Administration

OPTIMA Award: My trip to relearn memory care

My two-day trip to upstate Massachusetts to visit a community instrumental in the 2014 OPTIMA Award changed my view of memory care programs and their ability to improve the lives of residents with dementia. Read More »

International observance highlights needs of aging population

The International Day of Older Persons seeks to call attention to the implications of an aging population. In the United States, some are using the observance to encourage new protections for older adults. Read More »

Partnering for post-acute care

The second part of our two-part series on post-acute strategies and tactics examines how post-acute care providers can partner to succeed in an integrated network. Read More »

CMS issues categorical waiver for using power strips in care areas

The increasing use of electrical equipment in areas where patients/residents receive treatment has  increased the need for more electrical outlets to accommodate the appliances/devices. Read More »

Provider implements technology to keep residents connected

Five senior living properties in Massachusetts have implemented a program to train older adults on using computer technology and to provide ongoing support to help them to stay connected. Read More »

Trends: Senior housing and services grow more intertwined

The 24th National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry (NIC) National Conference kicks off this week, and NIC shares a sneak-peek Q&A held with opening keynote speaker Thomas H. Lee, MD, chief medical officer at healthcare performance improvement firm Press Ganey Associates. Read More »

Is this help or harassment?

The following account illustrates the importance of screening before hiring. Bad employees can ruin a facility’s reputation and a resident’s quality of life. Read More »

30-day readmissions rate: What’s behind the number?

To complete the readmission puzzle, post-acute care providers should look at three not-so-obvious missing puzzle pieces that go beyond the readmission metric. Read More »

LeadingAge names first senior VP of housing, capital

Niles Godes has joined LeadingAge as its first senior vice president for housing and capital. He will work to expand affordable housing opportunities for older adults across the country. Read More »

Elizabeth Tracy, RN, wins McHugh leadership award

This year's winner of the LeadingAge McHugh Award serves as a model for nursing leadership and resident-centered initiatives. Read More »

2014 OPTIMA Award: An engaged journey

This year’s winner of the Long-Term Living OPTIMA Award, Benchmark Senior Living, has taken dementia care programming far beyond reminiscing, brain-games and once-a-day-activities. Here's the story of how its award-winning programming got started, and how the lives of residents can be changed when engagement happens all day long instead of just during "activity hour." Read More »

Post-acute care groups applaud passage of IMPACT Act

Organizations serving older adults say they are pleased with Congress’ passing last week of the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014, which is designed to standardize data used across post-acute care settings. Read More »

CARF accredits first independent living community

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities has awarded its first accreditation to an independent living community after implementing standards for such environments in July. Read More »

When the big screen dies

Watching television programs on a big-screen TV gives residents an opportunity to share and socialize. But what happens when the set goes on the blink? Read More »

Sunday, Sept. 21, take a walk for Alzheimer’s

Each year organizations around the world concentrate their efforts on raising awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Read More »

LTC organizations support antipsychotic drug reduction goal, but some say more is needed

The majority of the professional associations representing long-term care say they support the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care’s goal of continuing to reduce the off-label use of antipsychotic medications in long-stay nursing home residents, although some say more action is needed. Read More »

Flu vaccination low among long-term care workers

Flu vaccination among healthcare personnel is lowest among those working in long-term care settings, but employers can take two actions to encourage it, according to new data from the CDC. Read More »

A new offering in LTC amenities: Electric charging stations

They never drove Model Ts, but today’s seniors did grow up on Mustangs, Corvettes and Camaros. Because of the boomers’ willingness to embrace new motoring experiences, hybrid automobiles have found a niche in the senior sector. Read More »

Congress: The ball is in your court

The building crisis in financing and providing effective long-term care services and supports is an ever-growing problem as discussed in a report by the Commission on Long-Term Care. Read More »

How diabetes, hypertension and smoking are linked to Alzheimer’s

The 2014 World Alzheimer Report contains some advice you can share with residents. Read More »

Your unused drugs can benefit your facility, those in need

Skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities seeking to improve efficiencies and finances while helping the less fortunate and contributing to sustainability efforts may find an ally in a California-based nonprofit organization.  Read More »

Group releases nursing home report card

Where do nursing homes provide the most hours of care and the highest levels of staffing? Find out what Families for Better Care says in its latest rankings. Read More »

Personal expense allowance

Living on a budget is hard for anyone. It takes discipline. Imagine if you had less than $100 a month to meet your needs, let alone your wants. Read More »

ADL difficulty points to LTSS need, researchers say

Almost half of Medicare beneficiaries aged at least 65 years, among them nursing home residents, reported trouble or the need for assistance with activities of daily living in a recent study. Read More »

CMS eases back into recovery audits

After months of a pause mode due to backlogs in the appeals process, CMS has reinstated the recovery audit contractor (RAC) review process. Read More »

One-on-one with… Robert (Robb) White

Long-term care organizations would be wise to reevaluate their dining programs to satisfy the adventurous and sophisticated palates of the new senior population. One noted chef shares his philosophy and vision of wedding good nutrition with high-end culinary options. Read More »

NCAL updates assisted living principles

The National Center for Assisted Living puts an increased focus on culture change, training and safety in a newly revised guide. Read More »

Justice Department unveils elder abuse website

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a website to help fight the abuse and financial exploitation of older adults. Read More »

Comfort focus improves lives of those with advanced dementia

Prioritizing comfort in the care of residents with advanced dementia enabled one nursing home to reap many rewards for residents and their families, the community and staff members. Its innovative model was detailed in a Sept. 8 workshop convened by the Institute of Medicine. Read More »

LTC providers can collect controlled substances under new federal policy

Long-term care facilities will be able to collect controlled substances turned in by residents, under a new Drug Enforcement Administration regulation meant to combat prescription drug abuse and misuse. Read More »