Lauren Ellerman

Most states require nursing homes and assisted living facilities to do background checks on staff. But what about temporary staff, or those supplied by temp agencies? You call at noon, say we need three CNA’s for the 7a to 7 p shift, think you will have time to do a…

We have family members ask all the time “If I am Mom’s POA, would I have to pay for her nursing home bill if she can’t anymore?” Many of the agreements signed in the admission process, contain language that imposes the duty to make payments on responsible parties, or legal…

I got this hilarious email yesterday – about a woman that decided to take cruises, indefinitely, rather than go to a nursing home… cruise was cheaper, more fun, better food – anyone been on a cruise lately that could tell me the cost? Most nursing homes run about $3000-$8000 a…

We had some freezing rain in Roanoke today, and I slipped in our office parking lot on the way into work. I am grateful I only fell a short distance (short legs help) and have pretty strong bones – but it occurred to me, that we need to be very…

PT Scan says – “no cancer” and so your oncologist is not worried about the large lump found on your head. Get a second opinion.Family history of breast cancer and doctor does not biopsy mass found in ultrasound, because he doubts it could be cancer… Get a second opinion.Failure to…

Been to the emergency room lately? Had an X-ray or CT ordered? Chances are pretty good you didn’t meet the radiologist who read them. Chances are also pretty good that person has never stepped foot into the hospital.More and more, radiologists are reviewing films from their desks – receiving the…

The family of Connecticut man who choked to death while being treated at a nursing home will receive $4 million in damages, a jury has ruled. According to the lawsuit, a replacement worker at County Manor Health Care Center wrongly fed the man meat and potatoes despite doctors’ instructions not…

In today’s Wallstreet Journal, there is a full page ad for LIPITOR. Wow, I thought to myself – that is some pretty pricey ad placement. Do physicians read the Wallstreet Journal?And while many physicians may read the Journal, it was clear the ad was not to attract physician support, but…

Drum roll please….. According to Medicare, the worst (or rather those facilities requiring special focus and more frequent checkups) nursing home in Virginia is RUXTON HEALTH OF WOODBRIDGE!I would congratulate you on this, but its hardly an honor! I did 30 seconds of digging – and it seems it is…