Operate with an eye on quality, not the next survey cycle
By
Steven Littlehale
Mar 16, 2012
The anxiety associated with an impending survey should be offset by the fact that the nursing facility holds the secret to its own success – the knowledge of its customers.
A good first step but more to do with MDS 3.0
By
Leah Klusch, RN, BSN, FACHCA
Mar 07, 2012
It was a long first day, but there was tremendous value and everyone who is here has learned what the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ positions are with the April updates and some of the...
RAC reviews and the long-term care provider
By
David Centafont
Feb 10, 2012
Recently, claims for hospital patients discharged to skilled nursing homes have come under increased review, particularly by various recovery audit contractors. If you know some background and better understand...
These calendars offer more than days to remember
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 11, 2012
Long-term care operators have produced a variety of clever, attractive calendars through the years. The illustrations have even shown simulated naked poses, with strategic signage saving the viewer from...
When good excuses go bad
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Dec 22, 2011
Do you ever sometimes just want to say, “I’m not buying that one” when you get some absolutely bizarre excuse from a staff member as to why she called out?
Lessons learned from analyzing fall prevention programs
By
Melvin Hector, MD, and Myunghan Choi, PhD, MPH, APR-BC
Nov 18, 2011
Falls in the elderly can be a devastating event. They are the leading cause of hospital admissions for trauma and the leading cause of injury deaths for this age group, and amount to a direct medical cost...
How to make your nursing facility RAC-ready
By
Bryan Baird
Nov 08, 2011
As skilled nursing facilities adjust to the changes to Medicare that arrived early last month, they must be ready for Recovery Audit Contractors. RACs are independent auditors for the government that are...
Has CMS gone too far?
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Sep 27, 2011
Previously, I’ve explained my position on the new rehab regulation changes to take effect on Saturday (Oct. 1). However, has CMS gone too far this time?
Preparing future long-term care leaders: Perspectives change after becoming residents
By
Jennifer Johs-Artisensi, Ph.D., MPH
Jun 30, 2011
The past 24 hours have been surreal for the new 21-year old nursing home resident. She has signed reams of forms. She has become overwhelmed with questions and left trying to understand and remember everything...
The Aging reality show
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
May 18, 2011
One of the things about working in long-term care is that it’s both a blessing and a curse — knowing about aging. For example, it’s not a good thing when you aren’t prepared for it,...