Flu, pneumococcal, COVID and RSV vaccination: What you need to know
By
Lois A. Bowers
Sep 03, 2024
Labor Day brought cooler temperatures in my neck of the woods this year, which reminded me of the changing seasons. This time of year is when your thoughts may be turning to all of the vaccinations that...
The mental health toll of COVID-19 — and what you can do about it
By
Lois A. Bowers
Jul 13, 2020
It should come as no surprise to anyone reading this column that the pandemic has had mental health effects on workers. Recent research on the topic may surprise you, however.
COVID caregivers, don’t forget to take care of yourselves
By
Lois A. Bowers
Jun 29, 2020
Results of a new survey bring potentially troubling news for those in senior living employees and the companies for which they work: Personal exposure to the coronavirus is linked with poor mental health....
More than 201,000 in long-term care have died from COVID, but just how many more?
By
Lois A. Bowers
Feb 07, 2022
A full accounting of COVID deaths among long-term care residents and staff members is not available because the federal government only collects data from Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing facilities.
Coronavirus has reached long-term care. Prepare, don’t panic
By
Lois A. Bowers
Mar 02, 2020
The first reported possible outbreak of COVID-19 in a long-term care facility, and the first reported case of COVID-19 in a healthcare worker — a caregiver in that facility, were announced by the Centers...
COVID, one year later
By
Lois A. Bowers
Mar 01, 2021
At this time a year ago, we still were unsure what the coronavirus would mean for the industry, for the country or for us personally. Now, effects are clear, even if we still don’t know all of the answers.
A new day in the battle against COVID
By
Lois A. Bowers
Jan 20, 2021
We all can agree that we’d like to see an end to the illness and death caused by the coronavirus. We’d like families and residents to be able to hug one another again. We’d like to stop having to...
Is loneliness at work the next pandemic?
By
Lois A. Bowers
Jun 26, 2023
A new study reveals that loneliness can be an issue for employees, even as the COVID-19 pandemic recedes. In fact, one group is calling loneliness “the next pandemic” in the workplace. But fortunately,...
Is it too soon to lift public health mandates?
By
Lois A. Bowers
Mar 08, 2021
We know from previous research that stopping the spread of COVID in the greater community can help stop it within long-term care facilities. So is now the time to lift state-wide mask mandates and permit...
An infusion of energy after months at home
By
Lois A. Bowers
Nov 01, 2021
I’d become so used to attending meetings via Zoom in the comfort of my home office that I had forgotten how energizing and just plain enjoyable it is to see colleagues and others in person.