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

Not really much of a ‘victory’

John O'Connor

February 8, 2021

Operators can breathe a temporary sigh of relief. It looks like President Biden’s call for a $15 minimum wage won’t be happening soon.

Daily Editors' Notes

Vaccine deniers reveal a troubling reality

John O'Connor

February 1, 2021

In a world where good judgment rules, almost everyone would want protection against a deadly virus. Clearly, that’s not the world we live in. While two COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and more are on the way, many among us remain content to take their chances. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey of healthcare workers…

Print News

Dig deep this new year

John O'Connor

January 31, 2021

Most of us are not going to miss 2020. Few years have packed such a nasty wallop.

Daily Editors' Notes

Judged by the company we keep

John O'Connor

January 25, 2021

I was reminded of one of my mother’s wise assessments last week while reading about two businessmen from our field who had a problem following rules.

Daily Editors' Notes

Long-term care operators won’t want to catch this wave

John O'Connor

January 17, 2021

For years, observers have talked about a big wave heading toward long-term care operators. In the past, it’s referred to a demographics phenomenon. We can now add a regulatory one to the watch list.

Daily Editors' Notes

The overlooked elephant in the room

John O'Connor

January 11, 2021

Almost lost amid the chaos and carnage depicted when an angry mob descended on the U.S. Capitol last week was a development that may affect long-term care more directly.

Daily Editors' Notes

You know what’s coming in 2021 — or do you?

John O'Connor

January 3, 2021

Let me spare you a lot of unnecessary reading and worry, while offering some advice about the road ahead.

Daily Editors' Notes

Next year already looks all too familiar

John O'Connor

December 21, 2020

It’s entirely possible there may be some real curve balls tucked into next year’s calendar. But it’s also likely that many semi-sleepless nights will be caused by recurring nightmares.

Clinical Daily News

Moderna’s vaccine highly effective against COVID-19: FDA review

John O'Connor

December 16, 2020

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is 94% effective in preventing symptomatic illness, according to information released Tuesday. The initial review’s findings appear to set the table for federal authorization and nationwide distribution.

Clinical Daily News

Monitor vaccinated residents for signs of Bell’s palsy, feds warn

John O'Connor

December 16, 2020

Long-term care residents will be among the first people in the nation to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. On Tuesday, Food and Drug Administration staff recommended that they be checked for possible cases of Bell’s palsy.

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