Month: September 2014

AMA study: Most EHRs lack ‘usability’

The American Medical Association calls for a design overhaul of electronic health records to increase usability.  Read More »

When the big screen dies

Watching television programs on a big-screen TV gives residents an opportunity to share and socialize. But what happens when the set goes on the blink? Read More »

Partnership offers remote dispensing for LTC pharmacies

Partnering companies develop an automated and remote dispensing system for LTC pharmacies.  Read More »

Sunday, Sept. 21, take a walk for Alzheimer’s

Each year organizations around the world concentrate their efforts on raising awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Read More »

LTC organizations support antipsychotic drug reduction goal, but some say more is needed

The majority of the professional associations representing long-term care say they support the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care’s goal of continuing to reduce the off-label use of antipsychotic medications in long-stay nursing home residents, although some say more action is needed. Read More »

CDC recommends 2 pneumonia vaccines for older adults

Following advice from the CDC, you'll want to ensure that older residents and employees are vaccinated against pneumonia at the same time that they receive the flu shot. The government now recommends two pneumonia vaccines over the course of most people's lives. Read More »

Flu vaccination low among long-term care workers

Flu vaccination among healthcare personnel is lowest among those working in long-term care settings, but employers can take two actions to encourage it, according to new data from the CDC. Read More »

A new offering in LTC amenities: Electric charging stations

They never drove Model Ts, but today’s seniors did grow up on Mustangs, Corvettes and Camaros. Because of the boomers’ willingness to embrace new motoring experiences, hybrid automobiles have found a niche in the senior sector. Read More »

Changes would improve end-of-life care, report says

A new report from the Institute of Medicine recommends several changes to the U.S. healthcare system to meet the needs of people nearing the end of life as well as the needs of their families. Read More »

Congress: The ball is in your court

The building crisis in financing and providing effective long-term care services and supports is an ever-growing problem as discussed in a report by the Commission on Long-Term Care. Read More »

How diabetes, hypertension and smoking are linked to Alzheimer’s

The 2014 World Alzheimer Report contains some advice you can share with residents. Read More »

4 ways to fight urinary incontinence

You'll want to share with female residents this new evidence-based clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians, and it may affect the way you care for those with urinary incontinence. Read More »

Older adults advised to get extra protection against pneumonia

While two pneumonia vaccines are recommended to seniors for optimal protection, will cost/coverage discourage them from receiving the second vaccine? Read More »

Your unused drugs can benefit your facility, those in need

Skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities seeking to improve efficiencies and finances while helping the less fortunate and contributing to sustainability efforts may find an ally in a California-based nonprofit organization.  Read More »

Group releases nursing home report card

Where do nursing homes provide the most hours of care and the highest levels of staffing? Find out what Families for Better Care says in its latest rankings. Read More »

Google buys maker of anti-tremor spoon

Google acquires maker of high-tech spoon for those with hand tremors. Read More »

Personal expense allowance

Living on a budget is hard for anyone. It takes discipline. Imagine if you had less than $100 a month to meet your needs, let alone your wants. Read More »

Apple iOS offers new clinical data sharing platform

Developers of mHealth apps running on iOS now have a new data-sharing platform with which to work.  Read More »

ADL difficulty points to LTSS need, researchers say

Almost half of Medicare beneficiaries aged at least 65 years, among them nursing home residents, reported trouble or the need for assistance with activities of daily living in a recent study. Read More »

New technology detects infections within hours

A study confirms that a new technology can detect infections faster than traditional methods.  Read More »

Providers get new tools to help manage Type 2 diabetes

An online portal provides healthcare providers with a toolkit to help residents mange their Type 2 diabetes.  Read More »

CMS eases back into recovery audits

After months of a pause mode due to backlogs in the appeals process, CMS has reinstated the recovery audit contractor (RAC) review process. Read More »

One-on-one with… Robert (Robb) White

Long-term care organizations would be wise to reevaluate their dining programs to satisfy the adventurous and sophisticated palates of the new senior population. One noted chef shares his philosophy and vision of wedding good nutrition with high-end culinary options. Read More »

AT&T launches remote monitoring service

AT&T's new in-home monitoring service will connect caregivers to their loved ones.  Read More »

CMS puts dialysis center rating system on hold

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is delaying launch of its dialysis center ratings, but a kidney disease-related coalition says it still has concerns. Read More »

NCAL updates assisted living principles

The National Center for Assisted Living puts an increased focus on culture change, training and safety in a newly revised guide. Read More »

Justice Department unveils elder abuse website

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a website to help fight the abuse and financial exploitation of older adults. Read More »

New mHealth platform designed for providers and residents

An integrated platform allows healthcare providers to create mHealth apps and monitor their patients.  Read More »

Wireless monitor can reduce pressure ulcers

A wearable pressure ulcer monitor alerts caregivers of the appropriate time to reposition a resident.  Read More »

Apple bolsters HealthKit app security

Apple sets new guidelines for iCloud and HealthKit applications.  Read More »