You wouldn’t have seen any flashing lights or scurrying EMTs, but it was still a major crisis. The nursing home resident was completely out of his favorite pickles, and not just any variety would...
Lessons from an orphan
By
Gary Tetz
Jun 30, 2016
It’s a disquieting visual I can’t quite get out of my mind — a single hiking boot hanging from a trail sign. Even you, a crisis-tested long-term care professional, might feel surprised and...
Hand-wringing about handshakes
By
Gary Tetz
Mar 24, 2022
Yesterday, I did something I haven’t done in more than two years. Something I said I’d never do again. Something I’m not proud of. Something I should probably bring up with my therapist, or in confession. ...
Things I Think: Stay positive — in a good way
By
Gary Tetz
Mar 01, 2022
Do you, my beloved long-term care friends, ever review the MyChart notes after you visit your doctor? I just did, and I highly recommend it. They can be entertaining and illuminating, offering deeper insights...
Ben Franklin and me
By
Gary Tetz
Jun 01, 2021
So apparently, Benjamin Franklin had gout. I mention this because apparently I do, too. Of all the things we could have had in common, this wouldn’t have been my top choice.
The wisdom of age
By
Gary Tetz
Jan 06, 2017
It’s like a dash of smelling salts under the nose. Talking to actual long-term care residents always affects me like that: an abrupt awakening from the fog and unconsciousness of stress, distraction...
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?
A miracle of reflection
By
Gary Tetz
Apr 01, 2014
Sometimes in business — and particularly in the long-term care business — it can be useful to see things from a fresh, unexpected perspective.
Doing the Jellyfish
By
Gary Tetz
May 16, 2019
While walking the beach this morning, on the Atlantic Coast where I’m taking an alleged vacation, I happened upon a marooned jellyfish left high and dry by the receding tide. Just a lifeless, weirdly...
No-Judgment Day
By
Gary Tetz
Jun 09, 2023
I wouldn’t say mine was a fire-and-brimstone childhood, but I lay awake plenty of nights awaiting the imminent wrath of a vengeful deity. Since then, the concept of judgment has always been top of mind.