For decades after his last ride, it rested on a sawhorse in a darkened corner of my father’s garage — his favorite Western saddle.
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...
Things I Think: Good, Bad news
By
Gary Tetz
Aug 02, 2019
Bad news, people. Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented.
Things I Think | All about the music
By
Gary Tetz
Dec 01, 2021
During trying times in long-term care, how do leaders and staff stay focused on what’s most important—caring for seniors?
The most discouraging words
By
Gary Tetz
Mar 06, 2023
“At your age …” At the beginning of life and near the end, it’s one of the most discouraging phrases any of us are likely to hear.
Celebrating new love
By
Gary Tetz
Jul 01, 2021
Weddings are always rich in symbolism, but one I attended on a sunny afternoon recently carried far more than usual.
You can’t take it with
By
Gary Tetz
Oct 24, 2018
Not every long-term care job description comes with the opportunity, or curse, to work after hours. Harried nurses can’t exactly carry a resident home and finish the job on the weekend, for instance...
Things I Think: Playing favorites
By
Gary Tetz
Oct 18, 2019
Over the years, I’ve had my favorite senior care residents. Many of them. Anyone who works in this profession probably has some too. I’m particularly drawn to those who are funny, optimistic,...
Embracing the now
By
Gary Tetz
Nov 01, 2020
It’s one of the most ubiquitous laments of the pandemic, how time passes in a shapeless blur. “Sunrise, sunset. Swiftly flow the days,” goes the song from the musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” And...
Honoring the humble
By
Gary Tetz
Apr 10, 2023
Apparently, status is ultra-important to me. I just achieved elite standing on my favorite airline, and now I feel like a conquering hero as I move toward the front of the line and triumphantly stride...