Additional staffing metrics point to organizational stability
By
Steven Littlehale
Mar 04, 2022
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, through its consumer‐facing website, has made additional nursing home staffing data available. Doing so during a public health emergency, when the industry...
Supporting the unpaid caregiver through the virtuous circle
By
Steven Littlehale
Nov 12, 2021
It seems inevitable. You are likely among the 53 million people in the United States who are unpaid caregivers for a loved one. If not, you may soon join their ranks. This unpaid and frequently unplanned...
Telehealth is a linchpin to SNF success
By
Steven Littlehale
Sep 17, 2021
Telehealth Awareness Week (September 19–25) is a time to highlight and reinforce the critical role of telehealth. Telehealth is the use of telecommunications technology to deliver care and health...
‘Keep it simple’ is just not in our nature
By
Steven Littlehale
Jun 28, 2021
I asked all the leadership at New Choice Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to bring me their department-specific resident assessment tools. They were to leave them on my desk by 5 p.m. When I returned...
NYT: You are as much of the problem as the Five-Star system
By
Steven Littlehale
Apr 02, 2021
A recent New York Times article about nursing homes is shameful, lazy journalism. Coupled with the need to sell advertising space, it purposefully perpetuates misunderstandings about nursing homes, caregivers...
When the rules change, not everyone wins: Counting IC deficiencies in Five-Star
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 05, 2021
Do you remember how, as you were growing up, there was always another kid who would change the rules mid-game to ensure that he won? I do, and it would always make my blood boil. The Centers for Medicare...
Why some are resisting vaccination, and how we can help
By
Steven Littlehale
Jan 10, 2021
The woeful percentages of long-term care employees willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination are going to improve. But only with time and ramped up communication efforts.
Rehabilitating the nursing home image
By
Steven Littlehale
Dec 14, 2020
Have you ever asked a question, even though the answer is obvious? “Would you like another homemade chocolate chip cookie?” “Do you want to sit where you have a view of the ocean?” Even when the...
What the government gives, the government can take away: Why you should CARES
By
Steven Littlehale
Nov 15, 2020
“Don’t worry about it. Take the money. We’ll deal with the details later,” said no one ever — especially not the federal government.
Carnac the Magnificent psychically divines your most despised quality Measure
By
Steven Littlehale
Oct 16, 2020
Busy yourselves with the excellent suggestions provided by other top-performing SNFs around the country.