Why ‘Staffing to the Stars’ isn’t enough: How to make the right staffing decisions
By
Steven Littlehale
Aug 09, 2012
Operators should try to hire RNs whenever they have a vacant position for a licensed nurse — the increased hourly wage will be more than offset by the increased revenue and decreased costs. Nonetheless,...
Grandma has an iPad, what now?
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Aug 07, 2012
Yes, it’s true: Our seniors are tech-savvy and love their gadgets. But where does this leave us as clinicians and caregivers? Hopefully, not in the dark.
Medicare reviewers often stop short
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Jul 23, 2012
If a patient can achieve his or her highest level of independence, as a rehab clinician, I say let’s go for it. To Medicare reviewers, too often they say stop at the prior level of function. So I...
Antipsychotics report will have severe side effects
By
John O'Connor
Jul 13, 2012
Antipsychotic drugs are often used to calm residents with dementia. This reality is common knowledge among most people who have spent more than a few minutes in a nursing facility. But it is apparently...
Dear, sweet stubborn grandmother!
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Jul 09, 2012
I love my grandma dearly. She’s still going strong, living independently in a ranch-style house. But while her stubbornness may be the reason she lives such full and active lifestyle, it’s...
Time to put data into your hospital relationships
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 27, 2012
Bundled payments mean that you can’t escape the numbers. Hospitals want the data on why you’re the best choice for post-acute care.
Eastern vs. Western standards of practice
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Jun 26, 2012
The theory of improving function in China is overshadowed by the focus on comfort, reducing pain, and providing as much rest as possible. From a cultural standpoint, the family dynamics are very different...
CMS award winners showcase partnerships
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jun 19, 2012
Grasping, as many of us do, to find a positive healthcare story that includes the long-term care sector, it was nice to see that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Innovation Awards made...
It’s time to drop the lone wolf routine
By
John O'Connor
Jun 18, 2012
For many, it appears that finding their own answers to long-term care’s challenges and opportunities is the first and only default option. But the future means finding some dance partners.
Big challenges ahead for therapy
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Jun 12, 2012
A few years ago, my consulting company had the opportunity to work with a facility to implement a bariatric unit within a skilled nursing facility. This would seem an easy task, but the facility ended...