They told us everything we need to know about the future — except what to do
By
John O'Connor
Apr 03, 2015
What should long-term care operators be doing to prepare for the future? Take your pick of these three things.
Overcoming intimidation and using your voice
By
Julie Thorson
Apr 02, 2015
I find the show “So You Think You Can Dance” interesting. Wait, “interesting”? Maybe that’s not strong enough of a word. I love to dance. I love to dance in a safe environment,...
Dialysis: Gauging its need, and how to reduce its stress
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Mar 31, 2015
As a psychologist observing the effects of medical interventions on the mental health of the long-term care resident, I often ask, “Is this aggressive procedure helping?” As it turns out, so...
Can we get that in writing? We better
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 30, 2015
If you asked long-term care providers what their main concern is, you would think it would be “patient care,” right? It turns out, that’s not reality. Most providers, it appears, are...
Why would anyone become a nurse?
Mar 27, 2015
Years of education, long hours, physical and emotional demands: These characterize what an individual can look forward to when nursing is their chosen profession. So what makes it his or her choice and...
What to do with the wanderer
By
Gary Tetz
Mar 26, 2015
My very adorable, but now elderly puppy has developed a serious problem with wandering. The last time, he was almost hit by a truck. It’s rather troubling, to say the least. But long-term care providers...
Genetic testing opens can of worms for Alzheimer’s patients
By
Elizabeth Newman
Mar 25, 2015
Healthcare professionals tend to have a belief in facts, and as a corollary believe in conventional wisdom that knowledge is power. Of course, what people SAY they want to know and how they actually act...
Volunteer calls out nursing homes for not delivering
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 23, 2015
After five years, Gary Gamponia says he has had enough frustration. His message to nursing home administrators and activities directors would likely be, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going...
Where were YOU when CMS changed the Five-Star rating system?
By
Steven Littlehale
Mar 20, 2015
Some things will always stay etched in our mind. Where were you on February 12, when CMS publicly announced immediate changes to the Five Star Quality Rating System for Nursing Homes?
The mess that is long-term care funding
By
John O'Connor
Mar 20, 2015
In some ways, my parents did their children a great favor by dying early.