Dysphagia and changing dietary standards: Understanding IDDSI
By
Renee Kinder
Apr 11, 2019
Dysphagia diet framework consists of eight levels (0-7) and includes both foods and liquids on a single continuum.
Acuity-based staffing: What does it mean?
By
Lance Youles
Mar 29, 2019
Resident acuity is a frequently used term, but the meaning is very evasive and rarely defined. This lack of definition is not by accident, because reimbursement, staffing expenses, and profit drive this...
People read this stuff?
By
Gary Tetz
Mar 21, 2019
Will He Who Shall Not be Named start tweeting about me now? Will I get a pejorative nickname like Lyin’ Ted or Crooked HIllary? Testy Tetz perhaps?
This is one fine mess that’s hard to explain
By
Marty Stempniak
Mar 19, 2019
We are constantly hearing about inadequate funding for skilled nursing providers, with Medicaid margins being the main culprit. Yet some states are letting millions of dollars earmarked for quality improvement...
Phase 3 is almost here
By
Paige Hector
Mar 08, 2019
Developing a great training program that makes learning fun and interesting takes effort and time.
How to quit like a shrink
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Feb 26, 2019
There are entire volumes devoted to the psychological process of termination, but I’ve created a quick guide based on my experiences with leave-taking in long-term care.
Does the Quality Assurance Privilege even exist after CMS’ new guidelines?
By
Alan C. Horowitz, Esq., RN
Feb 13, 2019
Anyone who has not yet read the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ recent guidelines for surveyors may be in for an unpleasant surprise.
Sleep deprivation and pain
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Feb 12, 2019
Despite the fact that my search for column inspiration took place at 3 a.m., I chose the topic of sleep deprivation because residents regularly tell me about their own sleep disturbances. They also discuss...
Sometimes you don’t need a predictive analytic when common sense will do
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 08, 2019
Once again, we’re seeing that the importance of Five-Star outcomes has increased at a greater velocity than a cupcake out of the Magnolia Bakery.
Finding hope in a letter
By
Louise Merrick
Feb 03, 2019
As a licensed nursing home administrator since 1985, I have had many peaks and valleys in my career! I am happy to report that the majority of my work in the facilities I have had the privilege of overseeing...