Departments

Good news, bad news for jobs in long-term care

Several occupations utilized in long-term care settings offer excellent prospects for employment, although the opportunities for certain roles may be better outside of those settings, according to recently released government data. Wages are another matter. Read More »

The Do’s and Don’ts of Disaster Recovery Planning for Your Data

During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, two-thirds of the deaths were people over the age of 65.  Learning how to successfully plan for disaster or catastrophic events shouldn't be done in hindsight – a solid, effective plan should be put in place to protect both your residents and your data in order to continue providing care.Protecting the vital information needed to take care of residents is often overlooked as a critical element of a disaster plan, and it’s important to think about how that information will be accessed during an emergency situation. It could be a matter of life and death.Read on to learn some best practices your long-term care facility can use to prepare for disaster.Click here to read more. Read More »

Does your applicant have what it takes for continuing care?

Many continuing care organizations struggle with identifying potential staff members who have the necessary skills and will fit in with the organizational culture. Pre-employment behavioral assessments may provide a solution to combat retention issues. Read More »

Medieval meds combat MRSA

Researchers tested an ancient medicine and discovered it kills one of healthcare’s scariest pathogens. Read More »

Rethinking end-of-life care

Top leaders in healthcare policy discuss how to change the culture of dying to one driven by residents instead of physicians—and how to find more insurance models to pay for hospice and palliative care. Read More »

Health, housing focus of new task force

Two former senators and two former Housing and Urban Development secretaries are leading a one-year Bipartisan Policy Center effort to address issues at the intersection of senior housing and health. Read More »

Trained staff enhance the resident experience

Ramp up staff knowledge and create buy-in to improve resident experiences by using the latest training programs and approaches. Read More »

Unwarranted discipline

While order and efficiency need to be maintained, can a facility become too heavy-handed when a resident is delayed by other circumstances? Read More »

Senate kicks SGR vote to April

Healthcare professionals now will have to wait until April 13 for any action related to the sustainable growth rate formula. Read More »

Tips and talk about aging eyes

People over 65 have seen a lot in their lifetimes. Maintaining eye health will ensure that they continue to enjoy the people, the places and the world that offers so much to see. Read More »

Customer service excellence includes employees

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 »

AHCA gives ‘enthusiastic support’ to SGR bill

After years of failed efforts, a congressional bill proposing a permanent solution to the "doc-fix" problem is gaining the support of one of long-term care's largest and most powerful organizations. Read More »

One-on-one with…Mark Crandall

Mark Crandall, CIO of Consulate Health Care, Florida's largest senior health provider, tells Long-Term Living how his organization approached the challenges and benefits of implementing information technology. Read More »

CMS releases Stage 3 proposed rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released the proposed rule for Stage 3 of meaningful use under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act. Read More »

Concerns remain after introduction of SGR replacement bill

Senate and House leaders have introduced legislation to replace the Medicare sustainable growth rate formula tied to physician compensation, but organizations representing aging services providers are expressing concerns related to Medicare therapy caps and payment cuts to providers of post-acute care. Read More »

Nurse leaders improve dementia care

By educating staff, experienced nurse leaders are instrumental in the transformation of memory care communities into life-affirming homes for residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Read More »

Seeking OPTIMA innovation

Each year, Long-Term Living’s OPTIMA Award seeks out the brightest and best projects and programs that enhance resident quality of life and embody the true spirit of person-centered care. Read More »

Preventing financial abuse should be priority, ALFA says

As the White House Conference on Aging prepares for its next regional event March 31, ALFA President and CEO James Balda tells the Senate Special Committee that preventing the financial exploitation of older adults should be a top priority. Read More »

Diet soda linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome in seniors

One way to help seniors stay trim and avoid metabolic syndrome is to ditch the diet soda, says a new study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Read More »

SGR fix ahead

Congress may solve the sustainable growth rate puzzle, but for the long term, it may not matter all that much. Read More »

Walk Before You Run—Part 3: Caring for the Future: Where will EHR and Technology Take Us?

In this final installment of the three-part series, we will look at the future of health information technology and its impact on senior care.It is estimated that one-fifth of the U.S. population will be 65 or older by 2030, and new residents most often present with a higher level of acuity than they did ten years ago, requiring different experts on the care team to manage the needs of one person. In this capacity, technology becomes a critical ingredient for success.Read on to gain an understanding of where to start in the technology implementation process, what questions you should be asking, and just how supportive technology is in the quality and operational objectives of senior care.Click here to read more. Read More »

‘Older person I admire’ is essay contest theme

The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education’s recent annual meeting celebrated eight students who wrote about the older adults who have inspired them and made a difference in their lives. Read More »

One-on-one with…Niles Godes

In September, Niles Godes became the first senior vice president of housing and capital for LeadingAge. Long-Term Living recently spoke with him about his role and why this work is especially important to senior housing and service providers now. Read More »

Infection control and the culture of safety

Infection prevention is about much more than hand-washing, and many skilled nursing facilities are re-examining their infection control processes under the culture of safety. Read More »

SigmaCare adds CRM, data analytics

A leading long-term care electronic health record manufacturer has added customer relationship management and market analysis features to its portfolio. Read More »

Definition of ‘spouse’ under FMLA to change March 27

Individuals in same-sex marriages will be considered spouses under a regulatory definition of marriage, effective March 27, that will be used to determine eligibility for Family and Medical Leave Act benefits. Read More »

PCORI doing its job, GAO says

Medication adherence, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and aging in place are some of the topics of research funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. A new report says the nonprofit is meeting its goals. Read More »

NAHC celebrates 33 years

As the National Association for Home Care and Hospice celebrates its 33rd anniversary, it reflects on the growth of hospice and home care over the years. Read More »

ALF staffing: Does the pay get them to stay?

Find out who’s getting the best raises and what the best strategies are to reduce turnover based on the latest national assisted living data from the Hospital and Healthcare Compensation Service. Read More »

Vendors speak out on health IT interoperability

The ONC’s latest proposals include health IT interoperability goals that could be tricky to accomplish without serious culture change and deeper understanding of long-term care’s workflow needs, say health IT leaders and EHR vendors. Read More »