lehman
May 26, 2009
It may come as a surprise, but employee satisfaction in long-term care actually has increased over the last year, even as economic conditions have worsened.
The benefits of developing a clinical lattice program in a long-term care facility
By
Yvonne English
May 19, 2009
An internal clinical lattice program could result in money savings, staff development, improved morale and better employee retention. Have you thought about starting one?
Nursing home therapy dogs: courage givers, door openers and conversation starters
By
Kevin R. McMahon
May 11, 2009
A Labradoodle named Daisy has brought hours of love and affection to the residents of The Merriman in Akron, OH. Her impact has inspired a project to increase the presence of dogs and owners in institutional...
The Employee Free Choice Act: What nursing homes can do to keep unions at the door
May 01, 2009
It could just be a matter of time before the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as the card-check bill, passes through Congress. Even if it is enacted, there are steps that nursing homes can take to...