When operational changes occur, it is critical to review and update your community’s emergency plans to help ensure that the changes have been incorporated into these essential documents. Read More »
Bed bugs have made a comeback. The public recently learned that these critters were checking into hotels and motels. It's not just a regional problem any more. Bed bugs have reportedly been spotted in long-term care facilities too. The good news is that there are ways to turn away these unwanted guests. Read More »
Many of our LTC residents are eating meals while sitting in their wheelchairs. How much do we "institutionalize" our residents by passively convincing them that sitting in the wheelchair in the dining room "is easier for everyone"? Time after time, we realize that our processes and philosophies have to be revisited and reiterated constantly. Read More »
Three-week-old strike by unionized Connecticut nursing home workers continues. SNF operator alleges sabotage and vandalism by strikers. Company attorneys' seek criminal investigation by state authorities. Read More »
Renovating existing facilities entails much more than a new coat of paint. Miles Girouard and Amy Ruedinger, RN, discuss the strategies involved in upgrading the physical environment and the care culture at the same time. Read More »
GPO membership gives facilities a boost to their bottom lines as two GPO executives explain. From office supplies to clinical products to furniture and more, GPOs are the best deal in town. Read More »
Food shortages, squalor, leaky roofs and broken air conditioners were the standard, not the exceptional, conditions in three Atlanta-area nursing facilities. Former owner convicted of Medicare/Medicaid fraud. Read More »
In accordance with codes and regulations, nursing homes and assisted living communities are required to provide a sufficient number of fire extinguishers throughout each building. Additionally, employees of these types of occupancies are required to know how to properly use fire extinguishers. Read More »
When it is time for the walk-around tour, take the compliance officer where he or she needs to go and nowhere else. You may be proud of your facility and want to show it off, but that doesn’t mean they will see it in the same light as you. Read More »
Traditionally, nursing homes and other levels of long-term care have not been involved with disaster planning as part of the community on a broad-based scale. As this bi-annual conference shows, that's no longer the case. Read More »
It's not enough just to provide meals. If residents don't like what they see, it's a good bet that they won't enjoy eating it. The dining experience should add joy, excitement and choice for increased resident satisfaction and, ultimately, good nutrition. Read More »
Will our codes and regulations inhibit or enable providers to meet the demands of an up and coming Baby Boomer generation of healthcare consumers? We may not have to wait long to find out. Read More »
In addition to managing your transportation operation more efficiently and less expensively, consider such options as subcontracting and turning your vehicles into revenue generators. Read More »
Isn't it curious how there's often a disconnect between those who design LTC communities and those who run them? It's critically important for these two groups to come together to create fully functioning spaces that better serve residents and staff. Read More »
Keeping pathways to survival clear is a disaster preparation that should be addressed every day. If everything is in its place and not blocking exits, evacuation is easier and more successful. Read More »
Don’t panic. Be polite and respectful; remember this is an official visit. And please, for your sake, remember the old adage: ”If they ask you the time, tell them the time; don’t tell them how to build a watch.” Read More »
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posits that disease transmission via linens is rare and occurs almost exclusively as a result of improper handling. In other words, infection from linens is preventable. Read More »
It’s a bit staggering to think about how many residents, employees and families have had access to duplicate keys over the years to your facilities. Have you ever wondered where keys end up when someone claims they are lost? Read More »
From a safety and risk perspective, the kitchen provides us with an immediate opportunity to develop a workforce that is “cultured” to prevent potential hazards and losses. Deviation from procedures is usually when an incident occurs. Read More »
Are your hard-surface floors making you—and your residents—sick? Brush up on these current best practices for cleanliness and maintenance with January's Focus On. Read More »
Although this seems to be a quirky and light-hearted story, there are business and resident safety consequences associated with Santa Monica’s decision to ticket the Sunrise Senior Living van out of sight. Read More »
Throughout winter, it is essential for LTC facilities and senior housing properties to ensure that the area around heating equipment is free and clear of all combustible material. Read More »
Let it be known that even regulators see the point of a homelike environment. At least the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) understands. Read More »
After recently teaching my dining class in a senior care community, I had an illuminating conversation with a resident. During the class I had Read More »
