Resident Care

Experimental treatment shows promise for Parkinson’s

People with Parkinson’s have to take pills many times a day to control their symptoms. A new medication technique developed at the Cleveland Clinic uses a gell-based medication to curb the “fall off” effects that pills often have. Read More »

New computer delivery worries

Last fall when my computer turned five, it no longer ran my voice activation software as it once had. For several months I was on and off the fence about getting a new computer. Even though mine is maddeningly slow, I am used to it. I hated thinking about getting a new one and having that unfamiliar feeling. Read More »

Report: Seniors often prescribed inappropriate medications

Researchers find a 20.5 percent median rate of prescriptions for the elderly were inappropriate and a common cause of adverse events. Read More »

More seniors are developing multiple chronic conditions

Over a 10-year period, the number of older adults who have multiple chronic conditions regardless of ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic status has increased, according to a National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief. Read More »

How to motivate staff to optimize the LTC dining experience

I believe it is the role of senior care administrators to generate motivation in their employees. This goal can be accomplished with a clear mission that is supported and reinforced on an ongoing basis, particularly through hands-on actions. Read More »

Obesity can contribute to cognitive decline, study says

One more reason to consider shedding those extra pounds: A neurology study suggests that obesity can contribute to reduced cognition in later life. Read More »

5 reasons to educate residents about their illnesses

Residents often enter long-term care with surprisingly little knowledge about their conditions, whether they have a recent diagnosis or have been living with an illness for many years. Here are five reasons why we should teach our residents about the illnesses they live with. Read More »

Medicaid dental care at the nursing home

I have always had very good teeth and few cavities. But my dentist warned when I moved to a nursing home I would have to be strident about my dental care or my teeth could rot out of my head. Read More »

Hospices collaborate for safe medication disposal

Should unused drugs be flushed? Tossed in the trash? The nation’s top hospice organizations partner to create better training on the safe disposal of unused medication. Read More »

AHCA/NCAL announces the 2012 award winners

The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL)awards are here: This year 458 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities were recognized, but only two took home the gold. Read More »

Boomers with mental, substance abuse problems will challenge healthcare systems

Healthcare systems will be taxed to deal with the substance abuse problems that many members of the Baby Boomer generation will be carrying with them into their senior years. Read More »

The Olympic feats of caregivers

No one ever said being a long-term caregiver is easy. At times, it’s downright olympic. Going for the gold takes teamwork, dedication and … well, a sense of humor. Read More »

Today’s seniors see better than their parents

A recent study indicates that today’s seniors have better vision than the elderly of a generation ago. Better vision promotes more independence in performing daily activities. Read More »

Seniors won’t kick the habit even after chronic disease diagnoses

A new statistical study shows that seniors may need more help when it comes to ditching unhealthy habits, especially after being diagnosed with a chronic disease. Read More »

Fostering friendships in LTC

“Getting to Know You” is not just a tune from The King and I. Having friends—close or casual—helps to make long-term residency an enjoyable experience. Read More »

Pentecostal moments in long-term care: Part 2

What promotes brain health? Religion surely does, in ways direct and indirect, subtle and mysterious; religion alters brain activity among the elderly, it affects emotions and changes behavior. Early scientific research findings inspire awe, raise spiritual questions and offer practical advice. Read More »

Dealing with the side effects of antidepressants

The antidepressant I take presently I have taken since 2009. During that time I have noticed behavioral changes. I told the nurses I wanted to get off the antidepressant. I said I hoped the psychiatrist would assist with a withdrawal plan. Read More »

Joint replacements linked to post-op heart attacks, study shows

A massive study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows significantly higher risks of heart attacks during the two to six weeks following total joint replacement surgeries. Read More »

Nurse burnout increases infection rates

Staff overload could cost your facility plenty, as one research center draws a direct relationship between burnout and healthcare-associated infections. Read More »

A feeling of hospital corners

I have become accustomed to half a room and little space. But, it is difficult for me to get used to my bed looking drab. I was brought up to do hospital corners and to drape the bedspread just so. Read More »

AHRQ releases patient safety training program for LTC

A new training course from AHRQ can give caregivers fresh insights into the signs that a resident's condition is changing, alerting staff to monitor the resident more closely. Read More »

Moving forward on the National Alzheimer’s Plan

Advisory Council met on Monday to continue discussion on how to implement the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s. Read More »

The changing face of resident care

LTC providers are investing more heavily in short-term rehab as a way to recoup shrinking Medicare reimbursements while taking on higher-acuity cases in order to keep residents out of the hospital. Meanwhile, they are giving wellness amenities and programs higher priority as families evaluate facilities with a more discerning eye. Read More »

Trouble at two Kansas City senior living facilities

A somber day in Kansas City, Mo.: A wandering senior is found dead and an entire nursing home is evacuated at two senior living facilities. Read More »

Connecticut nursing home strike gets ugly

Three-week-old strike by unionized Connecticut nursing home workers continues. SNF operator alleges sabotage and vandalism by strikers. Company attorneys' seek criminal investigation by state authorities. Read More »

Residents who stayed behind had fun too

Last Friday was this facility's second Summer Fun Day. A cookout was held at a local park promising lots of food, pop and even a DJ. Since I am not much of a picnic person, and had much to do, I decided to remain behind. Read More »

SNFs under microscope with revamped Nursing Home Compare website

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ controversial Five-Star Quality Rating System, which rates the nation’s nursing homes, is in the news this week with CMS unveiling its revamped Nursing Home Compare website. Since its introduction in 2008, the rating system has been maligned by LTC providers for its perceived faults and omissions. Read More »

An Olympic preview

Whether you enjoy playing sports or just watching, people (including those in your communities) and others around the globe will be tuning in to cheer on their favorite country and/or athletes. Opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympics begin on Friday, July 27, in London. Read More »

CMS revamps Nursing Home Compare website

The new version of CMS' Nursing Home Compare website now includes data on readmission rates, nursing home inspections and antipsychotic drug use. Read More »

Do bees know how to reverse aging?

A key clue to the importance of senior socialization and memory maintenance may come from an unlikely community: the local beehive. Read More »