Lois Bowers
Lois A. Bowers was senior editor of I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living from 2013-2015.
Bed rail safety is subject of new government web page
Two government agencies have collaborated to provide online information on bed rail safety. Read More » Top 10 Long-Term Living stories of 2013
Long-Term Living's Leaders of Tomorrow Awards, senior living environments and nursing home regulations were among the hot topics for our social media friends and followers this year, as an examination of analytics reveals. Read More » NCOA ‘cautiously optimistic’ for permanent QI fix in 2014
The National Council on Aging is “disappointed” that Congress has not acted to make permanent a program that pays Part B premiums for some Medicare recipients, but the organization remains hopeful that the program will be made permanent in 2014. Read More » LTSS focus of Senate committee hearing
The recommendations made by the federal Commission on Long-Term Care related to long-term services and supports for seniors and disabled individuals are the focus of a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing. Read More » CCRC occupancy to stay the same or improve in 2014: report
Occupancy levels at nonprofit continuing care retirement communities will remain stable or improve in 2014, according to a new report. Read More » FDA antibacterial review excludes healthcare products
Makers of antibacterial products used in healthcare facilities are off the hook—for now. A recently announced FDA proposed rule on safety and effectiveness will be limited to over-the-counter soaps and body washes made for consumers. Read More » Cognitive decline, cold sores linked
Researchers have linked the same virus that causes cold sores to cognitive decline in people of all ages. One action may help prevent ill effects on the brain, however. Read More » Information sharing, integration needed in LTC: survey
A survey of the 100 largest not-for-profit providers of senior care identifies strengths and weaknesses in the industry's use of technology. Read More » A dementia cure by 2025?
G8 countries gathered for a summit in London have committed to identifying a cure or disease-modifying therapy for dementia by 2025 and to significantly increasing research funding to reach that goal. Read More » Long-term and post-acute care’s roles in lowering hospital readmissions
Post-acute medication management and partnerships with long-term care facilities and others are two strategies put forth by two recent pieces of research examining ways to lower hospital readmissions. Read More » Seniors with dementia benefit from exercise
Improved cognition and ability to perform activities of daily living are two benefits seniors experience when they exercise, according to a new review of 16 studies. The authors say more research is needed, however. Read More » Hospice workers highlighted by series
Those who missed the original run of Showtime's hospice-related documentary series can view it on demand or online. The cable network's website also has a resource guide for caregivers and others. Read More » Dementia: National dialogue needed, report says
All countries need to develop plans to provide and finance care for those with dementia, according to a new policy brief that notes a coming “epidemic.” Read More » Exercise offers benefits even if begun later in life, study finds
Another study finds that even seniors who begin exercising later in life can experience significant health benefits. Read More » Fraud claims involve SNFs, home healthcare and DME providers
Several recent multimillion dollar Medicare fraud case convictions and settlements relate to the actions or alleged actions of skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare agencies and durable medical equipment companies and their employees. Read More » Dementia-related training materials available
An organization is offering PowerPoint slides, handouts, pre-tests and tests and post-tests, evaluation forms and certificates for staff, family, volunteers, students and others. Read More » 6 ways you can ensure senior safety on the roads
During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, the American Occupational Therapy Association shares tips for those helping seniors prepare for comprehensive driving evaluations. Read More » Sharing beauty, celebrating seniors
One senior living provider found a way to share beauty this holiday season while celebrating the talents of residents. What does your community do? Read More » Bloodstream infections addressed in Joint Commission toolkit
New resources released by the Joint Commission and sister organizations aim to educate healthcare professionals about ways to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections, or CLABSIs. Read More » New medication management guideline focuses on long-term care settings
Experts have updated an existing medication management guideline to make it specific to the long-term care environment, with information of use to nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, physicians and physician assistants who are part of interdisciplinary teams taking care of residents. Read More » Hand hygiene gets special attention this week
Those working in long-term care settings should be sure to practice hand hygiene at four key times, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This week is National Handwashing Awareness Week. Read More » Small businesses face year delay in using federal health insurance website
Continuing issues with a government website mean that, for now, small employers will need to go through an insurance company, agent or broker to enroll in medical plans through the new federal marketplace. Read More » Task force names 5 high-priority areas for senior health
Not enough evidence exists to recommend routine screening in those not showing signs or symptoms of cognitive impairment, says the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in a draft recommendation. The group also has released a list of five areas in senior health that it believes deserve more research. Read More » Seniors lacking in communication of end-of-life wishes: survey
Many older Americans have not thought of or shared their wishes regarding how they want to be treated medically at the end of their lives, according to a new survey. Read More » Interdisciplinary field looks at aging as a risk factor for chronic disease
The emerging interdisciplinary field of geroscience maintains that aging itself is the major risk factor for most chronic diseases prevalent in the older population. Learn more. Read More » Meditation, yoga may slow dementia progression
New research may have you considering adding meditation and yoga to your activities schedule. Read More » Data power in the managed care era
Long-term care (LTC) companies that acquire and understand their data will be in a much stronger position as hospitals, managed care organizations and accountable care organizations look for LTC partners, experts say. Read More » Caring for violent LTC residents focus of AMA effort
Medical and correctional care providers as well as advocacy groups are being encouraged to work together to devise guidelines for caring for those with violent criminal backgrounds or violent tendencies in long-term care facilities. Read More » Government encouraging families to share medical histories on Thanksgiving
The government is encouraging family members to share health history information with one another on Thanksgiving. In addition to having a conversation at your own holiday table, you can mention the idea to residents and their families. Read More » 