Long-term care residents and caregivers in Washington State deserve better
By
Bill Ulrich
Aug 21, 2020
Nursing homes in almost every state are in a fight for survival. To a large extent this was true before COVID-19 reared its ugly head in our nation’s long-term care facilities. Unfortunately, Washington...
Just where does the buck stop with nursing homes and COVID-19?
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 21, 2020
Should the federal government “own” the coronavirus pandemic national response?
COVID confessions
By
Julie Thorson
Aug 19, 2020
As a leader, especially a leader in our field during this time, feeling connected to others and not alone on an island is more than valuable — it is a lifeline.
Diary of a new hire
By
Nancy Anderson, RN, MA
Aug 18, 2020
While employee retention is always a top priority, operating in a pandemic intensifies the urgency to hire and maintain competent, committed staff. Since the first three months of employment are particularly...
Taking time to connect and renew — we need it now more than ever
By
Penny Cook
Aug 16, 2020
In 1997, a group of 32 people gathered in Rochester, New York, with a belief that the world of nursing homes should and could be different. They decided to formalize their gathering, named themselves the...
Skilled nursing facilities face enforcement challenges in COVID-19 environment
By
Jon Ferry
Aug 12, 2020
Skilled nursing facilities have faced unprecedented challenges since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Individuals with many high-risk characteristics are the typical patients of these facilities....
My job in a COVID-19 hotspot didn’t give me COVID — it gave me PTSD
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Aug 11, 2020
Even a long-term care psychologist can fall prey to the psychological and emotional terrors of the COVID-19 pandemic, I can unfortunately report to you with ironic confidence.
Facing ways to improve PPE long term
By
Jay Baker
Aug 11, 2020
Protecting vulnerable populations, particularly long-term care residents and staff, from viruses and infections is critical. The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the fact that not only is there a need for...
Nursing home staffing headed for more scrutiny
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 07, 2020
When a government watchdog decides it wants to investigate you, it’s usually not going to be content with a “No fire here, folks!” conclusion. Nobody knows that better than nursing home operators....
Finding joy in the grueling now
By
Gary Tetz
Aug 06, 2020
Finding joy in the difference you make is perhaps all the inspiration any of us needs.