Resident Care

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 »

Onsite dialysis service

As the face of aging continues to morph, a new generation of seniors looks for long-term care services that go beyond room and board. Read More »

We have the flu beat

Long-Term Living and I have been named 2014–2015 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Flu Vaccination Digital Ambassadors, a formal acknowledgement of the efforts we have made and are making to keep you informed of best practices and trends related to the flu. Read More »

Nursing home penalties top $100 million

An examination of recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Nursing Home Compare data generates disturbing insights on the number of fines levied on skilled nursing facilities. Read More »

IOM looks deep into end-of-life care

The Institute of Medicine's recent report, "Dying in America," is the jump-point for new national discussions on how to improve care delivery near the end of life. Read More »

State is in the house

Not only does a SNF survey cause long-term care staff concern, but residents witness the process firsthand to see how the care they receive is evaluated. Read More »

Home health quality up in several areas, AHHQI data reveal

Some diagnosis-related rehospitalizations have decreased among home healthcare recipients, according to new data, which also reveal improved quality in several areas. Read More »

Software reduces psychotropic drug use in seniors with dementia

A computer program for long-term care residents with dementia can lower the use of psychotropic drugs. Read More »

Is a lift assist a community emergency?

One community finds its firefighters performing assistance tasks that should be addressed by caregivers or staff at skilled nursing facilities. Read More »

Alarms: A safety must or maybe?

A skilled nursing facility in a New York hospital has removed bed/chair fall alarm systems to becoming an alarm-free care setting in an innovative program to improve residents' quality of care and quality of life. Read More »

Don’t get caught in the OTC medication maze

Supplements and “natural” products are flying off the shelves of America’s drug and health stores. Are they hype or health? Read More »

Why ‘Still Alice’ is a valentine to caregivers

You’ll nod in recognition during many scenes in “Still Alice.” The film helps elucidate Alzheimer’s disease for those unfamiliar with it, and it has the potential for longer-term benefits, too. Read More »

OIG study: CMS, keep an eye on hospices in assisted living

In its hospice payment reform efforts, CMS is keeping a close eye on hospice care in assisted living. Read More »

Working at moving out, Part 2

Mindy and CG are planning carefully for reentering the community at large. Kathleen Mears updates readers on the couple's progress. Read More »

Partnership offers new tracking systems for dementia wandering

Partnering companies are developing a smart solution to track those with cognitive disorders.  Read More »

More than $220 billion in savings predicted with Alzheimer’s advances

The United States could save $220 billion within the first five years of a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease being introduced, as well as reduce the number of people affected by the disease by 2.5 million, according to a new report. Read More »