If a skilled nursing facility were an overall Five Star performer, you would think that it would provide the best care and have the fewest rehospitalizations, right?
Not time to pull the plug on hospital readmissions program … yet
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 21, 2015
It’s hard to sit on one’s hands when caregiving issues are in play. Yet, that’s exactly what I’d recommend with regard to at least one initiative aimed at lowering hospital readmissions.
A pest management resolution for 2015: Put down the spray can
By
Zia Siddiqi, Ph.D., B.C.E
Jan 20, 2015
Integrated Pest Management relies on chemical treatments only as a last result. If chemical treatments are needed, non-volatile and least toxic formulations are used only in precision targeted areas. This...
‘Ghost Boy’: A terrifying story to inspire LTC caregivers
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 20, 2015
Anyone who doubts the enormous power wielded by frontline caregivers should listen to the premiere episode of “Invisibilia,” a new radio show and podcast.
Strength in unity is pharmacies’ motto, and hope
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 15, 2015
Growing up, we had a saying when we wanted to cross a busy street but couldn’t catch a break from drivers. “C’mon,” one of us would gamely yell, while pulling the others onto the...
Corrupt judges star in nursing home cases
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 13, 2015
Plaintiffs and defendants in nursing home lawsuits might not agree on much, but recent developments suggest they might want to join voices and call for an end to elected judges.
This year holds promise for post-acute care
By
Stephanie Anthony
Jan 12, 2015
Hospitals traditionally have viewed a patient’s discharge as the endpoint of their care responsibilities. In reality, hospital stays frequently are just one step in ongoing episodes of care. Ensuring...
Tomorrow’s nursing homes must integrate palliative care
Jan 09, 2015
Palliative care, a form of patient-centered care focused on quality of life for the seriously ill, should be the standard of practice for all elderly patients with complex illness in nursing homes.
The power of ‘in the moment’ feedback
By
Neil Gulsvig
Jan 09, 2015
As we look to the third driver, the “in the moment” patient feedback, I want to start by looking at the patient experience and understanding that it is an interaction between an organization...
A workweek tweak that’s worth the fight
By
John O'Connor
Jan 09, 2015
The new Congress hadn’t even officially started and already a major fight over stipulations for a new work-week threshold was heating up. Obamacare doesn’t have the answer this time.