Departments

Rx for Parkinson’s: Patience and safe modifications

Caring for residents with Parkinson’s disease requires an understanding of the unique ways in which the disease affects their muscles and nervous system, as well as the critical importance of precise medication management. Read More »

12 steps to QAPI: Step 12: Take systemic action

The final chapter in the series “12 Steps to QAPI” shows how preparation, organization, data and action can correct and improve processes to enhance the quality of care your residents receive. Read More »

OIG busts multiple home health agencies, DME companies for fraud

The August dog days of summer proved to be too hot for several scheming durable medical equipment and home health service providers. Read More »

Updated EHR selection tools released by LeadingAge CAST

An updated portfolio of tools from LeadingAge’s Center for Aging Services Technologies is designed to assist long-term care and post-acute providers in the market for electronic health record systems. Read More »

Brides share wedding festivities with memory care residents

Has your community ever hosted a marriage ceremony? One memory care center did, so that a father could participate in his daughter's celebration. At another, a bride stopped by on the way to her wedding so that the residents for whom she cared could see her gown.  Read More »

44% of assisted living residents visiting EDs have malnutrition: study

Results of a recent study may have you thinking about offering malnutrition screening to residents, as well as helping to address underlying issues. Read More »

RN staffing bill set to increase minimum hours

Providing 24/7 RN coverage in nursing homes is the goal of a new bill introduced July 31. Having the most highly qualified professionals available ensures that residents receive optimal care at any hour of the day. Read More »

How to align resources for post-acute care

A post-acute care operator needs to take advantage of seismic changes in healthcare delivery and get in the game. Here's how. Read More »

FDA approves diabetes drug

The fixed-dose therapy combines canagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride into a single tablet to treat type 2 disease. Read More »

12 steps to QAPI: Step 11: Getting to the ‘root’ of the problem

When a problem is identified, QAPI Step 11 shows how to perform a root cause analysis so an effective remedy can be implemented to prevent future events and keep residents safe from harm. Read More »

Casey Kasem to be buried in Norway

A child of the late radio personality is lobbying for legislation that would require guardians to notify immediate family members when an ailing person is hospitalized, has died or is buried. Read More »

End delay, VA is told

Lawmakers push the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to ease long-term care (LTC) red tape for military vets to obtain healthcare services. But what are the prospects for accessibility to LTC services? Read More »

Long-term, post-acute care companies support Gay Games

Businesses with ties to older adults are supporting the international Gay Games being held this week. Read More »

One-on-one with…Leah Klusch

Making use of newer guidance and data from the government, as well as improving communication with other entities and perfecting a person-centered approach to care, should be priorities for clinical and operational leaders in long-term care, according to the executive director of an educational foundation and consultancy. Read More »

Older adults compete in Gay Games

Older adults are well-represented at the international Gay Games 2014, which began Aug. 9 in Northeast Ohio. Read More »

Project Survival 101: Managing refurbs and expansions

Are remodels or construction upheavals in your future? Intelligent project planning can get your refurbs done without bulldozing your residents’ lives. [Includes photo gallery] Read More »

Long-term care next VA focus, senator says

The legislative branch of the U.S. government will turn its focus to the renovation and rebuilding of long-term care facilities for veterans, says one lawmaker, but don't expect action right away. Read More »

It’s a date: ICD-10 starts in 2015

Health and Human Services has chosen the date for ICD-10, ending previous delays. Are your caregivers and your electronic health record system ready for the change? Read More »

Developing today’s (and tomorrow’s) NHA leaders

The quality of a long-term care facility is enhanced by administrators educated in the operations and best practices necessary to run a person-focused organization. Administrator-in-training programs offer specialized training and field experience. Read More »

Wound care tests enter clinical trials

A European company seeks FDA approval for chronic wound protease and bacterial tests to predict wound infections.  Read More »

Protect residents from financial abuse

New federal guidance outlines the responsibilities and actions a facility needs to take when it suspects a resident is a victim of a financial crime. Read More »

Online resource helps prevent healthcare injuries

Aimed at caregivers, a new online resource can help prevent injuries to staff and residents.  Read More »

Finding advance directives in an EHR

Most electronic health record systems lack a central location for advanced directives, a study finds.  Read More »

Effect of Mediterranean diet on cognitive decline varies by race: study

The Mediterranean diet may have broad health benefits, but its effect on cognitive decline differs among race-specific populations, according to a new study. Read More »

The 12 steps of QAPI: Step 10: Plan, conduct and document PIPs

QAPI expert Nell Griffin, LPN, EdM, offers valuable resources and advice on establishing performance improvement projects to remedy problems in care practices. Read More »

Alzheimer’s disease research highlights prevalence, detection, treatment

Several studies presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2014 in Copenhagen, Denmark, shed light on the prevalence, detection and treatment of the disease. Read More »

Face may hold clues to heart, lung issues

Residents whose range of facial expressions seems decreased may be cluing you in on a serious heart or lung problem, according to new research. The findings may prove helpful as more consultations are performed using telemedicine technology, the authors say. Read More »

Sense and reason prevail at CMS

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is set to drop doctors’ face-to-face narrative requirement for home health coverage. Read More »

ACHA/NCAL announces award winners

Programs and volunteers are being recognized by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) 2014 awards program. Read More »

Guest blog: Initiative ponders path for home healthcare in the future

Current Medicare requirements challenge home healthcare, but a new initiative is identifying infrastructure, workforce, research, technology and policy needs to facilitate change. Read More »