It was supposed to work like this. When people need long-term care, they pay privately until they’re impoverished. Then and only then Medicaid helps. To avoid that outcome, people were urged to save...
The underappreciated bartenders of long-term care
By
Gary Tetz
Mar 21, 2024
Before you think poorly of me, let me explain. I was in the bar that afternoon only because I had heard such great things about the nachos. Not buying it? How about this: I was conducting an in-person...
Impossible expectations are undermining nursing home care
By
Brendan Williams
Feb 05, 2024
Maine has the nation’s oldest population, and yet almost 40% of its nursing homes have closed within the past few decades. As the Bangor Daily News has reported, that’s forced residents of some...
Redefining the role of agency staff in nursing homes: Unveiling new realities
By
Steven Littlehale
Jan 05, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of nursing home care, the use of agency staff has long been a topic of scrutiny, historically linked to concerns about inferior outcomes. However, as we navigate the aftermath...
Brave new birthday world
By
Gary Tetz
Nov 16, 2023
What do birthdays have to do with long-term care? Well, I’ve been having them long-term. And at this point, I’ve ceased to care. You probably see that statement for what it is, nothing but bitter bluster....
Caregiver training CPT codes finalized for CY 2024
By
Renee Kinder
Nov 09, 2023
In July we were pleased to share that the CY 2024 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule held exciting news for therapists and caregivers. These have now officially been finalized for use beginning...
Workforce crisis in LTC: Is it a recruitment problem or a leadership problem?
By
Dana Weaver
Jun 28, 2024
Stop me if you have heard this one before. Senior care is suffering an unprecedented staffing crisis, and it’s not getting better no matter what leadership tries… Yes, you have heard this...
CMS gets it right: Individuals receiving care will benefit from RN staffing mandate
By
Nancy Haugen
Oct 16, 2023
Skilled nursing and assisted living facilities have long relied on licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVN) as the “backbone” of care to keep nursing salary costs low and increase profits,...
Flying V: Lessons for the interdisciplinary team
By
Renee Kinder
Feb 29, 2024
If there has been a theme in my world this month, it is the art of asking for help. Not just asking for help but doing so with the confidence of knowing I am surrounded by team members ready to step in...
Trick or treat? MDS changes are in the bag
By
Joel VanEaton
Oct 03, 2023
When I was a kid, I loved getting dressed up for Halloween. I remember especially a clown (funny not scary) costume I got one year. I couldn’t wait to put it on and be transformed into another world....