Resident Care

Researchers: Simple blood test can predict onset of Alzheimer’s

Scientists have found a set of genes that should function properly for healthy aging in people who are 65 years old. Read More »

Targeting patient safety through IT

Long-term care organizations are eligible to apply for AHRQ funding to research the development of IT tools to improve resident safety. Read More »

Lawsuit alleges cover up in resident injury case

A California memory care facility has been accused of poor wander management, then hiding the resident's hip injury. Read More »

Gene mutation may delay Alzheimer’s up to a decade

Research finds protein levels that control inflammation may also control onset age of Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »

Popular Alzheimer’s drug now available in generic patch

A drug used to treat mild cognitive impairment will now be cheaperand easier to administer. Read More »

Kudos to caregivers

Monday, September 7, is the annual celebration of America’s working citizens. This country was built by hard-working individuals who put their backs into their jobs. Read More »

Getting AFOs repaired

When ankle braces wear out or degrade, getting them back into shape takes more than a simple trip to the local shoemaker. Maintenance and adjustments take time and the services of a good orthotist. Read More »

Word-matching test may help determine risk for Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers have discovered that word association abilities may reveal who is at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »

Type 2 diabetes may encourage neurodegeneration separate from Alzheimer’s

A new study in Neurology finds that diabetes and brain tangles are separate from Alzheimer's disease. Read More »

One-on-one with…Montgomery Ostrander

Tree of Life Elder Care founder Montgomery Ostrander discusses how his organization has integrated mental health services with therapeutic and holistic programming for residents of its four group homes in California. Read More »

Healthy weight at midlife may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease

Research finds being overweight at age 50 may accelerate the onset of symptoms for people who later develop Alzheimer ’s disease. Read More »

MatrixCare to release clinical analytics for CMS benchmarks

Electronic Health Records provider MatrixCare debuts new dashboard to measure and compare the most current CMS benchmark data. Read More »

GAO to conduct review of Nursing Home Compare tool

After being scrutinized by senators in three states, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) has agreed to conduct a review of the Nursing Home Compare tool. Read More »

Reducing readmissions: The hospice factor

One nursing home reduced its avoidable hospital visits by educating its residents and families on the role of hospice care—including the importance of respecting a resident's wishes to die in peace rather than be subject to aggressive hospital intervention at the end of life. Read More »

California SNF and two staff charged with involuntary manslaughter

California Attorney General has filed involuntary manslaughter charges against a skilled nursing and wellness center for failing to provide requisite nursing care to a resident resulting in his death. Read More »

Food as an activity

Everyone likes to snack occasionally, but when residents eat because of boredom it can become hazardous to their health. Read More »

Study: Exercise time isn’t linked to cognition fitness

Research has shown a correlation between intensity, duration and frequency of workouts to overall physical fitness. The same doesn’t necessarily apply for cognition, a new study found.  Read More »

Seniors and alcohol use

An alcoholic beverage can be a relaxing and social experience. For some seniors, however, alcohol consumption can become problematic. Read More »

Racial divide in hospice use, care directives continues to grow

Kaiser Health News reports only a third of African American Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in hospice before death, compared to half of white beneficiaries.  Read More »

The anatomy of a team

What does “cross-discipline team care” really mean? The 2015 OPTIMA Award winning site has created a model for reducing hospitalizations by involving every staffer—from physicians and nurses to the housekeeping staff—in the endeavor of quality care for an extremely high-acuity resident population. Read More »

CMS announces initiative to improve care in nursing homes

The new initiative provides funding to would allow nursing homes to test a new payment model. Read More »

Study: Memory problems may start three years before dementia diagnosis

New research finds residents may start losing their memory as many as three years before they're diagnosed with dementia. Read More »

2015 World Alzheimer Report: 5 stats you should know

Alzheimer's Disease International has released its 2015 report on the global impact of dementia. Read More »

2015 OPTIMA Award: A breath for life

This year's OPTIMA Award winner, Silvercrest Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, Briarwood, N.Y., has slashed its hospitalizations despite having one of the highest acuity rates in its region. Long-Term Living's Pamela Tabar spent two days visiting the site and learning how the SNF is using collaborative care teams, customized electronic documentation and early-intervention tools to keep its unique resident population out of the hospital. Read More »

SNFs repond to the new MDS-focused survey process

Have you experienced this new surveyor process yet? Be ready for scrutiny of your ADL services and documentation. Read More »

MA nursing homes must meet standards to advertise dementia care

Massachusetts nursing homes are no longer allowed to advertise memory care services unless they meet specific state standards for care. Will this become a trend nationwide? Read More »

Federal court upholds wage laws for home health workers

The law guarantees overtime and minimum wage protection to home healthcare workers. Read More »

Study: Working long hours increases stroke risk

People putting in long hours at work may be increasing their chance of stroke by one-third. Read More »

Tableware design helps those with cognitive impairments eat better

Designer Sha Yao has created tableware for those with cognitive, physcial and motor impairments. Read More »

Power chair challenges: Part 2

In Part 1, resident blogger Kathleen Mears shared her frustration when a motorized wheelchair did not accommodate her needs or became inoperable. In this installment, she shares more impacts when her assistive device doesn't work as it should. Read More »