Recent Posts
Preventing Mealtime Risks: Using Mechanical Soft Diets to Reduce Aspiration
Making mealtimes safer is one of the most important things a caregiver can do. For residents with swallowing difficulties, a mechanical soft diet can prevent choking and reduce the risk of serious lung infections like aspiration pneumonia. Learn the key techniques for meal preparation and download our free, printable poster to use as a daily guide in your facility.
Goodness of Fit – Curating a Harmonious Resident Group
A well-balanced resident group doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through intentional planning and insight. Learn how “Goodness of Fit” and tools like CareChron and Guide Path can help create a more harmonious, lower-risk environment in your caregiving home.
A Conversation with BJ Miller
In September, PCH Mutual celebrated their 20th anniversary with a special event for our members: A live and interactive webinar discussion with palliative care specialist, Dr. BJ Miller. Join PCH’s CEO, Julie Bordo, as she sits down for an engaging conversation about how to approach end of life discussions and how to plan for the inevitable.
Fall Prevention in Care Homes: Reduce Risk, Avoid Neglect, and Improve Safety
Many falls come without a warning – no loud crash or obvious stumble to catch. It’s something small – a quiet slip in the bathroom, a shaky moment getting out of bed. For the elderly, the consequences are much bigger.
PCH Mutual: Two Decades of Dedication to Personal Care Homes
Celebrating over two decades of commitment, PCH Mutual Insurance Co. has supported personal care homes with vital liability insurance and risk management solutions. Established to fill a crucial market need, PCH Mutual now aids numerous members nationwide, evolving continually to meet the care industry’s changing demands.
A Global Perspective on Elder Care: Understanding Filipino Caregiving Culture
In our latest elder care blog, we spotlight Josie Golla, a Filipino-American caregiver and former adult family home owner, who shares how Filipino caregiving values shape her approach to elder care. Discover how these cultural traditions influence the caregiving industry and why Filipino caregivers are recognized worldwide for their dedication.
PCH Celebrates 20 Years
As PCH Mutual hits its 20-year mark, we’re more committed than ever to supporting caregivers. From new resources and benefits to an inspiring Q&A with Dr. BJ Miller, our recent gathering in Ojai, CA, was a moment to honor our members and reflect on PCH’s growth and vision for the future.
PCH Welcomes New Directors
PCH is thrilled to welcome two new members, Ian Davis and Karen Woodbury Cordero, to our Board of Directors. They bring valuable expertise consistent with our mission to provide high quality insurance designed specifically for closely-held and family-owned adult care homes and residential facilities.
Signs a Resident Needs a Higher Level of Care
Determining when a resident needs a higher level of care is crucial for both their well-being and your facility’s compliance. Use best practices for admission assessments, guidelines for relocating residents, and remember the importance of staying within your facility’s care capabilities.
Mental Health Awareness: Understanding and Identifying Resident Needs
Getting older adults the help they need when treating mental health conditions can alleviate pain and suffering, reducing the risk of comorbidities.
Writing Y(our) Story: A Note on Empathy and Listening
The stresses and strains of caring often leave us ‘tuning out’ of often-heard stories, when these stories, in fact, represent the jewels of our residents’ lives. It’s important to think about how we can guide residents to tell their stories, whether through a cherished object, song, dance, or question.
Senior Independence: Balancing Independence and Safety
February is Senior Independence Month which highlights the sense of purpose seniors derive from exercising their autonomy. Independence is integral to preserving dignity. Yet independence can clash with the realities of the physical and mental restrictions of age.
Pressure Injury Prevention: A Guide for Optimal Care
Navigating care for residents at risk of pressure injuries can be challenging. In our latest video, we highlighted tips on caring for residents who may be at risk for pressure injuries.
Creating a Culture of Safety: Empowering Staff and Residents
Safety is a primary concern for providers in assisted living facilities and personal care homes. Creating a culture of safety not only fulfills regulatory obligations but also ensures the well-being of residents.
The Importance of Fall Prevention and Communication in Long Term Care
Preventing falls is the first line of defense in mitigating injuries and decreasing liability. Having preventative measures in place is essential for creating a safe environment for your residents.
Using the PCH Hotline: Free Expert Advice and Support for Long Term Care Facilities
PCH provides a unique and valuable member benefit to alleviate concerns with our Loss Impact Hotline, providing confidential help and expert advice, free of charge.
Specialized Diets for Senior Care
It is important to understand the types of diets recommended for your residents’ health conditions and dietary needs but can be difficult to know which foods should be included and avoided in specialized diets. Take steps to educate yourself and your staff on specialized diets.
Social Inflation: What Personal Care Homes Need to Know
Are you prepared for the impact of social inflation on your business and finances? Social inflation is a term used to describe the skyrocketing claim costs in the insurance industry that are outpacing general economic inflation. These rising costs are a threat to policy affordability and potential availability.
Managing Light Exposure to Improve Wellness in Long Term Care Facilities
Creating a practice for optimal light exposure throughout the day is the single most important
way to improve sleep and mood, which benefit a slew of other health indicators.
Making Conversation: The Age-old Art of Asking Interesting Questions
Engaging with seniors through meaningful conversation is an important part of their socialization and has been shown to be particularly important for their well-being.
On Notice: What Constitutes Pandemic Preparedness in Long Term Care Today
Few people were prepared for the coronavirus pandemic, and that includes many assisted living facilities. This is the time to assess what went wrong and how to achieve true pandemic preparedness going forward.
Prioritizing Caregiver Well-Being: Strategies for Staff Retention
In today’s labor market, supporting team well-being is an essential part of any organization’s staff retention strategy.
It’s Not Candid Camera: Facilities Must Use Caution in Posting Photos of Residents
Recent rumblings at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should raise the concerns of assisted living facility and personal care home owners regarding photos of residents and use on social media. CMS has instructed State Survey Agency Directors to survey nursing home policies and procedures concerning staff taking or using photographs or recordings…
A Simple Routine Helps Residents Preserve Their Sense of Balance
Caregivers are keenly aware that falls are a leading cause of injury to seniors. Each year, one in three Americans over the age of 65 suffers a fall. Researchers have found doing something as simple as raising one leg and balancing while brushing your teeth can improve balance and reduce the risk of falling. It…