I’m not an epidemiologist. Or a doctor. Or a calming Zen master, pastor, rabbi or priest. Unfortunately, I can’t create lifesaving vaccines in my garage, or turn my CPAP machine into an improvised...
Stuck in Model T mode
By
John O'Connor
Mar 02, 2020
Let’s say you want to purchase a new car. Would you walk into a dealership and request “a Toyota”? Not likely.
Reader Poll: Who is the most underappreciated segment of your facility?
Feb 02, 2020
Reader Poll: Who is the most underappreciated segment of your facility?
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...
Things I Think: The lessons of autumn
By
Gary Tetz
Dec 05, 2019
Autumn is a time of change. That probably seems trite and obvious, and certainly it’s a trait shared by all the seasons, at least where I live in the Pacific Northwest. But the transitions of fall always...
Having My Say: The perils that loom with trauma-informed care
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Nov 14, 2019
Trauma-informed care is becoming a mandate later this month, and while I think it’s a good thing to pay more attention to the emotional experience of residents, I’m worried about how asking them about...
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,...
Reader Poll: What do you recommend for getting through the tough times?
Oct 18, 2019
“Resilience. Resilience helps you deal with change and maintain a certain level of optimism. It keeps you grounded in reality. We all have tough times. We have to focus on what it will look like on the...
The Bigger Picture: A route to better hiring
By
John O'Connor
Aug 02, 2019
Even in good times, hiring qualified frontline workers is problematic for many skilled facilities.
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.