danny

I have had my new computer for a few weeks. I would like to say that I have been having a wonderful time with it.  But, in fact, at times it makes me feel stupid.

My last two computers were name brands and I became familiar with that brand. The new one is generic and I realize I did not ask enough questions when it was delivered and set up.

Before an outing last week I was on the computer to buy minutes for my cell phone. While trying to take advantage of a minutes’ special, the website would not let me.

Businesses and organizations of all types including long-term care communities are focusing on business continuity planning to help ensure that their entity remains viable during a crisis. Planning for unexpected events like fire, natural disaster or a national emergency must be a priority for every facility. The question is, where does an organization start with such an endeavor? I submit that planning for an emergency must start at home so your organization can help protect one of its most valuable resources. Of course, that resource is your employees and their families.

The X PRIZE is not the latest hit talent show from Simon Cowell, nor is it a super lottery, but it will change your life more than a positive comment from Simon Cowell or winning the lottery. 

As I have written in my blog it took longer than I thought it would to acquire a new computer. The vendor was new to me and that was challenging. Then I had difficulty finding a laser printer small enough to fit in the space of my old one. I also decided to try a portable scanner to see if it would work for me. By July's end I had located all of the computer accessories I needed. After they were ordered I told the staff three boxes would be shipped to the nursing home.

Here at UMBC, we just welcomed a new group of about 1,550 freshmen students. We are very committed to making our students’ first year especially stimulating and challenging while building community and inclusion. One of my favorite methods developed by Dr. Diane Lee, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of the Undergraduate School and her team, is the New Student Book Experience.

October offers many crucial conferences relevant to long-term care, including those of the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the national LeadingAge/Center for Aging Services Technology, the Home Care Technology Association of America (HCTAA) and the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

During the two years I have lived at this facility, not very many residents have gone home. “Angie” (a resident in her 40s) arrived here in March and I wrote about her psychotic episode in an April blog. 

When her many belongings arrived, most of them were stored in the basement.  Some were put in her room and having them around seemed to make her feel more at home.

We’ve all heard or seen the statistic—in the United States, more than 10,000 baby boomers will be turning 65 every day for the next 20 years, resulting in a “silver tsunami” that will affect everything from television advertising to senior living design. But what about outside the United States?  Is the silver tsunami landing on other shores?

Deedrick (pseudonym) came here about a month ago. I assume he came from another facility although I do not know for sure. It was clear there were problems controlling his diabetes which may have affected his behavior and ability to cope. But ever since Deedrick came he has always been quiet.

While every region in the United States has variable experience with frequency and magnitude of natural and man-made disasters, it is essential for long-term care providers of all types to recognize the importance of “All Hazards Disaster Preparedness” and the need to plan for disaster recovery long before an adverse event ever occurs.

I am grateful that LTL has given me the chance to write a blog. Those who know me are surprised that someone so rooted in traditional communications more characteristic of academia (books, articles, etc.) as I am would try this. But this is an opportunity to put some thoughts out for people to consider and comment on that are less extensively worked up than other formats, making it more of a notebook than a publication.

Last week the toilet between my semi-private and the next was out of order. Since the three other residents using it are ambulatory, they could use the toilet in the shower room. But, finding a toilet for me (a quadriplegic) was more complicated. 

I go to the bathroom by being put in my shower chair which is rolled over the toilet. But my shower chair will not clear the toilet in the shower room.