The Daily Editors' Blog - Page 1 - McKnight's Long Term Care News

Commencement speech season heats up

May 24, 2012

Since I am sucker for celebrity commencement addresses, mid- to late-May is like my own, personal Christmas.

Welcome back to the game, Senators

May 23, 2012

If you were beginning to worry that some of long-term care's most prominent needlers had forgotten to show up for work for most of the last year, you weren't alone. Good news: They're OK and feeling back to their old selves. And it looks like they've recruited a new crony.

A nudge toward budgeting

May 22, 2012

There is many a manager who has been told "work on the budget" and left to sink or swim. If that's different in your facility — that is, if each nurse manager is giving a course in the budgeting — I congratulate you. Otherwise, I have a helpful recommendation.

A nudge toward budgeting

May 22, 2012

There is many a manager who has been told "work on the budget" and left to sink or swim. If that's different in your facility — that is, if each nurse manager is giving a course in the budgeting — I congratulate you. Otherwise, I have a helpful recommendation.

A nudge toward budgeting

May 22, 2012

There is many a manager who has been told "work on the budget" and left to sink or swim. If that's different in your facility — that is, if each nurse manager is giving a course in the budgeting — I congratulate you. Otherwise, I have a helpful recommendation.

The family secrets that hold back long-term care

May 21, 2012

Several years ago I called some industry experts with a simple request. I asked if there was a place where I could find some basic benchmarks about industry spending. Didn't think I was looking for anything that was really off the wall, just run-of-the mill budgeting-type stuff.

An angel among us

May 18, 2012

To suddenly realize you are in the presence of greatness is a rare and heady experience. About a thousand of us shared that feeling Wednesday at the Assisted Living Federation of America conference, when Bill Strickland took the stage.

Residents bust a move (but not a hip) at their Senior Prom

May 17, 2012

As a lowly high school student, I was never able to muster up much enthusiasm for the prom. Dancing in public? "Ewww... ," my 17-year-old brain responded, more often than not.

A Father's Day gift — from a father

May 16, 2012

Now that Mother's Day has passed, it's on to the next best thing, Father's Day. This year, one long-term care professional has created an extra special twist to it, even though it's about a month away.

In pursuit of the C-suite

May 15, 2012

Imagine an industry where an entry-level person is encouraged to be hungry and aggressive, to work long hours for little pay, lead (almost by default) an unhealthy lifestyle, and not have to dress all that nicely. The person may be a closet introvert, possibly disorganized, and must able to spend long hours manipulating the written word.

In some ways, assisted living is not so different

May 14, 2012

Clearly, the assisted living field has made some amazing strides in the past few decades.

The industry's weakness for gun-toting clowns has been duly noted

May 11, 2012

A wise editor once told me successful magazines need to target two basic human emotions: fear and greed. Over the years, that advice has proven remarkably resilient.

Inside the frequent flier club

May 10, 2012

If you've ever caught in a pool of self-pity but you're not sure how to climb out, try sitting in the waiting room of a jam-packed pain clinic some time. I promise, your problems will pale in comparison.

A sweep of genius in long-term care procurement

May 09, 2012

Just say "cheese" was my first reaction when I saw the notice.

Cori's Story

May 08, 2012

When Cori Reese entered a nursing home for the first time as a child, she was terrified. Sunday, she was named the top new nursing home administrator in the country.

Balanced blend is key to innovation success

May 07, 2012

These days, almost every industry event features a session about preparing for the road ahead. Inevitably, the same siren song can soon be heard: innovate or else.

Balanced blend is key to innovation success

May 07, 2012

These days, almost every industry event features a session about preparing for the road ahead. Inevitably, the same siren song can soon be heard: innovate or else.

Why 401(k)s are bad for the future of long-term care

May 04, 2012

We live in a world of unintended consequences. Consider a 1978 change in the tax code designed to let corporate executives supplement their pensions with extra cash.

Catch the (Geriatric) Olympic spirit

May 03, 2012

If you're predicting a case of early-onset Olympic fatigue but still want to root for the good ol' USA, then cheer on the 25th Annual Geriatric Olympics.

College days: 50 years is a long time

May 02, 2012

A lot of things were different in long-term care back in 1962. Never mind the stiff uniforms, spartan buildings and low technology. Medicare and Medicaid were still a few years from being born by President Lyndon B. Johnson's executive pen. But there's been at least one constant since then.

Successfully decreasing antipsychotics use

May 01, 2012

If you're wondering if anyone outside the profession is paying attention to the antipsychotics-use debate in long-term care, allow me to direct your attention to Boston.

Future looking less bright for private insurance

April 30, 2012

I have a simple solution for improving weather forecasts: Put insurance companies in charge. For when it comes to making accurate predictions about the future, these folks are second to none.

New construction heading South — in a good way

April 27, 2012

Let's say your organization is thinking about building a new community. Where should you break ground? If a recent survey is to be believed, Southern towns are your best bet. Or more accurately, Southern towns with college campuses.

Help a Sister out: In defense of U.S. nuns

April 26, 2012

I've been in awe of Catholic nuns from a very young age. As my family likes to remind me, I even wanted to be one. As I've gotten older, my awe has turned into respect and affection.

Triple threat: One day's reports fuel chest-thumping, angst

April 25, 2012

Monday was a remarkable day, even by Washington spinmeister standards. In fact, we here at McKnight's had to look two times — nay, three — to make sure we had seen correctly.

LeadingAge gets a 911 call

April 24, 2012

You could soak up plenty of what you'd want to hear at a conference Monday at the LeadingAge PEAK Leadership Summit: discussions ranging from leadership and policy to payments.

Odds don't favor another round of Obamacare

April 23, 2012

The Supreme Court may be two months away from announcing whether President Barack Obama's health care law is legal. But court watchers are already speculating on what will happen if the measure is overturned.

And you thought long-term care operators lived in silos?

April 20, 2012

Our Founding Fathers were wise to separate our government's executive, legislative and judicial branches. As we've seen all too often, concentrated power leads to disastrous results.

'Alive Inside' a viral video

April 19, 2012

Last week, a funny thing happened: For once, I was not the first person I know to post a nursing home-related story to my Facebook page.

In limbo with underwhelming pay proposal

April 18, 2012

First, it was the U.S. Supreme Court's turn to leave providers in suspense. Now, it's a group of decision-makers without robes who have operators holding their breath.

Flirting with disaster

April 17, 2012

Having once slept through a 6.7-magnitude earthquake, driven blithely through snowstorms and regularly horrified my Kansas-born husband with my lack of knowledge about tornadoes, I am far from an expert on natural disaster planning.

Will nursing homes be subcontractors to the stars?

April 16, 2012

Nursing homes take care of 1.5 million residents each year. They pump more than $100 billion into the nation's economy. In many communities, they are the largest source of jobs. But as far as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is concerned, nursing facilities are little more than the help.

Troubling steps ahead for Nursing Home Compare?

April 13, 2012

A newly announced plan to mine data from Medicare Advantage plans might give many operators an unexpected spine shiver.

The new merry pranksters

April 12, 2012

I was prepared for the worst — yes, I was prepared to have a strong negative reaction to the new Betty White-hosted prank show "Betty White's Off Their Rockers."

Nursing homes throwing money around

April 11, 2012

Even in generosity, it seems, nursing homes can't catch a break. The headlines imply as much.

Feline happy over your SEO

April 10, 2012

Given the response to last week's post about the Affordable Care Act and the Supreme Court, I've decided there's only one way to make this week's blog as successful in terms of readers and story hits. I'm going to talk about the individual mandate ... for felines.

Drugs, the lottery and your company's future

April 09, 2012

Having recently plunked down a $120 co-pay for medicine that was a far cry from designer caliber, I can relate to people who believe drugs are too expensive.

Doubling down on a Supreme Court thumping

April 06, 2012

When I recently predicted the new healthcare law's repeal, plenty of people disagreed. One of these unfortunates is Elizabeth Newman, a colleague and confidant here at McKnight's, who has one critical flaw in her argument.

Ethics panels tested as they determine seniors' final wishes

April 05, 2012

The thorny matter of a resident's end-of-life wishes no doubt keeps many people in the nursing home profession up at night. New Jersey is working to firm up a program it has that deploys roving ethics committees to help caregivers make decisions.

The joke's on her

April 04, 2012

Just about a month ago, I opened a little contest, looking for the best punchline to a joke involving nursing home personnel. We have a winner.

Why the Supreme Court will vote in favor of the Affordable Care Act

April 03, 2012

You may not like — nay, hate — the Affordable Care Act. The U.S. Supreme Court may agree with you. That doesn't mean the justices will strike it down.

New SNF business models and alligators

April 02, 2012

There's an old adage that goes something like this: It's hard to remember that your objective was to drain the ditch when you are up to your waist in alligators.

The real reason why the Supreme Court will trounce Obamacare

March 30, 2012

I'm not sure why so much hand wringing is taking place over the Supreme Court's future decision about Obamacare. For as they like to say in Chicago, the fix is in.

A survey you don't have to worry about

March 29, 2012

The quality of nursing home care is improving — and residents and their families are noticing. That's the message two industry researchers want administrators and caregivers to take away from new survey findings.

To get it right, providers need to get off track

March 28, 2012

It's interesting how some of the best old sayings come back in modern forms time and time again. That's what struck me after reading a news item we posted at mcknights.com Monday: "Established nursing home business practices will soon change, expert warns."

Provider, help thyself

March 27, 2012

An expert who presented at last week's McKnight's Online Expo nailed it: Wound care cases land in court largely because too many providers are relying on verbal agreements or instructions between residents, families and staff.

Our elected officials: patriots or lackeys?

March 26, 2012

It's becoming increasingly obvious that our elected leaders need to quit playing political chicken. Otherwise, there are going to be some bleak days ahead for We the People.

Providers, don't be like Frank Howard

March 23, 2012

Major League slugger Frank Howard was never comfortable taking a compliment. Long-term care providers tend to be the same way.

When caregivers aren't human

March 22, 2012

If you can speak authoritatively about long-term care robots in social conversation, people tend to snap to attention. I can.

Flu shots: An accommodation for everybody

March 21, 2012

If you want to get a lot of attention on the big screen, an old rub goes, all you have to do is trot out some kids or a dog. In long-term care, just bring up the topic of mandated flu shots for healthcare workers.

Flu shots: An accommodation for everybody

March 21, 2012

If you want to get a lot of attention on the big screen, an old rub goes, all you have to do is trot out some kids or a dog. In long-term care, just bring up the topic of mandated flu shots for healthcare workers.

The inside story on long-term care

March 20, 2012

One of the popular drumbeats in long-term care is about the importance of "telling our story." But if you go to look for a literal story, you may find yourself coming up short.

The technology awards program is underway!

March 19, 2012

To celebrate the rise of technological innovation in eldercare, McKnight's and American HealthTech have teamed up to establish the first annual McKnight's Excellence In Technology Awards - Connect Our World. The contest officially kicks off today!

Federal rules will come to assisted living

March 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 that person became so fat and ugly.

The Girl Scout Law, a gem for the ages

March 15, 2012

I suspect there's one task that unites us all: ordering, distributing and systematically demolishing a box (or two, or three ...) of Girl Scout cookies.

Push to decrease antipsychotics use has only just begun

March 14, 2012

If you feel like you've been reading a lot about antipsychotics lately, you're not alone.

When the caregiving glass is half-empty

March 13, 2012

The prevailing wisdom in healthcare is that a family member's inability to accept a loved one's impending death or a dire prognosis relates to miscommunication. A new study turns this on its ear.

Latest acquisition target: aging CEOs

March 12, 2012

What's the most critical due-diligence document to consider before making a run at a company? Turns out it may be the CEO's birth certificate.

Why home care incentives will help SNFs

March 09, 2012

Under a new program, New Hampshire will receive a fistful of dollars in order to keep people out of nursing homes. Seems like a bad break, right? In fact, wise nursing home operators will be grateful.

You're hired!

March 08, 2012

Lots of research would have you believe that recruiting compassionate, qualified nursing home workers in small, rural towns is a difficult task — or at least harder than in large cities. Not necessarily so.

When opportunity knock-knocks: It falls right into your lap(top)

March 07, 2012

Maybe you've heard the one that starts like this: A long-term care administrator, director of nursing and resident walk into a bar ...

Catheters, infections and ... you don't want to know

March 06, 2012

Urinary catheters were on my radar twice last week. The first involved a late-night trip to the vet with an unhappy cat. The second, a political animal.

Questionable therapy practices could put operators to the test

March 05, 2012

Ready to take the therapy services quiz? The good news is that it only has one question and it's multiple choice. But you don't want to fail. Ready?

Long-term care lessons from a jerk

March 02, 2012

Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs has become required reading for many business managers who want to learn more about the man who built Apple. Jobs was brilliant but it can't be refuted he was also a jerk.

They work hard for their money

March 01, 2012

There has been an onslaught of news stories lately about the "graying" of America's workforce. Many of them, however, fail to mention that some older Americans enjoy working beyond the retirement age.

So this is what hope feels like?

February 29, 2012

I don't know when I've ever heard louder joyful shouts of, "We didn't lose!"

Leader through the ages

February 28, 2012

We can learn a lot from the Rev. Howard Washburn's life story, and his passion for making seniors' lives better. Included is a lesson about what it means to be able to contribute.

Bill McKnight, a gentle giant

February 27, 2012

I last talked with our magazine's founder, Bill McKnight, about six years ago. Despite having sold the magazine many years ago, he was typically gracious and helpful for an article I was writing. Bill died this month at age 83.

'Doc fix' might hurt a little

February 24, 2012

President Obama has signed legislation that delays a pay cut for doctors treating Medicare patients. That comes as good news for physicians, but not so much for nursing facilities.

When bad policies get due notice

February 22, 2012

You can thank some boneheaded long-term care executives from across the pond for the latest black eye to your profession.

The morality of money

February 21, 2012

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) proposed an interesting question last week in his hearing on a federal contraception mandate for employers, namely, "Has the Obama administration trampled on freedom of religion and freedom of conscience?"

Coping with a death too soon

February 17, 2012

You will not last long in this field unless you learn how to deal with dying and death. They are inescapable realities in a profession where most customers are old and sick. But there is no way to be completely prepared for a death in one's own family, as I was recently reminded. My younger sister Ellen died last week. She was 41.

Rockin' the (nursing home) casbah

February 16, 2012

While idly watching the Grammy Awards broadcast on Sunday night, I tried to keep a mostly apathetic eye on various social media networks. It was here that I learned — among other pretty useless information — that an awful lot of young people have no idea who Paul McCartney is.

Hearts always play a role

February 15, 2012

It's true that sometimes life's best pleasures are life's simplest pleasures.

A vote for Valentine's Day

February 14, 2012

For lucky residents at the Fox Run Retirement Community in Novi, MI, today isn't just be a day for candy hearts. There will be specialty cheesecakes dipped in chocolate, and white chocolate flavored with liquor. To providers who do things like this, I say, "Well done."

Their generation

February 12, 2012

To hear some rock and rollers sneer it, you'd think that living long is a terrible fate. But is that really the case?

Vultures and the smell test

February 10, 2012

So I'm listening to the radio the other day when a friendly but serious voice starts in about about how putting a loved one in a nursing home is a gut-wrenching choice. It's all just a prelude to the kill shot: If you are dissatisfied or concerned about the care your loved one might be receiving, why don't you give his law firm a call? Lovely.

Fixing the empathy gene

February 09, 2012

If you are reading this, you likely work in long-term care and probably are skilled at empathizing with others. But you might have a coworker who doesn't seem to "get it" yet.

New Jersey's real giants?

February 08, 2012

What a week for New Jersey. It started with the pro football team that has its roots there winning the Super Bowl, and it's going to end with a first-in-the-nation effort by the state's assisted living providers.

It's been a hard day's day

February 07, 2012

Providers have one big reason to cut back on overtime: It can lead to a hemorrhage of money. But now there's another: It could make your employees depressed.

Where have you gone, concurrent therapy?

February 06, 2012

Five years ago, about a quarter of all nursing facility residents were receiving rehab care in concurrent therapy sessions. These days, almost none do. But it's not hard to see why this service option has essentially dried up.

Peace is hell

February 03, 2012

On Thursday, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke delivered some tough-love testimony about rising healthcare costs and our shrinking Treasury. This would be very sobering news indeed — if an easy answer weren't right at our fingertips. All we have to do is start a war ... and fight it with retirees.

When residents attack

February 02, 2012

Winter, especially in colder climates, can take a toll on anyone's mood. The cure for one upstate New York assisted living community is an unconventional one: a good old-fashioned snowball fight.

The worst kind of reality show

February 01, 2012

All we wanted was a nugget, a morsel, a few bread crumbs maybe. And this is what we got instead? Lord, help us.

Handling your PR crisis

January 31, 2012

A few months ago, I called up a nursing facility that was embroiled in a legal snafu. I'm not sure I was able to utter an audible response to its marketing representative since I was busy hitting my palm against my forehead.

A survey system that works?

January 30, 2012

All sides generally agree that the current nursing home survey system is flawed. But there's hardly consensus on how best to fix it. Here's something worth considering.

Recipes with something missing

January 27, 2012

President Obama delivered his third State of the Union address Tuesday night. I'll let the professional scorekeepers decide whether his hour-long presentation was up to code. My take is that the evening showcased two missed opportunities.

Vow to hire veterans for long-term care

January 26, 2012

In his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Obama proposed the creation of a Veterans Job Corp to curb high unemployment rates for returning veterans. That's opportunity knocking for long-term care providers.

Celebrating a non-tragedy

January 25, 2012

I believe there are good news stories around us all the time. Our eyes, and brains, often are just too conditioned and look past them. It's human nature. Consider this small-town long-term care story that earned scant attention, even in the local press.

Having 'the talk' with residents

January 24, 2012

For all the innuendos and images surrounding sex in our society, it's a topic that many long-term caregivers are reluctant to bring up with residents and their family members.

(Oval) Office politics and private equity

January 23, 2012

It was nearly four and a half years ago that The New York Times caused quite a stir in this sector. That's when the self-proclaimed newspaper of record ran a largely unflattering piece about private equity firms that own nursing homes.

These replies worth a million

January 20, 2012

Life Care Centers of America regularly publishes a magazine called LifeMatters. The publication never fails to inform and inspire. One of my favorite pages is called "Resident Voices." Here, customers from various Life Care communities weigh in on a specific question.

Shuffling down the aisle

January 19, 2012

For anyone who's in the trenches caring for someone with Alzheimer's — either in your own home or a long-term care community — the announcement of government initiatives aimed at finding a cure might not excite you too much.

The spotlight is back on the pharmacy fuss

January 18, 2012

If there's anything the Golden Globes awards show taught us again Sunday night it is this: When big people talk, they make inordinately loud noise, no matter how high the volume on their microphones may be. Expect some loud noise soon in the long-term care arena over Omnicare's hostile takeover bid of rival PharMerica.

Barking up the right tree

January 17, 2012

Nursing homes come to the rescue of elderly loved ones every day. But a story out of Springfield, IL, shows they can also come to the aid of our furry friends.

Days of whine and roses

January 16, 2012

We've heard much lately about the so-called 99 Percenters. Many in this crowd have made the startling discovery that the nation's wealthiest people seem to have more money and options.

Making the numbers work

January 13, 2012

I prefer not to think of myself as an angry person who gets annoyed by every little thing. I'm much more comfortable seeing myself as an angry person who gets annoyed by little things with the power to infuriate.

I can't get no-o-o-o ... satisfaction

January 12, 2012

Anyone who works in long-term care or aging services — or who writes about it every day — likes to see headlines like this: "Sexual satisfaction highest in oldest, youngest women, study says." Headlines and research in that vein appeal to us for a couple reasons.

These calendars offer more than days to remember

January 11, 2012

Long-term care operators have produced a variety of clever, attractive calendars through the years. The illustrations have even shown simulated naked poses, with strategic signage saving the viewer from the "Full Monty" experience.

Note the thank-you

January 10, 2012

When it comes to "thank you," what is written is often right.