April 2010 Issue of McKnight's Long Term Care News
April 2010
News
Healthcare reform law will change eldercare
President Obama signed sweeping healthcare reform legislation into law at press time.
For states, the worst ahead, governors say
For many states, the economic outlook may continue to worsen. That's according to analysts who spoke recently at a National Governors Association meeting.
Democrats tying their fates to passage of health reform?
When President Obama signed sweeping healthcare reform legislation into law, he might have been helping determine whether congressional Democrats seeking re-election in the fall would ...
State News
Maryland: Provider group supports higher assessment tax
The Health Facilities Association of Maryland is asking the state to support a bill that would raise the quality assessment tax.
Features
The task masters: recognizing occupational therapists during occupational therapy month
Occupational therapy is a critical component of rehabilitation, yet it's often still the most misunderstood and underappreciated of the three major modalities
What's in IT for you: Providers can see the benefit of healthcare technology investment
The potential for a tangible return on investment (ROI) is a compelling reason for long-term care providers to invest in electronic health record technology
Handle with caution: difficulties persist with nursing home medication management
Drug errors are down, but nurses can still do a better job of managing meds effectively. Implementing a checks and balances system is one way.
60 Seconds with...
Ask the care expert
Ask the care expert: ideas for residents with heel pressure ulcers
Sherrie Dornberger, RNC, CDONA, FACDONA, President, NADONA
Ask the treatment expert
Ask the treatment expert: Are wet-to-dry dressings substandard for optimal wound care?
Donna Sardina, RN, MHA, WCC, President, Wound Care Education Institute
Ask the nursing expert
Ask the nursing expert: contacting the regional nurse supervisor, convincing management to implement stronger restorative care program
Anne Marie Barnett, RN, Former President, Maryland NADONA/LTC
Ask the payment expert
Ask the payment expert: When will we see the new Care Area Assessment?
Patricia Boyer, MSM, NHA, RN, President, Boyer & Associates, LLC
Ask the legal expert
Ask the legal expert: Is pressure to contribute to my boss's favorite charity legal?
John Durso, Esq. Ungaretti & Harris LLP
Pursuing excellence
Having my say
Empathy crash course
Nothing builds perspective more than developing compassion for others, and that's what employees of Aviston Countrywide Manor recently did as part of the nursing home's ...
It's about teamwork
Communication breakdowns were negatively affecting residents, but instead of pointing fingers, coworkers needed to begin understanding the difficulties of each others jobs.
Design
Starting a new tradition: better quality of life through better quality of design
A small not-for-profit facility in North Dakota undertakes a massive makeover in order to provide a better quality of life for its residents
How to do it…
How to do it... Transportation
Running an efficient, punctual transportation system within a long-term care facility is more difficult than it might first appear.
The big picture
The BIG Picture: a sense of entitlement
We're so accustomed to deficit spending, the mounting numbers have essentially lost most of their shock value.
Editor’s desk
Editor's Desk: Some of this reform stuff will be tough to swallow
Some things are incomprehensible in their entirety. That is my initial thought as I write on the day President Obama signed historic healthcare reform into ...
Profile
Profile: Robert Van Dyk - Long-term care suits him
Robert Van Dyk, Board Chairman, American Health Care Association
