As cameras roll, providers raise hopes about hospital ‘observation’ stays
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 15, 2014
It’s been said for a long time that a picture is worth a thousand words. Moving pictures? Start multiplying the worth. Add some sound or speaking to those moving pictures, well now we’re talking...
Therapy patients need, and deserve, this simple self-image booster
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Jan 14, 2014
Have you ever had a day when you looked great but felt depressed? Or you looked your worst but felt great? Perception of self-image is stronger than actual self-image with determining our emotions. Would...
Pressure ulcer prevention: Select the right products
By
James G. Spahn MD, FACS
Jan 13, 2014
To better quality care in relation to the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, long-term care providers must pay close attention to the products they are utilizing.
Stuff I won’t do for residents and why your staff shouldn’t either: preventing burnout in...
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jan 09, 2014
In my last post, I wrote about some of the many things I do for residents as a long-term care psychologist. The astute reader will note that most of the tasks were accomplished during work hours and within...
Want to succeed in long-term care this year? Don’t get too comfortable
By
John O'Connor
Jan 06, 2014
A new year is once again upon us. Among other things, that means you will probably be exposed to more than a few forecasts of the year-ahead-in-long-term-care variety.
CNA speak: Take time to learn the language
By
Lori Porter
Jan 03, 2014
In my 32 years of careful study regarding the divide between administration and certified nursing aides, I have learned many things. One of the most important discoveries is that there are two separate...
The need for documentation in therapy
By
Tara Roberts
Dec 23, 2013
Skilled therapy documentation traditionally focuses on prior level of function, current level of function and ultimately desired discharge level of function. Outcomes are typically measured in short and...
When we talk about providing good care, what do we really mean?
By
John O'Connor
Dec 20, 2013
In case you haven’t noticed, “quality” is quite the buzzword in long-term care these days.
Be careful what you wish for
By
Steven Littlehale
Dec 18, 2013
Last January, the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont approved a settlement agreement in the case of Jimmo vs Sebelius that alleged Medicare contractors were inappropriately applying an “improvement...
Personal stories every therapist should know
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Dec 17, 2013
What’s the point of all of our treatment interventions and plans of care if we can’t relate to our patients? If you can put a face and personality behind your justification for therapy services,...