Even if I hadn’t been raised by a nurse, and even if I didn’t write about the basic functions of their jobs on a daily basis for McKnight’s, I would probably still idolize them. That...
iPods coming to an eldercare facility near you
By
Mary Gustafson
Jul 26, 2012
When I first spoke with Music & Memory founder Dan Cohen last year, he had big plans for his new program that would put iPods with personalized playlists in Alzheimer’s and other dementia patients’...
Ask the care expert: Will our facilities face OSHA inspections?
By
Mary Gustafson
Jul 06, 2012
Yes, you are correct with your “grapevine” info but inspections will be focused on more than just infections. On April 12, 2012, OSHA announced a new plan called the NEP (National Emphasis...
Study shows sickest people most dissatisfied with care
By
Mary Gustafson
Jul 06, 2012
Nursing home residents, who often have at least one or more chronic condition, are among the sickest individuals treated by the American healthcare system. This population’s high utilization rates...
Study: Information, training can cut physical restraint use
By
Mary Gustafson
Jul 06, 2012
Interventions such as group training sessions and the provision of supportive materials for staff, residents and relatives can help nursing homes reduce dependence on physical restraints, a new study finds.
Donut hole dangers
By
Mary Gustafson
Jul 05, 2012
It’s well established that nursing home residents frequently struggle with conditions such as heart failure and depression. It’s also true that critics of nursing home care are quick to blame...
A failure to communicate
By
Mary Gustafson
Jun 21, 2012
Basic communication is often overlooked for nursing home managers. Promoting leadership among team members and empowering staff is effective in building teamwork.
Tales of transition
By
Mary Gustafson
Jun 07, 2012
It’s hard not to be struck by the number of transitions that are occurring all over the place this time of the year. My refrigerator is plastered with birth announcements, wedding invitations, high...
Disaster plans filled with holes, feds say
By
Mary Gustafson
Jun 05, 2012
While most U.S. nursing homes have adequate written plans for managing natural disasters, many have significant gaps in preparedness and response, a government report finds.
Inside the frequent flier club
By
Mary Gustafson
May 10, 2012
If you’ve ever caught in a pool of self-pity but you’re not sure how to climb out, try sitting in the waiting room of a jam-packed pain clinic some time. I promise, your problems will pale...