Cardiology researchers discover that the latest help in reducing readmissions of those with chronic heart failure may come from a drug considered as "old hat" 10 years ago. Read More »
Colon cancer screenings save thousands of lives each year, but for those over age 75, the risks of invasive procedures like colonoscopies may outweigh the benefits, a new JAMA Internal Medicine study says. Read More »
Antipsychotic administration in the elderly is associated with an increased risk for cerebrovascular accident, more commonly known as stroke, according to findings from a new study. Read More »
New guidelines and strategies for controlling Clostridium difficile (C. diff) in long-term care facilities are among the highlights from today’s Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) educational conference in Baltimore. Read More »
It’s said that no one can turn back (or ahead) the hands of time. But, au contraire, every year on the second Monday of March, people get up, get to work bleary-eyed and try to adjust to the TIME CHANGE!!! Read More »
During bacterial outbreaks, skilled nursing facilities carry an extra burden of surveillance protocols—since the illness can roll right in the door via a patient transfer. Read More »
Trepidation about tripping? Most seniors who have taken a tumble once, will develop a fear of falling again. Helping seniors to overcome the fear of falling starts with a deep understanding of what scares them--and then empowering them to change it. Read More »
The parent company of the California senior living facility involved in a controversial 911 call responds to public outcry over corporate policies and an employee's refusal to administer CPR. Read More »
Some of the newer medications for diabetes put the resident at increased risk for acute or chronic pancreatitis, notes a recent JAMA study. Read More »
Changing medications can be difficult as Long-Term Living blogger Kathleen Mears shares her experiences in switching antidepressant medications. Read More »
Enjoying a glass of red wine not only lifts one’s spirits and reduces the risk of heart disease, but it can also help a person maintain hearing and mental acuity. Read More »
Long-term care pharmacies incur dispensing costs that are 25 percent higher than those of traditional retail pharmacies while providing additional services to meet the unique health needs of LTC residents, according to the findings of a new study. Read More »
This year's flu shot is not protecting those over 65 from influenza A, warns a new update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read More »
In a new JAMA study, researchers question aggressive medical treatments that may keep terminally ill patients in acute care or skilled nursing instead of referring them to hospice care. Read More »
Nursing homes have become breeding grounds for community-assisted MRSA, a new strain of bacterial infection that can be contracted by residents, their visitors and employees. Read More »
A measure used by Medicare that penalizes hospitals for poor performance is not related to how many patients die after admittance, according to a new study. Read More »
The use of psychotropic drugs in long-term care is a significant issue that every facility deals with. This article examines a highly unusual case and also suggests what nursing facilities can expect from government regulators. Read More »
LTC providers are poised to play a big part in turning around the trend of high hospital readmissions with the ever-increasing tools and support continuing to be generated by the innovative within their own industry. Three providers share their effective strategies. Read More »
Shelley Silverman King, RN, explains how a Massachusetts facility uses specially trained caregivers and a room full of sensory experiences—music, lighting, hand massage, aromatherapy and other stimuli—to reach its most isolated and lonely population: its residents with advanced dementia. Read More »
A new program designed for young adults with intellectual disabilities can help seniors overcome their challenges in positive, supportive long-term care environments. Read More »
Counting sheep from loss of sleep? Poor sleep can have a direct effect on more than just physical energy in elders, according to a new neurology study. Read More »
If deep brain stimulation can help patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, might it not be effective in treating those with Alzheimer’s disease? Read More »
At times, health conditions, such as quadriplegia, can have some unusual manifestations on other parts of the body. Are they the result of an existing condition or a symptom of another health issue? Don't ignore spots, rashes, discoloration and other changes as Kathy Mears can verify. Read More »
When it comes to longevity, a healthy attitude about aging matters. Colorado researchers are working on a way to measure self-perceived age. Read More »
