Resident Care

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 »

New online Alzheimer’s course for direct care staff

The National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care (NCBAC) is an allied healthcare board certification organization for professional caregivers who care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Read More »

AARP Innovation Fund aims to improves lives of seniors with tech

AARP and J.P. Morgan Asset Management will provide $40 million in assets to companies focusing on improving the lives of people ages 50 and older. Read More »

Germ Warfare: Reduce antibiotic misuse

Antibiotic misuse is a growing problem in skilled nursing settings. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention have issued new recommendations to improve infection prevention programs. Read More »

Achy afternoons

As we age, our bodies send signals that it wants to rest and regroup. For some residents, however, comfort involves more than putting one’s feet up or taking a nap. Read More »

CMS releases v1.13 of the RAI User’s Manual

The newly released RAI includes ICD-10 coding information and other clarifications. Read More »

Man sues nursing home for infection resulting in penile amputation

Man alleges gross negligence against a nursing home for failing to treat a catheter infection that led to gangrene and life-threatening septic shock.  Read More »

Not all brain functions wane with age, researchers discover

Cognitive decline has long been associated with brain plaque and lessened neurological activity, but some parts of the brain actually increase activity as they age. Can scientists harness this for future Alzheimer's therapies? Read More »

Tech-savvy seniors and longevity

In many cases, tech-savvy seniors are healthier, but why? An Austin, Texas initiative will study the impact of tech connectivity on senior health and longevity. Read More »

Protecting patients with diabetes

A simple task such as diabetes testing can open the doors to infection in a long-term care facility if not handled judiciously. Read More »

Celebrate National Gerontological Nursing Week

Hats off to these compassionate nursing professionals who care for our nation’s elders.  It’s time to recognize and appreciate the selfless work they do. Read More »

A genetic cause

In addition to her paralysis, resident blogger Kathleen Mears has other medical issues to deal with. She shares her story about battling breast cancer. Read More »

Former nursing assistant pleads guilty to resident rape

A male former nursing assistant has pleaded guilty to raping a female resident with severe dementia in 2014. Read More »

Preventing falls in time for fall

The Merck Manuals professional site highlights content on how to avoid falls among the elderly for Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Read More »

Census: Senior women have higher poverty rate than men

The United States Census Income and Poverty report found 14.7 percent of women over at 75 are living in poverty. Read More »

Researchers find link between stress and Alzheimer’s development

While stress is usually associated with the development of depression, anxiety and more, researchers have also found a connection between stress and the development of Alzheimer's disease. Read More »

New guidelines for fracture prevention in LTC communities

Canadian researchers issue updated recommendations to reduce fractures in frail residents at LTC facilities. Read More »

A malfunctioning power chair and the loss of independence

A power chair represents freedom to someone with a disability. But if the mechanism fails, losing that mobility can be frustrating. Read More »

Reducing falls by tackling incontinence

Many falls occur when high-risk residents attempts to toilet themselves, especially in the middle of the night.  A Baltimore SNF has become the first in the United States to test a new technology from Australia designed to predict incontinence and solve the toileting before a fall can occur. Read More »

Three-drug combination found to treat MRSA

New research shows that a combination of three antibiotics could be helpful in fighting MRSA. Read More »

Report: Are too many ‘repeat offender’ SNFs still accepting new residents?

The Coalition for Quality Care releases a new report citing repeat violations in nursing homes across the nation. Read More »

Is teledentistry coming to a senior living community near you?

The University of the Pacific is working on a teledentistry initiative that aims to bring preventive dental care to underserved Californians in senior housing communities. Read More »

CDC releases guidance to help nursing homes combat antibiotic-resistant infections

CDC data indicates that up to 75 percent of antibiotics prescribed in nursing homes are given incorrectly. This new tool encourages antibiotic stewardship in nursing homes. Read More »

Regulators: 13 Massachusetts nurses commit license fraud

State regulators revoked or suspended the licenses of 13 nurses after discovering that the caregivers lied about having nursing degrees or being licensed in other states. Read More »

PICC wisely: New best practice guidelines for catheters and IVs

New guidelines call for more justification, better criteria for the long-term use of PICCs and other types of intravenous catheters. How can nursing homes apply the best practices to improve resident safety? Read More »

The Joint Commission launches antibiotics awareness campaign

The agency’s new educational program aims to curb inappropriate antibiotic use by helping residents and families understand what antibiotics can—and can't—do. Read More »

Study: Women bear the brunt of Alzheimer’s care costs

A new study finds women bear six times the burden of cost for Alzheimer's disease care, per capita, than men do. Read More »

Residents, caregivers celebrate National Assisted Living Week

Activities are underway to recognize comprehensive, person-centered care. Read More »

Aide training days

Nothing beats on-the-job experience. A resident, especially one with physical challenges, can teach a new CNA valuable lessons in providing care. Read More »

Seniors and teens: Multigenerational meetups matter

Finding enriching activities to keep seniors engaged might be easier than you think--just involve the teens. Researchers say it’ll be healthy for everyone. Read More »