Never, ever bet on a horse wearing blinders. Why, you ask? Because, of course, a horse wearing blinders must be irresponsible, uncontrollable and, worst of all, completely unaware of its surroundings....
The life-changing magic of ABBA-ing up
By
Gary Tetz
Jan 12, 2017
Even though I’ve decided not to make my usual naïve New Year’s recommendations to veteran long-term care professionals, maybe a quick review of some important industry news from the profession’s...
What to do when a POA agent doesn’t pay
By
William W. Sleeth III
Jan 11, 2017
Long-term care facilities traditionally take steps to ensure that residents have a financial and a healthcare power of attorney in place upon admittance. But what happens when an agent named under a POA...
SNF fined $120,000 for not notifying doctor of resident’s heart attack
By
Jan 11, 2017
An Illinois skilled nursing facility is facing nearly $120,000 in state and federal fines after health officials said it failed to notify a doctor of a resident’s heart attack.
A two-pronged approach to protecting SNF residents from influenza
By
William Schaffner, M.D.
Jan 09, 2017
Good news: More skilled nursing facility staff are getting their annual influenza vaccine than ever before. Last season, nearly 70% were vaccinated, up from 64% a year earlier. Bad news: SNF staff still...
The wisdom of age
By
Gary Tetz
Jan 06, 2017
It’s like a dash of smelling salts under the nose. Talking to actual long-term care residents always affects me like that: an abrupt awakening from the fog and unconsciousness of stress, distraction...
Where Are They Now: The Terraces at Los Gatos
Jan 06, 2017
Since winning the 2013 McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards in the Dignity category, The Terraces at Los Gatos in California has continued to build on its successes.
Back to you, LaVern …
By
Jan 06, 2017
Just about every morning, LaVern Withrow reports the weather and sends well wishes to hundreds of people. And she does it all without leaving Valley Oaks Care Center in East Liverpool, OH.
Understanding ‘Unbefriended’
By
Caroline A. Vitale, M.D.
Jan 04, 2017
We’re wrapping up a time of year when many of us are heartened by seeing family and friends for the holidays. But what if residents don’t have anyone?
Fee coding company makes acquisition
Jan 04, 2017
Aviacode has bought the assets of Florida-based Revant Solutions, a provider of facility coding outsourced services.