This freeze plainly brings you a chilling proposition
By
James M. Berklan
May 02, 2011
News that nursing home ratings would be frozen on the federal website for consumer research for six months drew a lot of interest from providers when regulators’ plans were announced this spring....
Person-centered care pushing aside nonsense
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 06, 2017
I found it stunning when I recently read that more than a half million people had taken advantage of new Medicare coverage that pays for end-of-life discussions with their doctors. And there was hardly...
New hospice comparison tool uses government info, Washington Post calls for more transparency
By
Tim Mullaney
Oct 28, 2014
In the absence of a hospice consumer guide from the government, The Washington Post has created one using available Medicare data. The newspaper unveiled the quality tool Sunday, in an article criticizing...
First-ever CDC report: Nursing homes provide most long-term care nationwide, alternative settings gain...
By
Tim Mullaney
Dec 13, 2013
Nursing homes still account for the vast majority of long-term care services available in the United States despite policies meant to encourage home- and community-based care, according to a new government...
Go ahead and tune out the upcoming blather
By
James M. Berklan
May 01, 2008
Stop what you’re doing for a moment and just listen. Yes, that is gentle quacking you hear in the distance.
Happy staff is key to quality
By
Jill Gilbert
Feb 06, 2008
St. Paul’s Towers in Oakland, CA, is a striking facility with its sweeping views of Lake Merritt, lush rooftop garden and cozy atmosphere. But that’s not what makes it such a standout. It’s...
Editor’s Desk: Policy finally gives credit where it’s due: nurses
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 01, 2010
If there is one group of people who have earned the right to be cynical, it is long-term care professionals. Coming from a journalist, this is no underqualified assessment.
Help addressing opioid epidemic in long-term care is on the way
Apr 06, 2018
Long-term care professionals looking to battle the nation’s deadly opioid crisis may have an assist on the way, thanks to a slew of new measures announced by the federal government this week.
4th Tech Awards program a perfect chance to thrive
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 05, 2015
I’ve learned after many years of covering long-term care that certain things are sure to arouse providers’ anger — over-regulation, under-payment and reckless media accounts among them.
Information Technology: Wireless? Why not
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 13, 2005
Wireless nurse-call systems are creeping into nursing homes more often — regardless of what regulations say or imply.
Nobody’s ready to call it a tidal wave yet. But there are signs of an undercurrent...