Resident Care

Collision in my new power chair

Getting used to piloting a new power chair was part of SNF resident blogger Kathleen Mears' planned day out, but not the crash inside the salon. Read More »

Researchers find new cause of Parkinson’s disease

Molecular scientists in the U.K. have discovered new breakdowns at the cellular level, challenging previous thinking on what causes the degenerative disease. Read More »

High BP a vascular dementia risk factor

Researchers have found high blood pressure is positively associated with a higher risk of developing vascular dementia, separate from any previous stroke or mini stroke. Read More »

Sign language gives people with dementia a way to speak

A sign language class offers another way for residents with dementia to communicate and connect with one another at Silverado Aspen Park Memory Care Community in Salt Lake City. Read More »

Painting offers man a new hue of retirement

A 91-year-old man is enjoying a second career as an artist after 40 years in manufacturing. Read More »

Get the flu shot, CDC advisory committee recommends

The idea of a live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) administered by nasal spray may be appealing, but it’s not effective and shouldn’t be used next flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Read More »

Study: Depression lowers COPD medication compliance

To achieve the best medication compliance, residents with COPD should be screened carefully for depression, a new study suggests. Read More »

MDS Update: Gearing up for Section GG charting

The new section, which documents a resident's functional ability and assistance levels, has a compliance date of October 1, 2016. Read More »

Opioid addiction among the elderly

Opioid addiction isn’t limited to young people or to shifty characters in a back alley. Many older adults struggle with addiction to painkillers, warns a leading addiction specialist. Read More »

Pat Summitt, lauded women’s basketball coach, dies of younger onset dementia

She led the Tennessee Lady Vols for 38 years and held the record for most wins in Division I history. Read More »

JAMDA: New trends in LTC populations

The AMDA—Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine Population Health Workgroup has released new data on the long-term/post-acute care population and the types of care and supports needed, especially in nursing homes. Read More »

A mini class reunion

When SNF resident blogger Kathleen Mears emailed her high school reunion committee to say she wouldn't be able to attend the 50-year reunion, several of her classmates decided to surprise her with a visit. Read More »

Computer engagement reduces antipsychotic usage, improves quality of life

A Chesapeake Bay nursing home's two-year pilot uses technology to improve social engagement and life quality for those with dementia. Read More »

Study finds MEND could reverse memory loss

Memory and cognition improved in a small study of people with cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease by following a personalized therapeutic approach called metabolic enhancement for neurodegeneration (MEND), a 36-point diet, lifestyle and vitamin regimen. Read More »

Senior dance troupe gets residents to bust a move

The Older and Bolder Dancers, a dance troupe of people age 62 and older, shake their groove thing at Oklahoma City long-term care facilities and encourage residents to do the same.  Read More »

Muses Labs, George Washington partner to offer patients MEND Protocol

The George Washington Center for Integrative Medicine will offer people with cognitive decline, mild Alzheimer’s disease and a family history of dementia the MEND Protocol, a personalized intervention to improve memory and cognitive function.  Read More »

Alzheimer’s Association uses solstice to bring light to dementias

The summer solstice is more than a change of seasons. It’s a chance to raise money and awareness for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias as well as honor caregivers, for whom every day can feel like the longest day.  Read More »

My gender preference

SNF resident blogger Kathleen Mears explains why some residents prefer to have their portions of their care delivered by an aide of a certain gender. Read More »

Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks at 3 LTC sites

Cases of Legionnaire’s disease have been reported at three long-term care facilities since May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the number reported cases has quadrupled since 2000.  Read More »

Seniors can’t stop dancing to Justin Timberlake

A Kansas retirement community turned the cameras on residents in a recreation of Justin Timberlake’s latest hit, “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” Read More »

Paramedics struggle to navigate end-of-life care decisions

Unclear or incomplete documentation of end-of-life care choices makes a paramedic’s job even harder, especially when transferring residents from a nursing home to the hospital, says a British explorative paper. How much training are you giving residents and families on the importance of a POLST form? Read More »

Texas ACO uses onsite testing to improve Type 2 diabetes metrics

An eight-site accountable care organization (ACO) is using point-of-care HbA1c testing, care management and nutrition intervention to bring its population of patients in good control of their Type 2 diabetes from 12 percent to nearly 50 percent. Read More »

Georgia teams up with Virtual Dementia Tour

The dementia training program has been granted $2.9 million in CMS Civil Money Penalty funds to educate nursing home caregivers in the state. Read More »

A warmed-over craving

Food cravings have SNF resident blogger Kathleen Mears ready for a warm, crunchy taco, but some foods just aren't the same when reheated. Read More »

Antidepressants heighten fall risks in residents with dementia

CMS' recent attention has been on reducing the use of antipsychotics, but antidepressants may be dangerous in other ways for those with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Read More »

Dental program helps seniors keep those pearly whites

A new program, Serving Smiles to Seniors, informs older adults on the importance of good oral health, access to oral healthcare services and techniques for a healthy smile.  Read More »

Drug study: Controlling PBA in dementia

New data supports the use of the drug NUDEXTA to treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA), a condition found in those with brain injuries, neurological damage from stroke or dementia and certain neuromuscular diseases. Read More »

CNA pleads guilty for planning sexual assault on residents with dementia

A former employee at an assisted living and memory care facility pleaded guilty for planning and trying to videotape the sexual assault of three female residents with profound memory loss. Read More »

Medicare could cover comprehensive Alzheimer’s care plan

Congressional subcommittees have proposed changes to the Social Security Act to cover an initial care plan for Medicare beneficiaries newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias to help them understand the disease and treatment options. Read More »

Study: Exercise improves sleep and daytime awareness

Are residents having trouble sleeping at night and focusing during the day? Pump up their exercise regimen, suggests a study on the circadian rhythms of older adults. Read More »