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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.