Resident Care

Helping residents get ‘Happy’ and healthy

An assisted living program director finds a fun activity for residents that spreads a positive message about seniors and the facility, helps residents get a little exercise—and has another, unanticipated effect. Read More »

Treadmill program may help seniors avoid falls

Seniors and physical therapists one day may benefit from a computerized treadmill program under development to prevent falls and fall-related injuries in older adults. Read More »

What’s in a name?

What if a ton of long-term care death certificates are attributed to the wrong cause? One study says it may be true. Read More »

Healthful midlife diet may prevent dementia later

Here's something for senior living communities to keep in mind when devising menus or suggesting food choices for residents: A healthful diet in midlife may prevent dementia later on, according new research. Read More »

Carry-in menu mix-ups

When a number of residents order takeout food, mistakes are bound to happen. Read More »

Low-cost program reduces falls in elderly by 17 percent

As more seniors receive long-term care in their homes and communities, a recent study has found a low-cost way to use existing aging services to aid in falls prevention. Read More »

Remember other dementias, group says

Brain Awareness Week is an ideal time to learn more about Parkinson's disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies, according to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Read More »

Chemical restraint replaces physical restraint in SNFs

Public reporting of the use of physical restraints has led to the increased use of antipsychotic medications in nursing home residents whose cognition is severely impaired, according to new research. Read More »

High-protein diet may ward off functional decline

A diet high in protein, particularly animal protein, may help older men maintain a higher level of physical, psychological and social functioning, according to new research. Read More »

Alzheimer’s blood test could be ready in 2 years, researchers say

Trials of a blood test that can predict the onset of Alzheimer's disease may begin in two years, researchers say, heralding the chance to diagnose the disease earlier, when therapy would be more effective at slowing or preventing symptom onset. Read More »

Facilities using state data to improve quality

Leadership and staff of long-term care (LTC) facilities are focusing their quality improvement efforts on areas that residents value the most by using a tool originally designed for consumers and their families, says one state’s LTC ombudsman. Read More »

Waiting for spring

Across the country, this has been a hard winter. In north central Ohio, where Long-Term Living’s resident blogger Kathleen Mears lives, the weather has taken its toll on residents. Read how one facility coped with cabin fever. Read More »

Alzheimer’s disease causes more deaths than previously thought

Alzheimer's disease may be an underlying cause of five to six times as many deaths as currently reported, according to new research. In fact, the disease may be one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Read More »

PACE crosses the 100 mark

The Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly model of senior care reaches a milestone as an alternative to traditional skilled nursing homes service models. Read More »

One-on-one with… Sandra Stimson

Government bodies are instituting new standards as they recognize the importance of special training in the area of dementia. In this environment, Sandra Stimson, executive director of the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, recently took time to answer some questions about the organizations and their programs. Read More »

Geriatric emergency department guidelines issued

Catheter use, medication management, fall assessment, delirium, dementia and palliative care are among the issues covered by new guidelines issued for emergency facilities designed specifically for older adults. Read More »

5 tests or treatments to consider carefully in seniors

Dementia, cancer, anorexia, cachexia, delirium and polypharmacy all figure into new recommendations from the American Geriatrics Society issued as part of the Choosing Wisely initiative. Read More »

Hand sanitizer, training, leadership lacking in HAI prevention: study

Long-term care facilities are missing chances to prevent infections by not placing hand sanitizer everywhere it's needed, not dedicating funding to worker education and not sending a clear message to employees that it's a priority, researchers say. Read More »

CCRC shopping: One couple’s view

This Kentucky couple embarked on a six-state journey seeking a continuing care retirement community that could suit their needs. What they learned from their multiple-day stays at CCRCs can serve as important lessons for all LTC communities on what future residents are looking for—and not looking for—in their next home. Read More »

Website contains best practices for caring for older adults with HIV

The American Geriatrics Society, the American Academy of HIV Medicine and ACRIA are collaborating in a new educational effort that expands on previous work. Read More »

Could mice hold clues to muscle aging?

Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a new target for therapy that one day could help repair muscle damage and maintain strength and mobility in seniors. Read More »

National trial to study the link between insulin and memory

Can an insulin nasal spray alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer's or other minor cognitive disorders? A national trial study is recruiting patients with Alzheimer's to find out. Read More »

One MDS assessment may take a NAC more than five hours to complete: study

Where does the time go in a NAC’s day? Results from an American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination study answer that question. Read More »

Reauthorizing OAA: Maintaining flexibility, addressing demographic changes

The Older Americans Act should be reauthorized with a focus on maintaining program flexibility and addressing demographic changes, according to policy and aging experts who testified during a recent government hearing on the matter. Read More »

Turning a bad day around

Sometimes it just takes a friendly little push to help someone make a positive decision that improves his or her day.  Read More »

Study finds strong link between restless sleep and widespread pain in older adults

A new study shows that restless sleep is a strong predictor of widespread pain onset among adults aged more than 50 years. Increasing age, however, is associated with a decreased likelihood of the development of widespread pain. Read More »

CVS taboos tobacco

As of Oct. 1, you’ll have to find cigarettes somewhere other than your local CVS. But if you develop a chronic cough, the in-store clinics will be there to serve you. Read More »

Infection prevention goal of new CDC website

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched a new website designed to help prevent infections in long-term care facilities. Read More »

Close-knit seniors help foster students

It’s that time of year that is awash with sentiment. For a group of seniors at Ashby Ponds in Virginia, hearts, flowers and candy just won’t do. Read More »

Nursing study: Many hospitals are ‘lax’ in infection control protocols

A Columbia University nursing research study shows serious gaps in how infection-control protocols are followed in hospital ICUs, which could leave nursing home partners at risk. Read More »