The New York Times Magazine article “The Island Where People Forget to Die” describes a Greek island that has the healing properties of the island from the TV show “Lost” and all...
Hollywood rescues long-term care
By
Mary Gustafson
Oct 18, 2012
I’m being completely honest when I say that, in general, I do not have a problem with celebrities who crusade for charitable and humanitarian causes. I really don’t — Angelina Jolie, Sean...
Kittens for the weary long-term care soul
By
Mary Gustafson
Oct 04, 2012
At the start of the so-called Great Recession, I was fortunate enough to have what can only be described as a dream job. For about nine months I worked for a food industry trade magazine covering new product...
C. diff transmissions more prevalent than thought
By
Mary Gustafson
Oct 01, 2012
Clostridium difficile transmission and mortality rates are far higher in nursing homes and other healthcare settings than the most recent government statistics suggest, an investigation has found.
YouTube channel delivers with show about daughter’s wrenching decisions over aging mom
By
Mary Gustafson
Sep 27, 2012
My expectations were pretty low when I first saw a press release about “the #1 scripted drama series on YouTube” called “Ruth & Erica.” The Internet-only show follows a “woman...
Fixing the empathy gene, Part II
By
Mary Gustafson
Sep 13, 2012
If Bill Clinton added “M.D.” after his name, slung a stethoscope around his neck and started visiting the residents in your nursing facility, there’s a chance that your residents might...
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.
Nursing: the happiest job in the world … or not
By
Mary Gustafson
Aug 02, 2012
Even if I hadn’t been raised by a nurse, and even if I didn’t write about the basic functions of their jobs on a daily basis for McKnight’s, I would probably still idolize them. That...
A band for every nursing home
By
Mary Gustafson
Jul 19, 2012
Nursing home residents — especially long-term residents — deserve to have the best entertainment that money can buy. Gary Gamponia, the director of the Los Angeles-based Pay It Forward jazz band, has...
Ask the care expert: Will our facilities face OSHA inspections?
By
Mary Gustafson
Jul 06, 2012
Yes, you are correct with your “grapevine” info but inspections will be focused on more than just infections. On April 12, 2012, OSHA announced a new plan called the NEP (National Emphasis...