Last fall when my computer turned five, it no longer ran my voice activation software as it once had. For several months I was on and off the fence about getting a new computer. Even though mine is maddeningly slow, I am used to it. I hated thinking about getting a new one and having that unfamiliar feeling. Read More »
Over a 10-year period, the number of older adults who have multiple chronic conditions regardless of ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic status has increased, according to a National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief. Read More »
One more reason to consider shedding those extra pounds: A neurology study suggests that obesity can contribute to reduced cognition in later life. Read More »
Residents often enter long-term care with surprisingly little knowledge about their conditions, whether they have a recent diagnosis or have been living with an illness for many years. Here are five reasons why we should teach our residents about the illnesses they live with. Read More »
I have always had very good teeth and few cavities. But my dentist warned when I moved to a nursing home I would have to be strident about my dental care or my teeth could rot out of my head. Read More »
Should unused drugs be flushed? Tossed in the trash? The nation’s top hospice organizations partner to create better training on the safe disposal of unused medication. Read More »
The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL)awards are here: This year 458 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities were recognized, but only two took home the gold. Read More »
No one ever said being a long-term caregiver is easy. At times, it’s downright olympic. Going for the gold takes teamwork, dedication and … well, a sense of humor. Read More »
A recent study indicates that today’s seniors have better vision than the elderly of a generation ago. Better vision promotes more independence in performing daily activities. Read More »
A new statistical study shows that seniors may need more help when it comes to ditching unhealthy habits, especially after being diagnosed with a chronic disease. Read More »
The antidepressant I take presently I have taken since 2009. During that time I have noticed behavioral changes. I told the nurses I wanted to get off the antidepressant. I said I hoped the psychiatrist would assist with a withdrawal plan. Read More »
A massive study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows significantly higher risks of heart attacks during the two to six weeks following total joint replacement surgeries. Read More »
Staff overload could cost your facility plenty, as one research center draws a direct relationship between burnout and healthcare-associated infections. Read More »
I have become accustomed to half a room and little space. But, it is difficult for me to get used to my bed looking drab. I was brought up to do hospital corners and to drape the bedspread just so. Read More »
A new training course from AHRQ can give caregivers fresh insights into the signs that a resident's condition is changing, alerting staff to monitor the resident more closely. Read More »
LTC providers are investing more heavily in short-term rehab as a way to recoup shrinking Medicare reimbursements while taking on higher-acuity cases in order to keep residents out of the hospital. Meanwhile, they are giving wellness amenities and programs higher priority as families evaluate facilities with a more discerning eye. Read More »
A somber day in Kansas City, Mo.: A wandering senior is found dead and an entire nursing home is evacuated at two senior living facilities. Read More »
Last Friday was this facility's second Summer Fun Day. A cookout was held at a local park promising lots of food, pop and even a DJ. Since I am not much of a picnic person, and had much to do, I decided to remain behind. Read More »
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ controversial Five-Star Quality Rating System, which rates the nation’s nursing homes, is in the news this week with CMS unveiling its revamped Nursing Home Compare website. Since its introduction in 2008, the rating system has been maligned by LTC providers for its perceived faults and omissions. Read More »
The new version of CMS' Nursing Home Compare website now includes data on readmission rates, nursing home inspections and antipsychotic drug use. Read More »
Infusions of antibodies seem to help those with mild to moderate Alzheimer's to retain cognition and daily functions, according to a study presented at the 2012 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. Read More »
To me cleaning out my nose is a very private thing. I do not like depending on others to do it. Having an aide assist me to blow my nose does not always do the job. It needs to be cleaned with a cotton swab. I understand some aides are squeamish about doing it. But if it is not done, I am uncomfortable. Read More »
Four academic research teams and a pharmaceutical company are joining forces to study the gene that includes the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s other than old age. Read More »
New progress on the mysteries of Alzheimer’s may be within the DNA of Iceland. Many Icelanders have a gene mutation, rare in other countries, that seems to protect the brain from the onset of Alzheimer’s, a new study reveals. Read More »
The loss of bladder control also is a loss of dignity and an invitation for skin problems associated with incontinence. To ensure that a person with incontinence is getting the best protection possible, The National Association for Continence (NAFC) has issued recommendations for quality standards. Read More »
According to a recent study, one in every six admissions to nursing homes was for individuals who had a history of emphysema or COPD. This puts greater pressure on LTC facilities to gain a stronger understanding of the disease and to meet new demands in terms of assessment and treatment. Read More »
Major efforts are needed to increase the mental health workforce and train them in the mental health and substance abuse issues that relate to seniors, a new Institutes of Medicine report warns. Read More »
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infections remain at historically high levels whereas most other types of healthcare-associated infections are declining. The CDC recommends that healthcare clinicians and facility administrators implement the following six prevention steps into their facilities’ infection control plan. Read More »
