Resident Care

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 »

2017 Leader of Tomorrow: Kelly Papa

Kelly Papa took her idea for a dementia network and built it into a summit and an all-year dialogue that stretches across the state of Connecticut. Read More »

A winning recipe

One retirement community whipped up a resident's award-winning recipe for all to enjoy. Read More »

SCA Group votes to split

The maker of TENA will split off its health and hygiene operations under the newly-formed company Essity.  Read More »

Improving care for chronically ill starts at home

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has teamed up with home health provider Landmark Health to offer members with serious chronic or acute conditions care at home.  Read More »

A new market for seniors

Episcopal Senior Communities is growing its produce markets, which offer fresh and affordable produce for California seniors.  Read More »

Reminiscing at the movies

San Franciscans with dementia can enjoy a special performance thanks to a partnership designed to engage. Read More »

Memory mat sparks resident conversations

A northeastern Ohio teen creates a memorable tool for those who have Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Read More »

2017 Leader of Tomorrow: Kayla Bruce, LPN

A hospice nurse at Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care (LHC) of Hammond is leading her peers in the culture change of end-of-life care through patient empowerment and behavioral understanding. Read More »

Loud, proud and aging

New research shows how lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender seniors are stronger but also more vulnerable to health risks as they age, highlighting the importance of community and understanding. Read More »

For want of a cut

Blogger Kathleen Mears wishes salon services could visit her nursing home to give residents a trim and boost their spirits, too. Read More »

FDA approves antibody-based eczema drug

A new drug for serious eczema has been approved for the market, but wait till you see how much it costs. Read More »

Palliative and hospice training bill back on congressional agenda

The new bill proposes funding for training as more organizations urge the need for better support for hospice and palliative care in professional settings and at home. Read More »

First drug for aggressive MS gets FDA nod

Genentech will market the drug, which has been approved for both standard multiple sclerosis and the more aggressive form, Primary Progressive MS. Read More »

Home care before hospice

Home based palliative care, or pre-hospice, programs aim to improve quality of life by bringing healthcare workers into the home and better care coordination—all while cutting costs for seniors and Medicare. And research shows it’s working. Read More »

One nursing home’s welcoming committee

A nursing home in Cleveland adopted a stray cat who serves as the resident pet.  Read More »

Revisiting guidelines for heart health in seniors

Researchers are reviewing data to hopefully expand cardiovascular risk calculations and preventive guidelines for those 75 years and older.  Read More »