The New Wave of Foodservice Technology in Senior Care

Resident Care

My life’s documents lost

Whether at work computer or at home, lost data can be a game-changer. Kathleen Mears shares the lesson she learned through a recent experience with file backup. Read More »

New norovirus challenges long-term care providers

Add a new norovirus to the list of contagious agents in an already busy flu season for long-term care providers. Read More »

Fall management program reduces falls by 53 percent

Whether residents are in short-stay rehab or LTC units, providing the right physical environment backed by staff commitment, can improve mobility and, ultimately, reduce falls. Here’s how one LTC community did just that. Read More »

Brain pacemakers offer promise to treat Alzheimer’s

If deep brain stimulation can help patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, might it not be effective in treating those with Alzheimer’s disease? Read More »

Study suggests hearing loss may link to cognitive deficits

A new study suggests that hearing loss in the elderly can have serious consequences for brain functioning. Read More »

Study: Online doctor consults can be as effective as office visits

Not every illness warrants face-to-face physician care. A new study suggests logging on can save time and money. Read More »

Spots on my nails

At times, health conditions, such as quadriplegia, can have some unusual manifestations on other parts of the body. Are they the result of an existing condition or a symptom of another health issue? Don't ignore spots, rashes, discoloration and other changes as Kathy Mears can verify. Read More »

Diet may not impact certain health outcomes in elderly

Eating diets high in sugar and fat may not affect the health outcomes of older adults ages 75 and up, suggesting that placing people of such advanced age on overly restrictive diets to treat their excess weight or other conditions may have little benefit, according to a new study. Read More »

Caught in the middle of conversations

Engaging the resident in converasation is a great idea, but be careful in choosing your topic. Read More »

A dogged advocate for the national Alzheimer’s plan

Studies and plans are worthless if they end up gathering dust on a shelf.  Eric Hall, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, is determined to shape the federal government's national Alzheimer's plan to include concrete, practical steps that address the insidious disease. Read More »

How gray is your attitude?

When it comes to longevity, a healthy attitude about aging matters. Colorado researchers are working on a way to measure self-perceived age. Read More »

Influenza and norovirus outbreaks pack hospital ERs

An especially aggressive influenza strain and a nationwide outbreak of norovirus are joining forces to form one of the worst flu seasons in decades. Read More »

AFA report recommends updates to national Alzheimer’s plan

Noting that “more needs to be done” to tackle the escalating incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has released a report that offers more than three dozen recommendations to build upon the current goals of the federal government’s national Alzheimer’s plan. Read More »

Study: MRIs help to identify dementia type

Some memory lapses are a normal part of aging.  However, when quality of life and daily functioning are disturbed, accurately diagnosing the type of dementia is necessary for treatment. Read More »

Skin and wound care programs for LTC

In many LTC facilities, nurse aides and practical nurses don't always have the benefit of regular contact with physicians and registered nurses. Do your NAs and PNs have the training they need to recognize skin conditions and administer the best wound care? Read More »

Aging well or just aging: The rockers of my youth

While the music of the legends of ’60s and ’70s rock is still popular, relevant and enduring, the performers themselves have adapted to aging—or not. Read More »

CDC: Make brain health a national priority

Placing brain health among the current national health priorities--like diabetes and heart disease--can give cognitive health the attention and respect it needs to foster awareness and better prevention habits, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Health Brain Initiative. Read More »

Poor vision in older adults: A link to social isolation

Older adults with vision problems curtail social activities because of a fear of falling. Read More »

Holiday cheer

The key to having a happy holiday season is to think of others and give of yourself. Small gestures can have a great an effect on residents, friends and families. Read More »

Alzheimer’s Association releases first comprehensive guide on assessing cognition

Physicians now have a detailed guide for testing cognition and detecting impairment, blostering early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Read More »

Staying in style in LTC

Being a “beauty school drop-in” has its advantages when visiting an on-site salon for hair care and style maintenance is not an option. Read More »

Study: Constant assessment of medication regimens critical to patient care

A new study suggests that acknowledging healthcare practitioners’ varying perspectives on the purpose of medication reconciliation and their roles in the process might increase implementation in healthcare settings such as hospitals and nursing homes. Read More »

Large parties are not for everyone

Not everyone wants to be the “life of the party” and many people are perfectly fine standing in the background. Is that wrong? Or is introversion unacceptable in the LTC setting? Read More »

Deinstitutionalized dining in LTC

Eliminating tray service in the dining room has deinstitutionalized meal times. Resident satisfaction has soared and Winchester Rehabilitation and Nursing has saved money. Read More »

Drug company must repay Medicare up to $48M for selling unapproved Xenaderm cream

The Healthpoint pharmaceutical company has to give back millions in Medicare reimbursements for false marketing of a skin ointment cream. Read More »

A positive outlook on aging aids in recovery from disabilities

Maintaining a positive outlook on aging helps many seniors recover from disabilities and extend independence, study finds Read More »

The beginning of flu season

Itchy eyes, running nose, hacking cough…. It’s that time of year when viruses can wreak havoc on an LTC facility. Whether the flu victimizes residents or staff, widespread illness upsets the ebb and flow of a facility's daily routine. Read More »

By dawn’s early light

The “Greatest Generation” is fading like a photograph left in the sun. Make every day a day of remembrance and gratitude for their contributions to our families and our country. Read More »

The 5 holiday gifts Grandma will actually want

What to get Gramma for the holidays? Forget the slippers and focus on a deeper understanding of what elders actually crave. Read More »

2012 National Influenza Vaccination Week

National health groups promote flu vaccine programs for keeping seniors—and their caregivers—healthy this season. Read More »