In the fall of 2022, a road trip from Chicago to Seattle and back in nine days occurred. The rented cargo van was named Casper to represent its large white exterior. Later the name of Casper crystalized...
This before anything else
By
Julie Thorson
Jan 04, 2023
Too many times we jump to believing we know instead of making the time to understand. What a hard lesson to not only learn, but live. It is difficult to pause in the moment and ask questions when all we...
Understanding and addressing pain: Thoughts for therapists
By
Renee Kinder
Feb 01, 2024
In my continued endeavor to win Mother of the Year, I really racked up some points this week. Isaac, my youngest son, took a nice spill last Friday while skiing. He suffered what we thought...
Therapy should be more than productivity
By
Jean Wendland Porter
Apr 22, 2024
“I’m too sick for therapy today.” “Come back later.” “Leave me alone.” If you’ve worked in long-term care (or hospitals or LTACHs or acute rehab hospitals), you’ve heard...
A happy Christmas to all
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Dec 14, 2021
‘Twas the morning of Christmas, when all through the buildingNo staff member was sitting, but everyone scurrying.The residents were washed and groomed with care,Knowing that visitors (finally) soon...
Medication management tied to hospitalizations
By
David Siegelman
Nov 12, 2014
Plans are being put into place that will also penalize the skilled nursing facility for avoidable readmissions. As such, to distinguish oneself as a desirable downstream provider, one must effectively...
Navigating bundled payments
By
Dave Sedgwick
Apr 25, 2016
There’s a lot of hand-wringing in the post-acute world these days as observers try to predict just how material the constant changes to reimbursement will be for the operators.
Asking for the medical record
By
Steven Littlehale
Jan 29, 2014
Millions of dollars have been paid by nursing homes who unsuccessfully defended themselves against incomplete or absent documentation. There are not as many legal guidelines regarding medical records maintenance...
Sometimes all you need is a hug
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Dec 05, 2023
I recently had the joy of spending a week with my 2½-year-old granddaughter. One thing that stood out to me was that when she was feeling insecure, she would say, “Mom-mom, I need a hug.” Something...
The evolving role of MDS as PDPM approaches
By
Rosanna L. Benbow
Oct 10, 2018
Next year’s PDPM implementation will be as significant to MDS Coordinators as OBRA 1988 and MDS 3.0 2010!! Invest in your future by learning and supporting the RAI Process and MDS role.