Struggling to understand this latest ‘viral’ nursing home story
By
Marty Stempniak
Mar 26, 2019
As a journalist, one should probably have a fairly firm grasp of what news items might catch fire and “go viral” across the interwebs. But as it turns out, this writer could, admittedly, using a little...
It’s time to take your medicine — seriously
By
Apr 18, 2017
People not following their doctors’ medication orders contributes to an estimated 125,000 deaths and 10% of hospitalizations per year, along with somewhere between $100 billion and $289 billion in...
Therapy with a twist (of lemon)
By
Tim Mullaney
Oct 01, 2013
As you read this, you might be eyeing the new RAI manual that takes effect today, and are feeling a bit overwhelmed at the sheer number of new pages. So it’s with great regret that I have to add...
Best is yet to come? Don’t tell that to providers
By
John O'Connor
Nov 09, 2012
When he gave his acceptance speech Tuesday night, President Obama told the nation that “the best is yet to come.” Many long-term care operators may not be in full agreement.
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.
In it for the long term
By
Feb 23, 2016
There was one positive highlight the day I started working as a cashier at a Culver’s restaurant long ago: meeting Betty. She had to at least be in her 80s. She was tiny and spunky, greeting us all...
Are you a one-person rescue team?
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
May 15, 2018
I have heard nursing leaders refer to their nursing staff as their children. I think this can be good if it is in the context that your staff is like family. But I think it can be damaging if you feel...
SNF snapshot of trouble
By
Elizabeth Newman
Oct 23, 2015
The HCR ManorCare hepatitis C story we ran earlier this week deserves another look, but probably not for the reason you’re thinking. Without meaning to, it forcefully reminded us of the power of...
What is therapy? It’s not as simple as it might seem
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Aug 13, 2013
“What is therapy?” sounds like a simple question, but it requires a separate and very complex answer for each discipline.
Federal rules will come to assisted living
By
John O'Connor
Mar 16, 2012
If you ever want to get an assisted living operator’s blood boiling, ask how the plans for federal oversight are coming along. You’d be better off asking a less insulting question, like how...