If there is one universal zero-tolerance policy at most facilities, it is this: Don’t fail. Executives and others who don’t meet prescribed goals tend to be quickly shown the door. It’s...
The family secrets that hold back long-term care
By
John O'Connor
May 21, 2012
Several years ago I called some industry experts with a simple request. I asked if there was a place where I could find some basic benchmarks about industry spending. Didn’t think I was looking for...
This pilot long-term care program might require actual pilots
By
John O'Connor
Jan 25, 2013
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services often backs pilot programs that might help improve long-term care services. In recent years, the agency has funded efforts to do things such as update employee...
Reversal of fortune revitalizes LTC funding source
By
John O'Connor
Mar 24, 2014
For many long-term care operators, shrinking demand is not likely be a problem in the decades ahead. After all, about 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day, and the pace is just heating up. But there can...
In long-term care, the choice is simple. Maybe too simple.
By
John O'Connor
Jan 27, 2020
Many skilled care operators are in Model T mode. Unfortunately.
Beware the labor pains of March
By
John O'Connor
Mar 04, 2024
The latest piece being pulled from the Jenga tower that is long-term care comes in the form of a new labor rule that kicks in one week from today (on March 11).
The real reason why the Supreme Court will trounce Obamacare
By
John O'Connor
Mar 30, 2012
I’m not sure why so much hand wringing is taking place over the Supreme Court’s future decision about Obamacare. For as they like to say in Chicago, the fix is in.
Yes, the immigration bill has a partisan flavor. Here’s why you should still support it.
By
John O'Connor
Feb 22, 2021
As a child of immigrants who had to jump through a remarkable series of hoops to enter this country and become naturalized citizens, I view a new immigration bill in a special light.
A great time to be indispensable
By
John O'Connor
May 04, 2020
Are you starting to get more than a little overwhelmed by the non-stop flow of coronavirus coverage? Me too. So let’s change the subject a bit and address something even more important.
Don’t want to be replaced by a robot? Then you’d better read this
By
John O'Connor
Feb 09, 2015
We’re hearing more about technology’s growing role in the long-term care field. And to be sure, there are many positive things to be said about the shift. The bad news is that your job as a...