Resident Care

Speaker: Those in assisted living are helping to shape the future of healthcare

Live from AHCA/NCAL: A speaker shares tips for improving quality, safety and resident satisfaction in assisted living communities. Read More »

Exercise has physical, mental benefits—even in those over 90

Residents aged more than 90 years who are able to exercise—and do so—are likely to see physical and mental improvements, according to two new studies. Read More »

Americans living longer, living healthier

With new cutting-edge medical treatments, increased interest in pursuing healthy lifestyles and advanced healthcare technology, Americans are living longer and enjoying it. Read More »

AHCA report identifies trends and quality improvements in LTC

The faces of residents are changing and the industry is prepared to care for the “new” patients as well as the traditional long-term care residents it serves. Read More »

Beyond rubber gloves: Housekeeping’s infection control role

The housekeeping department accounts for a large part of a facility's budget—and an even larger part of its infection control program. But even the most sophisticated cleanliness initiatives will go down the drain if staffers aren't properly trained in the specific protocols for each cleaning product. Read More »

Cognitive enhancers not effective for mild cognitive impairment

A recent study brings disappointing news for some hoping to delay the onset of dementia. Read More »

When a facility closes its doors, residents feel the pain

When a facility shuts its doors the business suffers, the community suffers and, ultimately, the residents caught in the middle are the ones who pay the price with the stress of relocation and the uncertainty of their futures. Read More »

Stopping C. diff may be more a matter of antibiotic restriction than infection control: study

Newly published research in the New England Journal of Medicine challenges widely held beliefs about the transmission of a common infection and how to stop it. Read More »

CDC: Long-term care must make flu vaccination a priority

Those working in long-term care have three important reasons to get vaccinated against the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And employers have compelling evidence to require or at least encourage vaccination. Read More »

Cognition not protected by omega-3s after all: study

Omega-3s may not help memory after all, but don’t make any dietary changes yet, researchers say. Read More »

4 technology trends in post-acute and long-term care

Care, staffing, and workflow processes and tools all are changing as technology and the healthcare system adapt to one another, according to one expert. Read More »

Nursing home use associated with certain personality traits

Whether and how much time a person spends in long-term care may depend on his or her personality, according to new research. Read More »

Assisted living communities can foster good reputations through personal interactions

As the state of New York winds down its Assisted Living Month, an association executive relays tips to help communities everywhere provide optimal care and demonstrate their value to residents, prospective residents and their families. Read More »

The road traveled less (and less)

If your "get up and go" has gotten up and gone, get it back in gear—and solve what will surely become one of skilled nursing's biggest challenges in the future. Read More »

Managed care may be solution for nursing home residents with advanced dementia: study

An alternative to fee-for-service programs may help nursing homes provide appropriate, affordable care for elderly residents with significant cognitive impairment, new research suggests. Read More »

APA releases guidelines on antipsychotic drug use

The American Psychiatric Association takes a stance against using antipsychotics as a first-line treatment option for the agitation and behavioral outbursts common in those with dementia. Read More »

World Alzheimer Report calls for changes to care system

In the midst of World Alzheimer’s Month and a day before Alzheimer’s Action Day, the World Alzheimer Report 2013 has been released, containing seven recommendations to address the disease globally. Read More »

Alzheimer’s trial studies two drugs’ ability to prevent disease

Researchers are studying two drugs they hope will prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »

Preventing falls can be within your power

As Falls Prevention Awareness Day approaches, experts offer tips staff members can implement to improve resident safety as well as insights into how falls contribute to vision-related costs to the government, private insurers and individuals. Read More »

3-day hospital stay alternatives include new eligibility criteria, payment models

Improved policies and payment models could see more individuals being treated in skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities as the country looks for ways to reduce costs and unnecessary hospitalizations, one expert believes. Read More »

Pressure ulcers and the MDS “Planning for Care” guidance

Highlights of recent updates to the RAI User’s Manual relevant to Section M: Skin Conditions and how these changes help to address the prevention and care of pressure ulcers. Read More »

Cases of antibiotic resistant superbugs are on the rise, says CDC

The “superbugs” pose a serious threat to older people, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But the findings of the CDC are not all bad—the incidence of MRSA infections is declining. Read More »

Staffing, introspection can improve resident dignity: study

Administrators and healthcare professionals have roles to play when it comes to delivering person-centered care to nursing home residents, according to new research. Read More »

A challenge worth meeting—and eating

A recent competition among chefs promoted nutritious, tasty recipes for residents of one company’s post-acute and long-term care communities. What unique things are your senior living communities doing to promote senior health? Read More »

SAIDO Learning: Complete coverage

Coverage of Long-Term Living's 2013 OPTIMA Award winner—including the main article, sidebars, a Q & A, audio, video and a blog—is gathered here for your convenience. Read More »

SAIDO Learning: ‘It’s remarkable’ [PODCAST]

"It is really remarkable to see." That's how one senior living community employee describes the 2013 Long-Term Living OPTIMA Award-winning SAIDO Learning program designed to reduce or reverse the effects of dementia. In this audio podcast, she details a typical session and explains how the program affects not only residents but also the volunteers who work with them. [4:05] Read More »

SAIDO Learning: Seeing is believing [PODCAST]

"If I didn't see it, I wouldn't believe it." That's how one senior living community staff member working with residents to improve their cognition describes the effects of the 2013 Long-Term Living OPTIMA Award-winning SAIDO Learning program. In this audio podcast, hear what else she has to say about why she got involved and how it changes not just residents but also the volunteers (called supporters in the program) who work with them. [5:55] Read More »

The elusive high five

Aug. 13 stands out in my mind not because of what I did but for what I wasn't able to do. Read More »

OPTIMA Award: How SAIDO Learning works

The SAIDO Learning program is designed to stimulate the prefrontal cortex, resulting in activity that can be measured by two standard cognitive tests. Read More »

One on one with… Chelley Antonczak

Chelley Antonczak shares Eliza Jennings' journey to bring the benefits of SAIDO Learning to the community's residents with dementia. The success of this 2013 OPTIMA Award-winning program is a tribute to the many people who collaborate, volunteer, and participate in a variety of ways. Read More »