The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is giving the reimbursement nod to a first-of-its-kind genetic test to help physicians choose the best medication to treat depression in older adults. Will this policy help solve the tricky task of treating depression in care settings plagued by polypharmacy and look-alike symptoms? Read More »
CMS recently updated the change of therapy requirements found in the RAI User’s Manual. Understanding the changes can ensure correct reimbursement and avoid miscalculations. Read More »
Surveillance cameras don’t always provide the proof a resident’s family was expecting—sometimes it is worse. Kathleen Mears offers a resident's view on this monitoring technology. Read More »
A documentary, a foundation and training materials for caregivers are arising from one man's wish to share "the gnarly truth" about dementia, and the filmmakers and family members who took up the challenge. Read More »
The effects of high levels of radon gas in homes and buildings across the United States pose a serious risk of developing lung cancer. Take time to test now. Read More »
Preserving continence is important to a resident’s dignity and self-esteem. Unfortunately, some residents have to rely on others to assist them and the timing might not always be convenient. Read More »
The media storm over the Ebola threat is creating fear and suspicion throughout the country. Being aware of the threat is smart, but being obsessed with the remote possibility of infection can be distracting. Read More »
Ebola is in the news, but those working in long-term care face a bigger threat to their health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a wealth of information on both. Read More »
For many people, autumn is their favorite time of year. The air is crisp, the foliage is brilliant and warm days still pop up occasionally, drawing residents outdoors. It is also the season when pollens, molds and other allergens contaminate the air and trigger allergic reactions. Read More »
Various conditions, including age, can affect how the body reacts to a psychotropic drug, such as Valium, as Kathleen Mears found out after decades of use. Read More »
Fighting resistant organisms takes strong tactics because of years of antibiotic abuse. Prevention protocols, adequate staffing and awareness are key to avoiding the creation of bigger, badder bugs. Read More »
Improved quality of life for residents and increased marketing opportunities for the campus are only a few of the advantages of raising the bar on your activities programming. Read More »
Gastrostomy tubes and other enteral devices are not advised for use in end-of-life or advance dementia situations because risks might outweigh the benefits, according to new report. Read More »
Facility transfers can be traumatic for a resident, especially if he or she is not included in the process. It can be upsetting to have to acclimate to an entirely new environment full of strangers and leave familiarity behind. Read More »
My two-day trip to upstate Massachusetts to visit a community instrumental in the 2014 OPTIMA Award changed my view of memory care programs and their ability to improve the lives of residents with dementia. Read More »
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued two contracts in an effort to enable healthcare professionals to diagnose influenza sooner and more accurately. Read More »
Facilities need to take action to make headway against Clostridium difficile infection, according to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. New research provides additional insights into the intestinal superbug. Read More »
The increasing use of electrical equipment in areas where patients/residents receive treatment has increased the need for more electrical outlets to accommodate the appliances/devices. Read More »
The following account illustrates the importance of screening before hiring. Bad employees can ruin a facility’s reputation and a resident’s quality of life. Read More »
Benchmark Senior Living, the winner of the 2014 Long-Term Living OPTIMA Award, uses set routines in the morning to get its memory care residents off to a good start each day. Read More »
The American Physical Therapy Association, as part of the Choosing Wisely campaign, has released a list of five practices it says are of questionable value to those undergoing physical therapy. Read More »
Coaching residents who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on three coping techniques can boost their quality of life and can even improve physical symptoms, new research has found. And technology can make the approach relatively low-cost. Read More »
Coverage of Long-Term Living's 2014 OPTIMA Award winner—including the main article, companion articles, photos, video and a blog—are gathered here for your convenience. Read More »
Unlike their grandparents, many of today's seniors keep their teeth well into their advanced years. Caring for their dental issues requires dentists to have an understanding of how to deliver optimum oral care to this demographic. Read More »
Keeping reading skills honed helps those with dementia stay focused throughout the day. Benchmark Senior Living, the 2014 winner of Long-Term Living's OPTIMA Award, uses hundreds of reading booklets to keep residents' minds engaged in learning new things. Read More »
