A rare opportunity to address the sector’s labor woes
By
John O'Connor
Dec 14, 2015
It’s safe to say that the long-term care field could use lots of workers happy to take entry-level jobs. If only there were a sudden supply of willing people who would salivate at the prospect. As...
When it comes to fixing long-term care, it’s time to start thinking outside the tank
By
John O'Connor
Apr 18, 2014
I was reminded of a cinema classic when I heard another think tank is being put together to consider improvements for our nation’s long-term care system.
The industry’s weakness for gun-toting clowns has been duly noted
By
John O'Connor
May 11, 2012
A wise editor once told me successful magazines need to target two basic human emotions: fear and greed. Over the years, that advice has proven remarkably resilient.
Troubling steps ahead for Nursing Home Compare?
By
John O'Connor
Apr 13, 2012
A newly announced plan to mine data from Medicare Advantage plans might give many operators an unexpected spine shiver.
Might there be a drug company in your future?
By
John O'Connor
Sep 13, 2018
If you want to know what skilled care will look like in five years, consider what hospitals look like today.
Here we go again: All nursing homes are bad
By
John O'Connor
Sep 17, 2017
There is no way to sugarcoat what happened last week in Hollywood Hills, FL. Eight skilled care residents died in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Our condolences go out to the victims and their families. But...
Frisky Alzheimer’s residents: ‘ew’ or ‘aw’?
By
John O'Connor
Mar 15, 2013
Alzheimer’s disease is very good at taking. It takes away memories. It takes away personalities. It can be argued that Alzheimer’s essentially takes away a person’s essence. And as almost...
Come for the Rainmaker, but don’t overlook the real experts
By
John O'Connor
Feb 25, 2019
By all accounts, Paul Ryan is an extremely intelligent, charismatic and likable guy. And I have to believe he’s much happier these days pondering what’s best for the future of the republic. At least...
A $1 billion verdict sends a pretty strong message
By
John O'Connor
Aug 02, 2013
It’s a fact of life that people tend to have more balance problems as they age. As a result, falling is a real risk that many of our oldest citizens routinely face. Providing the kind of care that...
Antipsychotics report will have severe side effects
By
John O'Connor
Jul 13, 2012
Antipsychotic drugs are often used to calm residents with dementia. This reality is common knowledge among most people who have spent more than a few minutes in a nursing facility. But it is apparently...