Antibiotics in LTC: Changing from ‘Just in case’ to ‘Only when needed’
By
Philip D. Sloane, M.D., MPH and Sheryl Zimmerman, Ph.D.
Mar 01, 2017
Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, the most common cause of death was infection. There was no good treatment for pneumonia, complications of urine or ear infections were common, and many people died...
Understanding and responding to PTSD
By
Robert W. Figlerski, Ph.D.
Feb 17, 2017
I was recently asked to evaluate a skilled nursing resident who, in his short time at the facility, was presenting a confusing picture to staff.
Short-handed or short-sighted?
By
Jean Wendland Porter
Feb 15, 2017
When we communicate that we are having staffing issues, whether or not that communication is correct, we are telling the residents and their families that we can’t do our jobs.
Building championship teams during uncertain times for SNFs
By
Joseph DeMattos Jr.
Feb 13, 2017
As we face payment reform, delivery reform, the aging of America, the strength and challenge of an increasingly age and ethnically diverse workforce and the consumer demands of aging boomers, now more...
Avoid lawsuits and protect licenses
By
David Barmak Esq., and Betty Frandsen, MHA, NHA, RN
Feb 06, 2017
Document, document, document! Those words echo through the halls in a myriad of places − from the firing of an employee for cause, to substantiating or absolving an accusation of abuse or wrongful act.
Practicing gratitude to heal the soul
By
Tina L. Kies
Feb 01, 2017
Wednesday is “gratitude journaling” day at Shuksan and for the next 30 minutes these residents will reflect upon their day and the past week, thinking back on whether there was anything that...
New accounting standard presents unique challenges for PAC providers
By
Steven Shill
Jan 27, 2017
Healthcare companies, particularly post-acute care providers, may feel the pain more than others, and they – along with their investors – should prepare sooner rather than later.
Understanding the risk of dialysis for LTC residents
By
Sireesha Koppula, M.D., MPH
Jan 13, 2017
Researchers, doctors, nurses, patients and caregivers have already gone a long way in preventing catheter related bloodstream infections.
A two-pronged approach to protecting SNF residents from influenza
By
William Schaffner, M.D.
Jan 09, 2017
Good news: More skilled nursing facility staff are getting their annual influenza vaccine than ever before. Last season, nearly 70% were vaccinated, up from 64% a year earlier. Bad news: SNF staff still...
Behavioral and psychiatric challenges in SNFS
By
Mitchell Gelber, Ed.D, PC
Jan 06, 2017
“Bonnie” was admitted to the skilled nursing facility following surgery for a right hip fracture. Prior to her fall, she said she was living by herself, fully independent. Although she claimed...