Resident Care

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 »

AGS releases position statement on LGBT care

Those who care for older adults can lead efforts to ensure fair and equitable treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals subject to discrimination, according to a new position statement from the American Geriatrics Society. Read More »

Infection control and the culture of safety

Infection prevention is about much more than hand-washing, and many skilled nursing facilities are re-examining their infection control processes under the culture of safety. Read More »

Skin test could help detect Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s

A skin test that detects abnormal proteins could be used to detect Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.  Read More »

DICE model provides alternative to drugs for dementia

Researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School and Johns Hopkins University share a strategy designed to calm the behavior of those with dementia in the British Medical Journal. Read More »

CDC, FDA discuss flu vaccine effectiveness, prepare for next year

This year's flu vaccine has had an overall effectiveness of 19 percent, according to the CDC. With an eye toward next year, the FDA has recommended a trivalent vaccine that includes two strains that were not part of this year's vaccine. Read More »

Health system expands integrative medicine to long-term care

A Philadelphia area health system is expanding its integrative medicine program beyond hospital patients to include those in long-term care, outpatient care and home care, as well as caregivers. Read More »

When privacy matters

There are times when a resident just needs to be alone. But can what goes on behind locked doors compromise safety? Read More »

Medicare plan launches addiction services for seniors

Independence at Home, operated by SCAN Health Plan, has added a new program for older adults that provides screening, assessment, counseling, brief therapy and action planning for individuals who may be misusing alcohol, drugs or prescription medication. Read More »

Trading spaces

How one continuing care retirement community tackled campus-wide changes to embrace memory care services and to integrate quality care with dementia-friendly settings. Read More »

GAO: Expand cuts in antipsychotic drug use

Assisted living communities and home health agencies will be some of the next frontiers for the federal government’s efforts to reduce the use of antipsychotic medications in those with dementia, following a recommendation from the Government Accountability Office. Read More »

CDC program to prevent needlestick injury

Injections, blood draws and some testing procedures expose healthcare personnel to the risk of a sharps injury. A sharps prevention program is key to preventing the spread of blood-borne pathogens. Read More »

Unappetizing blood draws

Getting tasks or treatments completed on time can be challenging in a nursing home. But when it happens, staff should find a common-sense solution to make up for lost time without disrupting residents' activities. Read More »

Flu antiviral meds still underutilized, CDC says

Influenza antiviral drugs continue to be severely underutilized in some high-risk people, according to a new study by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read More »

Annual flu vaccine still needed, CDC advisory panel says

The committee that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention met Feb. 26 and renewed its recommendation that everyone aged six or more months continue to be vaccinated against influenza annually. Read More »