SNF providers are scrambling to prepare to be “bought” by ACOs, aligned with potential bundling partners, selected as a preferred provider, and ultimately “sold” to the best, not...
A happy Christmas to all
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Dec 14, 2021
‘Twas the morning of Christmas, when all through the buildingNo staff member was sitting, but everyone scurrying.The residents were washed and groomed with care,Knowing that visitors (finally) soon...
Don’t mess with my Uber rating!
By
Steven Littlehale
Jun 21, 2017
My most recent trip to Washington, D.C., was wrapping up like most others. I was heading to Reagan Airport by way of Uber, but what happened next was not typical — and drove me to write this piece.
Magical moments
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Jul 25, 2017
I am not sure we can create magical days for everyone in our long-term care facilities (though I have seen downright miracles for some short-term rehab patients!). But I do think we can create magical...
Sharing secrets to success in ventilator weaning
By
Vasudeva Raju, M.D.
Sep 20, 2017
Post-acute care facilities must excel at weaning patients off ventilators. After all, what hospital wants to transfer a patient to a facility with mediocre weaning success rates, after its staff has worked...
Life safety alert: Storage is prohibited in the means of egress
By
Stan Szpytek
Sep 13, 2021
As a Life Safety Consultant working directly with LTC providers around the country as well as with many state healthcare associations, I need to start this piece by being blunt and will get straight to...
The importance of data accuracy
By
Steven Littlehale
Apr 10, 2013
Has a day gone by when you haven’t heard about a new healthcare reform requirement coming of age? This month skilled nursing facilities were supposed to have started having an operational compliance...
When the rules change, not everyone wins: Counting IC deficiencies in Five-Star
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 05, 2021
Do you remember how, as you were growing up, there was always another kid who would change the rules mid-game to ensure that he won? I do, and it would always make my blood boil. The Centers for Medicare...
Is long-term care a flea market?
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Mar 20, 2019
Recently, I overheard a business office manager speaking on the phone to a managed care company, which after approving dozens of patients, kept denying payments — without giving a reason, of course....
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...