Resident Care

Treatment the leading threat to elderly patient safety

The greatest threat to older patients’ safety in primary care is the risk of treatment itself, according to research from New Zealand. Read More »

Low vitamin D levels a dementia risk factor for darker-skinned individuals

Researchers found participants with low vitamin D levels experienced cognitive decline at a rate three times faster than those with adequate vitamin D levels, a concern because darker-skinned people have more difficulty absorbing the vitamin naturally from the sun and were found to have lower dietary intake.  Read More »

A light-duty aide’s challenges

A long-term caregiver doesn’t realize importance manual dexterity plays in meeting residents’ needs until the ability to use both hands is compromised. Read More »

IU awarded $2.2M grant to study end-of-life planning tool

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis will study the use of an advance-care planning tool that will help ensure residents' end-of-life treatment preferences are upheld. Read More »

Robotic pets are beneficial to people with dementia

They don’t shed. make you sneeze or scratch, but robotic pets provide ongoing benefits to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Read More »

HHS Alzheimer’s Advisory Council welcomes six new members

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care and Services announced its new members this week. The council advises the HHS secretary on federal programs for people who have Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Read More »

Pain management and dementia

Delivering person-centered dementia care includes thinking outside the (pill) box and finding new ways to assess and address pain. Read More »

Stanford Hospital to conduct study on pressure ulcer prevention

Stanford Hospital will study patient turning and will help coordinate and optimize efforts to prevent pressure ulcers. Read More »

UPMC honors leader in senior mental health

One of the nation’s most respected universities for geriatric medicine honors a champion of senior mental health and brain wellness. Read More »

Managing anticoagulants

Anticoagulants like warfarin are very effective in reducing dangerous blood clots. But without proper monitoring and quick intervention when dosage changes are needed, these drugs can lead to hospitalizations or worse. Read More »

Cancer drug could reverse Parkinson’s and dementia

A drug that has already been approved to treat leukemia has been found to dramatically reduce symptoms of Parkinson's and dementia. Read More »

Reexamine elopement risk assessments

Your answers to five questions may reveal that your program is missing key risk factors in keeping your residents safe from wandering. Read More »

A facility in flux

Nothing is as sure as change, especially when it comes to staffing in a long-term care facility. And residents do notice the change. Read More »

Quality memory care visits

Visiting relatives with dementia can be especially difficult for families, but caregivers can guide families toward more productive ways to interact with their loved ones. Read More »

Parkinson’s research: Summer Student Fellowships announced

The Parkinson's Disease Foundation and the American Parkinson's Disease Association announce new fellowships that provide opportunities for medical students to participate in Parkinson’s research. Read More »

Resident engagement across the globe

An activity professional in the United Kingdom travels to the United States and Australia to share ideas on resident engagement. Read More »

Study recommends combining physical therapy exercise treatments to improve patient outcomes

People with knee osteoarthritis benefit from exercise therapy sessions spread out over the course of a year compared to consecutive sessions, according to new research. Read More »

Blue light benefits people with Alzheimer’s disease

Low flat lighting in nursing homes and assisted living communities reduces the brain’s ability to process light in people suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »

What is the most common misconception about dementia?

After reviewing 40 research articles from 15 different countries, researchers found that the general public has a limited understanding of dementia.  Read More »

High-dose flu shot reduces hospitalization for nursing home residents

Hospital admission was down 1.2 percent for those who received high-dose flu vaccine compared to those who received standard dose, according to findings from the largest nursing home study of its kind. Read More »

Underweight people face higher dementia risk

Researchers have found that people who are underweight or even on the low side of normal weight in their middle ages run a higher risk of dementia as they age. Read More »

Snoring, sleep apnea linked to symptoms of diabetes

Sleeping disorders become more common as people age with many older adults exhibiting the symptoms of diabetes, study finds. Read More »

Researchers find gene that may prevent Parkinson’s, dementia

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, have discovered that non-inheritable Parkinson's disease may be caused by changes in the immune regulating gene Interferon-beta. Read More »

Research identifies three distinct subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease

New findings could lead to more highly targeted research and potential new treatments for people with Alzheimer's disease. Read More »

When strange things happen

Trying to make a resident room seem homelike is a challenge, especially if there are no places to display favorite items and treasures. Read More »

Chocolate may be good for brain health

Research suggests the sweet treat helps prevent against accumulation of toxic protein in the brain that can impair cognition. Read More »

The case for carotenoids

Every child is told to eat their carrots and green, leafy vegetables because they are good for your eyes. Guess what? New study agrees. Read More »

CMS launches ACO kidney dialysis model

The new accountable care organization model creates a shared-cost program for end-stage renal disease. Read More »

Family to sue Illinois nursing home over morphine incident

An incident involving six residents rushed to the hospital resulted in one death. Family accuses the facility and a nurse of negligence. Read More »

Researchers find increased use of opioids in seniors with COPD

Researchers raise safety concerns about the increasing rate of new opioid use among seniors with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Read More »