Activities

Facilities using state data to improve quality

Leadership and staff of long-term care (LTC) facilities are focusing their quality improvement efforts on areas that residents value the most by using a tool originally designed for consumers and their families, says one state’s LTC ombudsman. Read More »

Waiting for spring

Across the country, this has been a hard winter. In north central Ohio, where Long-Term Living’s resident blogger Kathleen Mears lives, the weather has taken its toll on residents. Read how one facility coped with cabin fever. Read More »

Turning a bad day around

Sometimes it just takes a friendly little push to help someone make a positive decision that improves his or her day.  Read More »

Close-knit seniors help foster students

It’s that time of year that is awash with sentiment. For a group of seniors at Ashby Ponds in Virginia, hearts, flowers and candy just won’t do. Read More »

Ordering out

Even long-term care residents enjoy treating themselves to their favorite pizza, chicken, Chinese food or what have you. In congregate living, however, it can pose a problem. Read More »

The sweetest gift

A new project, timed to coincide with Valentine’s Day, aims to ease the effects of social isolation and depression in older adults. Read More »

February is American Heart Month

Heart health might be recognized in February, but a day should never go by without doing something to ensure cardiac health—exercise, diet or joining a friend. Read More »

The challenge and joy of a laptop

Adding a laptop to her arsenal of tech devices has opened many new doors for Long-Term Living’s resident blogger Kathleen Mears. Read More »

Is a liquor license key to attracting boomers?

Many of today’s seniors enjoy a daily cocktail. It’s their way of relaxing and putting the day’s worries behind them, to toast an achievement or cap off a celebration. Does senior living mark an end to that social outlet? Read More »

The ‘love’ generation might need some sex education

Love might “make the world go round,” but in a long-term care facility, unprotected sex can be the source of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Read More »

When aides move on

Residents may form strong friendships with their caregivers, But whether an aide quit or was let go, consistent coverage on the floor must be provided. Read More »

Improving continence through dance

You’re never too young—or too old—to feel the music and bounce to the beat. Not only fun, dance can be therapeutic, study finds. Read More »

Roommate adjustment

Sharing living space requires a lot of give-and-take from the parties involved. Unfortunately, sometimes only one party does the giving. Read More »

An octogenarian and I share frustration

Loss of independence and reliance on the assistance of others can frustrate a person at any age, as Kathleen Mears discovered. Read More »

9 resolutions for the new year

If you’re going to make a health-related resolution, why not make one (or more) that will increase the odds that you will live to a healthy old age? These habits could add up to 12 years to your life, according to the person who shared them. Read More »

Remembering aides at Christmas

Long-Term Living blogger Kathleen Mears’ online accident was the beginning of a happy holiday tradition. Read More »

American seniors may be less tired, more alert

Do seniors have more energy than younger Americans? A new study looks at the concept of tiredness in the U.S. population. Read More »

Exercise offers benefits even if begun later in life, study finds

Another study finds that even seniors who begin exercising later in life can experience significant health benefits. Read More »

Holiday shopping

LTL blogger Kathy Mears gives some insight on the best  and most appreciated gifts to give residents in long-term care facilities. Read More »

Tidings of comfort and joy

The holiday season also is a time of reflection and new beginnings that can make our lives more meaningful. Judah Ronch, PhD, shares his visit with The Sopranos' Dominic Chianese. Read More »

6 ways you can ensure senior safety on the roads

During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, the American Occupational Therapy Association shares tips for those helping seniors prepare for comprehensive driving evaluations. Read More »

Sharing beauty, celebrating seniors

One senior living provider found a way to share beauty this holiday season while celebrating the talents of residents. What does your community do? Read More »

Better bathing for larger residents

Regardless of personal preferences, technology has made bathing a more pleasurable and thorough experience, especially for residents with bariatric issues. Read More »

Planning a holiday visit

Long-Term Living blogger Kathleen Mears shares her well-thought-out travel plans, which will enable her to enjoy a postponed Thanksgiving feast with her family.  Read More »

Meditation, yoga may slow dementia progression

New research may have you considering adding meditation and yoga to your activities schedule. Read More »

The mystery of the puzzling printer

Personal possessions are precious to LTC residents, especially to Kathleen Mears who uses her technology to give Long-Term Living readers a window to the pleasures and problems residents may experience in facility life. Read More »

It’s never too late to quit

A new study offers updated evidence on reducing the recovery time for seniors from the effects of smoking. Read More »

Songs of the soul

Personalized music therapy programs reach into the silent corridors where those with dementia dwell. Read More »

Exercise benefits seniors in many ways, new research says

Encouraging residents to exercise may help them improve their mental and physical health as well as their fitness for and recovery from surgery, according to results of two new studies. Read More »

Have the conversation everyone avoids

Holidays are times of reunion, love, togetherness and present the perfect opportunities to plan for the future. Read More »