Could things get any gloomier? I hate to be a pessimist, but when you look at the landscape–from Medicare and Medicaid cuts to the shortcomings of the Five-Star Quality Rating System–the hits...
Alzheimer’s a tough nut to crack
By
Liza Berger
Oct 01, 2009
If there is any subject that attracts readers’ attention it is Alzheimer’s disease. It seems that every story we publish about the disease–from any angle–finds its way to the “Most...
A kindergarten everyone should attend
By
Liza Berger
Sep 11, 2009
Sometimes—if we’re lucky—school teaches us more than the standard lesson plans. That’s certainly the case at Windsor Place in Coffeyville, KS, which houses a kindergarten. Every school...
Workers, get your flu shots
By
Liza Berger
Sep 01, 2009
This week, an infection control group issued a new, more urgent message about employee vaccinations: Facilities should require flu vaccinations for workers with direct contact with patients. And employees...
Book revisits Hurricane Katrina and Mangano trial
By
Liza Berger
Aug 28, 2009
Tomorrow marks the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. A new book looks back at a nursing home tragedy that will forever be tied to that horrific natural disaster. “Watered-Down Truth: A Flood...
Public reactions to healthcare reform depressing, disturbing
By
Liza Berger
Aug 19, 2009
I can’t help but cheer some comments Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) made on Tuesday. In his brash way of speaking, he summed up my sentiments exactly. On Tuesday during a town-hall meeting in his state,...
Book on long-term care tells it like it is
By
Liza Berger
Aug 14, 2009
A new book should be on the required reading list of novices and season veterans of long-term care. It is called “Caring for our Parents: Inspiring Stories of Families Seeking New Solutions to America’s...
Judge facilities on an individual basis
By
Liza Berger
Aug 07, 2009
A significant and perhaps somewhat controversial piece of research was released this week suggesting that not-for-profit nursing homes offer higher quality care overall than for-profits. That’s great...
Movie ‘Up’ takes new look at aging
By
Liza Berger
Jul 23, 2009
Finally, there is a movie that provides a positive depiction of seniors and old age. That film is “Up,” and I suggest you head out to the nearest theatre to see it, if you haven’t already. Unlike...
New survey shows Five-Star rating system’s flaws
By
Liza Berger
Jul 10, 2009
Many providers still are having a tough time embracing the new Five-Star rating system for nursing homes. A new survey shows that their concerns may be valid. Holleran, a national research and consulting...