My great-grandmother suffered from Alzheimer's disease. I say she suffered because she was what was referred to as a “yeller,” often calling out and Read More »
As an LTC professional since 1975, I have seen the pendulum swing, sway, get stuck in place, fall off and even be nonexistent at times. In 1980, I Read More »
Linda Buettner PhD, CTRS/LTR, FGSA In the months leading up to the implementation of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0, and since the time of its Read More »
Facility staff empathizes with the pain and discomfort of the resident with incontinence, but they frequently do not have the opportunity to discuss Read More »
Fall prevention strategies have been paid a fair amount of scientific attention as of late. Last month, I wrote on this blog about two researchers Read More »
When a resident requires dialysis, it can be an emotional and logistical nightmare. Not only does the resident have the inconvenience and discomfort Read More »
This time last year skilled nursing facilities across the nation were in the throes of gearing up for the implementation of MDS 3.0 in October. Read More »
At the end of July, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the “Medicare Program; Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Read More »
When my Mears cousins invited me to a family reunion in 2008 I wanted to go. But it was 70 miles away from the nursing home and I had not traveled Read More »
Top-down and bottom-up approaches to facility infection control and prevention programs are an evolving force in culture and practice. During an Read More »
In Holtsville, New York, many churches, along with community civic and social organizations, have found extra closet space thanks to Girl Scout Troop Read More »
How about this for a bold statement: Patient falls in hospital settings should not be considered preventable. That’s the conclusion of a recent Read More »
A couple of weeks ago I heard some staff members talk about working at a hospital. They said there they would be assured an "outcome" for their work. Read More »
Though I have lived in nursing homes for many years, I have struggled to get used to how certain doctors conduct themselves during their monthly Read More »
Ah, summer! It’s finally here. And while many of us are planning (or dreaming) of sandy beaches, relaxation and just getting away, residents at Read More »
In the ’50s and ’60s, bowling establishments dotted the American landscape. A backdrop of American life and leisure, they were a generation’s Read More »
AMDA-Dedicated to Long Term Care Medicine (formerly the American Medical Directors Association) recently updated its “Common Infections in the Read More »
The scripted interviews that are integral to the MDS 3.0 are a rich source of information about each nursing home resident that often may not be Read More »
The long-term care industry is too often saddled with the reputation of giving nursing home residents pressure ulcers. Media reporting frequently Read More »
Judah L. Ronch, PhD The Pioneer Network, in conjunction with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), recently convened the Food and Read More »
While most of what we hear in mainstream media about those who work in long-term care is not positive, what we have experienced is that employees who Read More »
Although used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, researchers are only beginning to understand the healing properties of honey. More recently, Read More »
It's dinnertime and residents are being seated at impeccably dressed tables. Tonight's dinner is nutritionally well-balanced, colorful, and Read More »
