Long Term Care Resources

I was recently reminded of an industry event in 2015, which prompted further consideration. The title of this article, “The 5th scenario,” is a deliberate takeoff on one of Michael Lewis’ lesserknown books, “The Fifth Risk,” which I recommend to anyone interested in a deeper understanding of institutions’ role in maintaining democracy, and the current […]

As 2026 begins, cue up the music to: “Anything Goes!”and poor outcomes.” Long-term care (LTC) executives are navigating one of the most transformative periods the industry has seen. The combination of workforce upheaval, payment reform, demographic shifts, and shifting public expectations is redefining how providers deliver care, manage operations, and lead teams. For executives, the […]

The senior living market in the United States is an underdeveloped opportunity, with low acceptance, negative perceptions and muddled messages. This is a 30-year, slow fail. Despite the significant demographic opportunity presented by aging baby boomers, Generation X and Generation Y, the reluctance to embrace elective housing options is rooted in the current cultural metaphors. […]

The Rising Focus on Incident Tracking Federal oversight of assisted living is tightening, and one of the clearest areas of scrutiny is critical incident reporting. Medicaid agencies—and the federal government behind them—are sharpening their focus on resident safety. Events like falls, medication errors, elopements, and suspected abuse are no longer viewed as isolated “issues.” They […]

Assisted living communities operate under various levels of state regulation. Each state has developed its own approach—some comprehensive, others minimal—and operators have learned to adapt within those boundaries. And industry groups have steadfastly adhered to a “social model” to differentiate assisted living from a medical model, and to avoid the regulation and oversight that would […]

Residential long-term care in the U.S. faces significant market and marketing challenges rooted in systemic label and brand confusion. These issues stem from inconsistent definitions, regulatory fragmentation, consumer misconceptions about financing, and opaque insurance practices, all of which create barriers to informed decision-making and equitable access to care. This branding confusion has been exacerbated by […]

Strategic partnerships between hospitals are increasingly sought for financial sustainability. This is undoubtedly true in the US, although not exclusively. These potential alliances are often undertaken under the guise of improved efficiencies and better patient care. However, not all collaborations succeed. Understanding what makes healthcare partnerships work and why they sometimes fail can conserve public […]

Originally published in the April edition of New England Administrator. The care of old, vulnerable and chronically ill people (long-term care) in the United States has been neglected for as long as there have been old, vulnerable, and chronically ill people in the United States. As part of the pioneer culture in the US, youth […]

Originally published in the January edition of New England Administrator. The marketing of long-term care (LTC) services is important to the overall US healthcare system, enabling LTC providers to reach those who need assistance, their families, and especially other healthcare professionals in the community. However, ethical concerns frequently arise. These concerns include the integrity of […]

  Contact us to receive a PDF of the presention.   Transcript SPEAKER_2 [00:00:17] Welcome to everyone who has joined. We’ll begin shortly—just letting everyone file in. Thank you for joining us today for Aging Services and Long-Term Care in Transition: Preparing for the Road Ahead with our guests Brendan Williams and Irving Stackpole. Irving, […]

Violence in and around healthcare is far greater than generally reported and is escalating at an alarming rate. This phenomenon presents a new and deeply concerning political, operational, and cultural threat to the very institutions meant to protect and heal us. The recent assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson underscores the extent of public anger […]

Join us on December 12, 2024 for our webinar: Aging Services & Long-Term Care in Transition: Preparing for the Road Ahead with Brendan Williams and Irving Stackpole As we look ahead to the next four years in long-term care and aging services, critical questions loom. Will the industry face a Grinch-like squeeze on resources, leaving […]

AS THE “MARKETING GURU,” when I learned that this issue would be about artificial intelligence (AI) in long-term care, the first place I turned was to an artificial intelligence tool. While the press covering long-term care, and certainly the popular press, are running ahead and breathlessly announcing what AI will do for us, I thought […]

We are in the midst of a caring crisis in the United States’ healthcare system. Case managers can play a crucial role in navigating and mitigating this crisis, especially in the realm of chronic care and long-term support services. Understanding the Caring Crisis The caring crisis is multifaceted, rooted in an aging population, a fragmented […]

The “missing middle” in seniors’ housing refers to the lack of affordable options for middle-income seniors who can’t qualify for low-income housing but can’t afford current market rates. The growing demand from this group poses a substantial opportunity, yet significant barriers like high construction costs, regulatory challenges, and a lack of developer incentives persist. Solutions […]

Keynote Speaker, President of Stackpole & Associates, Irving Stackpole, returned to the show, once again!  This time, Irving discussed with Dr. Mara what consumers need to know about navigating long term care in the context of societal ageism.  Have questions about who to call to help you navigate this maze?  Irving can help point you in […]

The golden promise of Artificial Intelligence is everywhere. But where are the results? Famously, more money was made by boomtown merchants and opportunists during the gold rushes of the late 19th century than was generated from ore extracted by mining operations. [1] Could this grift apply for AI in healthcare and ageing services? These questions […]

Welcome to Session, Where Can We Turn? Case Managers and the Caring Crisis. Today’s presenter is Irving Stackpole. With decades of experience as a healthcare professional, Irving Stackpole has held leadership positions for global organizations, as well as hundreds of consulting clients on five continents as president of Stackpole and Associates Incorporated. Mr. Stackpole has […]

There are markets for just about everything, where sellers and buyers exchange goods and services. The same is true for nursing homes; “sellers” (providers) make their services available to patients and families (consumers) in exchange for payments from the government, or another intermediary (customers). Most markets and services have life cycles; they emerge, they grow, […]

Seniors’ housing projects require significant investment and meticulous planning. Feasibility studies are essential for ensuring their success by minimizing risks and maximizing potential. These studies offer the kinds of insights that guide decision-making and project planning. They assess a variety of factors, including market demand, financial viability, and regulatory requirements. Difficulties Developers and Operators Face […]

“It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory” ~W. Edwards Deming The senior housing and assisted living landscape has undergone a seismic shift since the COVID-19 pandemic. And we’ve only seen the beginning! Everything from workforce and air purification to sustainable construction and transparent governance are now in play. Even externalities like Medicare […]

“Leadership” may be among the most frequently used and least understood terms in business literature. It’s right up there with “strategic” as one of the most misused words in the business communications lexicon. At a fundamental level, leadership has to do with visibility; leaders position themselves so that they are seen and, by being seen, […]

Harry Margolis, Elder Law, Special Needs Planning, Internet Entrepreneur, Author, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Irving Stackpole, a consultant to the long-term care industry. The conversation delves into the challenges and insights surrounding elder care and the evolving landscape of long-term care services in the United States. Stackpole shares his expertise on the demographic […]

This is the 5th of a series of 6 articles about recruitment, retention and culture in long term care. Each of these issues – retention, recruitment, and culture – has a direct bearing on the staffing crisis in the sector. There are no easy fixes, and only careful, disciplined approaches will have long-term, beneficial effects. […]

Reducing the Costs of Conflict By Irving Stackpole   Conflict is inevitable; it is how we navigate and resolve it that defines success. There is no history or human narrative without conflict. Seeking out conflict (aggressive) and avoiding it (complacent) are both seen as pathological when taken to extremes. The highly rational among us believe […]

The current situation in healthcare delivery throughout the United States is bad, and among long-term care providers the situation is grim. And this is from an optimist. Or, a former optimist. Now, I’m not so sure. Unavoidable Facts There is a shrinking supply of nursing homes, and the available workforce is constrained. Sector advocacy groups […]

This is the 4th of a series of 6 articles about recruitment, retention and culture in long term care. Each of these issues – retention, recruitment & culture – has a direct bearing on the staffing crisis in the sector. There are no easy fixes, and only careful, disciplined approaches will have long-term, beneficial effects. […]

We arrived at the locked front doors of the SNF in New Jersey at 12:30 AM Friday night/Saturday morning. We had left the hospital in Pennsylvania five hours before, following my sister- and brother-in-law who were in a medical transport van. We got there before they did. I had called ahead to alert them of […]

This is #3 of a series of 6 articles about the staffing crisis in long term care. Each of these topics – retention, recruitment & culture – has a direct bearing on the staffing crisis in the sector. There are no easy fixes, and only grounded, disciplined approaches will have long-term, beneficial effects. These articles […]

  Before the pandemic, median annual turnover for registered nurses was 102.9% for the years 2017–18; for licensed practical nurses, 79.8%; and for certified nursing assistants, turnover was 98.8%. We know that retention is important because turnover in the sector is just nuts — in many categories it’s over a 100%. If you’re experiencing less […]

“Listen…” In our language and in our society this phrase, often as an injunction, is extraordinarily powerful. We say this to young children or adolescents to emphasize an important point. We also often say this when talking to a friend who has sought out our advice on a sensitive matter. As important as the injunction, […]

By Irving Stackpole & John Sheridan in McKnights Long-Term Care News The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services notice of proposed rulemaking and the report on which it is based have made the foundational point that more staff in nursing homes will result in better patient care and outcomes. While this relationship may seem self-evident, […]

  In this article, we delve into an insightful podcast episode featuring Irving Stackpole, the keynote speaker and President of Stackpole & Associates. Alongside him is Dr. Mara Karpel, renowned mental health expert and co-host of the podcast, “Your Golden Years.” Together, they shed light on the challenges faced by long-term care residents and provide […]

By Kimberly Marselas in McKnights Long-Term Care News … The complicated interplay between payers, regulators and patients makes skilled nursing innovation and investment challenging, Irving Stackpole, president Stackpole & Associates said during a webinar last week. “The usual hydraulics, the usual dimensions of supply and demand, even in service-based economic environments, are twisted and changed […]

Long-term care, and the nursing home sector, is struggling in the United States. More and more nursing centers are going out of business, closing down wings, and struggling financially. Representative organizations like LeadingAge and the American Health Care Association are raising their voices, calling for politicians and regulators to improve payments and protect their vulnerable […]

Health systems around the world continue to groan under the strain of increased demand and fewer staff. These constraints create public health challenges, economic disruptions, and personal distress. Patients can’t get out of or into hospitals either because medically fit patients are unable to be discharged, or staffing isn’t available to deliver essential care. Doctors, […]

Looking into the future is always risky, if there’s any interest in being accurate. Those of us working in long-term care are aware, many of us painfully and acutely aware, that we have the combined crisis of occupancy, revenue, unavailable labor, and of declining public confidence. The path long-term care is on doesn’t seem to […]

Download the Presentation Recorded on Thu, Dec 1, 2022 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST Long-term care in the United States and the UK is suffering a fatal contraction of both supply and demand. These important sectors were in very serious shape in the“before times” (prior to the pandemic) and are now enduring the most […]

Date: 2nd June 2022 To watch the recording click here Register here to download the webinar presentation. Retention in Long Term Care Webinar Resources Facing labor shortages and cost hikes, many long-term care facilities are shuttering Advocates say things will worsen when federal assistance expires in July. ABC News, May 3 2022. Eli Cahan and Laura […]

Date: 8th March 2022 To watch the recording click here Register to download the webinar presentation. Resources Irving Stackpole Williams, B. Failure to Thrive? Long-Term Care’s Tenuous Long-Term Future. See: https://scholarship.shu.edu/shlj/vol43/iss2/3/ True, S. et al. COVID-19 and Workers at Risk: Examining the Long-Term Care Workforce. Stackpole, I. Bridging the Divide: Transitions to Cross-Continuum Collaborations in Healthcare. See: https://stackpoleassociates.com/transitions-cross-continuum-collaborations-healthcare […]

Date: 2nd November 2021 To watch the recording click here Register to download the webinar presentation. Transcript Designing the Future of Long Term Care Facilitated by Irving Stackpole, with Susan Ryan from The Green House Project and Jamie Timoteo from Plante Moran. [Irving] We have seen quite a few changes in long term care. We’re […]

Date: 8th September 2021 To watch the recording click here Register to download the webinar presentation. Transcript  Epilogue to a Crisis Facilitated by Irving Stackpole. This presentation is designed to focus on issues that relate to the Long-Term Care story that’s playing out in the post-Cold War era, in the post-Pandemic time period. I’m going […]

Zombie nursing homes are at large in the US, although we haven’t yet acknowledged them. These are nursing homes that have enough money to scrape by, but not enough to re-invest or withstand an economic shock. According to Investopedia: Zombies are companies that earn just enough money to continue operating and service debt but are unable to pay […]

Date: 24th February 2021 To watch the recording click here Register to download the webinar presentation. Transcript LTC Facilities – Design Dinosaurs Facilitated by Irving Stackpole. With architect Kevin Kozak, interior designer Laura Sheehan and Garth Johnson of Cutler Associates. Irving Stackpole  Thank you all for coming today I am very flattered that so many […]

Date: 18th November 2020 To watch the recording click here Register to download the webinar presentation. Transcript Failure to Thrive: Rehabilitating Long-Term Care Irving Stackpole My hope is to further the dialog about long term care in the United States and the U.K. The title, “Failure to Thrive” is an homage to one of the […]

Date: 22nd September 2020 To watch the recording click here Register to download the webinar presentation. Transcript Long Term Care on the Brink; Saving the sector Irving Stackpole We are concerned about long-term care. I’ve made the statement here that it’s on the brink and I’ve also used the term saving the sector. I don’t […]

Date: 6th August 2020 To watch the recording click here Register to download the webinar presentation. Transcript Marketing Fawlty Towers: 4 Ways to Restore Long Term Care Irving Stackpole The topic today is long term care, which is at a crossroads both in the United States, the U.K. and elsewhere. I’m using the image of […]

Date: July 29th 2020 To watch the recording click here Register to download the webinar presentation. Transcript Rip it up & starting over in long-term care Irving Stackpole What I hope to do is I hope to cover some very broad topics within long-term care and focus on the current situation. How we got here, […]

Date: 17th June 2020 To watch the recording click here Register to download the webinar presentation. Transcript Long Term Care After COVID19: The Road Ahead Updated. June 17th 2020 Irving Stackpole Thank you again for being here. I’m both humbled and overwhelmed by the response to these to these webinars. We are three months into […]

Date: 20th May 2020 To watch the recording click here Register to download the webinar presentation. Transcript Long Term Care After COVID-19: The Road Ahead May 20th, 2020 Irving Stackpole It’s a pleasure to see you all here. I’m both flattered and humbled by the participation in this event and in the prior event, the […]

Date: April 15th 2020 To watch the recording click here Register to download the webinar presentation. Transcript Long-Term Care Crisis Communications Irving Stackpole It’s a pleasure to talk with you. I should modify that word pleasure. I wish the circumstances were somehow different. I wish the topic the thing that the crisis that precipitated the […]