“Well, it’s clear that you’ve never set foot into a nursing home.” I know you’ve thought that while reading a memo from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services or your state agency, taking...
Does cognitive impairment contribute to SNF-to-hospital transition?
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 28, 2018
Exceptional SNF utilized appropriate structure, process and outcome measures. Despite this, however, it might have better been called “Mediocre SNF.”
It’s not morbid to talk about death … a lot
By
Steven Littlehale
Dec 07, 2018
It’s not morbid to talk about death, even on the dance floor at your high school reunion.
A care plan imperative
By
Steven Littlehale
Dec 06, 2016
The new Rules of Participation bring additional meaning to the benefits of data-driven discharge care plans, particularly those that describe and predict challenges facing residents transitioning to lesser...
The cheese has moved … will Sniff find it?
By
Steven Littlehale
Aug 23, 2017
Imagine my surprise when several people came bearing the shocking news that “the MDS will not matter anymore” and that RCS-1 is “the end of the MDS.” Wait, what? Not on your life!
‘Patient’ is a virtue
By
Steven Littlehale
Aug 26, 2016
Maybe I’m getting old, or the world is more complex, but lately I find my thoughts drifting to simpler times and moments that shaped me into the person I am today. Take, for example, by experience...
Let’s brainstorm, think outside the box and … doom our future
By
Steven Littlehale
Aug 31, 2020
The best way for our industry to NOT move forward is to conduct a series of “brainstorming” sessions where we agree to “think outside the box.”
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...
Embracing end-of-life choices: A journey with Grandma
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 02, 2024
At the beginning of the year, my grandmother found herself in an acute-care hospital, addressing blood clots in her legs and lungs. Having just recovered from COVID-19 at the age of 100, uncertainty loomed...
Fiscal Year 2015: Can you handle it?
By
Steven Littlehale
Oct 23, 2014
It’s that time of the year again! Do the shorter days have you thinking of colorful leaves, a harvest moon, ghouls and goblins on All Hallows’ Eve? Or were you a SNF provider waiting for the...