Step one for improving accuracy for Section G ADL coding is to improve understanding between the language MDS uses to define levels of function and impairment in comparison to how rehab teams and nursing...
Key strategies for proper hazardous drug disposal
By
Jennifer Maniscalco
May 18, 2015
Although long-term care organizations successfully distribute drugs to patients every day, their processes for getting rid of the waste associated with those medications may sometimes fall short, exposing...
The gift of gallows humor
By
Mary Gustafson
Oct 11, 2012
Comedienne Tig Notaro — from what I’ve been able to glean in my relatively brief history as a fan of her comedy — does not appear to have any connection with the long-term care industry. But...
When social media is used to degrade residents
By
John O'Connor
Jul 18, 2016
The rise of abuse via social media simply raises a point that should have been emphasized for decades: You should do all you can to discourage workers from capturing residents in unflattering ways
Stop thinking — and eat a mango
By
Gary Tetz
May 22, 2014
Everyone struggles with who they are and their purpose in life. Whatever you do — whether you’re a long-term care administrator, director of nursing, med aide or maintenance associate — you’re...
Give all your cares to Bob
By
Gary Tetz
Dec 29, 2016
So here we are at the end of 2016. It’s been kind of a brutal year — globally, nationally, personally, even as a long-term care profession. Lots of loss, much uncertainty and fear, many reasons...
Hardwiring the invisible: Culture is a choice
By
David Baumgartner
Sep 12, 2016
At Signature we have been on a long term project helping leaders to learn to recognize actions that support and/or conflict the Sacred Six.
Planning for drug shortages in LTC
By
Troy Hilsenroth
Jan 27, 2014
Regional, national and local drug shortages are constantly changing. One month there may be a severe shortage of one item, while the next month healthcare providers have access to a steady supply. This...
An easy and inexpensive way to create a home environment
By
Joe Davis
Jan 17, 2018
The decision to transition a family member into long-term care is never an easy one. It should be no surprise that one of the most important considerations is whether or not the residence matches the comforts...
Monitoring quality of care for contracted services
By
Betty Norman
Jul 26, 2017
Regulatory and accrediting agencies such as Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission expect healthcare organizations to monitor the activities of their external contractors to...