Blogs, Guest Columns, Things I Think and Living Leadership
Lying can be an act of compassion
By
Judah Gutwein
Nov 27, 2015
Today we know that lying is sometimes the quintessential kindness a caregiver can offer any patient who suffers from dementia and, in particular, someone with Alzheimer’s.
Be thankful … for QAPI details?!
By
Steven Littlehale
Nov 25, 2015
t’s the time of year when we reflect and give thanks. With all the rapid changes in post-acute care, providers can be thankful for the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement regulations detailed...
Alcohol and medicine abuse among seniors
By
David Rotenberg
Nov 24, 2015
Some clients entering long-term facilities may already abuse alcohol or other drugs.
Kind words from residents
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Nov 23, 2015
To get us in the spirit of gratitude for Thanksgiving, I’ve included a sample of grateful comments made by residents to their psychologists. The nice things they say can really make things better.
The controversy over ‘Thanks’: Part I
By
Paul White
Paul White, Ph.D.
Nov 20, 2015
There is a tension between those who resent being told they should communicate appreciation for employees “doing their job” and those who believe that supervisors need to grow in their willingness...
Five-Star profanity
By
Gary Tetz
Nov 19, 2015
“Well, gosh. Just my luck.” I don’t know for certain that’s how the Pennsylvania nursing home housekeeper responded after being fired for using bad language at work. But regardless,...
Early experiences with Cal MediConnect
By
Bruce Chernof, M.D.
Nov 18, 2015
The traditional system of separate Medicare and Medicaid programs is the least person-centered, most fragmented, and least efficient option.
No stopping me from bringing home the bacon
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Nov 17, 2015
One thing you can say about working in long-term care is that as long as the population keeps aging, we’re pretty much guaranteed to be able to find a job. Yep, we can keep bringing home that bacon....
The skilled eye of a speech pathologist
By
Renee Kinder
Nov 16, 2015
The Medicare Benefit Policy Manual provides guidance for rehabilitation professionals on criteria for reasonable and necessary skilled services which include: Following Evidenced Based Practice Patterns:...
The best defense is a good offense when mitigating False Claims Act liability
By
Jason Edgecombe and Ted Lotchin
Nov 13, 2015
Our previous articles have reviewed the liability traps that the False Claims Act creates for long-term care providers. These traps have resulted in damages and penalties for healthcare providers to the...