Resident Care

Strength through collaboration

A skilled nursing facility and a local hospital in Pennsylvania team up to bridge the patient's transition from acute to a post-acute setting while delivering effective wound care. Read More »

Study: Do ‘soft’ floors reduce falls?

Trips, stumbles and falls can result in serious injury, especially for an older adult who might have balance issues or improper footwear or who might be using a cane or walker incorrectly. Read More »

Craving french fries

Since mealtimes are so important to residents, a successful dining program should consider preferences and be sure to have enough of the most popular food items on hand. Read More »

Cognitive health subject of new IOM report

Healthcare professionals must be prepared to provide guidance to older adults and their families as the population ages, according to a new report from the Institute of Medicine. Read More »

The role of therapy in dementia care

Hear the words “dementia care” and you’re likely to think of nurses and nurses’ aides. Physical, occupational and speech-language therapists can play a role in caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, however, Carmen Vitton says. Read More »

2015 Leaders of Tomorrow: Dayne DuVall, LMT, CAEd, CRTS

Those who meet Dayne DuVall are immediately struck by his zeal for excellence in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. If you haven’t met him yet, chances are you will. Read More »

2015 Leaders of Tomorrow: Deborah Platt, RN, BSN, DON-CLTC

Some career paths can be circuitous as this clinical manager discovered. Through leadership, compassion and continuing involvement in the long-term care industry, this honoree and her staff continue to give their residents rich and fulfilling lives. Read More »

AMDA honors three

AMDA–The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine and the AMDA Foundation honored three medical directors at AMDA’s recent annual meeting. Read More »

2015 Leaders of Tomorrow: Michael C. LaFerney, RN, PMHCNS-BC

This clinical nurse specialist provides quality care to the residents he serves, helps colleagues around the country and around the world with his research and other writings, and is priming another generation for long-term care as an adjunct professor at a nearby college. Read More »

Stroke recovery centers get new walking therapy

Two companies are partnering to expand the use of a walking-assist device to stroke rehabilitation centers. Read More »

Physical therapy efforts may be thwarted by copay

Physical therapy is just as effective as surgery for treating an impairment common with aging, but some older adults may forego the less invasive option because of Medicare copayments, a recent study found. Read More »

Partnership integrates wander management, security systems

Two companies will combine strengths of their wander management solutions through systems integration. Read More »

CMS to expand focused dementia care surveys

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will expand its use of a targeted dementia care survey in fiscal year 2015, the agency relayed in a recent memo to state survey agency directors. Read More »

Thyroid drug interaction

Medications have to be coordinated to achieve the best results for the individual. Kathleen Mears’ blog illustrates the importance of a periodic medication review. Read More »

Infection control is focus of workshops

The Advancing Excellence in Long-Term Care Collaborative will present the two-hour workshop “Disrupt Infections: Creating a Community of Prevention” in 29 cities as part of the Dr. Bill Thomas’ Age of Disruption Tour. Read More »

Several Connecticut nursing homes are fined by state

Abuse, non-reporting of incidents and slow response to a resident in pain are the basis for fines handed down by the Connecticut Department of Public Health in February. Read More »

Trained staff enhance the resident experience

Ramp up staff knowledge and create buy-in to improve resident experiences by using the latest training programs and approaches. Read More »

Study: Mexican American elders live longer, but often with a disability

A new study explores the patterns of functional decline of Mexican Americans as they age and the implications for their families. Read More »

Knowledge of Alzheimer’s diagnosis empowers people, association says

Disclosing a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease permits people to plan for the future and maximum the benefits of therapy, yet a new report finds that such diagnoses are revealed in only 45 percent of cases. Read More »

Major drug retailers named in FDA complaint

The quality of manufacture and efficacy may be called into question when the country of origin is a mystery to the user. Made in U.S.A. Foundation stresses the importance of labeling medications and supplements. Read More »

Vitamin D and exercise reduce injuries but not falls, says clinical trial

A recent study assessed the efficacy of vitamin D and exercise in preventing falls, the leading cause of injuries and fractures in older adults. Read More »

Inside an isolation order

Suffering from a UTI is uncomfortable experience. Couple that with MRSA and the illness becomes a tactical challenge in infection control. Read More »

AMDA adds 5 guidelines to Choosing Wisely campaign

AMDA–The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine has announced the 2015 guidelines for the Choosing Wisely campaign, which highlights medical tests and procedures that may be unnecessary and even harmful to older adults. Read More »

Nurse leaders improve dementia care

By educating staff, experienced nurse leaders are instrumental in the transformation of memory care communities into life-affirming homes for residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Read More »

Antipsychotics may hasten death in those with dementia

Drugs prescribed to address behavioral issues in older adults with dementia may hasten their deaths more than previously realized, according to a new study. Read More »

Act would expand nurse role in home health

Advanced practice registered nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives and physician assistants would be allowed to order home health services under Medicare in accordance with state law under legislation being considered by Congress. Read More »

Side effects of opioid painkillers increase risk for seniors

Are opioid painkillers safer and more effective than over-the-counter medications in the senior population? A National Safety Council white paper looks at both sides of the question. Read More »

Dementia focus of WHO conference

Government officials and others from around the world have gathered in Switzerland to discuss the global problems posed by dementia at a World Health Organization meeting. Read More »

5 tips for managing shingles pain

Not all childhood memories are pleasant. Catching the chickenpox was a bummer, but you got over it. The angry red spots and itchiness went away, but chickenpox left a souvenir—the herpes zoster virus. Read More »

Friday is National Day of Recognition for LTC Physicians

AMDA–The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine has resources you can use to show appreciation to the long-term care physicians with whom you work. Read More »