When there Is not a good answer: Dealing with an unprecedented event inside nursing homes
By
Rebekah Bray
Oct 09, 2020
The images and news coverage from the early 2020 of devastated nurses and doctors, and the thousands of body bags and make-shift morgues in New York City, are burned in the memory of healthcare workers...
Finding unexpected blessings on the unexpected shift
By
Peg Tobin
Nov 27, 2019
During my days as a director of nursing, I sometimes found myself covering when someone else on staff called off. I remember being upset about one such shift when I had to “put on my big girl panties”...
Behavior management plans for challenging behaviors
By
Richard Juman, PsyD
Feb 14, 2018
“Mrs. Jones” is in the middle of the dayroom, once again engaging in verbal abusiveness that disrupts the residents, families and staff on her unit.
Life or death
By
Jean Wendland Porter
Jun 13, 2018
As healthcare workers, especially as healthcare workers in long-term care, we don’t have jobs that most people can identify with.
Remembering Paul Willging
By
David Kyllo
May 25, 2011
Those of us who were fortunate enough to work alongside Dr. Paul Willging quickly learned of the depth of his commitment to long-term care and to those people who dedicate their lives to providing such...
The ultimate antidote to long COVID of the soul
By
Gary Tetz
Jun 16, 2022
For a “recovering pessimist” like myself, few things are more annoying than being told that optimism is some sort of magic potion. But that’s exactly what recent research, reported by McKnight’s,...
When the rules change, not everyone wins: Counting IC deficiencies in Five-Star
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 05, 2021
Do you remember how, as you were growing up, there was always another kid who would change the rules mid-game to ensure that he won? I do, and it would always make my blood boil. The Centers for Medicare...
A table on the patio
By
Gary Tetz
Sep 07, 2023
Through countless decades, multiple relationships and what feels like dozens of marriages (actually only two, but it’s still early today), this is pretty much the extent of my accrued knowledge: Women...
Risk mitigation strategies for supporting employees too!
By
Steven Littlehale
Mar 03, 2023
Last month I wrote about risk. I shared that risk in a nursing home originates from many places: residents and families, federal and state regulators, vendors, payers, insurance companies, referral sources...
Nursing home therapy dogs: courage givers, door openers and conversation starters
By
Kevin R. McMahon
May 11, 2009
A Labradoodle named Daisy has brought hours of love and affection to the residents of The Merriman in Akron, OH. Her impact has inspired a project to increase the presence of dogs and owners in institutional...