NY Tough campaign can’t disguise nursing home cuts that worsened COVID-19 struggles
By
Brendan Williams
Mar 10, 2021
No long-term care advocate is surprised by what was hiding behind Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s mask of self-congratulatory competence. Indeed, his reckless disregard for the lives of nursing home residents in...
Excuse me, what did you say?
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Mar 09, 2021
Come on, we’ve all done it: misheard a song lyric but proudly sang it out at the top of our lungs. I still remember Mom at an “oldies” concert where they were playing “Mony Mony” by Tommy...
The country line dance of pain management: One step forward, two steps back
By
Steven Littlehale
Mar 05, 2021
“Pain is whatever the experiencing person says it is.” “We just hope that you don’t say it. Oh, and we’ll likely not hear you anyway.” We credit Mary Margo McCaffery, MS, RN-BC, FAAN, a pioneer...
Lord of the Rings
By
Gary Tetz
Mar 04, 2021
After mocking wearers of Apple watches not so long ago, citing an annoying interaction that took place in a nursing home lobby, I finally got one myself. I realize this makes me a hypocrite, and I’m...
Another COVID-19 symptom: Dueling liability decisions
By
Neville M. Bilimoria
Feb 19, 2021
If you thought you had a clear read on how courts would interpret federal COVID-19 liability protections, think again. After a set back last fall, there appears to be some good news for providers after...
A slippery slope
By
Gary Tetz
Feb 18, 2021
Should we follow “the Golden Rule” and treat others the way we would want to be treated? In a word, no.
Social media: Good vs. Evil?
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Feb 09, 2021
With all the nastiness that has been in social media, wouldn’t it be cool to see that social media can also have a good side? Good news: We can.
Five-Star surveys: Changed forever?
By
Spencer Blackman
Feb 08, 2021
When the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services unlocked survey ratings for the first time since April, we analysts dove into the numbers expecting big changes. But as an earlier McKnight’s article...
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...
The lingering question
By
Julie Thorson
Feb 03, 2021
Isn’t it interesting how in January new ideas are so exciting? Then in February, life’s hits keep coming, and there are those, “What was I thinking?” moments. Well, guess what? I’m only slightly...