The Care Chronicles

Veterans present a unique population when discussing long-term care. With their life experiences, many have unique care needs that are different from those of the non-veteran community. So what are the similarities and differences in care between the two communities? This episode covers the basics of veterans and long-term care, their needs, and what special considerations should be given to this...

Have you ever wondered who makes up the day-to-day team of caregivers for a long-term care setting? Understanding what Certified Nurse Aides, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses do is the first step to understanding day-to-day care in a long-term care setting. This episode covers the fundamentals of these three healthcare professionals and what each does in a long-term care setting. 

Have you ever wondered which plan works best for you or your loved one? Is it traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan? In this episode, we cover the pros and cons of both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. 

This is Part 2 of our two-part series on resident rights. Every resident of a long-term care facility has certain federally regulated rights that ensure they receive the care they deserve and the support needed to support their health. This episode covers 5 additional rights not covered in Part 1 of this series. These rights include the right to manage your financial affairs, the right to have acc...

Every resident of a long-term care facility has certain federally regulated rights that ensure they receive the care they deserve and the support needed to support their health. This episode covers five of those rights. These rights include the right to privacy, the right to visitation, and others. It is important for residents and their family members to understand those rights so they can receiv...

If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, dementia, or another cognitive disease, incorporating memory care into their long-term care plans is vital in allowing them to have a positive experience whether that experience is in assisted living or a nursing home. This episode provides a brief overview of memory care, how it differs from typical long-term care, and what...

We all have questions about whether the care we or our loved ones receive is the right care. In this episode, we cover two types of care: Behavioral Care vs. Person Cented Care. They both have a role to play in long-term care and usually coincide with each other. However, knowing the distinctions and how they apply in a long-term care setting is important. Take Care and Stay Informed. 

Many consider nursing homes as the first and last stop in long-term care. This couldn't be further from the truth. Personal care and assisted living communities are two options for people and family members to consider when looking for assistance with the continuation of care. This episode covers the similarities and differences between Personal Care and Assisted Living, why it might work for some...

One question that always arises in long-term care is what happens when someone cannot make decisions for themselves. This brings many questions and confusion as it is a difficult topic to discuss with loved ones or residents. Understanding the differences between the tools available to designate a representative and what happens when you don't is important to understanding long-term care resident...

Do you know the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? Which one pays for long-term care? Which one pays for prescriptions? Understanding the difference between these two programs is vital to gaining a better understanding on long-term care and how to navigate it. 

One of the biggest challenges long-term care personnel face is burnout. It's more than just being tired—it’s a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion. The job can be incredibly taxing, from long hours on your feet to the emotional toll of caring for patients. Yet, in this environment, putting your needs last is easy. This episode discusses steps everyone can take to ensure their mental...

In this episode, we discuss supported choices for long-term care residents. Supported choice is a pivotal part of ensuring residents are engaged in their care and can express their rights as long-term care residents. We explain what supported choice is and how residents, families, and long-term care personnel can work together to ensure our loved ones are part of their care. 

Competency vs. Capacity is a question that almost all families and healthcare personnel face. In this episode, we discuss the difference between competency and capacity and the issues to consider when facing these difficult situations.