His passion is LTC policy and funding, thank goodness
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 11, 2016
There is an unusually strong fire in Doug Burr that keeps him going, and for this, long-term care providers everywhere should be thankful.
Beyond the 403-page elephant in the room
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 15, 2015
Civics class was in full session Monday, when long-term care providers received a summer reading assignment that should keep them busy — and anxiety-ridden — for many days to come. But, hey, at least...
Campaign to archive dementia love stories stumbles
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 03, 2015
Jane Youell appeared to have hit the jackpot with her timing, but now that’s exactly what she still needs: a financial jackpot. The British researcher is attempting to build a first-ever love-and-dementia...
CVS purchase of Omnicare to bring severe teeth gnashing
By
James M. Berklan
May 28, 2015
It’s an odd thing to see the king of the jungle become the hunted instead of the hunter. But now that the smoke has started to clear from last week’s announcement that pharmacy giant CVS will...
Providers suffering Medicare appeals backlog — at their own hand?
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 29, 2015
If providers were charged a fee for challenging Recovery Audit Contractor findings, there wouldn’t be the current overwhelming backlog of Medicare appeals, says the administration — and, surprise,...
Alarming headline about safety gives incomplete picture
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 16, 2015
Curse the headline writers, for they sometimes don’t do stories justice. The nursing home profession knows this as well as anyone.
Strength in unity is pharmacies’ motto, and hope
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 15, 2015
Growing up, we had a saying when we wanted to cross a busy street but couldn’t catch a break from drivers. “C’mon,” one of us would gamely yell, while pulling the others onto the...
Cut the hypocrisy when it comes to flu shots for health workers
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 10, 2014
Providers get enough pressure about vaccinating their employees. They don’t need the hypocrisy dished out by surveyors too.
No joke: Nursing Home Compare, ratings earn praise
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 19, 2014
At first blush, the phrasing seemed like the punch line to a questionable long-term care-related gag. But upon further reflection, it began to sound more and more like an earnest compliment. The government’s...
Glen Campbell Alzheimer’s documentary brings out the stars — caregivers and celebrities alike
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 22, 2014
As readers of this blog may recall, my expectations for the special screening of the new documentary about music superstar Glen Campbell’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease were high. Sunday...