Communication devices are everywhere. Indiscriminate use of “bring your own device” policies can threaten privacy for residents and your organization. Read More »
Exercising your brain may have as much to do with gait and balance as exercising your legs—and race may play a factor, too, says a recent study. Read More »
Caregiving and assistance with activities of daily living in institutional settings require close body contact. If unknown rashes appear, implement infection control procedures. Read More »
Frailty is not an inevitable consequence of aging. For some older Americans, however, weight loss can contribute to dependence on mobility devices and more assistance with ADLs. Read More »
Extraordinary events call for extraordinary measures, especially in caring for special populations. Evacuation is more than simply staying “high and dry.” Read More »
Flying and crawling critters are not just seasonal, and to them, humans are a very tempting buffet. Sometimes the consequences of being a feeding zone require professional care. Read More »
Be “heatbusters” for your residents, visitors and staff by taking a few precautions and keeping a watchful eye for signs of heat-related health effects. Read More »
Gels, liquids or wipes—hand hygiene is encouraged everywhere. Healthcare professionals know how vital hand sanitation is in preventing the spread of infection. Read More »
Nurses and aides incur more on-the-job injuries than physicians, dentists, interns and residents, according to data examined by the Occupational Health Safety Network. Read More »
A completely secure long-term care environment only can be accomplished with thoughtful planning and performance. Take five steps to keep residents, staff, visitors and property safe. Read More »
A serious fall can happen at any facility, but an incident at a nursing home in southwest Illinois underscores the need for vigilance to keep residents safe. Read More »
Although cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are more common during the winter, vigilance is needed year round when fuel-burning appliances are in use. Read More »
Negligence has specific legal definitions—and personal injury lawyers love to muddy them. Long-Term Living legal blogger Alan C. Horowitz, RN, JD, explains what nursing homes can do to protect themselves. Read More »
Trips, stumbles and falls can result in serious injury, especially for an older adult who might have balance issues or improper footwear or who might be using a cane or walker incorrectly. Read More »
The American Nurses Association seeks public comment on its draft proposal of recommendations to prevent violence to ensure workplace safety by April 30 deadline. Read More »
Losing electricity is an inconvenience for most people, but for individuals with special needs or compromised health a power outage can be very stressful and potentially dangerous. Read More »
Wherever patients are treated, their safety needs to be ensured. ECRI Institute has compiled a list of safety concerns for healthcare organizations that long-term care providers can benefit from. Read More »
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration updated its guidelines for preventing and reducing incidents of violence in healthcare settings. Read More »
Maintenance and housekeeping staff are the first line of defense in keeping residents and staff safe, healthy and secure in a long-term care environment. Read More »
Abuse, non-reporting of incidents and slow response to a resident in pain are the basis for fines handed down by the Connecticut Department of Public Health in February. Read More »
What if we approached our employees using the same principles we apply to customer service? Benefits include a reduction in injury claims and employee retention. Read More »
Your first step in creating a secure facility is to engage a healthcare security professional to take a hard look at your long-term care operation to offer recommendations and solutions to security issues. Read More »
Two recent fires—one a tragedy, one a triumph—prove the wisdom of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mandate to require sprinkler systems in skilled nursing facilities. Read More »
One community finds its firefighters performing assistance tasks that should be addressed by caregivers or staff at skilled nursing facilities. Read More »
A skilled nursing facility in a New York hospital has removed bed/chair fall alarm systems to becoming an alarm-free care setting in an innovative program to improve residents' quality of care and quality of life. Read More »
