Cracking the code to seven years of Five-Star ratings success
By
Steven Littlehale
Sep 19, 2016
Since the inception of the Five-Star Quality Rating program in December 2008, there have been 113 Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) that have earned and maintained an overall 5-star score. Who are these...
The Aedes mosquito and human hands — are they related?
By
Martie Moore
Jul 22, 2016
Imagine you are on a train and the conversation around you is about the seven deadly summer diseases. You eavesdrop because you’re a bit scared you might be exposed to one of them.
Taking steps to prevent Clostridium difficile infections
By
Irena Kenneley, Ph.D.
Feb 15, 2013
The numbers are in and they are grim. There are 165,000 cases, $1.3 billion in excess costs, and 9,000 deaths from Clostridium difficile infections that are healthcare-acquired in the United States annually.
Agency staffing on the rise? Believe it — and plan for it
By
Steven Littlehale
Nov 21, 2016
The use of contract agency staff to fill nurse aide and licensed nurse vacancies is escalating. This increase is seen across many states, not to mention across the nation as a whole. Yes, we have a well-documented...
Making moments count
By
Martie Moore
Dec 21, 2016
As a professional caregiver, you see, hear and experience the story of the lives before you, and not just the shell of an aging body. Your actions do not make the evening news, but they should.
CMS sneaks a trick in with its treats
By
Steven Littlehale
Oct 21, 2015
With so many regulatory changes kicking in on Oct. 1, it’s no wonder providers were likely too distracted to notice the latest “trick” by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Non-profit nursing homes offer advantages
By
Matthew Gallardo
Sep 18, 2014
Knowing the right questions to ask and the right characteristics to look for are vital for potential residents and family to making a better and more informed choice. Potential customers, however, may...
Incorporating hospitality into long-term care demands blending style with substance
By
Sloan Bentley
Jan 19, 2010
The hospitality industry has a lot of good advice to offer long-term care communities. But it’s important for communities to remember not to sacrifice substance for style.
Catch a falling star
By
Kim Lewis
Mar 14, 2016
It is time for all SNFs to embrace that if they are not actively moving forward with a plan to improve their stars, they will likely be find themselves falling behind.
Being a leader who leads as if there were no tomorrow
By
Martie Moore
Jun 23, 2017
What would our leadership look like if we thought that tomorrow would not come? If we ask ourselves that question, we immediately will reason there is a tomorrow. That is our challenge: We always give...