With so many obscure holidays out there, I notice there is no “National Appreciate a Nurse Day.” Nursing Home Week and Nurses’ Week do not count. I want a day to put on my tiara and not...
MedPAC’s message to nursing homes: No soup for you!
By
John O'Connor
Jan 23, 2017
Whenever MedPAC releases payment recommendations affecting skilled care, I’m reminded of the Soup Nazi.
Caregivers and nurses: Knowing when to get involved in issues of elder intimacy
By
Elizabeth Landsverk, M.D.
Jan 18, 2017
As caretakers of elderly people we focus on their health, comfort and emotions. We monitor their eating, bathroom routines, and even their socialization.
Stretching out resolutions (emphasis on the stretching)
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jan 13, 2017
It was heartening to read about a study from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine Researchers that found sessions of moderate exercise can be anti-inflammatory. That matters because...
The life-changing magic of ABBA-ing up
By
Gary Tetz
Jan 12, 2017
Even though I’ve decided not to make my usual naïve New Year’s recommendations to veteran long-term care professionals, maybe a quick review of some important industry news from the profession’s...
Hygiene’s technological revolution
By
Tom Bergin and Jimy Baynum
Jan 11, 2017
Technological advancements have made our daily lives more efficient and thorough. Lately, we’ve noticed technology’s growing impact on hygiene.
Let them eat cake!
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Jan 10, 2017
As our long-stay residents age in place, often we see them get to a point where we begin to notice that they are reducing their intake. Often, they are prescribed less-than-desirable-tasting supplements....
A two-pronged approach to protecting SNF residents from influenza
By
William Schaffner, M.D.
Jan 09, 2017
Good news: More skilled nursing facility staff are getting their annual influenza vaccine than ever before. Last season, nearly 70% were vaccinated, up from 64% a year earlier. Bad news: SNF staff still...
Trust before truth
By
Julie Thorson
Jan 05, 2017
The people you trust the most, hopefully, are the ones that can lay the heaviest of truths on you. In other words, they can point out your weaknesses in a way you will respond to. Sure, it might hurt,...
Want to prevent lawsuits? Talk to us!
By
Kitty Foth-Regner
Jan 02, 2017
I’ve heard a lot of talk lately about suing nursing homes – not only from family members distraught over an elderly loved one’s injury or death in an SNF, but also from the growing chorus...