Understanding the Braden Scale with pressure ulcer management
By
Ilene Warner-Maron, Ph.D, RN-BC, CWCN, NHA
Aug 28, 2017
Multiple studies have demonstrated the validity and reliability of the Braden Scale. However the accuracy of the risk assessment is dependent upon an understanding of the multiple risk factors contributing...
Nursing home chains take worthy quality steps
By
Liza Berger
May 09, 2008
Two privately held nursing home chains went public this week with smart quality and resident care initiatives. The moves are worth touting – particularly in light of the scrutiny and bad press that have...
Antibiotics in LTC: Changing from ‘Just in case’ to ‘Only when needed’
By
Philip D. Sloane, M.D., MPH and Sheryl Zimmerman, Ph.D.
Mar 01, 2017
Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, the most common cause of death was infection. There was no good treatment for pneumonia, complications of urine or ear infections were common, and many people died...
A payment program that should be fixed, not nixed
By
John O'Connor
Nov 22, 2021
Look, Washington state’s public insurance program is far from perfect. But if some opponents have their way, it’ll never even get started. And that would be a real loss.
Some unsolicited advice to Genesis: Good luck with the new ‘owners’
By
John O'Connor
Aug 22, 2014
This week’s blockbuster deal has private equity-backed Genesis HealthCare combining with Skilled Healthcare Group.In some ways, these sorts of marriages seem all but inevitable. After all, in the...
Promising signs on the regulatory front
By
John O'Connor
Oct 16, 2017
President Trump is no fan of regulations, and long-term care operators have more than their fair share to contend with. So it’s a welcome breeze when Trump says he wants to start eliminating some...
The real life cost of inaccurate wound documentation
By
David Navazio
Oct 29, 2018
In a recent survey of wound care professionals who work in nursing homes, almost half reported observing wound documentation that was inaccurate and led to adverse patient outcomes including sepsis, gangrene,...
Settlement teaches lessons on resident monitoring
By
Elizabeth Newman
Oct 16, 2015
After awhile in this business, it’s easy to become skeptical of family members suing after a loved one dies. Many times, these relatives have no understanding of underlying health conditions — or...
Preventing HAIs in long-term care
By
Tina Beskie
May 01, 2013
Preventing the spread of MRSA, CRE and other hospital-acquired infections(HAI’s) is quickly becoming a top priority in skilled nursing and long-term care facilities. Yet we often overlook disinfecting...
2021 and writing your COVID-19 elegy
By
Renee Kinder
Mar 11, 2021
If you are an avid reader, or even if you are not, you have likely heard of “Hillbilly Elegy.” The book was written by J.D. Vance and has subsequently been turned into a movie on Netflix ripe with...