Resident Care

Lending a hand to infection control

May 5 is World Hand Hygiene Day, a great time for a staff refresher in the importance of maintaining proper hand hygiene protocols. Read More »

Raising my voice

Resident blogger Kathleen Mears speaks about what it’s like to get laryngitis and why it’s especially scary and difficult as a quadriplegic.  Read More »

Will RUGs be swept under the rug?

A new advanced rule-making notice from CMS seems to indicate that Resource Utilization Groups (RUGs) may be headed for big changes, especially for SNF therapy billing. But, what will replace them? Read More »

CMS: SNF antipsychotic use at lowest level since 2011

The prevalence of antipsychotics in SNFs has dropped consistently since the CMS mandate to reduce unnecessary usage went into effect in 2012. Read More »

Ageless works of art

A Nebraska retirement community is displaying works of art from budding artists: elementary students.  Read More »

Medicaid, Medicare and Mary Jane

Surprise—states that have legalized medical marijuana have far lower Medicaid and Medicare Part D prescription costs for certain chronic conditions, say recent studies. Will this get CMS' attention? Read More »

Physical therapy: Experience vs. equipment

Physical therapists must balance high-tech tools with acquired tricks of the trade to help patients get better, and stay better. Read More »

Existing med shows promise for Parkinson’s

An old drug may be the newest treatment for advanced Parkinson’s disease.  Read More »

Clinical app for diabetes goes commercial

Digital health company WellDoc has launched a consumer version of its diabetes management platform and has partnered with Samsung to help more people with the chronic condition. Read More »

NCCDP seeks CNA of the Year noms

Do you know a dementia care CNA who goes above and beyond the call of duty? Nominations are now being accepted for the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners CNA of the Year award. Read More »

Changing the dementia diagnosis dialog

The Alzheimer’s Association is offering new tools for clinicians and patients to discuss dementia care management. Read More »

Minding my business

Resident blogger Kathleen Mears knows aides must share information to provide the best possible care. She wonders if sometimes they ask for, or share, too much private information in a public setting. Read More »

Seal makes splash with seniors

A new documentary about robots in Japan showcases the human appeal in long-term care. Read More »

Software companies tackle medication management

Vital Software and Creative Strategies have partnered to integrate and market their technologies for shared assisted living provider clients. Read More »

Pa. to provide training, support for family caregivers

New legislation will help family members who care for senior loved ones at home following hospital discharge.  Read More »

Brookdale and iN2L reach milestone

The two companies have provided more than 5 million hours of resident engagement technology in Brookdale's dementia care programs. Read More »

Nudge, nudge! Get your flu shot

Electronic health records can improve flu vaccination rates simply by reminding physicians and patients about them, researchers find.  Read More »

The demand for high-value senior care

Despite political transitions, long-term care providers will insist on high-value, cost-efficient care. Here's how your nursing staff can lead the way in care quality. Read More »

Dance, dance, dance, dance for your brain

Researchers found that dancing improved white matter in the brain area associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.  Read More »

Skipping snacks

Resident blogger Kathleen Mears shares her thoughts on sweet snacks and why nibbles between meals might not be a good idea.  Read More »

Step in time

A ballroom dance troupe visits long-term care facilities to help seniors groove to—and remember—the beat.  Read More »

FDA allows consumers to test for genetic risk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved 23andMe to market personal genetic tests for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and celiac disease, among others for less than the cost of a new smartphone. Read More »

FDA approves drug for involuntary movement

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. has received government approval for the first drug to treat tardive dyskinesia, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary movements.  Read More »

Parkinson’s disease awareness month shows unshakeable spirit

The American Parkinson Disease Association kicks off a new campaign to highlight the spirit and stories of those with Parkinson's disease to raise awareness of the illness. Read More »

Pilot program care model reduces hospitalizations

Indiana skilled nursing facilities participating in the OPTIMISTIC project have significantly reduced all-cause and avoidable hospitalizations. Read More »

Got depression? Let’s talk

Residents who have chronic conditions and depression could benefit greatly from participating in support group discussion therapy, new research suggests. Read More »

Psychiatric disorders have no effect on Alzheimer’s risk

Although a psychiatric disorder doesn’t increase the risk of memory loss, it might be a misdiagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s disease.  Read More »

2017 Leader of Tomorrow: Ana Cabrera, RN, MSc

Terminal illness and grief are multicultural experiences, and this Texas nurse has brought a deeper understanding to ethno-cultural considerations in hospice care. Read More »

Great lengths for short nails

Resident blogger Kathleen Mears knows it’s important for nails to be trimmed, which is why she’s sought assistance from caregivers since Medicaid coverage isn’t often enough to her liking. Read More »

AMDA announces medical director of the year

Joshua Schor of New Jersey has been recognized for his work to improve wound care, reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections and founding a staff teamwork program.  Read More »