Watching the GOP try to force through its latest healthcare reform plan, which would once again hit Medicaid hard, I was reminded of something my mother used to jokingly say: “It’s like deja...
When your resident cannot swallow
By
Kristy Wikum
Oct 12, 2018
Managing swallowing disorders (known as dysphagia) or helping older adults with the inability to swallow can pose quite a challenge. As people grow older or experience neurological insults, such as a...
Nursing homes’ new mission: Fitting into accountable care organizations
By
Anthony Cirillo
Nov 03, 2010
To survive in the not-so-distant future, nursing homes will have to find a role within accountable care organizations.
9 reasons why it’s better to congregate than disperse short-term rehab residents
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 28, 2018
In most of my long-term care career, I’ve witnessed short-term rehabilitation residents housed together. But not always. I don’t know the reasoning behind dispersing residents, but from my...
When the star goes down and payment’s involved, beware
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 22, 2016
A leader in the quest to increase long-term care insurance activity delivered a blow to its followers this week. The fallout might not be pretty.
An argument for the SHIFT model of senior care
By
Jeff Petty
Nov 12, 2009
Here’s a new concept in aging services: the Senior Health and Housing Initiative For Transformation (SHIFT). It would provide an all-inclusive approach to care in a continuing care retirement community...
No need to read this if your job is stress-free
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 31, 2022
While caring for the elderly, you might think you’re in a unique situation, and believe the stress you regularly feel is a unique burden.
Groups to find out if Obamacare is their golden ticket
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 09, 2014
Healthcare reform — Obamacare — has stuck a lot of providers and caregivers in tough positions. Whether proponents or opponent of the watershed law, most expect rocky times, at least temporarily, are...
Parkinson: It’s time for providers to consider special plans
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 16, 2019
Low occupancy. Low profit margins. Impossibly low reimbursements. Pressure to risk share. Inaccurate staffing tabulations. One can forgive Mark Parkinson if he ever seems distracted. As the president and...
Improve early illness recognition with two simple tools
By
Maryann R. Coletti
Shari Kist
Feb 01, 2021
Early illness recognition is central to managing resident condition change and reducing potentially avoidable hospitalizations. Every staff member, provider and family play a role in identifying when a...