Gingrich: Providers able to fix workforce problems themselves
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 28, 2017
Newt Gingrich tells long-term care providers not to wait for the government to fix their staffing challenges. He also claims some relatively easy solutions are at operators’ fingertips.
Enraged about an unfair playing field for nursing home admissions
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 21, 2017
It was not a good sign from the start. The “personal” email stiffly started “Dear Sir,” The first line only validated my gnawing feeling: “I can’t tell you how enraged...
Providers to learn: never enough friends in play
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 01, 2013
Sometimes long-term care providers struggle to find meaning in the signs that are strewn in their path. Whether it’s legalese, regulatory gobbledy-gook or some form of bureaucracy, uncertain messages...
Palliative care meetings do not ease anxiety, depression more than regular care, study finds
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 06, 2016
Structured meetings led by palliative care specialists did not provide appreciable reductions of depression or anxiety in family members of patients with chronic critical illnesses, compared to routine...
Thoughts on a happy, healthy July 4th
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 03, 2020
As we take pause for a long July 4th weekend, everyone at McKnight’s would like to wish our readers a happy, healthy — and safe — week ahead.
Where Eagles dare
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 23, 2013
A traditional portrayal of a Boy Scout has him helping a little old lady cross the street. But what if the senior citizen turned around and helped the young man advance to Scouting’s highest rank?...
CMS surprises with therapy pay levels in 2022 Medicare physician fee rule
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 14, 2021
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services pleasantly surprised long-term care therapy providers with several parts of the new 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule that it released Tuesday.
CCRC salaries on the rise: Exec directors hit $160,000, DONs $93,000
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 06, 2016
Executive directors at continuing care retirement communities saw their national average salary rise 2.97% to $159,922 this year, while nursing home administrators experienced a more modest increase (2.2%)...
New ACO proposals could leave long-term care providers smiling
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 03, 2014
If nothing else, federal health officials displayed Monday that they are intent on getting this accountable care organization (ACO) thing right. Or at least closer to “right” than it has been.
Glen Campbell Alzheimer’s documentary brings out the stars — caregivers and celebrities alike
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 22, 2014
As readers of this blog may recall, my expectations for the special screening of the new documentary about music superstar Glen Campbell’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease were high. Sunday...