Lessons on living and dying, courtesy of the Carters
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jun 06, 2023
In the twilight of their lives, we are reminded that the Carters are a normal couple facing the very basic challenges typical of advanced age. Both are grappling with how to live out their days and where...
Until Ukrainian caregivers can rest, we can’t look away
By
Kimberly Marselas
Mar 22, 2022
It hurts to think of those whose fate rests solely with their Ukrainian caregivers, who have families and lives of their own to consider. But you’ll miss something important if you look away.
‘Living’ legacy takes on new meaning in COVID times
By
Kimberly Marselas
Oct 14, 2021
Like the industry facing its own mortality, Reggie Hartsfield went headlong into the struggle and refused to go down.
It’s 30 years and counting for the dean of LTC
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 20, 2020
A lot has happened over the last three decades in long-term care. Patient acuity has risen severely, pay and regulatory systems have changed dramatically, and provider giants have risen and vanished from...
Stay home when sick, and go on vacation already
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jul 15, 2016
Far too many of the US workforce, especially in areas such as healthcare and the service industry, have little to no paid vacation time or sick leave.
Sorry, CMS, this time you’ve gone too far
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 08, 2019
Life as a regulator can be a thankless job, but sometimes it involves admitting that you’re just outright wrong.
As demand for frontline caregivers soars, Direct Care Alliance strains for a lifeline
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 25, 2014
Long-term care workers are, by nature, hearty souls. They have to be. That’s probably why Monday’s notice set off bells in numerous offices here. It’s over. Operations are ceasing.
A stressed sector must find a way to stress better behavioral care
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 26, 2022
When CMS issued its new behavioral health strategy last week, the phrase “nursing home” was strangely absent from the outline. But given all the attention it has streamed on skilled nursing lately,...
Saying no to the hugging resident
By
Elizabeth Newman
Oct 14, 2016
While leaving my car this morning in our office parking lot, I noticed a gray-haired man shuffling towards me. I assumed he was heading towards his car, but he stopped in front of me and demanded, “Hey,...
The complicated truth behind a nursing shortage
By
Elizabeth Newman
Nov 18, 2016
Conventional wisdom often leads us to incorrect conclusions, whether it’s in politics or healthcare. Nowhere is this more true than when we discuss our nursing shortage.