Minimizing the impact of touch starvation in long-term care residents
By
Jennifer Birdsall
Sep 09, 2020
What is touch starvation? Also known as “touch deprivation,” “skin hunger” or “hug deprivation,” touch starvation is what occurs when a person’s exposure to physical contact has been significantly...
Understanding the Braden Scale with pressure ulcer management
By
Ilene Warner-Maron, Ph.D, RN-BC, CWCN, NHA
Aug 28, 2017
Multiple studies have demonstrated the validity and reliability of the Braden Scale. However the accuracy of the risk assessment is dependent upon an understanding of the multiple risk factors contributing...
Antibiotics in LTC: Changing from ‘Just in case’ to ‘Only when needed’
By
Philip D. Sloane, M.D., MPH and Sheryl Zimmerman, Ph.D.
Mar 01, 2017
Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, the most common cause of death was infection. There was no good treatment for pneumonia, complications of urine or ear infections were common, and many people died...
2021 and writing your COVID-19 elegy
By
Renee Kinder
Mar 11, 2021
If you are an avid reader, or even if you are not, you have likely heard of “Hillbilly Elegy.” The book was written by J.D. Vance and has subsequently been turned into a movie on Netflix ripe with...
How to counteract the folks at 1-666-SUE-4YOU
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
May 07, 2024
So yeah, we’ve all been talking about how long-term care is political fodder. I mean, it tears me apart that no one is interested in a good story coming out of our setting. Take the AHCA/NCAL Quality...
Tickle me, Earmo
By
Gary Tetz
Sep 19, 2019
Resist the urge to rush outside and attach jumper cables to your earlobes — for now.
How to decrease falls
By
Haley Huckabee
Oct 31, 2018
This unique process helps to ensure that the care we are delivering is having a positive effect on the outcomes and quality of life for our residents.
5 tips for avoiding deficiencies
By
Susan LaGrange
Nov 05, 2014
Here are five quick tips to operationalize for the top five most frequently cited deficiencies nationwide. Facilities could choose one per day and revisit each week to focus on audits, discussion, education...
Foot health and amputation prevention for the long-term care resident
By
Dr. Mark Hinkes
Mar 24, 2009
Long-term care residents with diabetes are at high-risk for foot infections, ulcers and even amputations. Practicing preventive measures and good foot care are critical to avoid these problems.
Curse of the blue-blockers
By
Gary Tetz
Dec 16, 2021
I’ve suffered with poor vision for most of my adult life. Sometimes at intersections, I have to actually get out of the car and feel the letter ridges on a road sign to confirm my location. So when I...