Resident Care

Assisted Living 2.0

As more seniors age in place, the assisted living model undergoes a substantial redesign to meet the needs of the coming Baby Boomer generation and the increasing need for memory care. Read More »

9 new quality goals for nursing homes unveiled by initiative

Nursing homes participating in a new initiative may gain competitive advantages, organizers say. In the process, they could collect data helpful in establishing uniform national standards and evidence-based best practices. Read More »

Rapid aging may be your mother’s doing, study says

Good genes? Researchers link the aging process to defective DNA inherited from mother. Read More »

Recruitment company owner found guilty of forced labor

Foreign-born nurses answering an Internet recruitment ad were lured to the United States on the promise of university-level positions. When the nurses arrived, they found no job and no university. Read More »

5 communities win gold from AHCA/NCAL

Five communities join the elite ranks of gold-level winners in AHCA/NCAL's National Quality Award program. Read More »

In the news: Consensual sexual expression or rape?

Residents with dementia face another challenge in the area of sexuality. Long-Term Living blogger Kathleen Mears reviews and comments on a recent news item. Read More »

Ethics issues in dementia care are often inconsistent, study says

Treating a resident with any level of dementia involves much more than the clinical data, as one study shows. Read More »

Got greenery? New landscape architecture competition launches for senior living communities

How does your garden grow? We've joined our sister publications to introduce a new competition for landscape projects in senior living communities, behavioral health and acute care. Read More »

Remote patient-monitoring technology still faces reimbursement roadblock

Device improvements as well as changes in government incentives, nursing staffing levels and the size of the senior population will lead to greater adoption of telemedicine in long-term care, but reimbursement remains a challenge for now. Read More »

New dementia care standards proposed for Mass. nursing homes

Massachusetts regulators work to close a loophole that allows senior care sites to advertise dementia services even though staff might have no dementia-specific training. Read More »

Is a C. diff vaccine really on the horizon?

As clinical research trials advance into Phase 3, the idea of a vaccine for C. difficile may be inching closer to a reality. Read More »

Early-onset dementia: 9 risk factors identified

New research identifying nine risk factors for early-onset dementia ultimately could lead to treatments to prevent development of the condition. Read More »

A tiny woman conveys a big message about fitness

Carol Collins and the other athletes who participated in the National Senior Games are inspiring. Unfortunately, they are in the minority of older Americans when it comes to exercising. How can we get others to be more like them? Read More »

Uncertainty suggests a move

There comes a time when deciding whether to remain at home becomes a needs-based decision. Kathy Mears tells about a couple trying to cope with not only disease, but disability issues. Read More »

Hot cocoa may benefit memory, but blood glucose an issue, too

One study finds that regularly drinking hot chocolate may improve memory and thinking, while other research ties higher blood glucose levels to higher dementia risk. So should you encourage seniors to start sipping or wait for more research? Read More »

Research reveals what makes SNF residents, families happy

New research reveals how nursing homes can improve their scores on satisfaction surveys of residents and families. The findings could take on added significance as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services considers moves that could affect the way SNFs are reimbursed. Read More »

Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s appear not to share genetic risk

Researchers try to pinpoint another possible connection between Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases as one study’s results seem to refute one idea. Read More »

Mostashari steps down from ONC

Farzad Mostashari, head of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) for the past four years, has announced his resignation. Read More »

Anemia, dementia associated, researchers find

Investigators are theorizing why anemia and dementia might be linked as results from the Health ABC Study are published. Read More »

TV show focuses on elder abuse

Elder abuse can take many forms. A network talk show recently covered the subject in an effort to educate and inform the public of the need for vigilance and oversight. Read More »

Understanding homesickness

Unfamiliar surroundings, people and activities can induce homesickness in seniors who have not successfully transitioned from home to a new care environment. Read More »

Alzheimer’s, dental health links grow with new research

Good oral hygiene may be especially important in patients at risk for developing dementia, new research suggests. Read More »

PBS’ Frontline slams assisted living; communities cry foul

Updated 3:30 p.m.   Last night’s PBS documentary on assisted living has enraged many, both because of what it revealed and what it didn’t reveal. Read More »

Study finds diabetes drug extends health and lifespan of mice

International study focuses on whether a commonly prescribed medication can be repurposed to provide additional health benefits as people age. Read More »

Greenspring archers hit the bulls-eye in Cleveland

Steady hands and sharp eyes help two senior athletes score big at the National Senior Games’ archery competition, bringing home Gold and Bronze medals in their age groups. Read More »

60% of hospitalizations from SNFs can be avoided, study says

Appropriate care for many conditions that affect long-term care residents not only can reduce avoidable hospitalizations, but save healthcare dollars as well. Read More »

General anesthesia used during surgery can have a negative impact on the elderly

After undergoing an operation under general anesthesia, seniors may suffer side effects affecting their cognitive abilities, according to a recent study. Read More »

Waiting in the bathroom

One person’s bad day can create a bad day for everyone around. How an out-of-sorts aide caused her resident and her suitemates to be inconvenienced. Read More »

Athletes conquer the field, set new records at National Senior Games

Live coverage from the National Senior Games: Whether it's running the track, tossing a javelin, pole-vaulting or throwing a discus, senior athletes prove that winning the long race is about camaraderie while striving for their personal best. Read More »

Senior Games cyclist benefits from retirement community wellness center

Live coverage from the National Senior Games: One retirement community opened its wellness center membership to area residents and helped a National Senior Games cyclist prepare for the 2013 competition. Such centers can offer health advantages to everyday seniors as well—and reap benefits for retirement communities in the process. Read More »