Much has been written about common themes that are important to staff, as found in numerous staff satisfaction surveys. Most themes relate to being respected and heard, included in daily operations and decisions, and appreciated. All are such simple and basic requirements, and all can be addressed if administrators and managers create a culture byContinue reading “Communication, Inclusion Benefit Staff Satisfaction and Turnover”
Tag Archives: long term care
Education and Training in Health Care: What Happens When the “Trainers” Leave?
A recent article discussed the importance and outcomes of training staff on dealing with dementia-related behavioral disturbances. Outcomes of a six-week training program for a select interdisciplinary group (trainees), but not all staff, saw a reduction in antipsychotic utilization. Results also indicated that those trained were more comfortable with non-aggressive behaviors, though some remained uncomfortableContinue reading “Education and Training in Health Care: What Happens When the “Trainers” Leave?”
Customer Service In Health Care – Will It Ever Change?
A recent article, “Is Your Team Hurting Your Occupancy?” discusses the importance of customer service and word of mouth – and that bad news travels fast. I could not agree more, as I believe customer service, i.e. the willingness to serve, is or should be foundational for health care – acute and post- acute. However,Continue reading “Customer Service In Health Care – Will It Ever Change?”
When a tragedy strikes in long-term care, who is to blame?
Sadly, we read of another tragic death, this time of a woman with memory loss in assisted living. The question will be asked; who is to blame? The staff member assigned to the resident, the staff on the shift, the charge nurse, the administrator, the owner, the corporation? Unfortunate events can and do happen toContinue reading “When a tragedy strikes in long-term care, who is to blame?”
High Staff Turnover? Give Them What They Want
Money alone is not the answer. Securing and retaining staff, keeping them happy and content continues to be a major and very expensive problem in assisted living and long-term care. Despite decades of research and examination, millions of dollars are spent every year when staff members leave a facility. Turnover plagues the industry, found inContinue reading “High Staff Turnover? Give Them What They Want”
No Time for Employee Orientation? Then Keep on Hiring…
Newly hired employees do not arrive on their first day complete, with all the information and skills to be successful. Regardless of their years of experience in healthcare or a specific position, each and every new employee needs an extensive, facility-specific orientation. They don’t know how the facility operates, from policies, procedures, and processes toContinue reading “No Time for Employee Orientation? Then Keep on Hiring…”
Attending Long-Term Care Conventions Well Worth The Cost
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D., authored an important article in McKnight’s LTC News entitled, “The many riches of senior living conferences.” Dr. Barbera shared the benefits of attending such conferences and I wholeheartedly agree. Working in post-acute care can be isolating and monotonous if leaders and staff simply focus on the day-to-day operations. Conferences are anContinue reading “Attending Long-Term Care Conventions Well Worth The Cost”
Whose Responsibility Is It When An Employee Fails?
All too often employees are hired in assisted living and long-term care and placed in positions without any preparation, orientation, or expectations for performance. They are blamed when they do not make the “right decision,” or perform “properly.” Who is really at fault? Most employees who work in long term care do so becauseContinue reading “Whose Responsibility Is It When An Employee Fails?”
Will You Be Joining Me at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in July?
I will have the pleasure of sharing my expertise with two presentations this year; “Leadership Model Key to Developing a Successful, Person-Centered Memory Care Workforce,” and “Planning for Success: A Model for Guiding and Supporting Families in Long-Term Care.” The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® (AAIC) is the world’s largest forum for the dementia research community.Continue reading “Will You Be Joining Me at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in July?”
Developing an Exemplary Memory Care Program
Memory care is “trending!” The need for quality memory care programs is great, and experts predict increasing development of specialized memory care units and facilities. But do healthcare providers understand what is required for a successful memory care program? In the book, “A Way of Life: Developing an Exemplary Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Program,” IContinue reading “Developing an Exemplary Memory Care Program”
Dementia Care Expertise for Health Care Providers 