Resident Care

Adding color to ICD-10 codes

A group of health information technology nerds enjoyed finding obscure and absurd ICD-10 codes like toxic effect of venom of bees, intentional self-harm. They thought others might, too, so they found their favorites, formed a publishing company and illustrated them for your amusement. Read More »

Calif. nursing home population growing younger

From 1994 to 2014, the population of California nursing home residents under age 65 increased by nearly 40 percent. So, too, did the number of reported problems directly related to the resident population mix.   Read More »

USF study: Brain exercise lets seniors drive on

University of South Florida researchers say certain types of brain exercise can improve reaction times, staving off cognitive decline and letting seniors hang onto a key piece of independence: a driver's license. Read More »

Focused Dementia Care Surveys: What You Need to Know

CMS is moving forward with new surveyor tools for facilities that offer dementia care. does your staff know how to document for the new survey? Read More »

mmLearn.org expands healthcare training video collection

The Web-based training company adds new training resources based on current trends and industry demand to fill employee healthcare training gaps, increase job satisfaction, reduce turnover and ultimately improve patient care.   Read More »

AMDA announces 2016-17 Board of Directors

AMDA enters spring with a new president, new board members and a new logo. Read More »

Nursing home antipsychotic drug rates slowly declining

The Long Term Care Community Coalition reviewed Medicare data to see how effective a federal campaign to reduce inappropriate antipsychotic drugging in nursing homes has been since it was launched fin 2012. There’s still a long way to go, the advocacy group found.  Read More »

A short stack a day may keep the Alzheimer’s away

New studies show eating blueberries improved brain function and activity in people with mild cognitive impairment. Pure maple syrup may prevent the formation of brain plaque and fibrillation of beta amyloid proteins. All of which is to say: eat to your health.  Read More »

Autumn Leaves launches music experience program at 40 memory care sites

The senior living chain is adding music experience outings to its individualized music in memory care program. Read More »

Recovering memories ‘lost’ by Alzheimer’s disease

People with early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can still make new memories, but a lack of sensory input connections prevent them from storing and later accessing those memories. Researchers tested a form of artificial stimulation that helped mice remember, suggesting potential new treatments.  Read More »

A lesson on Alzheimer’s disease

Children at one Denver school study the history of and write about Alzheimer’s disease. The multi-subject curriculum on memory care is designed to make children less scared and confused about what changes might be happening with an aging loved one.  Read More »

Medicare unveils Diabetes Prevention Program

Older Americans with a high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes may receive preventive treatment from an unlikely source: Medicare.  Read More »

Moving boxes—and hearts

One young man stopped to play a tune after finishing a moving job at a retirement community. That video has gone viral. Watch it, and you'll understand why. Read More »

The dental dilemma of natural teeth

Aging poses additional health risks to keeping those pearly whites, especially for seniors with their own teeth.  Read More »

Increased rate of polypharmacy, dangerous drug complications among seniors

One in six seniors regularly takes a potentially deadly combination of medications and dietary supplements, researchers found.  Read More »

Study: women live longer but lead less active lives than men

Women still have a longer life expectancy but they’re living longer with at least one disability that prevents them from doing at least one normal daily activity. IN comparison, men are living longer and more years without disability.  Read More »

Children jig for seniors this St. Patrick’s Day

Young Irish dancers remind residents at one Washington retirement and assisted living community the magic of the dance for St. Patrick’s Day.  Read More »

Gathering the gray cells

Editor-in-Chief Pamela Tabar jumps into the data pool to help find a cure for Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders. Have you checked out the Brain Health Registry yet? Read More »

Girl Scout Cookies for a cause

Girls from one Minnesota Girl Scout troop fundraised to buy and deliver 400 cookies to veterans at a local retirement community. Read More »

5 treatments seniors don’t want in later life

Many seniors’ health goals shift over time, and the focus on quality instead of quantity has some seniors and theri providers saying “no” to certain treatments. Read More »

Time to rethink guidelines for seniors with diabetes?

Researchers found it may be time to reconsider a medication plan for frail older adults with Type 2 diabetes.  Read More »

One in four seniors leave hospital, enter post-acute care with superbugs

Researchers found the number of seniors with superbugs on their hands increased during follow-up visits, suggesting new practices need to be implemented to curtail the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in nursing homes and post-acute care facilities.  Read More »

Paint me a memory

For people with cognitive impairment, a picture is worth more than any words. Read about memory care programs that harness the power of art to engage residents and help them express themselves. Read More »

Reduce Alzheimer’s risk by brushing your teeth

Researchers have found periodontitis, or gum disease, is associated with an increase in cognitive decline among people with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.  Read More »

Tony Hawk talks about Alzheimer’s disease

Skateboarder Tony Hawk shares his mother’s progression with Alzheimer's disease and encourages others to reach out and connect while there’s still time. Read More »

Amyloid distribution different in Alzheimer’s memory and language dementias

Researchers found the toxic beta-amyloid protein is distributed differently in people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a rare language dementia, versus the memory dementia in the early stages. That could result in more targeted treatment plans. Read More »

Report: Patient engagement has a long way to go

A startling number of people across adult age groups are nonchalant about engaging in their own health and wellness, according to new survey data from Frost & Sullivan. Read More »

Teaching today’s youth about aging

A course at UCLA teaches first-year college students about the aging process, how to relate to seniors and exposes them to new career possibilities.  Read More »

SNF blames hospital for resident hepatitis C outbreak

48 residents infected with hepatitis C dropped their charges against the nursing home and are now seeking damages in a lawsuit against a local acute care provider. Read More »

LTC residents at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is required for red blood cell formation, neurological function and DNA synthesis. B12 deficiency is common among seniors and can cause dementia, anemia and weight loss, among other adverse health effects. Read More »