The authors identified five conditions—pneumonia, congestive heart failure, urinary tract infection, dehydration and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma—that were responsible for more than three-quarters of the potentially avoidable hospitalizations. Read More »
A new report found that half of violent victimizations of persons age 65 or older involved serious violence, based on data from crimes known to Michigan law enforcement from 2005 to 2009. Perpetrators of elder abuse were often related to the victims. Read More »
I cannot remember when my AFOs (ankle-foot orthoses) were made. But I know they are more than five years old. I want a dependable orthotist who will repair my AFOs or explain if he cannot. Read More »
Nursing facilities with higher CNA staff levels can offset the lack of confidence that newly admitted residents exhibit in trying to safely navigate unfamiliar surroundings. The availablity of CNAs to assist residents has helped to lower the rate of falls, study says. Read More »
Can religion add quality to life in advanced age? Can it do so when dementia sets in? Ethnographic evidence, abundantly found in long-term care, speaks of the salutary contribution religion makes in advanced age. Read More »
In 2012, it's hard to believe that people still go hungry in the United States. When a senior doesn't have enough food or good nutrition, that is a recipe for health complications. Read More »
Ultraviolet light treatment works better than bleach to control outbreaks of Clostridium difficle infections (CDI) in resident spaces, and UV cleansing technology may be a smart addition to routine housekeeping and infection-prevention measures, researchers find. Read More »
Experts at this week’s International Society of Advance Care Planning & End of Life Care conference discuss medical ethics, caregiver responsibilities, and a culture of avoidance when it comes to end-of-life care decisions. Read More »
In my years as a med nurse, unit manager and DON I always enjoyed working with hospice. My experience was that they were also there for the resident and staff. That is why hospice belongs in long-term care. Let us help you help the resident. Let’s collaborate and share the load. How can we help you today? Read More »
A resident’s withdrawal from life’s opportunities does not have to be a permanent condition. How can you help a resident who is unhappy, has lost interest in life, or has become testy and difficult? Read More »
Dining is the ideal way to socialize. Residents eagerly check out their monthly activity calendar to see what local restaurant they will be visiting. Read More »
In many LTC communities, the basic need for excellent service has been overshadowed by a single-minded adherence to numerous state and federal regulations, medical regimens and cost pressures, even though service and an environment conducive to healthy living were stated objectives of the organizations. Somehow, companies have not been paying attention to their own core values. Read More »
Without faith in the mix, living in a facility would be vast wasteland for me even though there are other things to do and much in the world to learn. It helps me to have faith in something larger than myself. Faith gets me through most days. Read More »
A rapidly evolving regulatory, demographic and clinical landscape are top of mind for many of the 1,000-plus senior living executives in attendance at this year’s ALFA (Assisted Living Federation of America) Conference & Expo, being held in Dallas Wednesday through Friday. Read More »
An interdisciplinary approach to restorative care can improve quality measures as evidenced by a program instituted at Renaissance Gardens at Riderwood, an Erickson Living Community in Silver Spring, Md. Read More »
Following a procedure to have a kidney stone removed at a large university hospital, Kathy wonders why appropriate equipment could not be made available for a patient's most basic needs. Read More »
Many older adults with dementia live and die in community settings rather than nursing homes, contradicting the commonly held view that most people with dementia eventually move to nursing homes and die there. Read More »
Sometimes life gets too busy or too distracting to learn the "little" things that make up a person. Biographies are wonderful opportunities to reminisce and share the smaller moments of life with loved ones. Read More »
The findings suggest that depression that begins in late-life may be an early symptom of Alzheimer's disease, while chronic depression over the life course may reflect a long-term process of changes to blood flow in the brain associated with increased risk of vascular dementia. Read More »
What makes a great aide? Kathleen is pleased to know one who has a knack for identifying with resident situations and who intuitively wants to please the residents and give them good care. Read More »
Winter’s end and spring’s increase in daylight hours are typically uplifting events. Yet for many seniors, spring can trigger or exacerbate the dark feelings and lethargy of depression. Read More »
