Clinical

mmLearn.org expands healthcare training video collection

The Web-based training company adds new training resources based on current trends and industry demand to fill employee healthcare training gaps, increase job satisfaction, reduce turnover and ultimately improve patient care.   Read More »

AMDA announces 2016-17 Board of Directors

AMDA enters spring with a new president, new board members and a new logo. Read More »

Nursing home antipsychotic drug rates slowly declining

The Long Term Care Community Coalition reviewed Medicare data to see how effective a federal campaign to reduce inappropriate antipsychotic drugging in nursing homes has been since it was launched fin 2012. There’s still a long way to go, the advocacy group found.  Read More »

Medicare unveils Diabetes Prevention Program

Older Americans with a high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes may receive preventive treatment from an unlikely source: Medicare.  Read More »

The dental dilemma of natural teeth

Aging poses additional health risks to keeping those pearly whites, especially for seniors with their own teeth.  Read More »

Increased rate of polypharmacy, dangerous drug complications among seniors

One in six seniors regularly takes a potentially deadly combination of medications and dietary supplements, researchers found.  Read More »

Study: women live longer but lead less active lives than men

Women still have a longer life expectancy but they’re living longer with at least one disability that prevents them from doing at least one normal daily activity. IN comparison, men are living longer and more years without disability.  Read More »

5 treatments seniors don’t want in later life

Many seniors’ health goals shift over time, and the focus on quality instead of quantity has some seniors and theri providers saying “no” to certain treatments. Read More »

Time to rethink guidelines for seniors with diabetes?

Researchers found it may be time to reconsider a medication plan for frail older adults with Type 2 diabetes.  Read More »

One in four seniors leave hospital, enter post-acute care with superbugs

Researchers found the number of seniors with superbugs on their hands increased during follow-up visits, suggesting new practices need to be implemented to curtail the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in nursing homes and post-acute care facilities.  Read More »

Reduce Alzheimer’s risk by brushing your teeth

Researchers have found periodontitis, or gum disease, is associated with an increase in cognitive decline among people with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.  Read More »

Report: Patient engagement has a long way to go

A startling number of people across adult age groups are nonchalant about engaging in their own health and wellness, according to new survey data from Frost & Sullivan. Read More »

SNF blames hospital for resident hepatitis C outbreak

48 residents infected with hepatitis C dropped their charges against the nursing home and are now seeking damages in a lawsuit against a local acute care provider. Read More »

LTC residents at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is required for red blood cell formation, neurological function and DNA synthesis. B12 deficiency is common among seniors and can cause dementia, anemia and weight loss, among other adverse health effects. Read More »

What’s your best practice for memory care?

Attendees at the Memory Care Forum in Austin, Texas, share their communities' most successful strategies and programs for engaging residents with dementia.  Read More »

Central catheter maintenance bundle cuts CLABSI rates

Using a bundled approach to catheter maintenance can reduce central line-associated blood stream infections, a high risk for patients in long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs). Read More »

Dementia bathing: How to keep a bath from becoming a battle

What makes for an enjoyable bathing experience for some may not be the best strategy for those with dementia. Read tips from a national dementia expert on how to avoid struggles and fears in residents with cognitive decline at bathing time. Read More »

Pew research: Fewer female seniors living alone for first time in nearly a century

The number of seniors living alone had risen steeply since 1900, but for the past 26 years, the percentage of senior women living alone has dropped. Yet, more than half of seniors surveyed in the research say they'd prefer to stay at home than move to a professional care setting if they could have a caregiver. Read More »

Some viral infections could cause cognitive decline

Researchers found exposure to certain chronic viral infections, which can linger in the body long after infection, are associated with cognitive decline in seniors. Read More »

FDA approves deep brain stimulation procedure for Parkinson’s

Medtronic's Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy receives new approval to extend its uses to less advanced Parkinson's cases. Read More »

Key to continuity of care a single doctor

A piece in the Journal of the American Medical Association found high-risk older adults benefit from having a phsyician follow them throughout their continuum of care from the hospital to the skilled nursing facility to home.  Read More »

Rx for obesity

Medicare has long invested in the coverage of prescription drugs to treat chronic diseases. But a growing number of people think Medicare is missing the boat by not covering medications used to treat obesity. Read More »

CA judge halts end-of-life decision making for incompetent nursing home residents

A judge rules physicians are no longer able to make end-of-life decisions for nursing home residents, citing the 1992 state law violates residents' constitutional rights.  Read More »

Don’t call me ‘honey’: Avoiding elderspeak

When it comes to culture change, put your awareness where your mouth is. What you say—and how you say it—affects the dynamics of staff/resident relationships, especially in dementia care. Read More »

ADA issues guidance on managing diabetes in LTC

The American Diabetes Association has issued its first position on managing diabetes in long term care facilities in response to the growing number of residents with type 2 diabetes.  Read More »

A glove that reduces Parkinson’s tremors

A medical student designed a glove to give back control topeople with Parkinson's disease. The glove uses gyroscopes to steady hand movement, allowing people to feed themselves again. Read More »

FDA clears new tests to diagnose, treat vestibular disorder

Hearing and balance manufacturer GN Otometrics has developed a series of tests to help balance professionals diagnose and treat Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.  Read More »

CMS examines racial, ethnic disparities in healthcare

Racial and ethnic minority populations are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days for certain chronic conditions. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is exploring the relationship readmission rates and diversity. Read More »

Stewards of social work

Social work interns are assets to long-term care facilities. They can help bridge gaps and facilitate conversations among departments, residents and loved ones. They can help pick up slack and breathe new life into a team whose members are often overworked and understaffed.  Read More »

Botox approved for lower limb spasticity

The latest FDA approval could open new doors for treatment of Parkinson's disease, stroke and brain injury, while improving gait and the ability to perform activities of daily living. Read More »