Assisted living

5 steps to a total security solution

A completely secure long-term care environment only can be accomplished with thoughtful planning and performance. Take five steps to keep residents, staff, visitors and property safe. Read More »

Fall ends in death at an Illinois nursing home

A serious fall can happen at any facility, but an incident at a nursing home in southwest Illinois underscores the need for vigilance to keep residents safe. Read More »

Moments with Marie

Staff personalities and attitudes can make or break a resident’s day. Sincere friendliness can help a resident have a better day. Read More »

Study links diabetes mellitus, depression to dementia risk

Chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and depression can have an effect on the development of dementia according to recent research. Read More »

Study: Do ‘soft’ floors reduce falls?

Trips, stumbles and falls can result in serious injury, especially for an older adult who might have balance issues or improper footwear or who might be using a cane or walker incorrectly. Read More »

A touchdown for assisted living?

Assisted living and memory care for retired professional football players would be one goal of a proposed project. Read More »

Craving french fries

Since mealtimes are so important to residents, a successful dining program should consider preferences and be sure to have enough of the most popular food items on hand. Read More »

2015 Leaders of Tomorrow: Deborah Platt, RN, BSN, DON-CLTC

Some career paths can be circuitous as this clinical manager discovered. Through leadership, compassion and continuing involvement in the long-term care industry, this honoree and her staff continue to give their residents rich and fulfilling lives. Read More »

Workplace violence: A continuing concern of nurses

The American Nurses Association seeks public comment on its draft proposal of recommendations to prevent violence to ensure workplace safety by April 30 deadline. Read More »

Sudden power outage

Losing electricity is an inconvenience for most people, but for individuals with special needs or compromised health a power outage can be very stressful and potentially dangerous. Read More »

Study: Facility, home care costs have increased

Costs associated with facility-based care and home care have increased over the past five years, according to Genworth’s 12th annual Cost of Care Study. Read More »

Severe storm leads to East Texas nursing home evacuation

An East Texas nursing home sustains damage from severe storms on Thursday. One person perishes in Illinois tornado. Read More »

NIC MAP: Occupancy down, rent growth up

Overall senior housing occupancy declined in the first quarter of 2015 due to weak absorption and a moderate increase in inventory, according to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care’s MAP Data Service. Rent growth continued to accelerate for most independent living properties, according to the web-based source of research and analysis. Read More »

ALFA announces credentialing body

The Assisted Living Federation of America has moved one step closer to its aim of quantifying the quality of those working in the industry by establishing an organization to offer certification. Professional standards and an accreditation process are expected to follow. Read More »

3 safety concerns to consider in long-term care

Wherever patients are treated, their safety needs to be ensured. ECRI Institute has compiled a list of safety concerns for healthcare organizations that long-term care providers can benefit from. Read More »

Workplace violence: OSHA updates guidelines

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration updated its guidelines for preventing and reducing incidents of violence in healthcare settings. Read More »

Documentation tops provider concerns in survey

Documentation was the biggest challenge facing skilled nursing centers and assisted living communities during 2014, according to those responding to a year-long survey by Harmony Healthcare International. Read More »

Thyroid drug interaction

Medications have to be coordinated to achieve the best results for the individual. Kathleen Mears’ blog illustrates the importance of a periodic medication review. Read More »

Does your applicant have what it takes for continuing care?

Many continuing care organizations struggle with identifying potential staff members who have the necessary skills and will fit in with the organizational culture. Pre-employment behavioral assessments may provide a solution to combat retention issues. Read More »

Spring into safety

Maintenance and housekeeping staff are the first line of defense in keeping residents and staff safe, healthy and secure in a long-term care environment. Read More »

Trained staff enhance the resident experience

Ramp up staff knowledge and create buy-in to improve resident experiences by using the latest training programs and approaches. Read More »

Unwarranted discipline

While order and efficiency need to be maintained, can a facility become too heavy-handed when a resident is delayed by other circumstances? Read More »

Study: Mexican American elders live longer, but often with a disability

A new study explores the patterns of functional decline of Mexican Americans as they age and the implications for their families. Read More »

Customer service excellence includes employees

What if we approached our employees using the same principles we apply to customer service? Benefits include a reduction in injury claims and employee retention. Read More »

Major drug retailers named in FDA complaint

The quality of manufacture and efficacy may be called into question when the country of origin is a mystery to the user. Made in U.S.A. Foundation stresses the importance of labeling medications and supplements. Read More »

Vitamin D and exercise reduce injuries but not falls, says clinical trial

A recent study assessed the efficacy of vitamin D and exercise in preventing falls, the leading cause of injuries and fractures in older adults. Read More »

Inside an isolation order

Suffering from a UTI is uncomfortable experience. Couple that with MRSA and the illness becomes a tactical challenge in infection control. Read More »

Nurse leaders improve dementia care

By educating staff, experienced nurse leaders are instrumental in the transformation of memory care communities into life-affirming homes for residents with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Read More »

Keeping caregivers a challenge in assisted living

Overall turnover in assisted living is decreasing, according to a new survey released by the National Center for Assisted Living. Among nursing staff positions, keeping non-certified residential caregivers remain a challenge. Read More »

Preventing financial abuse should be priority, ALFA says

As the White House Conference on Aging prepares for its next regional event March 31, ALFA President and CEO James Balda tells the Senate Special Committee that preventing the financial exploitation of older adults should be a top priority. Read More »