Resident Care

Positive aging through technology

Keeping up with technologies that enhance independence and wellness promotes “ultimate aging” as tech-savvy boomers grow older. Read More »

‘Silent strokes’ linked to memory loss in older adults

New research offers clues as to why some older people may be losing their memory. Read More »

Diet and nutrition linked to cognitive ability, brain shrinkage

New study shows that elderly people with higher levels of some vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids had better cognitive performance, while poor diets produced the opposite result. Read More »

Hospital discharge summaries often delayed; may affect nursing home re-hospitalizations

The researchers’ findings, recently published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, determined that discharge summaries regularly lack necessary information on diet, activity level, therapy and pending laboratory tests of nursing home patients after departure from the hospital. Read More »

Stepping out to stop Alzheimer’s; residents present $95,000 gift for staff

Senior living providers and residents raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2011, just in time for the holidays. Read More »

NCPA: Changes to LTC pharmacy consultants ‘jeopardize rural healthcare’

CMS has proposed changes to LTC pharmacy consultants that the NCPA says could imperil independent community pharmacies. Read More »

10 anticipated psychosocial needs of baby boomers

Yeah, we know—"The boomers are coming! The boomers are coming!" But are you ready? Read More »

10 top LTC news stories of 2011

This year, providers faced waves of regulatory, economic and societal challenges that tested their adaptability and fortitude. Read More »

A resident being merry in the nursing home

I remember my 15 Christmases living in nursing homes and how the holiday itself has changed, from the moods of residents and staff to the layout of a decorated facility. Read More »

Geriatric nursing assistant brings home top honors

Congratulations to Tyrone Stanley, who was awarded the Cynthia Steele Caring Hands Award by the Maryland Chapter of the National Gerontological Nursing Association. Read More »

Research shows statins may be beneficial in treating Alzheimer’s

Results of a new study showed improvement in cognition and other outcome measures following atorvastatin treatment. Read More »

Magic or mayhem: What’s ahead? Part 2

Editor's note: Last month, Long-Term Living readers were treated to five of Richard Peck's predictions for the industry in the coming years Read More »

Is a return to mobility possible?

Mary M. Harroun, MS, LNHA, demonstrates a leg lift The answer is yes. It might not be possible for all of your residents but a significant number Read More »

Leave no ‘odd man out’ at the dining table this holiday season

After recently teaching my dining class in a senior care community, I had an illuminating conversation with a resident. During the class I had Read More »

A resident who helps out feels better about himself

Melvin (pseudonym) lives a couple of doors away from me. He is round, not very tall and bounces when he walks. He is usually animated and will try to Read More »

Testing the tears

I don’t trust those “scientists.” Let me say that right up front. But rumor has it they’re working on a better way to do diabetes testing, and I say Read More »

Thanksgiving is a time for resident gratitude

After living so many years in nursing homes I am normally prepared for when staff ask me about my Thanksgiving plans. Most years you’ll find me at Read More »

Welcome to the ‘giving’ season

Thanksgiving is a day when loved ones gather to reflect and appreciate the blessings in our lives. It is also the official kickoff of the holiday Read More »

The pharmacist’s role in care transitions

Alfred, a healthy 81-year old, was hospitalized for a knee replacement. He was started on a blood thinner to prevent blood clots following Read More »

The new PPS challenge: Change of Therapy OMRA

Carol Maher, RN-BC, RAC-CT October 2011 came to pass with a whole host of challenges for the SNF Prospective Payment System (PPS). Along with Read More »

Culture change in action at Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Center

From left to right: Villa Crest Administrator Sarah McEvoy, Long-Term Living Editor-in-Chief Patricia Sheehan, and Villa Crest Executive Read More »

Great memories created during a spontaneous resident visit

On a sunny day several weeks ago when the weather was still in the low 70s, my sister called to see if I wanted a visitor. Despite throbbing sinuses Read More »

Wii are the senior bowling champions

Master Division Champions, the Burbank Ball Busters (from left to right): Penny Knapp, Ali Sizer, Marion Hendricks (seated), Luke Dantuono Read More »

A resident receives a flu shot—and then gets sick

A couple of weeks ago two nurses came in my room before breakfast and said they were giving flu shots. When I asked if I could get mine sitting up, I Read More »

How the dining experience affects your Quality Indicator Survey

I had the opportunity at the end of September to speak at the American Dietetic Association Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo in San Diego. The Read More »

Coping with seasonal affective disorder in the nursing home

When I was growing up I became listless and tired every fall. For many years I thought it had something to do with school starting again. But when Read More »

What are the implications to care and design if Alzheimer’s becomes Type 3 diabetes?

Currently you can find research back as far as 2005 relating to the connection between Alzheimer’s and insulin production in the brain. Read More »

Take the pressure out of pressure ulcers

Kristen Thurman, PT, CWS Susan R. Wickard, RN, BSN, CWCN, CWS, CLNC Pressure ulcers continue to cause pain and suffering to patients and Read More »

Nursing home bathing transformed

Draped in a thin, white sheet, Mrs. Williams tried to look dignified as she was paraded past her peers on the shower chair, her bare Read More »

A senior jockey gets back in the saddle

Last month, James Todd, 75, a resident of Prestige Senior Living’s Porthaven Care Center in Portland, Ore., climbed back in the saddle. A former Read More »