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...
A plan for a winning care team
By
Virginia Bache
Aug 08, 2022
So much has been written, proposed and discussed about improving care in skilled nursing and long-term care, but nothing really changes. In the April issue of McKnight’s, an article addressed President...
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...
Brave new birthday world
By
Gary Tetz
Nov 16, 2023
What do birthdays have to do with long-term care? Well, I’ve been having them long-term. And at this point, I’ve ceased to care. You probably see that statement for what it is, nothing but bitter bluster....
Caregiver training CPT codes finalized for CY 2024
By
Renee Kinder
Nov 09, 2023
In July we were pleased to share that the CY 2024 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule held exciting news for therapists and caregivers. These have now officially been finalized for use beginning...