Even though I’ve decided not to make my usual naïve New Year’s recommendations to veteran long-term care professionals, maybe a quick review of some important industry news from the profession’s...
What to do when a POA agent doesn’t pay
By
William W. Sleeth III
Jan 11, 2017
Long-term care facilities traditionally take steps to ensure that residents have a financial and a healthcare power of attorney in place upon admittance. But what happens when an agent named under a POA...
A two-pronged approach to protecting SNF residents from influenza
By
William Schaffner, M.D.
Jan 09, 2017
Good news: More skilled nursing facility staff are getting their annual influenza vaccine than ever before. Last season, nearly 70% were vaccinated, up from 64% a year earlier. Bad news: SNF staff still...
Understanding ‘Unbefriended’
By
Caroline A. Vitale, M.D.
Jan 04, 2017
We’re wrapping up a time of year when many of us are heartened by seeing family and friends for the holidays. But what if residents don’t have anyone?
Give all your cares to Bob
By
Gary Tetz
Dec 29, 2016
So here we are at the end of 2016. It’s been kind of a brutal year — globally, nationally, personally, even as a long-term care profession. Lots of loss, much uncertainty and fear, many reasons...
Bridging the gap: Millennials in LTC
By
Tara Roberts
Dec 28, 2016
Millennials were raised to be confident individuals. This confidence can be off-putting to their more seasoned coworkers.
What you don’t see can hurt you
Dec 28, 2016
For many managers of long-term care facilities, paying close attention to procurement and the ordering of supplies is not an area that typically receives a lot of their focus.
Clinical care documentation that survives auditing
By
Jayne Warwick, RN, HBScN
Dec 16, 2016
Medicare claims set the stage for reimbursements – they’re the cast. Backstage, however, documentation comprises the crew, supporting the claim and determining whether or not the show –...
Journey of Heroes deserves showing, not telling
By
Gary Tetz
Dec 15, 2016
Every year about this time, I tell you eagerly and often weepily about “The Trip.” The one where 12 veterans, many of them from World War II and living in long-term care, get to hop on a plane...
Book these choices: How to pick out a great gift
By
Elizabeth Newman
Dec 09, 2016
With an eye on offering some excellent possible gift recommendations this holiday season, I’d like to make some book recommendations for everyone in your life. The catch is, of course, that all discuss...