Assisted living

Post substitute menu selections

“Choice.” It is the magic word of culture change. What happens when residents are not given enough choices, especially at mealtimes? Read More »

Technology can build community among residents’ families, staff

One assisted living community supplemented existing communication efforts by using a web platform to relay everyday interactions to residents' family members. In this way, the community strengthened ties and also improved marketing efforts. Read More »

Music is theme for National Assisted Living Week

“The Magic of Music,” notably its positive effects on those with dementia, will be highlighted during National Assisted Living Week, which will be celebrated Sept. 7 to 13. Read More »

Fall risks vary with medications, studies find

Prescribing medication is an art form requiring the physician to weigh the delicate balance between a medication’s benefits and potential risks. Read More »

Dealing with heel pain

If a resident tells you he or she is uncomfortable in a bed or chair, listen and see what can be done to remedy the situation. Long-Term Living blogger Kathleen Mears’ caregivers were on their toes and prevented a skin issue from becoming more serious. Read More »

Quality improvement program for assisted living released

A program to reduce hospital readmissions among residents of skilled nursing facilities has been adapted for use by assisted living providers. Read More »

Assisted living changes expected in California

Lawmakers have greeted bills affecting assisted living in California with mixed reactions. Read More »

Environments for Aging names remodel/renovation competition winners

This year's Environments for Aging Remodel/Renovation competition focused on resident amenities. Check out the winning project and see who was a finalist. Read More »

The case of the missing jewelry

Facility life can lead to accidental loss or damage to a resident’s personal belongings as Long-Term Living’s resident blogger Kathleen Mears recently discovered. Read More »

Joint Commission issues an alert on tubing misconnection risks

In hospitals and long-term care settings, caregivers often have to change tubing on medical equipment. A high risk of misconnection exists because of various compatible delivery systems, so the Joint Commission has issued a Sentinel Event Alert. Read More »

44% of assisted living residents visiting EDs have malnutrition: study

Results of a recent study may have you thinking about offering malnutrition screening to residents, as well as helping to address underlying issues. Read More »

Join us for a Twitter chat Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. ET

The interface of long-term care and home health will be the topic. Get all the details here. Read More »

Meeting the new dining standards

What’s for dinner? Are you planning and serving residents meals that are in line with the new dining standards? A new toolkit helps to implement these requirements. Read More »

Skilled Healthcare, Genesis HealthCare to merge

The 100 percent stock transaction will create one of the largest providers of post-acute care in the country, according to company executives. Read More »

When ALS hits close to home

Long-term care residents know the comfort that expressions of love and compassion can bring. When problems arise for family and friends, residents are eager to support others in their times of need.  Read More »

ACIP offers recommendation on pneumonia vaccine

It’s nearing that time of the year again when it's important to review your residents’ history of vaccinations and to schedule the various inoculations, including pneumonia, that will protect them from infections in the coming months. Read More »

End delay, VA is told

Lawmakers push the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to ease long-term care (LTC) red tape for military vets to obtain healthcare services. But what are the prospects for accessibility to LTC services? Read More »

Anyone for hummus?

Appetites change, and dietary requirements might need adjustment, but meals always should be appetizing and healthful. A little creativity in the kitchen also is a plus. Read More »

Excess weight a plus in surviving sepsis infection

Maintaining a healthy weight might not be helpful for a senior with a sepsis infection, according to a new study. Excess weight can help the body fight infection. Read More »

PBA is nothing to laugh about

It is estimated that one in 10 nursing home residents is affected by a neurologic condition known as pseudobulbar affect. Read More »

Practice to protect

Staff readiness to react to a natural disaster or dangerous situations is imperative in long-term care environments. Read More »

Long-term care next VA focus, senator says

The legislative branch of the U.S. government will turn its focus to the renovation and rebuilding of long-term care facilities for veterans, says one lawmaker, but don't expect action right away. Read More »

Decision aids can encourage advanced planning

In long-term care, advance directives, medical power of attorney, living will and so on are acquired during the admissions process. Their importance becomes more relevant as resident experiences changes in health status. Read More »

Protect residents from financial abuse

New federal guidance outlines the responsibilities and actions a facility needs to take when it suspects a resident is a victim of a financial crime. Read More »

ALFA board names five new directors

Five new directors join seven officers and 12 members of the Assisted Living Federation of America board to help the organization execute a plan to increase advocacy efforts and other initiatives to address an evolving marketplace. Read More »

A surprise transport

Not only distance but transportation arrangements can make a trip to the doctor’s office a logistical nightmare for a person with disabilities. Read More »

3 ways to improve the health of your referral relationships

You can learn a lot from those who love you, those who like you and those who hate you. Put that knowledge to work to improve your financial well-being. Read More »

Joint Commission offers free infection educational module

Bring staff on board to apply reliability principles in their efforts to prevent and control the incidents of infection in the congregate setting of long-term care. Read More »

Fall risk: Older adults safer when walking for pleasure rather than necessity

Older adults are at a greater danger of falling when walking for utilitarian purposes such as shopping and appointments than when walking for recreation, according to a new study. Read More »

Night shift frolics

Is it an emergency? Does the resident need assistance? Is it an equipment malfunction? These questions cannot be answered unless staff responds to call lights. Read More »