I think most people are familiar with Psalm 23. It’s the one that starts with “The Lord is my shepherd,” talks about walking in the shadow of death… you know, that one. If you don’t go...
The urgent need for better grief support for SNF management
By
Frances M. Hawes, Ph.D.
Jul 31, 2023
Grief and loss are a natural part of life, and they are particularly prevalent in nursing homes where residents often have advanced age and multiple health conditions. Data from my recent research...
An unwelcome warning
By
Gary Tetz
Jul 27, 2023
While plodding a narrow, precipitous path high on the flank of Mt. Rainier this week, I saw a father and his young daughter approaching on the trail. She was an adorable child of maybe 4 or 5, all decked...
Are we done with COVID? Is COVID done with us?
By
Jean Wendland Porter
Jul 25, 2023
At last. I haven’t worn a mask in public in months, I’m starting to see friends again, I’m eating in restaurants again, and my new normal is the old normal. Life is good. There’s some hesitation...
AI is everywhere! Addressing the legal risks through contracting
By
Neville M. Bilimoria
Jul 21, 2023
You can’t look in the news or see social media posts each day without hearing about artificial intelligence in healthcare. In fact, the advancements in AI in healthcare are making leaps and bounds, seemingly...
Three wishes
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Jul 18, 2023
This year’s annual NADONA conference was typical in all the good ways — but also extra special in an important way everyone can appreciate.
Calling for a trauma-aware culture in long-term care
By
Kelseanne Breder
Jul 12, 2023
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently updated the Rules of Participation to require that long-term care facilities provide trauma-informed care to residents. Failure by LTC staff to recognize...
It’s Independence Day y’all!
By
Joel VanEaton
Jul 11, 2023
I love summer and especially the July 4th holiday. In the small town where I live, we have an event called “Jonesborough Days.” It’s a two-day celebration with a parade, food vendors, music, fireworks...
Drug reduction may be all the rage, but it shouldn’t be outrageous
By
Steven Levenson
Jul 10, 2023
In recent years, there has been much talk about drug reduction in nursing homes. We hear about “GDR meetings” and even a new verb, as in “We are ‘GDRing’ our residents’ medications.” ...
Now that COVID is waning, time to focus on the things you ignored
By
Neville M. Bilimoria
Jun 28, 2023
Now that the Public Health Emergency has ended, and COVID-19 is starting to become less of a burden in your facility, now might be a good time to focus on protecting your liability.