Middle daughters around the world still relate to the fictional Jan Brady’s exasperation with her TV big sister — “Marcia! Marcia! Marcia!” So too should long-term care operators. But...
Preventing Legionnaires’ disease in LTC
By
Amanda Thornton, RN, MSN
Jan 12, 2018
It is not often that we think of Legionnaires’ disease, the form of pneumonia brought on by inhaling aerosolized water containing L pneumophila bacteria. But when the illness rears its ugly head,...
Gravity wins — again
By
Gary Tetz
Jan 11, 2018
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that everything happens for a reason. In my case, life’s challenges are apparently meted out by the gods for the sole purpose of entertaining...
New night shift study sounds the alarm
Jan 10, 2018
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”...
Understand the resident to understand the behavior: Part 2
By
Richard Juman, PsyD
Jan 08, 2018
I am frequently asked to consult about “inappropriate” behavior in skilled nursing facilities. The question is usually something like: “We have a resident who is doing ‘X behavior’—...
Three things that won’t happen in long-term care during 2018
By
John O'Connor
Jan 08, 2018
Last week I offered three fearless predictions for the year ahead in long-term care. So without further ado, here are three predictions every long-term care operator can count on. As in, count on NOT to...
Nursing homes catching a break? What do you think?
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 05, 2018
When stuff hits the fan, it’s often all a matter of perspective. That’s the pickle nursing homes find themselves in today.
3 bold predictions for the coming year in long-term care
By
John O'Connor
Jan 02, 2018
There’s nothing like a budding new year to awaken that urge in scribes to warn better-informed readers what to expect. It must be some kind of occupational hazard. So in the spirit of not always...
LTC 2018 — an icy epiphany
By
Gary Tetz
Dec 28, 2017
I have to admit that this vilest of seasons, winter, can be a useful teacher, meting out stern but valuable lessons about life, and of course, long-term care.
Depression in dementia: How do you know?
By
Jean Wendland Porter
Dec 22, 2017
Most of us have used or at least aware of the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire) scale for depression. Through a series of questions that are directly related to the DSM-IV criteria, a patient or caregiver...