Resident Care

SNF sees $3.3M verdict in negligence case

A jury has returned a $3.3 million verdict against a Colorado skilled nursing facility after the sister of a resident claimed negligence in a civil suit. Read More »

12 steps to QAPI: Step 7: Collecting and using data

We’ve passed the midpoint of the continuing series on Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI). Now it’s time to collect and analyze data to improve person-centered care. Read More »

Wheelchair workouts improve mobility and more

Sitting in a wheelchair does not mean that a person is incapable of physical activity or the benefits that regular exercise can bring.  Read More »

Catheter-associated UTI prevention guide released

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology has issued a free guide to help healthcare organizations prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Read More »

Let them eat print!

The space program introduced a nation to Tang beverage crystals and the microwave. A new technology may change the way that long-term care residents dine. Read More »

Seniors improving in key health measures: report

A new report reveals the health status of seniors as well as the states where the healthiest and least healthy older adults live. Read More »

Study: 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries affected by medical injury

Older adults in poor health or with disability are more at risk to suffer from long-term effects of medical injury (adverse medical events), a study finds. Read More »

You are out of…

Missing doses of a medication can be problematic—even dangerous—for residents in long-term care. Why does a prescription run out before it should? Read More »

ALFA bestows awards

Dedication and innovation were recognized when the Assisted Living Federation of America bestowed awards on individuals and organizations at its annual conference. Read More »

Dementia training improves care delivery: speakers

Two speakers at the Assisted Living Federation of America annual conference discussed ideal components of dementia training programs and also reviewed initiatives implemented or under consideration in various states across the country. Read More »

Survey reveals senior living wishes of prospective residents

A new survey provides some insights into how Americans select senior living communities for themselves or their loved ones. Read More »

An extra cup of coffee may ward off diabetes

Adding just one more cup of coffee to your diet each day may help to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. Read More »

Adult portable bed handles recalled

A potential for injury and/or death from bed handles that can cause entrapment without safety straps triggers a voluntary recall. Read More »

Adaptive spoon cancels hand tremors

People with Parkinson’s disease or essential tremors have difficulty getting food from the plate to their mouth. New technology helps to restore dignity in dining. Read More »

Using electrical impedance to monitor heart failure status

Monitoring fluid in the body--both too much fluid and too little--is critical to the health status of those with chroncic heart failure. Using electrical impedance, or Zo, to measure fluid can detect fluctuations earlier and faster, say several studies. Read More »

“State’s here!”

A state survey is an important facet of ensuring that residents receive quality care, yet it always creates a sense of dread for administrators and staff. Residents know instinctively when their home is being inspected. Read More »

Beyond Bingo: Activity director role evolves

The days of simply keeping residents occupied are over, and the focus has turned squarely on making sure that meaningful, person-centered activities contribute to a life worth living—and celebrating. As always, long-term care communities and their activity directors are rolling up their sleeves and taking the challenge to heart. Read More »

Stroke? Think FAST

I thought all healthcare workers knew the signs and symptoms of stroke. I was wrong. But May, National Stroke Awareness Month, presents an ideal opportunity for long-term care facilities to offer education. Read More »

Studying residents—up close

Students can learn a lot about aging by walking (or riding) in a residents’ shoes. Conversations with seniors can open doors of understanding and communication. Read More »

More interdisciplinary team training needed: paper

More healthcare professionals need to receive interdisciplinary team training because the approach results in better care coordination and improved health outcomes for older adults, according to a new position paper. Read More »

Leaders of Tomorrow: Bernadette Ledesma, MPH, LNHA

Congratulations to Long-Term Living 2014 Leaders of Tomorrow honoree Bernadette Ledesma, MPH, LNHA. Administrator, advocate and educator she is instrumental in ensuring top-down quality care for Hawaii’s seniors. Read More »

Household dining yields lower costs, higher satisfaction

A household dining model using satellite kitchens results in lower net costs for communities and an improved dining experience for residents, based on the experiences of one facility owner and operator. Read More »

Protecting seniors from abuse is a national priority

Elder abuse happens more often than people like to admit. Whatever form the abuse takes—whether it’s physical, mental or financial—the costs are too high. Read More »

EFACon opening keynote: What’s the recipe for the longest, happiest life?

Forget the fictitious fountain of youth. Environments for Aging Conference opening keynote speaker Nick Buettner explores what it really takes to live the longest, healthiest life possible. Read More »

Turn it down!

Some people hear every sound, while the sound others hear are muted or distorted by competing noise. Unwanted noise and volume can create an audiologic assault and distraction. Read More »

6 questions to ask LGBT residents

Nurses are key contacts in addressing the challenges of LGBT older adults to improve quality of care for this culturally diverse segment of the LTC population. Read More »

New drug treatment for COPD receives FDA approval

FDA approves a new weapon that will be added to the arsenal of medications used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Read More »

CMS to take a closer look at dementia care practices

An upcoming CMS project will put dementia care practices in nursing home under the microscope. Read More »

Long-Term Living wins Gold Award in journalism competition

The Long-Term Living editors have earned a Gold Award in the 2014 American Society of Healthcare Publication Editors awards competition. Read More »

Wanted: Qualified nurse leaders

Beyond the DON’s office door awaits a field of opportunity for nurses to advance in long-term care leadership roles. Read More »