Month: December 2015

CMS, ONC seek feedback on clinical data gathering

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT are requesting input from providers across the healthcare continuum on the challenges of gathering clinical measures data. Read More »

Rock star goes abroad for Alzheimer’s stem cell treatment

Canadian music icon John Mann has early-onset Alzheimer's disease, and medications on the market haven't been effective. He will go to Mexico for experimental stem cell therapy. Read More »

Antidepressant restores protein levels in brain, improves memory

New research suggests accumulation of the tau protein hinders the brain's ability to clean out and replace cells. A drug already on the market was found to help flush out old cells and improve memory in mice, suggesting new therapies  for neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Read More »

Long-Term Living’s Top 10 news stories for 2015

A major change in CMS' five-star nursing home rating system, a promising new treatment for Lewy Body dementia and the biggest Medicare fraud bust to date were among this year's most popular news stories. Read More »

Elderly more likely to suffer severe case of norovirus

A multi-year study of norovirus outbreaks at long-term care facilities found seniors are more prone to contracting the virus, suffer severe outbreaks and shed the virus for at least three weeks. People usually get better within one to three days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read More »

Data-driven decisions

Technology tools to analyze outcomes and measure performance will take a front seat in 2016, as more acute care and long-term care providers turn to data analytics to maximize reimbursement and prove quality measures. Read More »

Nationwide tests new LTC + life insurance model

A national insurance company has added a new hybrid policy for the “sandwich” generation: A life insurance policy with a long-term care rider that can provide survivorship benefits for an elderly parent rather than a spouse. Read More »

A holiday tradition ends

Resident blogger Kathleen Mears talks turkey and how budget-strapped nursing homes might want to think local at the holidays. Read More »

Families are growing closer (or at least not moving far apart)

Holiday songs conjure images about family togetherness, but they often express themes of geographic distance. Those songs aren’t an accurate picture of American families. Read More »

A look back at the top 10 patient safety concerns for 2015

Patient safety events reveal healthcare organizations are concerned about alarm hazards, IV mix-ups, failure to conduct independent double checks, inadequate patient handoffs and medication errors. These are all new to the ECRI Institute’s annual list.  Read More »

Circadian rhythms and aging

Everyone has “internal timing genes” that regulate sleep and wake cycles and other body processes. New research shows older people might have an internal clock that younger people don’t. Could this provide a clue on sundowning? Read More »

Alzheimer’s research takes role in Clinton’s political platform

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton proposes massive funding for Alzheimer's research for the next 10 years. Read More »

Pictures are worth a policy

Taking a picture in long-term care facilities is more complicated than pressing the shutter button. Reduce concerns for privacy violations, HIPAA compliance and potential lawsuits by drafting, enforcing and updating policies that will make everyone smile. Read More »

Long-Term Living’s Top 10 articles for 2015

New CMS rules, changes in the five-star rating system, memory care programs—the industry had plenty to talk about this year. Here are the 10 most popular Long-Term Living articles for 2015! Read More »

‘Tis the (tech) season

What do seniors want for the holidays? Hint: It’s not slippers. We asked residents what types of technology they wish they had, and you may be surprised what's on their lists. Read More »

Unprecedented $350 million federal funding increase for Alzheimer’s research

The fiscal year 2016 federal spending bill includes $350 million more for Alzheimer's disease research funding. It's the first time in 12 years the National Institutes of Health have seen a boost in funding. Read More »

Staff training on fire safety

There's more to fires than just putting them out. Fire protection systems need to be properly installed and maintained, and staff needs to be properly trained in emergency procedures. Read More »

New site shows Medicare drug spending trends

What was the most frequently prescribed drug for seniors? Which ones cost the most? Check out CMS’ new drug spending website. Read More »

Shingles tied to increased risk of stroke, heart attack

Seniors who contract shingles have an increased risk of stroke or heart attack during the early days of the infection, notes new research. Read More »

The role of occupational therapists

Occupational therapy can promote healing, independence and well-being for residents, but all too often treatments are misunderstood or missing. That prevents barriers to providing the best possible care for long-term care residents. Read More »

Taking college classes might help ward off dementia

Researchers found older adults who took college courses saw an increase in their capacity to process information, make decisions, plan and retain memories. Age, gender, feelings of well-being or level of social connectedness did not affect their cognitive capacity. Read More »

Common prostate treatment increases risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy are nearly two times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research findings. Read More »

The struggle for joy

The holidays aren't happy for some people, but resident blogger Kathy Mears reminds us how to be in charge of our own joy--and perhaps help others to do the same. Read More »

Who should do medication reconciliation safety: RNs, LPN or both?

Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have different skills and work processes when it comes to medication reconciliation, say researchers at the University of Missouri. Read More »

Congress to consider VA provider agreement legislation

Will veterans soon be able to obtain care from non-VA LTC facilities? Long-Term Living's Washington reporter Bob Gatty takes a look at the proposed care model. Read More »

One-on-one with… Doug Leidig

The economy has been a challenge for some CCRCs in recent years, but what’s next for CCRCs? Asbury Communities President and CEO Doug Leidig discusses the opportunities and challenges for this market sector. Read More »

3-D video games boost memory

The complexity and immersive experience of 3-D video games improved memory in non-gaming college students, researchers found. Such video games could be used to engage, stimulate and boost hippocampus functioning in seniors. Read More »

The perfect gift for your maintenance team: Life Safety Code compliance

CMS is expected to adopt a new edition of the Life Safety Codes soon, so give your facilities management team the gift of a head start on upcoming changes. Read More »

Gray-friendly states

Which states have the healthiest environments for seniors? Which regions are hotbeds of unhealthy habits? New data shows how healthy environments and the graying of America are dovetailing. Read More »

Ark. memory care center opens art gallery dedicated to Glen Campbell

The new memory-care-only community will include a gallery commemorating the Arkansas native country singer’s long and public battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »