Caregivers play a vital role in identifying depression and ensuring that residents’ mental healthcare needs are attended to. Experts share signs to watch for and steps to take to help those in your care. Read More »
Although cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are more common during the winter, vigilance is needed year round when fuel-burning appliances are in use. Read More »
Research to improve older adults’ recovery from low-impact fractures and hip fractures has received funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Board of Governors. Read More »
A skilled nursing facility and a local hospital in Pennsylvania team up to bridge the patient's transition from acute to a post-acute setting while delivering effective wound care. Read More »
Trips, stumbles and falls can result in serious injury, especially for an older adult who might have balance issues or improper footwear or who might be using a cane or walker incorrectly. Read More »
Some career paths can be circuitous as this clinical manager discovered. Through leadership, compassion and continuing involvement in the long-term care industry, this honoree and her staff continue to give their residents rich and fulfilling lives. Read More »
AMDA–The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine and the AMDA Foundation honored three medical directors at AMDA’s recent annual meeting. Read More »
Physical therapy is just as effective as surgery for treating an impairment common with aging, but some older adults may forego the less invasive option because of Medicare copayments, a recent study found. Read More »
Medications have to be coordinated to achieve the best results for the individual. Kathleen Mears’ blog illustrates the importance of a periodic medication review. Read More »
The Advancing Excellence in Long-Term Care Collaborative will present the two-hour workshop “Disrupt Infections: Creating a Community of Prevention” in 29 cities as part of the Dr. Bill Thomas’ Age of Disruption Tour. Read More »
Abuse, non-reporting of incidents and slow response to a resident in pain are the basis for fines handed down by the Connecticut Department of Public Health in February. Read More »
The quality of manufacture and efficacy may be called into question when the country of origin is a mystery to the user. Made in U.S.A. Foundation stresses the importance of labeling medications and supplements. Read More »
A recent study assessed the efficacy of vitamin D and exercise in preventing falls, the leading cause of injuries and fractures in older adults. Read More »
AMDA–The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine has announced the 2015 guidelines for the Choosing Wisely campaign, which highlights medical tests and procedures that may be unnecessary and even harmful to older adults. Read More »
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 »
Drugs prescribed to address behavioral issues in older adults with dementia may hasten their deaths more than previously realized, according to a new study. Read More »
Advanced practice registered nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives and physician assistants would be allowed to order home health services under Medicare in accordance with state law under legislation being considered by Congress. Read More »
Are opioid painkillers safer and more effective than over-the-counter medications in the senior population? A National Safety Council white paper looks at both sides of the question. Read More »
Not all childhood memories are pleasant. Catching the chickenpox was a bummer, but you got over it. The angry red spots and itchiness went away, but chickenpox left a souvenir—the herpes zoster virus. Read More »
AMDA–The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine has resources you can use to show appreciation to the long-term care physicians with whom you work. Read More »
Those who care for older adults can lead efforts to ensure fair and equitable treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals subject to discrimination, according to a new position statement from the American Geriatrics Society. Read More »
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 »
This year's flu vaccine has had an overall effectiveness of 19 percent, according to the CDC. With an eye toward next year, the FDA has recommended a trivalent vaccine that includes two strains that were not part of this year's vaccine. Read More »
A Philadelphia area health system is expanding its integrative medicine program beyond hospital patients to include those in long-term care, outpatient care and home care, as well as caregivers. Read More »
Independence at Home, operated by SCAN Health Plan, has added a new program for older adults that provides screening, assessment, counseling, brief therapy and action planning for individuals who may be misusing alcohol, drugs or prescription medication. Read More »
Injections, blood draws and some testing procedures expose healthcare personnel to the risk of a sharps injury. A sharps prevention program is key to preventing the spread of blood-borne pathogens. Read More »
