The New Wave of Foodservice Technology in Senior Care

Resident Care

Student nurses make the rounds

SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears writes about her experiences with nursing students doing clinicals at her nursing home. Read More »

Pet therapy is for the birds

Senior living providers are learning a bird in the hand is worth a lot to seniors who suffer from loneliness. Read More »

The geography of dementia rates

The dementia rates in rural areas have dropped faster than rates in urban areas, but the reason might be surprising, notes a study from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Read More »

’Tis the season

SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears reminisces of holidays past spent at nursing homes, a reminder that this may be the most difficult time of year for some residents. Read More »

Assisted living activities: From blankets to beer, variety is key

Bingo and movie night aren’t enough to keep most residents engaged and happy. Activity professional Susan Rauch shares unconventional ideas for expanding your activities offerings. Read More »

Editors’ pick: Top 10 infection control stories for 2017

This year's mandates from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on recurring infection rates, new definitions for urinary tract infections in the 2017 RAI User’s Manual and the latest surveillance data on multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) made infection control one of 2017's biggest topics. Read More »

Editors’ pick: Top 10 memory care stories for 2017

Memory care was top of mind for all provider sectors this year. The introduction of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ dementia-focused surveys, updates to the RAI Manual and definition changes in the state SOMs gave providers many reasons to improve their quality of care for residents with cognitive decline. Read More »

Doing more harm than good

A growing number of healthcare providers are questioning the need for extensive cancer screening for seniors when the tests won’t significantly improve their quality of life. Read More »

Dementia rates: rural vs urban areas

The dementia rates in rural areas have dropped faster than rates in urban areas, but the reason might be surprising, notes a study from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Read More »

The sound of participation

A Boston startup is helping residents stay involved by bringing conversations up close and personal to combat hearing loss. Read More »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »