Resident Care

44% of assisted living residents visiting EDs have malnutrition: study

Results of a recent study may have you thinking about offering malnutrition screening to residents, as well as helping to address underlying issues. Read More »

Meeting the new dining standards

What’s for dinner? Are you planning and serving residents meals that are in line with the new dining standards? A new toolkit helps to implement these requirements. Read More »

FDA approves colorectal cancer test

The FDA has approved the first stool-based colorectal screening test, and CMS is proposing covering it under some circumstances, but the USPSTF currently doesn't recommend it. Read More »

Credentialing organization seeks dementia caregivers for survey

The National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care will use responses to set benchmarks, inform its certification exams and assist policymakers. Read More »

When ALS hits close to home

Long-term care residents know the comfort that expressions of love and compassion can bring. When problems arise for family and friends, residents are eager to support others in their times of need.  Read More »

ACIP offers recommendation on pneumonia vaccine

It’s nearing that time of the year again when it's important to review your residents’ history of vaccinations and to schedule the various inoculations, including pneumonia, that will protect them from infections in the coming months. Read More »

Long-term, post-acute care companies support Gay Games

Businesses with ties to older adults are supporting the international Gay Games being held this week. Read More »

Robin Williams had Parkinson’s, widow says

Robin Williams was dealing with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease when he died of an apparent suicide Monday, his widow revealed today in a statement released to media outlets. Read More »

Licensure for some Texas nursing homes under the microscope

In Texas, some nursing homes with serious violations have avoided penalties without correcting violations, according to a recent report by the Texas Sunset Commision. Read More »

Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia have more in common than previously thought

New research may change the way Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia are diagnosed and treated. Read More »

Country’s first substance abuse progam for SNF residents opens in NY

New York senior healthcare chain is opening the country’s first substance abuse program integrated with the skilled nursing setting. Read More »

Anyone for hummus?

Appetites change, and dietary requirements might need adjustment, but meals always should be appetizing and healthful. A little creativity in the kitchen also is a plus. Read More »

Teen’s invention will help those with Alzheimer’s

An 15-year-old invents a sensor system for those living with Alzheimer's disease.  Read More »

Excess weight a plus in surviving sepsis infection

Maintaining a healthy weight might not be helpful for a senior with a sepsis infection, according to a new study. Excess weight can help the body fight infection. Read More »

PBA is nothing to laugh about

It is estimated that one in 10 nursing home residents is affected by a neurologic condition known as pseudobulbar affect. Read More »

How to prevent bed rail entrapment

When bed rails ensnare residents, one of two culprits is likely, according to new research. Read More »

Practice to protect

Staff readiness to react to a natural disaster or dangerous situations is imperative in long-term care environments. Read More »

Reduce HAIs by bumping fists instead of shaking hands

In interactions with residents, families and co-workers, if you replace handshakes and high fives with fist bumps, you’ll transmit significantly fewer bacteria and may prevent the spread of healthcare-acquired infections, according to a recent study. Read More »

A surprise transport

Not only distance but transportation arrangements can make a trip to the doctor’s office a logistical nightmare for a person with disabilities. Read More »

They’re older and loving it

Older adults in the news, surveys and research show that aging can be something to look forward to. Read More »

New dementia care support program launched

A new Alzheimer's and dementia-focused association offers training and support for caregivers.  Read More »

Joint Commission offers free infection educational module

Bring staff on board to apply reliability principles in their efforts to prevent and control the incidents of infection in the congregate setting of long-term care. Read More »

Those with dementia benefit from peer support groups

Peer support groups positively affect people in the early stages of dementia, according to the results of a project. Read More »

Effect of Mediterranean diet on cognitive decline varies by race: study

The Mediterranean diet may have broad health benefits, but its effect on cognitive decline differs among race-specific populations, according to a new study. Read More »

Fall risk: Older adults safer when walking for pleasure rather than necessity

Older adults are at a greater danger of falling when walking for utilitarian purposes such as shopping and appointments than when walking for recreation, according to a new study. Read More »

The 12 steps of QAPI: Step 10: Plan, conduct and document PIPs

QAPI expert Nell Griffin, LPN, EdM, offers valuable resources and advice on establishing performance improvement projects to remedy problems in care practices. Read More »

Alzheimer’s disease research highlights prevalence, detection, treatment

Several studies presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2014 in Copenhagen, Denmark, shed light on the prevalence, detection and treatment of the disease. Read More »

105-year-old resident throws first pitch at baseball game

A retirement community's staff members help a resident become the oldest person to throw out a ceremonial first pitch for a professional baseball team. Read More »

Night shift frolics

Is it an emergency? Does the resident need assistance? Is it an equipment malfunction? These questions cannot be answered unless staff responds to call lights. Read More »

21 incontinence measures added to national database

The National Quality Measures Clearinghouse database of the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is adding 21 evidence-based quality measures related to urinary incontinence. Read More »