When I found out Andy Rooney died over the weekend, I was unexpectedly saddened. For me, Andy Rooney represents my fondest thoughts about my own grandfather. He died from congestive heart failure, after...
LTC dementia residents are remaining in hospice longer
By
Mary Gustafson
Feb 01, 2011
Dementia patients are increasingly using hospice care benefits, according to an analysis of nursing home records. The investigation also revealed that 40% of nursing home residents suffer from some degree...
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.
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.
A day in the life: A walk on the wild side
By
Mary Gustafson
Apr 01, 2011
Joel Nelson, the maintenance supervisor for a sheltered care facility in Princeton, IL, has worked in maintenance capacities for 35 years. But that hardly prepared him for one particular resident’s...
Commencement speech season heats up
By
Mary Gustafson
May 24, 2012
Since I am sucker for celebrity commencement addresses, mid- to late-May is like my own, personal Christmas.
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...
Volunteer has his ducks in a row
By
Mary Gustafson
Jun 28, 2012
Despite challenges, mailman Steve Score has found winged victory at Ecumen Emmanuel Community in Minnesota.
You’re hired!
By
Mary Gustafson
Mar 08, 2012
Lots of research would have you believe that recruiting compassionate, qualified nursing home workers in small, rural towns is a difficult task — or at least harder than in large cities. Not necessarily...
Resident handling programs can minimize worker injuries
By
Mary Gustafson
Sep 01, 2011
The growing disparity between the average American’s weight and safe lifting requirements presents a challenge for long-term care workers who perform heavy lifting. As a result, facilities with safe...