For decades after his last ride, it rested on a sawhorse in a darkened corner of my father’s garage — his favorite Western saddle.
Giving an ear to healthcare reform debate
By
Gary Tetz
Mar 28, 2012
Did you know you can download audio recordings of all oral arguments heard by the Supreme Court of the United States? I didn’t, and I haven’t been this excited since stumbling across all those...
Things I think: Windmills of change
By
Gary Tetz
Dec 02, 2012
I’ve driven up and down Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge roughly 486 times, give or take a thousand, for the past three decades.
In a death-phobic nation, long-term care embraces the ultimate privilege
By
Gary Tetz
Apr 21, 2022
Some in long-term care wake up thinking of pay cuts, business survival or reform. Me? I awoke this morning thinking about cremation.
Swallowing a ‘Bitter Pill’
By
Gary Tetz
Apr 11, 2013
The best med aides I’ve ever seen have an almost spooky knack for getting nursing home residents to take their medicine. It’s an art form, really. A mystical mix of command, humor and good,...
Behind the chins
By
Gary Tetz
Jul 17, 2019
The adorable old folks sat in a circle, exhibiting varying levels of cognition, alertness and physical decay. A kind lady walked around the room offering juice and snacks.
Don’t be shy: step out
By
Gary Tetz
May 01, 2012
Shy people hate crosswalks. I know, because I’m a shy person — and I hate crosswalks.
Remain in your lane
By
Gary Tetz
Mar 04, 2016
Like many respectable professions, long-term care has plenty of highly competitive, aggressive people. Brave scientists who sedate, tag and study them in the wild have labeled them Type A personalities.
Things I Think: What the gods want
By
Gary Tetz
Apr 08, 2018
I know how much you look to me for guidance and insights in navigating the uber-complicated world of long-term care.
At last, a wisp of hope
By
Gary Tetz
Dec 01, 2020
Gather around, dearly beloved long-term care people. Let’s have a little talk. I’m looking at all of you, in every facility role — the whole heroic and beautiful group. We’ll meet in the parking...