A word of warning: Beware of staffing ratio violations
By
Neville M. Bilimoria
Nov 21, 2022
We are all waiting to see the possibility of proposed rules over federal minimum staffing ratios in nursing homes. But with possible federal minimum staffing ratios looming, let’s make sure the government...
AI in healthcare: Trends for rehab professionals to watch in 2024
By
Renee Kinder
Jan 04, 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) — what does this really mean to you in your day-to-day patient care? We hear the acronym constantly, and we know we are told its use is growing. However, many skilled rehab...
Can you hear me now? Audiologists and new rules for diagnostic testing
By
Renee Kinder
Jun 22, 2023
If you weren’t paying close attention, you might have missed some big “noise” last week about coverage for hearing care. A June 15 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services transmittal titled “Allowing...
CMS posts alleged deficiencies on Nursing Home Care Compare
By
Alan C. Horowitz, Esq., RN
Jan 25, 2023
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services conveys its policies (and directives) through its Quality, Safety & Oversight (QSO) memos. On Jan. 18, 2023, CMS announced that beginning on Jan. 25, 2023,...
Unlocking communication: The role of physical, occupational and speech therapy in aphasia
By
Renee Kinder
Jun 08, 2023
Aphasia, noun apha·sia ə-ˈfā-zh(ē-)ə Medical: loss or impairment of the power to use or comprehend words usually resulting from brain damage (as from a stroke, head injury, or infection) Aphasia,...
Fire Prevention Week 2022 in a skilled nursing facility
By
Stan Szpytek
Sep 19, 2022
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) created Fire Prevention Week to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, as well as promote fire safety at home and in the workplace each year during...
Do you (unfortunately) hear what I hear?
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Dec 20, 2022
It’s that time of year again. You can’t walk into a grocery store, mall or even a quick mart without listening to Christmas carols. I’ll admit I start listening to those Christmas carols right...
We don’t have any frogs. Now go away.
By
Gary Tetz
Mar 09, 2023
In a cruel twist of fate, I spent the past weekend in Las Vegas. Now, before I say more, I need to be clear: I love the people of Vegas, the long-term care facilities of Vegas, the long-term care staff...
No more lonely nights?
By
Gary Tetz
Aug 10, 2023
No one knows better than long-term care folks the unfortunate toll cognitive decline can take. So if you’re like me, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, you’re always interested in ways to keep your...
Yo, I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
By
Steven Littlehale
Oct 14, 2022
It’s a curious day when I lift a lyric from the Spice Girls to title an article. The Spice Girls’ first single, “Wannabe,” was released in 1996 and rocketed to the top of the British singles chart....