Yes, we are on a roll with this topic because it is on everyone’s minds and the subject comes up in pretty much every conversation I have with providers. As a huge fan of “retention”, I have read pretty much everything published on the subject and one thing continues to ring loud and clear. How we connect with our staff …
I for one am a firm believer in retaining quality staff, however, recruitment is the word of the times. I challenge you to identify one provider in post-acute care who feels they are “over-staffed”. Indeed, most providers are struggling to maintain bare minimum staffing numbers and with the threat of mandated staffing requirements on the horizon, it can make you …
As we continue our journey through the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath, we need to be aware that there continues to be an uptick in cases in some parts of the country. Hospitalizations were up again this month, and we are seeing more people donning masks again as a precaution. Does it concern me? Maybe a little but then I think about …
It made my heart happy to see the Quality Award recipients honored at the AHCA/NCAL annual convention. What an honor but do you know what is involved in the award application process? It takes a very focused, committed, interdisciplinary team to focus on their goals and rally their team! What does the quality award program mean to you? “The AHCA/NCAL …
Ugh, the flu season, it is back and predicted to be a more difficult year due to last year being relatively mild. If you have never had the flu, trust me, you don’t want to experience it. The body aches, fever, chills, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, oh and don’t forget the possible GI symptoms some people experience! Sounds great, …
Failure to identify and treat a resident change in condition continues to be a hot spot button for litigation? It has been in the “top 3” for many years and as we promote the “aging in place” philosophy, residents may be at higher risk for experiencing changes in condition. The federal regulations are clear: A “significant change in condition” is …
We all know that “fat” is not good for us, even “good fats” in excess can cause health issues, but did you know that it may also reduce brain volume? Yikes! In a study of healthy, middle-aged adults, greater visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat predicted brain atrophy especially in women. Hmmm, that just doesn’t seem fair especially for post-menopausal women, …
They don’t play well together; however, physicians prescribe more unnecessary antibiotics during colder months than warmer months. One study found that between October and March (winter) more inappropriate prescriptions for antibiotics were written, 72.4% compared to 62% during April through September (summer). Why you ask? Well, there is likely more than one reason however, researchers found that decision fatigue could …
It is starting again. The front entrance to a skilled nursing center, posting says there is active COVID in the building. I enter, a sign in the lobby indicates that masking is recommended and there is a box of masks on the counter. There is a hand hygiene station next to the front desk, however no notice that handwashing is …
Yes, hard to believe, right? Summer flew by, lots of fun and family events, reunions, weddings, graduations, BA.2.86, Omicron, super spreaders, oh wait, not COVID! Sadly, yes, the number of positive COVID cases is on the rise again. The experts predicted there may be an uptick this winter, but no one predicted the fall? Having been touched personally by this …
