Lois Bowers
Lois A. Bowers was senior editor of I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living from 2013-2015.
Organization has 10 ideas for improving medication adherence
New recommendations from a group of 22 professional societies, health-related organizations, government agencies and industry representatives seek to increase medication adherence in seniors with multiple conditions, reducing medication errors, drug interactions and disease complications in the process. Read More » One-on-one with…Lisa Newcomb
It's estimated that more than 2 million seniors in New York will need some kind of long-term care by 2015. Read about the assisted living initiatives under way in that state—and how communities elsewhere might benefit. Read More » Health insurance exchanges for small businesses focus of study
If your facility employs 50 or fewer full-time workers, you may be interested in the results of a new study of the new Small Business Health Options Program through which companies like yours can purchase health insurance. Read More » Know nursing home residents’ financial rights
Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to nursing home residents' financial rights. Make sure you know your responsibilities and that residents know their rights. Read More » Display hopes to take a bite out of Alzheimer’s mystery
Alzheimer's disease is getting big-time attention this month as an exhibit in New York City seeks to enlighten residents and visitors to a top attraction. Read More » Increase in use of meal delivery programs could reduce LTC facility admissions
New research illuminates a way for 26 states to save on long-term care costs but would come with a price for nursing homes. Read More » Fact sheet highlights LGBT information for nursing home residents
A new fact sheet details the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender nursing home residents. Read More » Safety, quality goals of new NCAL collaboration
Reducing resident safety events in assisted living communities is the aim of one of two new initiatives announced at the recent American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living annual meeting. Read More » Remember: Resident is heart of person-centered care
Live from AHCA/NCAL: To be successful in your mission of person-centered care, you must include residents and their families in your care planning. It sounds obvious, but many facilities that think they are doing this are not. Here are some points to consider. Read More » Elder abuse focus of October observance
Elder abuse is the focus of this year's observance of an annual event meant to bring attention to residents of long-term care facilities. Read More » Speaker: Those in assisted living are helping to shape the future of healthcare
Live from AHCA/NCAL: A speaker shares tips for improving quality, safety and resident satisfaction in assisted living communities. Read More » Exercise has physical, mental benefits—even in those over 90
Residents aged more than 90 years who are able to exercise—and do so—are likely to see physical and mental improvements, according to two new studies. Read More » Public weighs in on long-term care funding options
A recent poll asking Americans for their opinions about the financing of long-term care revealed support of some ideas that surprised researchers. Read More » One on one with… Larry Wolf
Technology-related issues and trends in long-term care were on the agenda when Larry Wolf, health information technology strategist with post-acute service provider Kindred Healthcare, recently spoke with Long-Term Living. Read More » Health insurance exchanges proceed despite shutdown, albeit with glitches
Federal and state government officials vow to fix website and call center issues as health insurance marketplaces receive overwhelming attention from consumers on the first days of operation. Read More » Future is theme for International Day of Older Persons
An annual Oct. 1 observance is designed to draw attention to aging-related issues and those who are trying to address them. A new report released in conjunction with this year's observance looks at health status, societal programs and other issues related to the elderly around the world. Read More » Cognitive enhancers not effective for mild cognitive impairment
A recent study brings disappointing news for some hoping to delay the onset of dementia. Read More » 2 technology-related action steps for long-term care providers
Communication is at the heart of two relationships vital to success in technology implementation and use in long-term care, according to one expert. Read More » Stopping C. diff may be more a matter of antibiotic restriction than infection control: study
Newly published research in the New England Journal of Medicine challenges widely held beliefs about the transmission of a common infection and how to stop it. Read More » CDC: Long-term care must make flu vaccination a priority
Those working in long-term care have three important reasons to get vaccinated against the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And employers have compelling evidence to require or at least encourage vaccination. Read More » Cognition not protected by omega-3s after all: study
Omega-3s may not help memory after all, but don’t make any dietary changes yet, researchers say. Read More » Nursing home use associated with certain personality traits
Whether and how much time a person spends in long-term care may depend on his or her personality, according to new research. Read More » Assisted living communities can foster good reputations through personal interactions
As the state of New York winds down its Assisted Living Month, an association executive relays tips to help communities everywhere provide optimal care and demonstrate their value to residents, prospective residents and their families. Read More » Managed care may be solution for nursing home residents with advanced dementia: study
An alternative to fee-for-service programs may help nursing homes provide appropriate, affordable care for elderly residents with significant cognitive impairment, new research suggests. Read More » 5 LTC commissioners propose alternative LTSS solutions
One-third of the membership of the federal Commission on Long-Term Care say that recommendations issued by the commission Sept. 13 are not broad enough, so they have issued alternative suggestions. Meanwhile, organizations representing the long-term care industry react to the official commission report. Read More » World Alzheimer Report calls for changes to care system
In the midst of World Alzheimer’s Month and a day before Alzheimer’s Action Day, the World Alzheimer Report 2013 has been released, containing seven recommendations to address the disease globally. Read More » Alzheimer’s trial studies two drugs’ ability to prevent disease
Researchers are studying two drugs they hope will prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Read More » Preventing falls can be within your power
As Falls Prevention Awareness Day approaches, experts offer tips staff members can implement to improve resident safety as well as insights into how falls contribute to vision-related costs to the government, private insurers and individuals. Read More » 3-day hospital stay alternatives include new eligibility criteria, payment models
Improved policies and payment models could see more individuals being treated in skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities as the country looks for ways to reduce costs and unnecessary hospitalizations, one expert believes. Read More » 