A word of warning: Beware of staffing ratio violations
By
Neville M. Bilimoria
Nov 21, 2022
We are all waiting to see the possibility of proposed rules over federal minimum staffing ratios in nursing homes. But with possible federal minimum staffing ratios looming, let’s make sure the government...
The elephant in the room: Are you prepared for the next emergency?
By
Angela Rinehart
Norris Cunningham
Sep 30, 2022
Historically, emergency preparedness programs in long-term care facilities have been less prioritized, with facilities understandably focusing on patient care and operations. But with the pandemic...
Why healthcare cybersecurity should be a top priority
By
Joel Landau
Jul 17, 2023
In the healthcare sector, cybersecurity has quickly emerged as the most significant vulnerability. Skilled nursing facilities and other long-term care centers are especially vulnerable to cyberattacks...
March, the summer solstice, and social determinants of health
By
Joel VanEaton
Mar 21, 2023
Daylight-saving time is finally here! I look forward to the day in March that it arrives starting June 21 every year. What’s June 21 you ask? Why, it’s the summer solstice. The summer solstice is...
How do we know if we know what we don’t know?
By
Steven Levenson
Sep 08, 2023
The amount of knowledge and skill involved in complying with the OBRA regulations is monumental. Every topic, from pressure injury prevention to behavior management, has many tec hnical details and clinical...
Minimum staffing requirement: Thank you?
By
Joe Xanthopoulos
Apr 14, 2023
“The only way to assure there is enough staff in a skilled nursing facility is to implement a minimum staffing requirement.” When you hear or read statements like this from a member of Congress, a...
Honoring the fallen
By
Michael Wasserman
May 08, 2024
It’s been more than four years since the onset of the tragic pandemic that took the lives of nearly a quarter million vulnerable older adults living in nursing homes. Their lives mattered. How they spent...
Where will you walk with friendship?
By
Herb Hildebrandt, Ph.D, Hl.D.
Sep 12, 2022
Seniors have walked many miles. Tasted many foods, heard many stories, spoke many words, saw many happenings and hugged many friends. Which on that list remains at the top? Has the thief of time stolen...
Taking a stand against ineffective stand-up meetings
By
Jeff Stewart
May 12, 2023
Department managers slowly shuffle into the conference room, exchanging pleasantries as they open up their laptops and begin typing away. Eventually, the meeting begins, and one by one, the oral...
Breaking news that hopefully won’t break us
By
Jean Wendland Porter
Oct 20, 2022
By now, we’ve all heard how the CDC has lowered requirements for infection control in the new world of endemic COVID-19. But here’s an abridged list anyway: Vaccination status is no longer used to...