If you’re close to my aging vintage, you remember those adorable pioneers on the TV show “Little House on the Prairie.” Now we’re living in their world. Menaced by fires, floods, climate change...
Things I Think: Champions of change
By
Gary Tetz
Nov 02, 2018
In long-term care, massive change is always afoot. Whatever was true 20 minutes ago isn’t anymore, and the new normal will be an unrecognizable stranger by nightfall. But there’s one thing that hasn’t...
Things I Think: Everybody hurts, everybody cries
By
Gary Tetz
Apr 04, 2019
I doubt the R in R.E.M. stands for rehab, but that rock band spoke truth with the song, “Everybody Hurts” in 1992. Experiencing physical pain is clearly disclosed in the fine print of being human,...
Behind the chins
By
Gary Tetz
Jul 17, 2019
The adorable old folks sat in a circle, exhibiting varying levels of cognition, alertness and physical decay. A kind lady walked around the room offering juice and snacks.
Things I Think: Playing favorites
By
Gary Tetz
Oct 18, 2019
Over the years, I’ve had my favorite senior care residents. Many of them. Anyone who works in this profession probably has some too. I’m particularly drawn to those who are funny, optimistic,...
Things I Think | Please give me a room of my own
By
Gary Tetz
May 01, 2022
As humans, what is our ultimate need and desire?
Go venti or go home
By
Gary Tetz
Jan 05, 2020
Any chance to write about coffee, I should. That’s perhaps the most important thing I’ve learned over all my years writing for McKnight’s. Based on audience response, it’s one of the topics long-term...
Passion isn’t enough
By
Gary Tetz
Jan 31, 2024
With each facility tour you give and prospective admission you consider, never forget that families like mine, whose hearts are breaking, cling desperately to every word and promise.
Honoring the humble
By
Gary Tetz
Apr 10, 2023
Apparently, status is ultra-important to me. I just achieved elite standing on my favorite airline, and now I feel like a conquering hero as I move toward the front of the line and triumphantly stride...
Mind over math
By
Gary Tetz
Dec 07, 2023
So here’s a frightening question: If these existential calculations are already taking over my life while I’m still working and living independently, how much more tyrannical will this mortality math...