The New York Times recently published an op-ed about how healthcare workers are “burned out” from multiple factors, including decreased staffing, pandemic challenges and increased regulatory oversight....
The underappreciated bartenders of long-term care
By
Gary Tetz
Mar 21, 2024
Before you think poorly of me, let me explain. I was in the bar that afternoon only because I had heard such great things about the nachos. Not buying it? How about this: I was conducting an in-person...
New year, new MDS, new resolve
By
Joel VanEaton
Jan 24, 2023
Where did 2022 go? And, hang on for the wild ride 2023 will be. So much lies ahead of us and we need to be prepared, starting with the MDS.
Impossible expectations are undermining nursing home care
By
Brendan Williams
Feb 05, 2024
Maine has the nation’s oldest population, and yet almost 40% of its nursing homes have closed within the past few decades. As the Bangor Daily News has reported, that’s forced residents of some...
Sweat equity
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Jun 06, 2023
Recently I had a bone density scan. And, yup, I am at the age where, sure enough, I have osteopenia (reduced bone mass of lesser severity than osteoporosis). And my doctor said if I don’t take steps...
Don’t gamble on cultural competence
By
Renee Kinder
Oct 27, 2022
Culture, it’s a sensitive topic, best not to gamble on this one. Furthermore, culture, cultural awareness, and cultural competence are collectively listed a total of 125 times in the 861 pages of the...
Patient care-related electrical equipment inspection and maintenance requirements
By
Stan Szpytek
Aug 28, 2023
Skilled nursing facilities are compelled by regulatory compliance to provide residents, staff and visitors with a safe environment of care. Providers occasionally receive deficiencies for conditions...
Occupational therapy and sleep, the missing ADL
By
Renee Kinder
Aug 03, 2023
The sleepover hangover is a telltale sign of summer in our home. Teenagers up and out way too late with friends, hopefully staying out of trouble and then crashing until 2 p.m. the next day. Little ones...
Online transparency in skilled nursing: A saving grace?
By
Maggie Hilty Katz
Oct 31, 2022
With the continued rise in social media platforms and the use of online research prior to making a decision about a provider, it is more pressing than ever for healthcare companies, specifically those...
Redefining the role of agency staff in nursing homes: Unveiling new realities
By
Steven Littlehale
Jan 05, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of nursing home care, the use of agency staff has long been a topic of scrutiny, historically linked to concerns about inferior outcomes. However, as we navigate the aftermath...