We should always work under the premise “what if this were me or a loved one?”
Ask the legal expert … about arbitration agreements
By
John Durso
Apr 01, 2013
It seems like every time I see a news item about arbitration agreements being signed by a resident/patient’s surrogate or relative, some judges rules it invalid or unenforceable. Are they ever valid?...
Nursing home is victorious in ‘retaliation’ court claim
By
Ashley Carman
Sep 01, 2013
A Texas nursing home has prevailed in a lawsuit that claimed it had retaliated against a resident after family members complained about her care.
Patients’ wishes may be overlooked in end-of-life decisions
Sep 02, 2008
Families and physicians are often left to make end-of-life decisions for patients, and these choices are more complicated than many realize, according to a new study.
Inmates cause ‘jeopardy’ tag
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 01, 2013
An Oklahoma provider is appealing after it was slapped with Immediate Jeopardy citations and $168,000 in fines for housing inmates injured in a prison riot.
Peanut butter brand recalled after seniors sickened in Minnesota facility
Jan 13, 2009
A brand of peanut butter is being recalled nationally after an open container tested positive for salmonella bacteria in a Minnesota senior care facility.
Federal rules will come to assisted living
By
John O'Connor
Mar 16, 2012
If you ever want to get an assisted living operator’s blood boiling, ask how the plans for federal oversight are coming along. You’d be better off asking a less insulting question, like how...
9 things NOT to expect in a nursing home
By
Esther Heerema, MSW
Dec 17, 2014
Family members need to know what to expect when their loved one enters a nursing home: Falls may happen, medications may change, and a private room may not be an option.
60 seconds with … Ed McMahon, Ph.D.
Sep 01, 2014
Q: You recently received the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award from the American Health Care Association. What are some of the biggest current obstacles to improving quality in long-term care?
Vast majority of nursing home residents chronically constipated, and it’s not well controlled,...
By
Tim Mullaney
Sep 02, 2014
Chronic constipation is highly prevalent in nursing homes and not well controlled, leading to a high likelihood that residents develop fecal impaction, according to findings from a first-of-its kind study.