Departments

12 steps to QAPI: Step 7: Collecting and using data

We’ve passed the midpoint of the continuing series on Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI). Now it’s time to collect and analyze data to improve person-centered care. Read More »

Wheelchair workouts improve mobility and more

Sitting in a wheelchair does not mean that a person is incapable of physical activity or the benefits that regular exercise can bring.  Read More »

Seniors’ use of medical marijuana in ALFs and SNFs

Massachusetts’ implementation of a “medical marijuana law,” and how it applies to assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities, is, of course, of special interest to providers in that state, but it may hold lessons for senior living communities elsewhere as well. Read More »

Memorial Day observance

Long-Term Living will be taking a short break on Monday, May 26 for  Memorial Day. We will return with news, articles, blogs and eNewsletters on Tuesday, May 27. Thank you to all the men and women of our armed forces for your service and sacrifices, now and in the past. Read More »

The MDS coordinator should report to…?

The reimbursement and information generated by the MDS is integral to a facility's financial health, quality care and outcomes. MDS coordinators need to connect with middle and upper management. Read More »

Kelly, Giffords discuss resiliency of human spirit

At the Assisted Living Federation of America's annual conference, retired astronaut and Navy Captain Mark Kelly and his wife, retired Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, shared lessons learned through their work and her recovery from a shooting. Read More »

ALFA bestows awards

Dedication and innovation were recognized when the Assisted Living Federation of America bestowed awards on individuals and organizations at its annual conference. Read More »

Dementia training improves care delivery: speakers

Two speakers at the Assisted Living Federation of America annual conference discussed ideal components of dementia training programs and also reviewed initiatives implemented or under consideration in various states across the country. Read More »

How to serve those on Medicaid through assisted living

The state of the economy and the continuing aging of the population mean that interest in the "affordable assisted living" model–serving those receiving Medicaid assistance–is growing, according to speakers at the Assisted Living Federation of America annual conference. They shared tips for those interested in operating properties under this model. Read More »

PointClickCare debuts technology platform for assisted living

PointClickCare introduced its platform to address the increasing acuity, staffing and risk mitigation needs of assisted living providers at the Assisted Living Federation of America annual conference. Read More »

Augustana Care pilots support program for post-rehab seniors

Minneapolis-based Augustana Care partners with Lifesprk to provide a support program for seniors following rehabilitation therapy. Read More »

Using electrical impedance to monitor heart failure status

Monitoring fluid in the body--both too much fluid and too little--is critical to the health status of those with chroncic heart failure. Using electrical impedance, or Zo, to measure fluid can detect fluctuations earlier and faster, say several studies. Read More »

One-on-one with…Shawn Bloom

In this exclusive Q&A, the National PACE Association's CEO Shawn Bloom talks about the organization and its growing popularity as a healthcare delivery model. Read More »

Three Tenn. nursing homes have admissions suspensions lifted

The ban on new admissions has been lifted and three Tennessee nursing facilities can begin admitting new residents. Read More »

Beyond Bingo: Activity director role evolves

The days of simply keeping residents occupied are over, and the focus has turned squarely on making sure that meaningful, person-centered activities contribute to a life worth living—and celebrating. As always, long-term care communities and their activity directors are rolling up their sleeves and taking the challenge to heart. Read More »

FDA: Cut Lunesta dosage by 2/3

Residents who take sleep aids may be groggier than you think the next morning, as the FDA slashes the recommended starting dose of some sleep aids by 2/3. Read More »

12 steps to QAPI: Step 6: Conduct a QAPI Awareness Campaign

Tips on various ways to communicate your facility's QAPI plan to all stakeholders--residents, staff and families. An awareness campaign helps to embed quality awareness into your nursing home's culture. Read More »

Therapy cap insanity on Capitol Hill

Will Congress ever fix the therapy caps problem? Long-Term Living Washington writer Bob Gatty takes a fresh look at an ongoing problem. Read More »

A small house can mean a big difference, speakers say

A senior living provider and general contractor share what they have learned through the process of building of five small house neighborhoods and delivering person-centered skilled nursing care. See the photo gallery, too. Read More »

Memory boxes? Forget about them

Long-term care communities are moving away from using memory boxes as cuing tools for residents, experts say. Thankfully, they add, less expensive and more effective options exist. Read More »

Leaders of Tomorrow: Amy Carpenter, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C

Congratulations to Amy Carpenter, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C, our final Leaders of Tomorrow honoree! She's led the way to new building codes for senior living spaces, while keeping a keen eye on tomorrow's designs for memory care. Read More »

Leaders of Tomorrow: Bernadette Ledesma, MPH, LNHA

Congratulations to Long-Term Living 2014 Leaders of Tomorrow honoree Bernadette Ledesma, MPH, LNHA. Administrator, advocate and educator she is instrumental in ensuring top-down quality care for Hawaii’s seniors. Read More »

Household dining yields lower costs, higher satisfaction

A household dining model using satellite kitchens results in lower net costs for communities and an improved dining experience for residents, based on the experiences of one facility owner and operator. Read More »

Leaders of Tomorrow: Anna Ortigara, MSN

Long-Term Living 2014 Leaders of Tomorrow honoree Anna Ortigara, MSN, is bringing her 35-plus years of experience as a nurse and a culture change expert in long-term care, as well as her work with The Green House Project, to a range of service providers through her duties as an organizational change consultant for PHI Coaching and Consulting Services and work with the Pioneer Network. Read More »

Intimate by design

Sex in nursing homes? You bet. How does your facility design support healthy residents' rights to intimacy and sexuality? Read More »

EFACon opening keynote: What’s the recipe for the longest, happiest life?

Forget the fictitious fountain of youth. Environments for Aging Conference opening keynote speaker Nick Buettner explores what it really takes to live the longest, healthiest life possible. Read More »

Leaders of Tomorrow: Beverley Laubert, MA

Congratulations to Long-Term Living 2014 Leaders of Tomorrow honoree Beverley Laubert, MA. The state long-term care ombudsman in Ohio is bringing her innovative efforts to the national arena as chair of the Advancing Excellence board. Read More »

Functional programming aids person-centered care

Functional programming is an ideal planning approach to use if your community wishes to make design changes as part of an operational move to a more person-centered approach to resident living, say speakers at the Environments for Aging Conference. Read More »

New initiative looks for solutions to LTSS challenges

Several former government officials and policy experts are coming together in an effort to find a way to improve the financing and delivery of long-term services and supports for the country’s aging population and working-aged people with disabilities. Read More »

Wanted: Qualified nurse leaders

Beyond the DON’s office door awaits a field of opportunity for nurses to advance in long-term care leadership roles. Read More »