Pat Summitt, lauded women’s basketball coach, dies of younger onset dementia

She led the Tennessee Lady Vols for 38 years and held the record for most wins in Division I history. Read More »

JAMDA: New trends in LTC populations

The AMDA—Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine Population Health Workgroup has released new data on the long-term/post-acute care population and the types of care and supports needed, especially in nursing homes. Read More »

A mini class reunion

When SNF resident blogger Kathleen Mears emailed her high school reunion committee to say she wouldn't be able to attend the 50-year reunion, several of her classmates decided to surprise her with a visit. Read More »

SCOTUS says no to challenge on labor law for home care

The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to hear a case that would have challenged the Department of Labor’s ruling on labor protections for home care workers. Read More »

Computer engagement reduces antipsychotic usage, improves quality of life

A Chesapeake Bay nursing home's two-year pilot uses technology to improve social engagement and life quality for those with dementia. Read More »

House Republicans propose healthcare system overhaul

Republicans from the U.S. House of Representatives announced a healthcare reform proposal that would challenge parts of the Affordable Care Act but retain some of the Act’s more popular provisions. Read More »

Unified PAC payment feasible, MedPAC says

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has issued its annual report on refinements to Medicare payment systems and on issues affecting the medicare program Read More »

Study finds MEND could reverse memory loss

Memory and cognition improved in a small study of people with cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease by following a personalized therapeutic approach called metabolic enhancement for neurodegeneration (MEND), a 36-point diet, lifestyle and vitamin regimen. Read More »

Senior dance troupe gets residents to bust a move

The Older and Bolder Dancers, a dance troupe of people age 62 and older, shake their groove thing at Oklahoma City long-term care facilities and encourage residents to do the same.  Read More »

Muses Labs, George Washington partner to offer patients MEND Protocol

The George Washington Center for Integrative Medicine will offer people with cognitive decline, mild Alzheimer’s disease and a family history of dementia the MEND Protocol, a personalized intervention to improve memory and cognitive function.  Read More »

Cedars-Sinai, HomeHero partner to help patients safely transition home

The Safe Transition Home program is designed to reduce impatient hospital readmissions, raise patient satisfaction and improve health outcomes.  Read More »

CMS gives hospitals extension to meet new fire safety codes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced it will not begin surveying for compliance with the 2012 fire safety codes until November. The July 5 ruling still applies when considering which code chapters facilities must comply with.  Read More »

Alzheimer’s Association uses solstice to bring light to dementias

The summer solstice is more than a change of seasons. It’s a chance to raise money and awareness for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as well as honor caregivers, for whom every day can feel like the longest day.  Read More »

My gender preference

SNF resident blogger Kathleen Mears explains why some residents prefer to have their portions of their care delivered by an aide of a certain gender. Read More »

LeadingAge CAST adds new EHR adoption model

The site-adaptable model is being added to the organization’s portfolio of long-term care electronic health record selection tools. Read More »

Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks at 3 LTC sites

Cases of Legionnaire’s disease have been reported at three long-term care facilities since May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the number reported cases has quadrupled since 2000.  Read More »

Leftover medications

The new Drug Enforcement Agency rules on medication reclamation and disposal protocols have been out since October 2014, but some nursing homes are still using improper methods to deal with unused or expired medications. Read More »

New Life Safety Code requirements begin July 5

Stay compliant with CMS requirements by using the proper editions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes and Standards. Read More »

One in five nursing home residents victim of elder abuse

Resident-to-resident elder mistreatment is highly prevalent in nursing homes, according to a new study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.  Read More »

Seniors can’t stop dancing to Justin Timberlake

A Kansas retirement community turned the cameras on residents in a recreation of Justin Timberlake’s latest hit, “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” Read More »

And the 2016 OPTIMA Award winner is…

The judges give the 2016 OPTIMA Award to the Texas State Veterans Homes for its groundbreaking program examining the relationship of military post-traumatic stress to behaviors and dementia and its training program for caregivers. The program is in place at the organization's eight sites across the state.    Read More »

A $47M CCRC modern overhaul

A Kansas retirement complex is building, renovating and upgrading its campus to meet changing consumer needs and stay competitive in the marketplace. That means adding more independent living, a new memory center, common area space and a rehab center.  Read More »

Paramedics struggle to navigate end-of-life care decisions

Unclear or incomplete documentation of end-of-life care choices makes a paramedic’s job even harder, especially when transferring residents from a nursing home to the hospital, says a British explorative paper. How much training are you giving residents and families on the importance of a POLST form? Read More »

New 398-unit continuing care facility planned in S.C.

South Bay will offer upscale residences for independent living, assisted living and memory care along with a range of services and amenities. The first phase of the project, one of nearly a dozen in the area, is expected to open Spring 2018.  Read More »

Texas ACO uses onsite testing to improve Type 2 diabetes metrics

An eight-site accountable care organization (ACO) is using point-of-care HbA1c testing, care management and nutrition intervention to bring its population of patients in good control of their Type 2 diabetes from 12 percent to nearly 50 percent. Read More »

Georgia teams up with Virtual Dementia Tour

The dementia training program has been granted $2.9 million in CMS Civil Money Penalty funds to educate nursing home caregivers in the state. Read More »

A warmed-over craving

Food cravings have SNF resident blogger Kathleen Mears ready for a warm, crunchy taco, but some foods just aren't the same when reheated. Read More »

Antidepressants heighten fall risks in residents with dementia

CMS' recent attention has been on reducing the use of antipsychotics, but antidepressants may be dangerous in other ways for those with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Read More »