John O’Connor’s blog this week explored the issue of obesity in long-term care facilities,and raised a subtle point around assumptions about people who are obese. Whether they are a coworker...
Progress in trying to undo the hospital ‘observation stay’ mess
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 31, 2013
What is this world coming to? When you complain about bizarre government conditions or regulations, you usually have to assume you’re just whispering into the wind.
Green House, Blue Valentine, and the way people talk about long-term care
By
Tim Mullaney
Jul 30, 2013
Last week, NPR ran a story lauding The Green House Project — and slamming traditional nursing homes. The piece began with this summary of people’s fears: “One thing just about everyone dreads...
Chew on this: Obesity rates a challenge
By
John O'Connor
Jul 29, 2013
For any way you slice it, too many of us are lugging around excessive weight. And the problem is only getting worse. In 1962, the nation’s obesity rate was 13%. It now stands at 35.7%, according...
The naked truth about aging is quite an eye opener
By
John O'Connor
Jul 26, 2013
The great South African golfer Gary Player has found an interesting way to gain additional media “exposure.” The septuagenarian was recently seen gracing the cover of ESPN The Magazine. And...
Act your age — or don’t: Theater as therapy in long-term care
By
Tim Mullaney
Jul 25, 2013
If you work in long-term care, it’s easy to become cynical. That’s why I was so glad to talk with Ricardo Pena this week. Pena is running an impressive drama program at Canterbury Care & Rehab...
Dementia memoir pulls the reader in
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jul 23, 2013
There’s a secret about attending conferences like the recent American Library Association: Occasionally you may be gifted with advance reader copies of publications.
Deal cut by Senate Republicans likely to cause labor pains
By
John O'Connor
Jul 22, 2013
For many long-term care operators, labor relations might soon get even more challenging. And Senate Republicans are to blame, er, thank.
Nursing home operators get a little respect
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 18, 2013
Attitude determines altitude. You make your breaks. People are about as happy as they make their minds up to be. They’re all somewhat overused yet admirable sayings people live by. Nursing home operators...
Taking care of Medicare and Medicaid’s dual-eligibles: A job for Super- , er, Ombudsman
By
Tim Mullaney
Jul 16, 2013
Giving long-term care stakeholders a reason to cheer, California recently requested a federal waiver to implement Cal MedConnect, a demonstration project meant to improve care coordination for people who...