‘Special’ times ahead for more nursing homes, and that’s not good
By
James M. Berklan
May 28, 2014
As spring blends into summer, some nursing home operators are going to start feeling more heat — and it will have nothing to do with the weather. They will be given places on the proverbial hot seat....
Dreams or delirium? Why making the right call is important
By
Tim Mullaney
May 27, 2014
As they approach death, people often are transported across time and space to be reunited with loved ones and relive meaningful moments. They do so in dreams and visions, which frequently are a source...
Saluting our veterans is nice gesture, but it’s hardly enough
By
John O'Connor
May 23, 2014
As a nation, we seem to have a conflicted relationship with those who served and continue to serve in the military. Any ounce of recognition we direct toward those in uniform is both welcome and overdue....
Invite in infectious disease docs to LTC
By
Elizabeth Newman
May 22, 2014
If I’m predisposed to being fond of infectious disease physicians, it’s because I believe they offer insight beyond that of a general practitioner. This is not to say that a long-term care...
When a provider gets caught in a web: The Cochran photo affair
By
James M. Berklan
May 21, 2014
The list of losers in this week’s sensational story about photos secretly being shot of a U.S. Senator’s Alzheimer’s-afflicted wife, is large. A long-term care operator is just hoping...
Fike 2.0: How national tragedy created a long-term care champion
By
Tim Mullaney
May 20, 2014
Last week, President Obama dedicated the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York City. The occasion got me thinking about how the searing experience instilled in some survivors a fierce sense of mission. Katy...
Kindred bid shows that not all the fishing will be taking place upstream
By
John O'Connor
May 19, 2014
Some might wonder why a skilled care giant like Kindred Healthcare would launch a $533 million hostile takeover bid of home-health provider Gentiva. The real question should be why such efforts haven’t...
Not keeping promises can lead to much more than a tarnished reputation
By
John O'Connor
May 16, 2014
In the fierce daily battle to keep beds and units occupied, it can be tempting to fudge a wee bit about your ability to provide care. Here’s my advice: Resist the temptation.
Kicking and screaming: The need to document verbal disputes
By
Elizabeth Newman
May 15, 2014
If I have a favorite quote from this year’s LeadingAge Illinois conference, it’s from Matthew Murer, an attorney at Polsinelli, who said it’s OK for long-term care providers to turn away...
A better way for nursing homes to advance
By
James M. Berklan
May 14, 2014
Perhaps some of long-term care’s brightest stars didn’t want to be accused of getting worse. We’ll soon find out.