I have had my new computer for a few weeks. I would like to say that I have been having a wonderful time with it. But, in fact, at times it makes me feel stupid. Read More »
Incontinence management is a critical issue in skilled nursing facilities, especially as it relates to increased regulatory oversight, budgetary considerations, rehospitalization rates and quality of life for residents. The proper documentation of incontinence is essential in the clinical record and in the MDS database. Read More »
Several recent studies show varying levels of success for infection-reduction programs, including efforts to curb MRSA, CLABSI and CAUTI rates. But the jury is still out on whether healthcare-associated infection (HAI) programs are making progress because of Medicare's new policies—or in spite of them. Read More »
The centralized MDS department and decentralized MDS department each has its pros and each structure can put organizations at risk for survey deficiencies, lost revenue and poor satisfaction among residents and staff. Read More »
Seniors have been accused of overusing the Emergency Room, often as a substitute primary care provider. But new studies from a national emergency medicine association say that their ER visits are usually justified. Read More »
Studies on the effectiveness of a new Alzheimer’s drug developed by Eli Lilly score a hit with data that showed it reduced memory decline in patients with mild cases of the disease. Read More »
Last Tuesday when the computer tech came to set up my computer, I asked the receptionist to give him the three boxes I had ordered. She looked rather startled and said only two boxes had arrived. Read More »
Bathing is a regular part of routine hygiene and good skin care, but for a person with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, it can be an upsetting, even terrifying, experience. Read More »
Consider creating a book experience in your setting where elders, employees and family members choose a book to read and share. This would be a wonderful developmentally rich way to spend time doing things with elders, not for them. Read More »
Engaging residents to learn more about their medical diagnoses can be a challenge, but seven simple approaches can bring information on illnesses and conditions to the community—for the benefit of both residents and caregivers—and keep the doorways to conversation open. Read More »
I recently witnessed how a person’s desire to go home can motivate her to concentrate on changing her behaviors and to follow the advice of caregivers. A visit home can incentivize a resident to reach that goal. Read More »
Knee replacements are one of the most common surgical procedures for those over 60. But the risks of infection and hospital readmission are increasing. Does your facility have a plan to provide best-practices care to residents on knee rehab? Read More »
At-risk teens learn about growing old and growing up by interacting with nursing home residents. The aroma of freshly baked cookies at The Palace Gardens proves that wonderful things can happen when people work together. Read More »
Too much of a good thing? Study finds that seniors living in the South are prescribed more antibiotics than other geographic region in the U. S. Read More »
I wanted to warn Deedrick to be careful with his laptop. I wondered if another resident might have a behavior and damage or destroy it. I was also concerned that someone might take it. Read More »
A longitudinal study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has linked poor dental care to higher dementia rates among seniors. The number of teeth, quality of oral health and frequency of dental exams could all be influences on later dementia, researchers say. Read More »
For senior mental health outreach, one size does not fit all. Programs designed to engage seniors within their specific spaces and cultures have the highest success, say behavioral health experts. Are you reaching out across the diversity within your communities? Read More »
Seniors are highly susceptible to foodborne illnesses. Providers, caregivers and independent seniors need better access to materials that explain safe food handling practices to reduce this threat. Read More »
CDC and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have recently released new tools and information to track and prevent healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). Read More »
Last week the toilet between my semi-private and the next was out of order. Since the three other residents using it are ambulatory, they could use the toilet in the shower room. But, finding a toilet for me (a quadriplegic) was more complicated. Read More »
There are many ways to bring food to the table. Family-style dining encourages socialization, better nutritional intake and an improved quality of life for residents. Get staff on board to make this mealtime method a success. Read More »
A new survey reveals that many caregivers mistakenly interpret various behaviors as a normal part of aging, rather than as symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. As a result, they believe those false impressions delayed their loved one’s diagnosis of the incurable brain disorder. Read More »
Since 1996, Long-Term Living has honored long-term care communities that are proactive with programs that go “above and beyond” routine care for their residents with our prestigious OPTIMA Award. It is conferred by a jury of LTC peers from submitted entries. This year’s winner is St. Leonard Franciscan Living Community of Centerville, Ohio. Congratulations! Read More »
What started out as a comparative analysis on reimbursement rates related to catheter-based urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) has opened a huge can of worms concerning hospital datasets and their reliability as performance measurements. Read More »
Dementia treatments and memory care regimens have come a long way—if we can first get past the biggest initial obstacle: Patient-centric denial. Read More »
The last five years of life can cost a bundle, even with Medicare coverage, reveals a new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. Read More »
