For skilled nursing facilities it’s a struggle to stay ahead of the Medicare initiatives and market forces that are causing hospitals and health systems to narrow their post-acute care networks....
LTC Evangelism 101
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Feb 10, 2015
Do you ever try to attract “talent” to your work environment? Sometimes I’m surprised we recruit at all. I know most people fall in love once they get there, but the getting there is...
Under the microscope: The ever-increasing scrutiny of antipsychotics in LTC
By
Jennifer L. Hardesty
Jun 28, 2012
Facilities need to prepare for the increased scrutiny that surveyors will have on dementia residents taking antipsychotics. While antipsychotics may be required for some residents, a full-fledged review...
Specialized wellness programs beneficial for seniors
By
Khadi Madama
Dec 14, 2010
Wellness programs can help to unlock creativity and promote overall well-being in older adults.
A good first step but more to do with MDS 3.0
By
Leah Klusch, RN, BSN, FACHCA
Mar 07, 2012
It was a long first day, but there was tremendous value and everyone who is here has learned what the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ positions are with the April updates and some of the...
Happy Birthday, Donald Duck! Your care plan is ready
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Jun 13, 2017
Donald Duck officially turned 83 years old on Friday, having been “born” in 1934. I have to wonder: If he were in a long-term care facility today, what would his person-centered care plan look...
Asking for the medical record
By
Steven Littlehale
Jan 29, 2014
Millions of dollars have been paid by nursing homes who unsuccessfully defended themselves against incomplete or absent documentation. There are not as many legal guidelines regarding medical records maintenance...
Troubled observations of a veteran long-term care nurse
By
Cynthia Skinner
Jun 12, 2019
Our problems in long-term care are too complex for simple answers, which is too bad. Nurses especially deserve better.
Why seniors need to be in the loop about technology
By
Melissa Powell
Mar 13, 2020
In October 2019, a 28-year-old provided yet another reminder of technology’s potential implications for those age 65 and over — or, to be more accurate, his Apple watch did. As detailed by a New Jersey...
The five big trends affecting all skilled nursing facilities
By
Patrick McCormick
Mar 06, 2020
Skilled nursing facilities across the United States continue to face daunting challenges. The average SNF is only able to break even, reflecting increased competition, upward wage pressure in a tight labor...