How consistent CNA assignments will help residents
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 07, 2013
Consistent assignments for CNAs are discussed and implemented more frequently than they used to be. For the most part, research studies speak to the positive attributes of this model of care. From improved...
The Five Star Report, once again, in the SNF spotlight
By
Steven Littlehale
Sep 24, 2014
The Five Star Quality Rating System takes the spotlight on the front page of the New York Times and the top of the news cycle, kicking off other publicity and political pressure. Regardless of any of the...
Nursing Home Compare revisions deserve only 2 stars
By
Steven Littlehale
May 13, 2019
Recent changes to the Nursing Home Compare website leave a lot to be desired. I give them two out of a possible four stars.
Five-Star insights: Will those stars ever illuminate your path?
By
Steven Littlehale
May 16, 2012
I recently asked a hospital discharge planner how she chooses which nursing home to discharge to. “Five-Star” was the reply. Was I surprised? Not at all. Once again, it demonstrates just how...
Analytically Speaking: MDS data accuracy
By
Steven Littlehale
Jan 13, 2012
Since the late 1990’s, the Minimum Data Set has been a primary driver in the long-term care industry, influencing all areas of skilled nursing facility operations. With so much depending on it, ensuring...
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...
Final rule for joint replacement: Don’t come unhinged!
By
Steven Littlehale
Jan 20, 2016
The first mandatory bundled payment program was set into motion with the publication of the Final Rule on Comprehensive Care for Lower Extremity Joint Replacement (CJR). The implementation date is now...
Do you really want to be ‘average’?
By
Steven Littlehale
Jul 22, 2014
A provider client once said to me, “I don’t understand all this ‘statistical gobbledygook.’ Tell me why I should care and how I can actually use this.” It was a valid request.
Don’t drop the ball when the music ends: creating the right discharge plans
By
Steven Littlehale
Jul 02, 2014
Providing a safe handoff during discharge from a skilled nursing facility is the operator’s responsibility. Unfortunately, it’s not happening enough. SNFs without effective discharge planning...
Why ‘Staffing to the Stars’ isn’t enough: How to make the right staffing decisions
By
Steven Littlehale
Aug 09, 2012
Operators should try to hire RNs whenever they have a vacant position for a licensed nurse — the increased hourly wage will be more than offset by the increased revenue and decreased costs. Nonetheless,...