John O'Connor

John is the editorial director, vice president and associate publisher of McKnight's Senior Living and McKnight's Long-Term Care News. He joined McKnight's in 1990. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois, where he was introduced to journalism, late-night bull sessions and many of his closest friends. Before McKnight's, John worked at a weekly newspaper in Chicago. An avid reader and sports fan, he has a weakness for magazines, biographies and almost anything containing chocolate. John lives in the Chicago area with his wife, Layne, and their two children.

Most recent articles by John O'Connor

Daily Editors' Notes

For long-term care, a pointed issue on the horizon

John O'Connor

November 23, 2020

Following some miraculous breakthroughs, it looks like we may soon have a COVID-19 vaccine. So at least workers will soon be universally inoculated, right? Not necessarily.

Daily Editors' Notes

The next 4 years might not be much to laugh about

John O'Connor

November 16, 2020

I must admit I am going to miss Donald Trump being our president.

Daily Editors' Notes

The election’s over. But for some, the pain continues.

John O'Connor

November 9, 2020

When Donald Trump upset Hillary Clinton to capture the presidency in 2016, I was a bit surprised.

Daily Editors' Notes

Is long-term care about to flip off old habits?

John O'Connor

November 2, 2020

When I hear about innovation in long-term care, I sometimes have to stifle a chuckle.

News

McKnight’s 40 for 40: William M. McKnight Jr.

John O'Connor

October 26, 2020

The McKnight’s brand may be familiar to many in the field today. That’s somewhat ironic, as the man behind it never expected to be a publisher. Boiled down, the late Bill McKnight was a gregarious, smart salesman with a keen eye for opportunity.

Daily Editors' Notes

Are we outsmarting ourselves with our new tech toys?

John O'Connor

October 26, 2020

Maybe getting our knuckles a bit bloody is part of the price we pay for all wonderful new tech breakthroughs.

Daily Editors' Notes

Addressing long-term care’s union challenge

John O'Connor

October 12, 2020

When it comes to labor unions, life has afforded me a somewhat unique perspective.

Daily Editors' Notes

A lesson in long-term care management

John O'Connor

October 5, 2020

If you are an administrator who is about to take a job, you do have some leverage. And you might want to do what a certain incredibly successful football coach did.

Daily Editors' Notes

Long-term care in the best setting? Now that’s a hoot.

John O'Connor

September 28, 2020

When we don’t like what we see or hear, most of us can turn on the raging cave man/cave woman switch awfully fast.

Daily Editors' Notes

For long-term care, a time of confirmation — and revelation

John O'Connor

September 21, 2020

Among other things, COVID-19 has helped confirm what we know about long-term care and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The pandemic has also revealed a few new things about both. Let’s address skilled care first. The past half year has made it obvious that this is a field full of heroes, especially on…

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