Resident Care

Dementia quality measures available

You can download the Dementia Work Group’s proposed quality measures for improving outcomes for people with dementia at no charge. Read More »

MRSA rates drop by 1/3 at Veterans Affairs LTC sites

A four-year, nationwide MRSA reduction initiative has shown what can curb MRSA rates, and these protocols may save your facility from an outbreak. Read More »

Findings from OSU’s Alzheimer’s self-test released

Worried about Alzheimer’s? A new self-administered test can help clinicians assess risk. Read More »

Cholesterol’s role in brain health pondered as statin guidelines come under fire

Keeping cholesterol levels healthy can be good for the brain as well as the heart, according to a newly published study. The results come at a time when some experts are questioning new recommendations for the prescription of statins to address cholesterol levels to prevent cardiovascular disease. Read More »

Roommate adjustment

Sharing living space requires a lot of give-and-take from the parties involved. Unfortunately, sometimes only one party does the giving. Read More »

Glaucoma Awareness Month

One set of eyes has to last a lifetime. Make sure you are taking care of yours. Read More »

How to prevent pressure ulcers

Want to reduce the rate of pressure ulcers in your nursing home residents? A new study holds an answer. Read More »

Brushing up on oral care in PA/LTC communities

Studies show that post-acute and long-term care residents receive less-than-ideal oral care. Facilities need to focus on oral healthcare programs. Read More »

Infection prevention resource available

A new guide with a CD-ROM is designed to help long-term care facilities create and implement comprehensive infection prevention programs. Read More »

Hypothermia: Reducing the risks of extreme weather

When winter weather turns extreme, it takes only moments for older adults to be at risk. Read More »

Mexican-Americans could see cognitive impairment 10 years before others: study

Mild cognitive impairment could begin up to a decade earlier in Mexican-Americans than in non-Hispanic people, according to new research. Read More »

An octogenarian and I share frustration

Loss of independence and reliance on the assistance of others can frustrate a person at any age, as Kathleen Mears discovered. Read More »

In-home care becoming a national trend

District of Columbia program enables seniors to receive in-home services to meet their care needs. Read More »

Federal agency recommends annual CT scans for older smokers

Privately insured smokers age 55 to 80 now have access to free annual lung cancer screenings—but the tests are not covered by Medicare. Read More »

9 resolutions for the new year

If you’re going to make a health-related resolution, why not make one (or more) that will increase the odds that you will live to a healthy old age? These habits could add up to 12 years to your life, according to the person who shared them. Read More »

High-dose vitamin E benefits those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers: study

The amount of assistance needed by those with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease is reduced by about two hours per day when they take vitamin E, according to the results of a recent study, which found other advantages as well. Read More »

Federal BRAIN project seeks new tools, technologies

The National Institutes of Health offers funding opportunities for developing new tools and technologies that can help study the brain and improve the understanding of neurologic illnesses.  Read More »

2013: Year of the long-term care TV show?

A look back at 2013 reveals at least three small-screen efforts highlighting long-term care. Read More »

Nurses tops in ethics, honesty: poll

A recent poll asked the public to rate the honesty and ethical standards of those in several professions. The findings contain good news for nurses and nursing home operators. Read More »

Partnerships@Work: Using nutrition to battle readmissions

Food for thought: A post-acute provider and a foodservices company combine efforts to reinvent the nutrition and hydration program for residents. Read More »

A change of perspective

A personal experience helps an aide gain a greater appreciation of residents' needs and the importance of providing prompt assistance. Read More »

Long-term care staff, residents focus of CDC report

A new report from the National Center for Health Statistics contains some surprising and not-so-surprising information for those working in long-term care. Read More »

Chronic pain tip sheet released

A new tip sheet is designed to help healthcare professionals determine the scope, cause and type of chronic pain experienced by those in their care. Read More »

Target blood pressure level adjustment

The Eight Joint National Committee (JNC 8) recently updated its guidelines and raised the blood pressure threshold for seniors. Read More »

Bed rail safety is subject of new government web page

Two government agencies have collaborated to provide online information on bed rail safety. Read More »

Remembering aides at Christmas

Long-Term Living blogger Kathleen Mears’ online accident was the beginning of a happy holiday tradition. Read More »

Memory visits

How do you categorize holiday memories? Visiting with those with dementia gives a new view. Read More »

Seek vitamin D from multiple sources for best fall prevention

Got milk? You may want to add other vitamin D sources to limit the chances of fall fractures, notes a new statement from the American Geriatrics Society. Read More »

AMDA’s program targets antipsychotic drug use for dementia

A new program developed by AMDA teaches long-term care staffers and doctors how to recognize, assess and treat symptoms of dementia while minimizing the use of antispychotic drugs. Read More »

Cognitive decline, cold sores linked

Researchers have linked the same virus that causes cold sores to cognitive decline in people of all ages. One action may help prevent ill effects on the brain, however. Read More »