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.
Are standardized assessment tools our future?
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
May 20, 2014
With therapy documentation being put under the microscope more than ever, you would be wise to make sure standardized assessment tools are at your fingertips. Unbiased views of data and outcomes information...
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.
5 reasons for rehab potential
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Mar 11, 2014
How many clinicians (physical, occupational, and speech therapy) can honestly say that they have achieved full independence with 100% of every patient they have ever worked with? Unfortunately, I definitely...
Therapy not complete without some ‘home’ work
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
May 30, 2012
Is it worth it? I’m referring to home visits by the therapy team, the patient, and their family. These are the clinical visits with the patient to their home for a “practice run” conducted...
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...
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.