If there’s one thing long-time political observers can tell you with certainty, it is this: You can make friends when you pass laws, but you rarely do when you propose a budget.
Why providers aren’t elated about new pay-for-quality goals
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 28, 2015
You can forgive long-term care providers if they weren’t outwardly jumping for joy at Monday’s announcement that Medicare is going to start paying for quality, and not quantity, of services.
No joke: Nursing Home Compare, ratings earn praise
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 19, 2014
At first blush, the phrasing seemed like the punch line to a questionable long-term care-related gag. But upon further reflection, it began to sound more and more like an earnest compliment. The government’s...
Providers should pay special attention to what happens in the Senate tomorrow
By
John O'Connor
Nov 03, 2014
Tomorrow’s the big day. All across this nation, voters will go to the polls to decide thousands of races and issues. But providers should care the most about the various U.S. Senate race outcomes...
Provider’s rebranding and restructuring catch national attention
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 29, 2014
My first thought was one of concern: What had gone so wrong that one of the most esteemed long-term care providers in New York had to change its name? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?...
The sweet irony of a nursing home report card
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 17, 2014
It’s said that politics, among other things, makes for strange bedfellows. Add long-term care quality improvement efforts to the list.
Is it any mystery why so many beds remain empty?
By
John O'Connor
Sep 15, 2014
Ask skilled care or senior living operators about their biggest operational challenge, and the answer is almost always the same: keeping the place full. A new investigation of the way many operators deal...
Minimum wage battle inches closer to long-term care
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 04, 2014
I remember with a sad chuckle the way my German friend Volker felt that American news coverage during one of his visits was too narrowly focused. Where, for example, were the stories about the Iraq-Iran...
Quality soars in long-term care
Aug 20, 2014
Much like a parent raising a child — a topic on my mind this week as I send my oldest son to college — dedicated advocates have long encouraged long-term care providers to do the best they can. This...
Religious freedom: Not just an issue for Hobby Lobby
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jul 10, 2014
It’s tough for nursing homes to attract good certified nursing assistants or aides. It’s even harder when rumors abound about the mistreatment of those on the lower end of the power and pay...