As the Biden administration marches toward some type of minimum staffing requirement for nursing homes, it’s easy for providers to feel like helpless, angry victims. Even as a proponent of acuity-based...
Transitions of Care III — Scarier than a horror movie: Medication errors
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Aug 11, 2011
We’ve been talking for a while about transitioning of our residents to and from the facility and some of the problems associated with it. But let’s talk now about just one huge problem, that...
Volunteer has his ducks in a row
By
Mary Gustafson
Jun 28, 2012
Despite challenges, mailman Steve Score has found winged victory at Ecumen Emmanuel Community in Minnesota.
Positive attitudes in aging lead to resilience
By
Elizabeth Newman
Aug 05, 2016
Having a positive attitude in aging makes seniors more resilient under stress, according to new research. This means more than you probably think.
Five-Star shifts have added pressure to staffing urgency — it’s time for a new approach
By
Kevin Maufer
Nov 15, 2022
Skilled nursing facilities were among the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic by nurse staffing shortages, impacting patient care and staff satisfaction. As skilled nursing facilities work to...
5 pitfalls to avoid in automating resident communications
By
Sean McCarthy
Aug 17, 2016
As the population ages and millions of Americans seek long-term care, it’s important to automate routine tasks to free up staff to provide personalized assistance.
Gratitude and good cheer are good business
By
Kathy Laurenhue
Mar 13, 2015
Humor is not just about laughter. Humor is about being in “good humor” – about cheerfulness, enjoyment, pleasure, playfulness, and creativity. In that broad context, you can alter the...
How telehealth and telemedicine extend medical reach for senior residents
By
Brian Wallace
Jul 02, 2020
The nursing home economy is extremely vulnerable, accounting for a staggering rate of America’s COVID-19 deaths. With the pandemic clogging the accessibility of medical care, many are left to suffer....
Remember when: Reminiscence Therapy
By
Renee Kinder
Jan 31, 2019
All we have left, Mrs. Kinder, is a brand new Mercedes … We will have to upgrade your rental car this week for free. Is that going to be OK? I laugh out loud and respond, “Of course that is all you...
Coverage of Social Determinants of Health have implications for SNFs
By
Cyndi Seiwert
Nov 21, 2018
Health disparities and complex social determinants of health (SDoH) have historically compromised patient access to quality care. But policy changes announced recently from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid...