The conclusion of the Olympics is a time for U. S. residents to stand tall and proud, and to cheer our success. Unfortunately, we are also a leader in the cost of healthcare, and cannot be proud of that...
Conversations with data: How LTC facilities can help hospitals
By
Andrei Gonzales, M.D.
Nov 07, 2016
Through its mandatory bundled payment programs for cardiac care and joint replacement, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services aims to lower care costs, boost efficiency, and improve quality by making...
Community connections and quarters: How one nursing home responded to a 45-day water crisis
By
Tim Mullaney
Apr 08, 2014
In its forthcoming emergency preparedness guidelines for long-term care facilities, maybe the government should include this directive: The facility is to cultivate strong relationships with area businesses...
Got chalance?
By
Scott McFadden
Jun 26, 2015
We have a word that reflects our cultural philosophy at Lutheran Homes and Harwood Place: “Chalance,” which is a concept which counters the more negative term of ‘nonchalance’ or...
The skilled eye of a speech pathologist
By
Renee Kinder
Nov 16, 2015
The Medicare Benefit Policy Manual provides guidance for rehabilitation professionals on criteria for reasonable and necessary skilled services which include: Following Evidenced Based Practice Patterns:...
Step away from the vending machine: Real life nutrition tips for healthcare workers
By
May 02, 2017
Long-term care leaders can encourage healthy activity among their staff, starting with modeling healthy behaviors themselves. But what about the frontline healthcare workers with just a few minutes a day...
Get smart about brain health
By
Catherine O’Brien, Ph.D
Mar 02, 2015
Activity directors and lifestyle coordinators across the country are trying to find the best solutions for residents who request “brain games” out of a desire to improve their memory and sharpen...
When CMS gives you a gift, pay it forward
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jun 16, 2021
This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services presented some 2,500 nursing homes with quite a gift: an additional seven days to avoid a fine for missing a new vaccination reporting deadline....
And he did it ‘his way’ — will you and yours?
By
Steven Littlehale
Jul 21, 2017
Packing for New Jersey to help Bernie (my father-in-law, whom I was honored to call “Dad”) navigate his transition from hospitalization to SNF, something told me to pack a suit.
Strategies for supporting patients after transition
By
Neil Gulsvig
Jul 06, 2015
Discharge no longer means “good-bye and good luck”