I recently stumbled on one of the most captivating obituaries I’ve ever read. It chronicled the life of a woman named Lana Peters, who died in a Wisconsin nursing home. The reason her death made...
They work hard for their money
By
Mary Gustafson
Mar 01, 2012
There has been an onslaught of news stories lately about the “graying” of America’s workforce. Many of them, however, fail to mention that some older Americans enjoy working beyond the...
‘Alive Inside’ a viral video
By
Mary Gustafson
Apr 19, 2012
Last week, a funny thing happened: For once, I was not the first person I know to post a nursing home-related story to my Facebook page.
I can’t get no-o-o-o … satisfaction
By
Mary Gustafson
Jan 12, 2012
Anyone who works in long-term care or aging services — or who writes about it every day — likes to see headlines like this: “Sexual satisfaction highest in oldest, youngest women, study says.”...
A band of brothers — still
By
Mary Gustafson
Sep 06, 2012
I’ve promised myself only two things in life about my use of social and/or digital media. Readers, I’m about to break both of my own rules with this post.
Inside the frequent flier club
By
Mary Gustafson
May 10, 2012
If you’ve ever caught in a pool of self-pity but you’re not sure how to climb out, try sitting in the waiting room of a jam-packed pain clinic some time. I promise, your problems will pale...
The gift of gallows humor
By
Mary Gustafson
Oct 11, 2012
Comedienne Tig Notaro — from what I’ve been able to glean in my relatively brief history as a fan of her comedy — does not appear to have any connection with the long-term care industry. But...
The new merry pranksters
By
Mary Gustafson
Apr 12, 2012
I was prepared for the worst — yes, I was prepared to have a strong negative reaction to the new Betty White-hosted prank show “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers.”
Give unto others
By
Mary Gustafson
Aug 17, 2012
Looking for a cure for compassion fatigue? Try reminding your caregivers of the obvious — that their job is all about giving. Trust me, there is some science to this.
Conquering the many clichés of aging
By
Mary Gustafson
Jun 14, 2012
A study on the perceptions of aging give us insight into why certain 30-somethings bemoan their lost youth, while long-term care residents stay young at heart.