While federal regulations state that nursing homes must provide “each resident with a nourishing, palatable, and well-balanced diet that meets dietary requirements and any special dietary needs”...
Gravity wins — again
By
Gary Tetz
Jan 11, 2018
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that everything happens for a reason. In my case, life’s challenges are apparently meted out by the gods for the sole purpose of entertaining...
Understand the resident to understand the behavior: Part 2
By
Richard Juman, PsyD
Jan 08, 2018
I am frequently asked to consult about “inappropriate” behavior in skilled nursing facilities. The question is usually something like: “We have a resident who is doing ‘X behavior’—...
LTC 2018 — an icy epiphany
By
Gary Tetz
Dec 28, 2017
I have to admit that this vilest of seasons, winter, can be a useful teacher, meting out stern but valuable lessons about life, and of course, long-term care.
Depression in dementia: How do you know?
By
Jean Wendland Porter
Dec 22, 2017
Most of us have used or at least aware of the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire) scale for depression. Through a series of questions that are directly related to the DSM-IV criteria, a patient or caregiver...
Electronic Health Records: It’s not you, it’s me?
By
Adam Arker
Dec 06, 2017
In recent years, the number of long-term and post-acute care providers who use electronic health records has grown rapidly in response to increased regulations, additional data requirements, and downstream...
Sometimes a carrot is really a stick … but sometimes it’s 24-karat gold!
By
Steven Littlehale
Nov 27, 2017
We all yearn for a time when value-based purchasing (and care) loses its originality. A time when motivations for providing excellent care and achieving excellent resident outcomes are aligned with reimbursement.
Future leaders give the “Silent Generation” a voice in Washington
By
Bill Turenne
Nov 20, 2017
The political squabbles in Washington have many providers and support businesses on edge and wondering about the future of healthcare and our industry.
Happy Long-Term Care Day!
By
Gary Tetz
Nov 17, 2017
I had a birthday recently. OK, more than just recently. Tuesday. My long-term care colleagues were kind, supportive and treated me to an exquisite lunch. But the rest I’ve had to deal with on my...
Is your emergency communications plan ready?
By
Ann Pickren and Jim Satterfield
Nov 08, 2017
As McKnight’s coverage of comments by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services principal deputy administrator for operations at a recent hearing indicated, “several of the failings”...