We have all had a resident fall sustaining a significant head injury requiring hospitalization, simple right? What about the resident who is observed on the floor with no outward signs of injury? What do we do then? This is not a trick question but can be tricky all the same. A physical assessment with neuro checks is performed, all good, …
When the Fat Lady Sings
On again, off again, the same old song, one we have been living since the beginning of the pandemic, right? You remember, update your policy today and shred it tomorrow or sometimes later the same day! Mask, don’t mask, vaccinate, don’t vaccinate, test, don’t test, whew, it can be exhausting! It is no wonder everyone is confused! The most recent …
Human Trafficking
Headline “Man, Woman arrested in connection with prostitution ring out of Livingston County hotel.” The man is charged with “transporting a person for prostitution,” bond set at $10,000/10%. Is that enough or will he be out on bail overnight? What exactly is “human trafficking?” The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended (TVPA), defines “severe forms of trafficking in …
Leadership and You!
When people work alongside a truly authentic leader, they’ll often give their whole hearts and minds to the cause. In these situations, a spirit of teamwork and loyalty can spread throughout an organization, resulting in higher morale and greater productivity. To influence others, you need to have great interpersonal communication skills, know how to manage conflict effectively and problem solve …
Delirium – Coming to a Resident Near You!
Delirium can be a distressing process for residents and family members. Picture this, daughter comes in to visit mom every week however, today, mom cannot think very clearly, cannot pay attention, and is not aware of their environmental surroundings. Daughter, rightfully so, is concerned and wants to have mom’s urine checked for a UTI. Sure, the root cause of many …
Imagine the Possibilities
Imagine, being diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Imagine being 41 years old with this diagnosis. Devastating to say the least, especially since even the latest recommendations for breast cancer screening aren’t until 40 years of age. Interesting. But wait, there may be hope for others! The CDC identifies 3 “Tier 1” conditions that are “genetic syndromes” with a …
Loneliness – is AI a Cure?
Gallup estimates that 44 million people are experiencing “significant loneliness” and that three in four Americans say they experience loneliness. These numbers spiked during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be a public health crisis. It is interesting that as we continue this journey post-pandemic, we are also embracing AI-based services. There is some skepticism on whether …
Internet and Dementia
For all of us who comment on the amount of time our children/grandchildren spend on their tablets and/or iPads, listen up! According to a recent study, spending 1-2 hours a day online reduces the risk of dementia and may actually be good for brain health! Sure, I personally believe our young people need to decrease the amount of time that …
Mentoring or Miracle Gro
I remember my first job as an LPN in a skilled nursing facility, it was frightening! I was hired to work the afternoon shift; however, I was trained on the dayshift, big difference, right? After a 3 day “orientation” period where I learned where the fire pulls were, where the kitchen was, how to turn off the valves for gas, …
Oh, Please! Not the Fries!
I really can’t believe it, now there is suspicion that French fries may increase anxiety and depression! Really? When I eat french fries, I feel good all over, not anxious, not depressed, just good, so how can this be? Well, the researchers tested it on mice, not humans, but still, they found the consumption of fried foods, particularly French fries …