Over the years, I’ve heard what seems like every possible explanation for cancer. Sometimes it’s cancer patients blaming themselves through questionable science — “I was too stressed”...
Superbugs in long-term care
By
Gary Milburn, Ph.D.
May 17, 2013
Superbugs threaten ill and compromised patients, particularly those in long-term care settings. They are resistant to most antibiotics and can spread widely within hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Harnessing the power of virtual reality to reduce social isolation amid a global pandemic
By
Chris Brickler
Mar 17, 2020
As COVID-19, or coronavirus, continues to spread across our country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised “social distancing” and that those who are deemed higher-risk persons...
Minimizing the impact of touch starvation in long-term care residents
By
Jennifer Birdsall
Sep 09, 2020
What is touch starvation? Also known as “touch deprivation,” “skin hunger” or “hug deprivation,” touch starvation is what occurs when a person’s exposure to physical contact has been significantly...
Is a daily dressing-change protocol necessary for chronic wounds?
By
David Navazio
Jan 10, 2023
According to the National Institute of Health, it is estimated that, on average, about 11% of long-term care residents suffer from chronic wounds. No other demographic group experiences chronic wounds...
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...