The prevalence of particularly nasty flu viruses this year is prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to predict a potentially severe flu season. The agency recommends immediate vaccination or quick treatment as warranted. Read More »
Although mechanical lifts make moving a patient easier for the caregiver, safety can be compromised if the user does not know how to operate the lift properly. Read More »
Infection control is a major culprit in the often-fatal virus known as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, according to a new literature review. Read More »
A trial of a drug to fight early-onset Alzheimer's disease, expected to include 1,500 participants in 15 countries, has enrolled its first participant. Read More »
Pssst! Want a plant? Have I got a deal for you! Residents can drive a hard bargain when they are out looking for the perfect deal even when it’s not Cyber Monday. Read More »
In long-term care, residents can experience symptoms of seasonal depression, which might go unrecognized unless caregivers and families keep a watchful eye. Read More »
Independence is a great feeling, especially for those whose mobility is compromised by physical impairments, age, frailty or other healthcare issues. What better gift can be given than that of hope? Read More »
Keeping the bedsores at bay is about much more than body-turning protocols. Helping residents and their families understand the importance of skin health can make fighting unnecessary skin breakdown a group effort. Read More »
The American Geriatrics Society has released a new guideline to prevent and treat postoperative delirium in older adults in an effort to reduce complications resulting in longer hospital stays and delayed rehabilitation. Read More »
CMS has followed the lead of a preventive services agency and proposed coverage of annual lung cancer screenings for certain older adults. But can Medicare afford it? Read More »
Residents need to have a change of scene occasionally. Check to see that there is room to include another passenger. A few questions and a little legwork can avoid a resident letdown. Read More »
A small, pocket-sized document can help curb antibiotic drug resistance and improve the treatment and outcomes of the frail and elderly in skilled nursing facilities, according to a recent study. Read More »
Treating a cold is not as simple as taking the latest advertised remedy off the shelf. If you live or work in a long-term care setting, let staff and residents know that choosing a cold reliever takes serious thought. Read More »
In a recent study, Medicare beneficiaries who receive hospice care had lower rates of hospitalization, ICU admissions and invasive procedures at the end of life, along with lower healthcare expenditures during the last year of life. Read More »
The first national joint replacement database issues its first report and intends to add more data sets to improve the quality of joint replacement devices and procedures. Read More »
Nine quality measures will be part of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dialysis Facility Compare star rating program for dialysis providers participating in Medicare when it rolls out in January. Read More »
Four programs addressing dementia care or mental health needs in affordable housing have received grants from LeadingAge and the NewCourtland Foundation. Read More »
Residents can empathize with fellow residents' challenges even as they strive to cope with and overcome their own physical, emotional and/or behavioral challenges. Read More »
Take time this month to honor the hospice and home care workers who provide valuable service and commitment to the people they serve with skill and compassion. Read More »
A national private-duty home care franchisor is one of only two to receive the Enterprise Champion for Quality award since it was established in 2013. Read More »
The holidays are coming up quickly. Now is the time to start to think about gifts for residents or a resident project to help less fortunate older people in the community. For more than a decade, one organization has helped to keep seniors' feet warm and dry throughout the winter. Read More »
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is giving the reimbursement nod to a first-of-its-kind genetic test to help physicians choose the best medication to treat depression in older adults. Will this policy help solve the tricky task of treating depression in care settings plagued by polypharmacy and look-alike symptoms? Read More »
CMS recently updated the change of therapy requirements found in the RAI User’s Manual. Understanding the changes can ensure correct reimbursement and avoid miscalculations. Read More »
Surveillance cameras don’t always provide the proof a resident’s family was expecting—sometimes it is worse. Kathleen Mears offers a resident's view on this monitoring technology. Read More »
A documentary, a foundation and training materials for caregivers are arising from one man's wish to share "the gnarly truth" about dementia, and the filmmakers and family members who took up the challenge. Read More »
The effects of high levels of radon gas in homes and buildings across the United States pose a serious risk of developing lung cancer. Take time to test now. Read More »
