Administration

Stress may precede falls, and new technology may detect them

New research finds that older men experiencing the death of a loved one or financial problems are more likely to fall within the next year. Technology under development may help detect such falls, however, and notify caregivers for assistance. Read More »

My search for a new home

Relocating to a new nursing facility is not as easy as it sounds, as Kathleen Mears describes in her quest to find accommodations that fit her needs and interests.  Read More »

Nursing homes serving black residents have fewer resources for care, study finds

A study of more than 11,500 nursing homes reveals racial disparities in care, and researchers have some ideas about why – and some potential solutions, too. Read More »

Author’s royalties to benefit the National Hospice Foundation

Award-winning author and photographer Judith Fox supports hospice and palliative care on a national level, donating royalties from her newly released book One Foot Forward. Read More »

Pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and dementia

Three recent studies provide new knowledge related to the development, prevention or prediction of dementia in various populations. Read More »

In Maryland, a new treatment directive replaces standard DNR form

How far does a “Do Not Resuscitate” order go? In Maryland, the state doesn’t think it goes far enough and replaces the DNR with a new, more comprehensive form. Read More »

Trends in resident care services and infection control

Now that providing quality resident care has grown far beyond mere Activities of Daily Living, we asked Long-Term Living's readers to tell us about their communities' new care initiatives, including their clinical monitoring programs, infection control protocols and, of course, how they’re training their nurses and other caregivers to meet the new care quality levels demanded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Read More »

Informed consent provisions strong in only 7 states, group says

The informed consent rights of nursing home residents in 43 states may not be fully realized due to weak or nonexistent provisions, according to a nonprofit organization’s new analysis. Read More »

RACs are effective, but CMS should provide better oversight, says OIG report

Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs) are doing an effective job of rooting out Medicare fraud and billing errors, but federal Medicare agencies need to be more diligent about tracking cases, a new government report says. Read More »

5 tests to avoid in long-term care settings

Percutaneous feeding tubes, sliding scale insulin, urine cultures, antipsychotic medications and lipid-lowering drugs should be used only under certain circumstances, representatives of the long-term care field say in a national campaign. Read More »

Owners upgrade senior housing spaces for new uses

Long-Term Living's readers told us about their communities' new rooms, revamped spaces and operational changes during the past year. New renovations and a shift in onsite services are at the fore, including a rapid adoption of in-house memory care services and the creation of dedicated spaces to host them. Read More »

Aging, longevity clues arise from gene study

Researchers found a way to extend the life of study subjects by 20 percent, but the rate of aging varied by body system. Read More »

Looking for a better shower experience

A satisfying shower experience shouldn’t require a magician's touch on a shower wand to provide warm water and pressure, as Kathleen Mears explains in her weekly blog. Read More »

Step into September

As we say good-bye to August and begin the “dog days” of summer, there are a number of exciting events and seasonal advisories to share. Read More »

An elevated experience

Air Force Village I, San Antonio, takes the top prize in this year's Environments for Aging Remodel/Renovation Award competition by turning the little-used top floor of its high-rise community into an upscale dining venue and piano bar. Read More »

Same-sex couples guaranteed equal access to nursing homes

Same-sex couples will no longer be denied visitation of a partner in a nursing home, according the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They will also have access to equal coverage in the facility where spouses live. Read More »

The present and future of long-term services and support

Newly released data summarize the present state of long-term services and support — and what the future holds. Read More »

App designed to foster interaction between adults with dementia, caregivers

A new app expands on a popular live program that provides an alternative way for older adults with cognitive disabilities to communicate and reflect on their life experiences while enjoying themselves in the moment. Read More »

Not enough ‘assist’ in assisted living for me

Twenty years ago, Long-Term Living blogger Kathleen Mears decided that because of her disability and need for additional care, it was time to consider long-term care. She shares her reason for choosing skilled nursing. Read More »

Need for institutional care may increase, AARP report says

Population trends mean that the current model of family members serving as the primary caregivers for their elders may not work in the future, according to some policy advisers. Read More »

Does Parkinson’s need to meet Mary Jane?

New drug-extraction techniques have turned the spotlight back on how CBD can help to treat those with neurological tremor disorders like Parkinson’s—and the new interest in a “transformed” version of medical marijuana. Read More »

Assisted Living 2.0

As more seniors age in place, the assisted living model undergoes a substantial redesign to meet the needs of the coming Baby Boomer generation and the increasing need for memory care. Read More »

Healthcare workers and the risk of needlestick injuries

Needlestick injuries are a frightening and costly, yet preventable, risk for hospital and other direct care workers. Read More »

9 new quality goals for nursing homes unveiled by initiative

Nursing homes participating in a new initiative may gain competitive advantages, organizers say. In the process, they could collect data helpful in establishing uniform national standards and evidence-based best practices. Read More »

Fire safety compliance still troubles SNFs, deficiencies loom

The recent CMS deadline for fire sprinkler compliance finds more than 1,000 long-term care facilities lacking sprinkler coverage in at least some areas—and risking exclusion from Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement. Read More »

Rapid aging may be your mother’s doing, study says

Good genes? Researchers link the aging process to defective DNA inherited from mother. Read More »

U.S. companies expand in China as senior care restrictions relax

As its elderly population grows and traditions change, China is seeking help from foreign and private companies to provide services and housing for this segment, and U.S. companies are answering the call. Read More »

Assisted living rate pricing: Impacts on margin

Are you over- or undercharging residents for living in your assisted living facility? Two industry experts offer advice oncapturing variable costs to achieve bottom-line objectives. Read More »

Recruitment company owner found guilty of forced labor

Foreign-born nurses answering an Internet recruitment ad were lured to the United States on the promise of university-level positions. When the nurses arrived, they found no job and no university. Read More »

5 keys to finding and retaining resident-centered employees

Discovering candidates' internal motivators underlies success in the hunt for passionate employees whose work ethic meshes with the goals of your organization. Read More »