New opioid guidelines arrive not a moment too soon
By
Elizabeth Newman
Dec 07, 2018
Following my C-section earlier this year, I was fortunate to be able to access heavy-duty pain medication. Until we discovered my pain pump wasn’t working. That was unfortunate, but luckily I was young(ish),...
LTC minds meet and — voila! — $3.5B in savings
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 06, 2018
The plan was as simple as it was ambitious: Find “no-brainer,” perhaps nonsensical, regulations and practices that should be eradicated from nursing home routines. Consider step one a rousing success.
Ready to improve your world in 2019? Best to put first things first.
By
John O'Connor
Dec 03, 2018
In the interest of service journalism, I have taken the liberty of picking out the three issues that will be most deserving of your attention next year. If you don’t deal with them, the rest won’t...
What we can learn from POLST data
By
Elizabeth Newman
Nov 30, 2018
On the heels of my colleague James M. Berklan’s discussion about how little we know about our loved ones’ preferences for end-of-life care, there’s a sign of progress in Oregon.
Time to tell family members: They really don’t know what they’re talking about
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 28, 2018
New findings support what many caregivers have believed for years: Surrogates overwhelmingly don’t know jack about their loved ones’ care preferences, no matter how confident they sound. This should...
Wyden is right on emergency prep regs
By
Elizabeth Newman
Nov 26, 2018
For years, the industry has been saying “we are over-regulated.” The subtext is really, “trust us. We know what we’re doing.”
Like father, like son
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 21, 2018
It was only fitting that a fabulous “New Yorker” video called “The Blessings of Aging,” popped onto my screen Tuesday. You need to make sure it pops up on your screen too.
Giving thanks for what matters most in the long-term care profession
By
Marty Stempniak
Nov 20, 2018
It’s important to know what really matters at this time of year.
Don’t forget trauma-informed care
By
Elizabeth Newman
Nov 15, 2018
Even as we support those brave healthcare providers who kept residents and patients safe during the California wildfire that killed dozens, we can’t lose sight for one second those who survive. They...
Give the sisters their due
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 14, 2018
Here’s a plea to all the sharks out there: Treat the nice ladies with the good habits and gentle demeanor right.