Operations

6 steps to clean restrooms

Taking these actions can help keep your facility sanitary—and make it easier for residents and visitors to tell. Read More »

Joerns, RecoverCare announce merger

Products, equipment sales and support will be enhanced as two major healthcare equipment providers unite. Read More »

CMS proposes acceptance of updated Life Safety Code

Proposed Life Safety Code provisions are designed to advance and enhance healthy and safe environments and upgrade compliance requirements. Read More »

Memory care building boom in the heart of Texas

When it comes to memory care facility construction, this Texas metro area is among the busiest in the country. Read More »

One killed at senior living community in Kansas

One person was killed outside a senior living community in Kansas yesterday, the media are reporting. If you're concerned that a similar event could happen at your community, you may find these Long-Term Living resources helpful.  Read More »

Part 2: CCRC shopping: One couple’s view

As this Kentucky couple continues a six-state tour of for-profit CCRCs, one mantra stands firm: First impressions matter.  Read More »

NorthStar expands healthcare portfolio with $1B deal

Real estate investment trust NorthStar Realty Finance Corp. plans to acquire 43 senior housing facilities and 37 skilled nursing facilities in 14 states. Read More »

Illegal pesticide use trial set to begin

A federal indictment charges that a pest control company’s misuse of products endangered public health and the environment in a score of Southern nursing homes.  Read More »

Focus groups: A window into your organization

Stakeholder surveys can reveal what organizations and residents value—and where long-term care facilities are missing the mark. Read More »

Flooring trends: Carpet’s new options

Is your long-term or post-acute care facility ready for a remodel? Carpeting choices may deserve a fresh look in your flooring decisions. Read More »

U.S. News issues Best Nursing Homes list

U.S. News & World Report has released its Best Nursing Homes 2014 list, including information on care, safety, health inspections and staffing. Facilities performing well in the CMS Nursing Home Compare program will like what they see. Read More »

The weight of first impressions

More seniors are skipping the quickie day-tour and researching possible CCRCs through longer-stay visits. What kind of impression would your facility make if the "guest tour" lasted for four days and nights? Read More »

CCRC shopping: One couple’s view

This Kentucky couple embarked on a six-state journey seeking a continuing care retirement community that could suit their needs. What they learned from their multiple-day stays at CCRCs can serve as important lessons for all LTC communities on what future residents are looking for—and not looking for—in their next home. Read More »

Brookdale, Emeritus to merge in $2.8 billion deal

Once the merger of Brookdale Senior Living Inc. and Emeritus Corp. is complete in the third quarter of this year, the company will have communities in 330 markets, near 80 percent of the U.S. population. Read More »

How to reduce variations in post-acute care

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is eyeing variations in treatments for those in post-acute care settings with similar medical conditions in an effort to mitigate negative clinical and financial effects. The scrutiny is call to action for LT/PAC operators. Read More »

Insurance spending provides look at long-term care preferences, needs

Long-term care insurance policyholders’ claims offer a glimpse into seniors’ care preferences and needs. Read More »

LTC premium changes depend on gender, marital status, insurer

Long-term care insurance ultimately may help seniors afford your services, but they face premium increases or decreases depending on their gender and marital status, according to a new report. Read More »

Is a liquor license key to attracting boomers?

Many of today’s seniors enjoy a daily cocktail. It’s their way of relaxing and putting the day’s worries behind them, to toast an achievement or cap off a celebration. Does senior living mark an end to that social outlet? Read More »

Geriatric emergency departments at hospitals have implications for long-term care

Infrastructure/structural redesign efforts as well as new protocols and care processes are addressing senior needs and affecting hospital readmissions and the use of LTC facilities. Read More »

Senior housing occupancy up from cyclical low

The National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry's MAP Data and Analysis Service has released its latest figures on occupancy, rent growth and construction for nursing care, assisted living and independent living properties. Read More »

Merwick wins senior living landscape architecture award

Rehabilitation for the real world inspired this award-winning design for a  therapy garden that brings long-term and short-term residents together in year-round outdoor therapy spaces. Read More »

Improving the safety culture in 2014

Nowhere in a facility is entirely free of safety hazards. Finding and fixing the potential areas of risk is key to an effective and compliant safety program. Read More »

Challenges: Disinfecting soft surfaces [PODCAST]

In Long-Term Living's "Challenges" Editorial Podcast series, we ask industry experts to help solve specific problems within the long-term care and post-acute care environments. This installment: How to combat infectious microbes on soft surfaces like curtains, chairs and sofas. 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 »

Legionnaires’ takes a toll at two senior care sites

A Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in an Alabama nursing home leaves one person dead and a dozen others ill, while earlier this fall the same bacterium killed five and sickened nearly 40 in an Ohio retirement community. Read More »

Laundry bleach: Friend or foe?

Facility laundry operations do an admirable job on maintaining linens and clothing. However, the laundry room can be a minefield of potential problems when caring for residents’ personal wardrobes, as Kathleen Mears has experienced. Read More »

My history with facility transportation

Being able to get away from the LTC community is a big treat for residents if the transportation available meets their individual needs, as Long-Term Living resident blogger Kathleen Mears explains. Read More »

CDC warns of Salmonella super-strains

Stronger, antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella are emerging, creating extra challenges for caregivers—and greater responsibilities for food service and housekeeping personnel. Read More »

Don’t sweep summer under the rug

Summer’s gone. But it left your community—from resident rooms to kitchen—full of dust, pollen and other contaminants that can be hard on the health of frail or medically compromised residents, not to mention staff. Read More »

Need a Ride?

For many long-term care facilities, one of the smartest business drivers is being willing to drive residents somewhere else. But adding transportation services means deciding whether to buy, lease or partner up for the right vehicles and personnel. Read More »