Sandra Hoban
Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.
Americans living longer, living healthier
With new cutting-edge medical treatments, increased interest in pursuing healthy lifestyles and advanced healthcare technology, Americans are living longer and enjoying it. Read More » AHCA report identifies trends and quality improvements in LTC
The faces of residents are changing and the industry is prepared to care for the “new” patients as well as the traditional long-term care residents it serves. Read More » Scam artists using ACA to grab seniors’ personal info
Long ago, telephones were a communication/socialization device. With technologic advances, however, the once-friendly phone has become a conduit for criminals. Read More » Seniors are opting for higher-quality Medicare Advantage plans
It’s open enrollment time again for seniors to select their Medicare supplemental health and drug plans. According to CMS, Medicare Advantage plans will see a very slight increase from 2013 premium payments. Read More » Cases of antibiotic resistant superbugs are on the rise, says CDC
The “superbugs” pose a serious threat to older people, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But the findings of the CDC are not all bad—the incidence of MRSA infections is declining. Read More » One on one with… Chelley Antonczak
Chelley Antonczak shares Eliza Jennings' journey to bring the benefits of SAIDO Learning to the community's residents with dementia. The success of this 2013 OPTIMA Award-winning program is a tribute to the many people who collaborate, volunteer, and participate in a variety of ways. Read More » Seniors have too many post-surgery emergency department visits, study finds
Seniors seeking emergency department assistance within 30 days of common surgical procedures experience problems that can lead to readmission, creating a revolving door effect and a lowering of Medicare reimbursement to hospitals. Read More » Performance-based incentive program improves quality of care in SNFs
When LTC providers and state governments collaborate in performance-based initiatives, nursing homes can see an improvement in care and outcomes, according to a new study. Read More » A new standard for absorbent products is needed
The National Association for Continence has issued recommendations on quality performance standards for continence products. Read More » Author’s royalties to benefit the National Hospice Foundation
Award-winning author and photographer Judith Fox supports hospice and palliative care on a national level, donating royalties from her newly released book One Foot Forward. Read More » In Maryland, a new treatment directive replaces standard DNR form
How far does a “Do Not Resuscitate” order go? In Maryland, the state doesn’t think it goes far enough and replaces the DNR with a new, more comprehensive form. Read More » Step into September
As we say good-bye to August and begin the “dog days” of summer, there are a number of exciting events and seasonal advisories to share. Read More » Same-sex couples guaranteed equal access to nursing homes
Same-sex couples will no longer be denied visitation of a partner in a nursing home, according the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They will also have access to equal coverage in the facility where spouses live. Read More » Healthcare workers and the risk of needlestick injuries
Needlestick injuries are a frightening and costly, yet preventable, risk for hospital and other direct care workers. Read More » Rapid aging may be your mother’s doing, study says
Good genes? Researchers link the aging process to defective DNA inherited from mother. Read More » Recruitment company owner found guilty of forced labor
Foreign-born nurses answering an Internet recruitment ad were lured to the United States on the promise of university-level positions. When the nurses arrived, they found no job and no university. Read More » New dementia care standards proposed for Mass. nursing homes
Massachusetts regulators work to close a loophole that allows senior care sites to advertise dementia services even though staff might have no dementia-specific training. Read More » One-on-one with…Robert Van Dyk
From medical-model nursing homes to the advent of Medicare/Medicaid to the adoption of the ACA and beyond, caring for our seniors has been a constantly evolving mission and challenge. Read More » Study finds diabetes drug extends health and lifespan of mice
International study focuses on whether a commonly prescribed medication can be repurposed to provide additional health benefits as people age. Read More » Greenspring archers hit the bulls-eye in Cleveland
Steady hands and sharp eyes help two senior athletes score big at the National Senior Games’ archery competition, bringing home Gold and Bronze medals in their age groups. Read More » 60% of hospitalizations from SNFs can be avoided, study says
Appropriate care for many conditions that affect long-term care residents not only can reduce avoidable hospitalizations, but save healthcare dollars as well. Read More » General anesthesia used during surgery can have a negative impact on the elderly
After undergoing an operation under general anesthesia, seniors may suffer side effects affecting their cognitive abilities, according to a recent study. Read More » Swimmers make a splash at the National Senior Games
Live coverage from the National Senior Games: Spending an afternoon watching senior swimmers go head to head in pursuit of a medal was a great way to refocus on the advantages of pursuing wellness. These fierce competitors are here for more than a dip in the pool. Read More » Integrative medicine is an effective approach to chronic pain management
Recent research shows that the management of chronic pain, can be enhanced by incorporating holistic, person-centered practices, such as touch, yoga and acupuncture, in the therapeutic regimen. Read More » National Senior Games kick off in Cleveland
Thousands of champion athletes from across the country gather this month to compete for the nation’s top sports glories—and all the competitors are over 50. Read More » Medical students mentored by people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease
First-year medical students “buddy” up with people with Alzheimer’s disease for a one-on-one learning experience, using a program developed by the Northwestern University Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Read More » 2013 Women’s Choice Award of America’s Best Nursing Homes announced
WomenCertified® honors the nation’s top nursing homes as scored based on CMS’s Five-Star rating system and the preferences and priorities of women. Read More » Ohio taxpayers carry displaced seniors in Northern Kentucky
Because of the state’s shortage of nursing homes, seniors in Northern Kentucky are moving across the Ohio River to facilities in southwest Ohio. And Ohio taxpayers are footing more than half the bill for many of these displaced Kentucky Medicaid residents. Read More » Nursing home quality improves under Five-Star Quality Rating System, study finds
Everyone wants to be a star—even nursing facilities. It’s good for residents, families, staff and business to be on the top tiers of satisfaction. Although Medicare's Five-Star Rating System isn’t perfect and has its detractors, it has been effective, according to a recent study. Read More » 