Resident Care

Needed trauma care often eludes elderly: study

A new study about the way injured older adults are treated has implications for long-term care. Read More »

Study of America’s ‘oldest old’ will continue data-gathering

An ongoing study focusing exclusively on the lifestyles and health issues of people in their ninth decade assembles data and information to accommodate this growing demographic. Read More »

LTC settings would feel the most pain if FDA hydrocodone proposal is approved, pharmacists say

A new FDA proposal to limit access to certain painkillers would hit nursing homes and similar facilities the hardest, one organization maintains. Read More »

Sensors, other steps could improve resident sleep

Technology is just one of many ways to help residents get enough sleep, according to recent research, which suggests ways to address staffing level and shift pattern issues that can lead to sleep problems. Read More »

Haunted all year

A recent experience reminded me of the haunted houses I attended in my high school days. The occasion was not as fun but was just as frightening, especially considering that 36 million people around the world have similar sensations daily. The memories will stay with me for a long time. Read More »

Public weighs in on federal health agencies

A new survey gauges public perception of several national government agencies and departments. See where your opinion fits in. Read More »

Proactive healthcare approach reduces senior calls to EMS

A senior housing complex with a reputation for frequent calls to local paramedics saw a one-third decrease in the calls after implementing a new program. Read More »

APIC kicks off ‘Infection Prevention and You’ campaign

Infection prevention is everyone’s job—residents, families, healthcare professionals. A new campaign offers important information on patient safety and infection prevention. Read More »

Alzheimer’s disease and sleep may be linked, says JAMA Neuro study

Shorter sleep duration and poor-quality sleep are associated with abnormal brain imaging findings suggesting Alzheimer's disease in older adults, a new study finds. Read More »

Is a wound-free facility possible?

Not all wounds are preventable, but a trained staff and the use of current protocols go a long way to advancing the goal of establishing a wound-free culture and an improved quality of life for residents. Read More »

A vaccination update

Although seasonal vaccinations are good preventive steps to protect seniors from various health challenges, the inoculations may have some side effects. Kathleen Mears shares her experience with the shingles vaccination. Read More »

6 tips to fight osteoporosis

World Osteoporosis Day is October 20, so find out what can help keep bones strong and reduce the risk of fractures in all seniors, but especially in older women. Read More »

Organization has 10 ideas for improving medication adherence

New recommendations from a group of 22 professional societies, health-related organizations, government agencies and industry representatives seek to increase medication adherence in seniors with multiple conditions, reducing medication errors, drug interactions and disease complications in the process. Read More »

SNF docs may prevent adverse drug events with mobile devices

Adverse drug events are linked to nearly 93,000 deaths in nursing homes, according to a new study. Read More »

Intelligent eyeglasses may improve gait for people with Parkinson’s

As intelligent eyeglasses become available to consumers, researchers at the University of Twente in Amsterdam, Netherlands, are exploring the potential for their use in reducing the incidents of falls related to Parkinson’s disease. Read More »

CDC shutdown affects surveillance of flu & MERS

The government shutdown of the CDC means no one is watching the spread of infectious disease in the United States—and it’s not just about this year's flu season anymore. Read More »

Display hopes to take a bite out of Alzheimer’s mystery

Alzheimer's disease is getting big-time attention this month as an exhibit in New York City seeks to enlighten residents and visitors to a top attraction. Read More »

Increase in use of meal delivery programs could reduce LTC facility admissions

New research illuminates a way for 26 states to save on long-term care costs but would come with a price for nursing homes. Read More »

My history with facility transportation

Being able to get away from the LTC community is a big treat for residents if the transportation available meets their individual needs, as Long-Term Living resident blogger Kathleen Mears explains. Read More »

CDC warns of Salmonella super-strains

Stronger, antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella are emerging, creating extra challenges for caregivers—and greater responsibilities for food service and housekeeping personnel. Read More »

Don’t sweep summer under the rug

Summer’s gone. But it left your community—from resident rooms to kitchen—full of dust, pollen and other contaminants that can be hard on the health of frail or medically compromised residents, not to mention staff. Read More »

Government shutdown halts nursing home inspections

Federal safety inspections are on hold in long-term care and other vital industries due to the government shutdown. Read More »

Culture change continues to evolve

From the seeds that were planted many years ago, culture change continues to grow, spread its roots and reshape itself to the needs of the elders it serves. Read More »

Survey survival: Fall scene investigation

Plenty of attention is given to reducing the risk of falls. But after a fall happens, do your nurses know how to gather the information your surveyors will want to know? Read More »

New study finds head injuries from falls increasing for LTC residents

It might be caused by a slippery floor or the effects of medication, but when a senior falls, consequences can be serious. A new study looks at head injuries sustained during falls by senior residents in two Canadian long-term care facilities. Read More »

Remember: Resident is heart of person-centered care

Live from AHCA/NCAL: To be successful in your mission of person-centered care, you must include residents and their families in your care planning. It sounds obvious, but many facilities that think they are doing this are not. Here are some points to consider. Read More »

Are resident grievance committees effective?

Without administrative buy-in, leadership and active participants, resident committees have difficulty being effective and relevant. Kathleen Mears shares her experience on various resident committees. Read More »

Elder abuse focus of October observance

Elder abuse is the focus of this year's observance of an annual event meant to bring attention to residents of long-term care facilities. Read More »

Speaker: Those in assisted living are helping to shape the future of healthcare

Live from AHCA/NCAL: A speaker shares tips for improving quality, safety and resident satisfaction in assisted living communities. Read More »

Exercise has physical, mental benefits—even in those over 90

Residents aged more than 90 years who are able to exercise—and do so—are likely to see physical and mental improvements, according to two new studies. Read More »