The quality of nursing home care is improving — and residents and their families are noticing. That’s the message two industry researchers want administrators and caregivers to take away from new...
Are you ready for The Conversation?
By
Mary Gustafson
Aug 23, 2012
There are few things I loathe more in the world than ice-breaking, “getting-to-know-you games.” The problem is, though, I’m exactly the kind of person who often needs an icebreaker to...
A failure to communicate
By
Mary Gustafson
Jun 21, 2012
Basic communication is often overlooked for nursing home managers. Promoting leadership among team members and empowering staff is effective in building teamwork.
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...
We all have stories
By
Mary Gustafson
Jan 05, 2012
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...
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 Girl Scout Law, a gem for the ages
By
Mary Gustafson
Mar 15, 2012
I suspect there’s one task that unites us all: ordering, distributing and systematically demolishing a box (or two, or three …) of Girl Scout cookies.
Vow to hire veterans for long-term care
By
Mary Gustafson
Jan 26, 2012
In his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Obama proposed the creation of a Veterans Job Corp to curb high unemployment rates for returning veterans. That’s opportunity knocking for...
Tales of transition
By
Mary Gustafson
Jun 07, 2012
It’s hard not to be struck by the number of transitions that are occurring all over the place this time of the year. My refrigerator is plastered with birth announcements, wedding invitations, high...
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.