Resident Care

Key to continuity of care a single doctor

A piece in the Journal of the American Medical Association found high-risk older adults benefit from having a phsyician follow them throughout their continuum of care from the hospital to the skilled nursing facility to home.  Read More »

Firefighters heat things up at ALF

Arizona firefighters delivered flowers to more than 50 female residents at an assisted living facility this Valentine's Day.  Read More »

Rx for obesity

Medicare has long invested in the coverage of prescription drugs to treat chronic diseases. But a growing number of people think Medicare is missing the boat by not covering medications used to treat obesity. Read More »

Say what? Hearing loss increases risk of dementia

Older adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia, research suggests. Read More »

‘Cautious optimism’ over decline in dementia cases

Researchers have noticed a steady decline in dementia cases in the 40 years between the 1970s and the 2000s, but the rising numbers of older adults will keep the battle with other types of dementia top of mind for many years to come, notes longitudinal study data in the New England Journal of Medicine. Read More »

I (still) do: Memory care center hosts vow renewals

The Valentine’s Day spirit was in full force at Stoneybrook Memory Care in McKinney, Texas, as dementia care residents and their spouses renewed their marriage vows and their commitments to stay together despite the disease. Read More »

CA judge halts end-of-life decision making for incompetent nursing home residents

A judge rules physicians are no longer able to make end-of-life decisions for nursing home residents, citing the 1992 state law violates residents' constitutional rights.  Read More »

Canada takes on violence in LTC communities

Ontario’s long-term care communities ask for the government’s help as aggression and violent deaths among nursing home residents continue to rise. Read More »

Don’t call me ‘honey’: Avoiding elderspeak

When it comes to culture change, put your awareness where your mouth is. What you say—and how you say it—affects the dynamics of staff/resident relationships, especially in dementia care. Read More »

ADA issues guidance on managing diabetes in LTC

The American Diabetes Association has issued its first position on managing diabetes in long term care facilities in response to the growing number of residents with type 2 diabetes.  Read More »

Tonight in Holly’s world

Resident blogger Kathleen Mears talks about a fellow resident with memory loss who is reliving her younger days as a nurse by trying to care for other residents. Read More »

Seniors have a new way get around town with Uber

grandPad, a tablet designed for seniors, has partnered with Uber to help seniors catch a ride while maintaining their mobility and independent. Read More »

A glove that reduces Parkinson’s tremors

A medical student designed a glove to give back control topeople with Parkinson's disease. The glove uses gyroscopes to steady hand movement, allowing people to feed themselves again. Read More »

FDA clears new tests to diagnose, treat vestibular disorder

Hearing and balance manufacturer GN Otometrics has developed a series of tests to help balance professionals diagnose and treat Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.  Read More »

Reducing brain inflammation could reduce Alzheimer’s risk

A new study found maintaining normal immune cell levels could protect against Alzheimer's disease. Read More »

Obesity and dementia

Scientists dig deeper into the reasons why obesity hurts the brain by altering the genes responsible for making memories. Read More »

Md. retirement community made the most of Jonas

We’ve seen the images and, in some cases, experienced Winter Storm Jonas firsthand. But here’s one snow story you haven’t seen. Read More »

Company aims to help seniors get plugged in

Breezie is a touch screen tablet interface designed specifically for seniors. The U.K.-based company announced its American expansion and plans to meet with senior living executives across the country.  Read More »

CMS examines racial, ethnic disparities in healthcare

Racial and ethnic minority populations are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days for certain chronic conditions. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is exploring the relationship readmission rates and diversity. Read More »

Stewards of social work

Social work interns are assets to long-term care facilities. They can help bridge gaps and facilitate conversations among departments, residents and loved ones. They can help pick up slack and breathe new life into a team whose members are often overworked and understaffed.  Read More »

Nursing home operator loses license following sexual abuse investigation

The Nursing Home Administrators board forced a nursing home operator to surrender his license following repeated unreported incidents of sexual abuse. Read More »

Botox approved for lower limb spasticity

The latest FDA approval could open new doors for treatment of Parkinson's disease, stroke and brain injury, while improving gait and the ability to perform activities of daily living. Read More »

Crafting for a cause

A group of women meet weekly at a Maryland long-term care (LTC) facility to knit or crochet for the needy. Members of Hugs and Stitches made and donated 2,480 hats, scarves and afghans in 2015 to local Baltimore area nonprofits.   Read More »

Former model B. Smith publishes Alzheimer’s memoir

B. Smith and her husband tell the story of her diagnosis and decline from mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease in a new book intended to raise awareness about the disease among the African-American community. Read More »

Nursing home on the range

An Australian nursing home provider has opened a facility on a farm to appeal to people who like animals and gardening. It's the latest example of how providers are trying to offer value and amenities while distinguishing themselves in the marketplace.   Read More »

JAMDA study IDs readmission spike

Better coordination between hospitals and post-acute care facilities could reduce patient readmission to hospitals and mortality rates. Read More »

A tail-wagging, feel-good study

Researchers tried to quantify the mental and physical health benefits of pet ownership among older LGBT adults, particularly those in assisted living facilities, retirement homes or rental apartments. A majority of pet owners said their fur babies keep them active, help them meet people and offer unconditional love.  Read More »

Utah state bill would allow in-room resident monitoring

A proposed state bill would allow Utah assisted living residents to install monitoring equipment in their rooms. Surveillance is intended to protect residents from abuse and theft, but it raises even more questions about safety and privacy.  Read More »

Brain Health Registry gets a boost

Thanks to a new partnership, the Brain Health Registry, a global online registry of volunteers who are taking part in data-gathering to uncover new clues about Alzheimer’s disease and how to treat it, could have thousands of new enrollees by fall. Read More »

A urine test for Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers found urinary odor signatures can change as a result of build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.   Read More »