The New Wave of Foodservice Technology in Senior Care

Huntington’s disease dementia may hold clues for Alzheimer’s

The buildup of a specific chemical in the brain is an early sign of Huntington's dementia, and it could help with early detection of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, says a new study. Read More »

The heartbreak of caring

Caring can come at a cost for residents and aides, but the hurt is worth it, says SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears. Read More »

DOJ tallies $57M in Medicare fraud busts in two weeks

Medicare fraud squads are closing out 2017 by catching a wide range of health service providers in the crosshairs of crime, including several cases of opioid-related fraud. Read More »

Friendships: the key to aging well

Northwestern University researchers have found a relationship between brain health and positive relationships in a study of social butterflies age 80 and older with sharp memories. Read More »

Holiday traditions: One-on-one with…Denise Scruggs

Make the holidays the most wonderful time of the year by using time-honored traditions and faith-based celebrations to engage residents with dementia. Read More »

Tips on bringing loved ones home for the holidays

Brookdale Senior Living offers families tips for a successful visit when Grandma comes home for the holidays. Read More »

Wellness coaches help seniors not only survive, but thrive

A Massachusetts retirement community uses coaches to help seniors maintain physical, emotional and spiritual health. Read More »

Home care workers need more training in dementia care: PHI brief

Most states don’t yet require dementia training for home care workers. Will deeper training in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias become the market differentiator in the home care sector? Read More »

Saber expands telemedicine offerings

TripleCare will provide telemedicine services to more Saber SNFs, increasing a three-year relationship. Read More »

The polypharmacy epidemic

Medication management can reduce the number of unnecessary prescriptions, many of which have potentially harmful side effects, and can improve overall health. Read More »

Alzheimer’s diagnosis: Would you want to know?

A British survey shows that most people feel the knowledge of the diagnosis would be valuable even if the disease has no cure. Read More »

Remembering a milestone

Blogger Kathy Mears reflects on the events that eventually led her to living in a nursing home.  Read More »

U of MN develops retinal camera to detect Alzheimer’s earlier

The high-tech retinal imaging captures clues to early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and could speed medication development. Read More »

Remember or forget? The complex role of scent in memory

Scent-associated memories are among the strongest and most lasting, but how does the brain decide which memories to keep and which to discard over time? Read More »

ADA releases 2018 diabetes care guidelines

Many of the new care recommendations involve adults with hypertension or cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes. Read More »

Lyft expands healthcare offerings

The rideshare company announced its latest partnership with startup company Circulation to expand non-emergency medical transportation options. Read More »

Flu activity could be earlier, worse than last year: CDC

The 2017-2018 flu season is just beginning, but experts hint that it could ramp up earlier and be more severe than usual. Read More »

Medicare and Healthcare Fraud with Michael Frank

Medicare is as hot a topic as ever with regards to healthcare policy and the United States government, but while elected officials debate over Medicare’s future, there’s one prevalent issue of which more people should be aware: Medicare fraud.     Read More »

End-of-life wishes by video

More physicians are warming to the idea of video-recorded advance care wishes. Does your facility offer this ability to residents? Read More »

The secret to reducing hospitalizations: APRNs

A Missouri skilled nursing program reduced unnecessary hospitalizations by nearly 50 percent by using full-time APRNs, according to a CMS report. Read More »

Over-the-counter pain relievers work as well as opioids

A new study finds acetaminophen and ibuprofen relieve pain as effectively as Percocet, Vicodin or Tylenol No. 3, suggesting a pain management option without risk of addiction. Read More »

FDA approves, CMS proposes coverage for extensive cancer genomic test

The FoundationOne CDx (F1CDx) is a diagnostic test that can detect gene mutations for cancer, and its potential to help patients has spurred the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to pay for qualifying beneficiaries to be screened.  Read More »

Treat hypertension earlier and keep it lower, new guidelines say

The first new high blood pressure guidelines in a decade suggest keeping blood pressure lower than previously recommended in order to improve cardiovascular and kidney health in later years. Read More »

TENA upgrades to breathable materials

TENA's premium incontinence products, made by Essity, are getting a makepover in breathable materials for better skin health. Read More »

U. Pitt, HERL develop waterproof, battery-free wheelchair

Look, Gramma—no batteries! This new wheelchair operates using pressurized air instead of heavy batteries and electronics and recharges in just 10 minutes. Read More »

Simulating the sounds of dementia

An Australian team has created a simulation to mimic how people with dementia hear, and it could affect the way memory care centers are designed. Read More »

Benzos may impact Alzheimer’s lifespan

Benzodiazepines, prescribed to lessen insomnia and anxiety, may be associated with an earlier death in those with Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »

The cleanliness factor

SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears shares how personal hygiene affects her mood and sense of self.  Read More »

CMS puts 18-mo. hold on certain enforcements, 5-star ratings

The agency has issued a temporary moratorium on the enforcement of eight specific Phase 2 F-Tags, although the new survey process begins this week as scheduled. Read More »

K4Connect, Kisco expand partnership for health engagement technology

The deal expands K4Connect’s engagement and automation technologies across 16 Kisco senior living sites in multiple states. Read More »