Resident Care

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 »

New resident is the talk of the nursing home

In just a few months, Sammy has become Mt Lofty Heights’ most popular resident. Staff and family say he brings a smile to their faces and has brought everyone together.  Read More »

Connecting nursing home staff with clinicians to reduce antipsychotic use

A new study found residents with Alzheimer’s disease were less likely to be restrained or medicated at nursing homes where frontline staff spoke regularly with memory care specialists, suggesting quality outcomes can improve with expert intervention.  Read More »

Getting stiff

Getting that handy touchpad laptop made life seem easier, but it wasn't so great for her hand's range of motion, says SNF resident blogger Kathleen Mears. Read More »

Senate proposes $400M increase for dementia research

The Senate announced a proposal $400 million increase in Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding at the National Institutes of Health, surpassing a record increase of $350 million in 2015. Read More »

FDA recommends reducing sodium intake

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued draft guidance to reduce sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams per day. One in three Americans has high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Read More »

College student will keep singing for supper at CCRC

The artist in residence program has been such a success that an Iowa continuing care retirement community will allow a college student to spend another semester living with residents.  Read More »

Falls risk higher for women, multitaskers

Can’t walk and chew gum at the same time? Multitasking increases falls risks, especially in women, a new JAMDA study shows. Read More »

Alzheimer’s, falls among unexpected killers

Data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows there are some distinct causes of death that warrant public attention, preventive programs and classification reconsideration.   Read More »

First documented U.S. case of E. Coli superbug

Researchers have documented the first known U.S. case of an E. coli  bacteria with the resistance gene mcr-1. But researchers worry that if the hard-wired resistance spreads, it could change the face of the bacterial battle for good. Read More »

Waiting for a new power chair

SNF resident blogger Kathleen Mears relates how shopping for a new power chair can include a lot of adjustments and a lot of waiting. Read More »

Immune cells may protect against Alzheimer’s

New research has found that clusters of immune cells may reduce amyloid plaque formation, thereby reducing the damaging effects of Alzheimer’s disease.  Read More »

Nursing home pageant celebrates beauty at every age

A 100-year-old woman has been crowned the Missouri District 2 Ms. Nursing Home beauty pageant. She has the chance to seek the state title at the annual Missouri Health Care Association pageant in August.  Read More »

Mass. VA builds park for veterans with Alzheimer’s

A new park next to a Boston-area Veterans Affairs Medical Center is a serene and secure space for veterans with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia to roam.  Read More »