Assisted living

Gardens benefit those with dementia

Gardens in long-term care settings promote relaxation, stimulate memories, encourage activity and reduce agitation among residents who have dementia, a new study finds. Read More »

AOD acquires Stratis, adds home care

Two software services companies join forces to offer end-to-end software solutions and to include home care in the data continuum. Read More »

Senior volunteers wanted for Alzheimer prevention trial

A soon-to-launch five-year study to prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease for high-risk individuals will seek volunteers to join the trial in early 2015. Read More »

Study finds seniors experiencing fewer strokes

Better vascular control, healthy habits and access to improvements in stoke treatment have contributed to a decline in the incidence of stroke and a greater chance of survival. Read More »

Sense and reason prevail at CMS

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is set to drop doctors’ face-to-face narrative requirement for home health coverage. Read More »

Exercise: An important 25 minutes in a senior’s day

Engaging in a daily fitness regimen of moderate to vigorous exercise can help seniors maintain a better standard of health, according to a UK study. Read More »

ACHA/NCAL announces award winners

Programs and volunteers are being recognized by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) 2014 awards program. Read More »

Doctor at a distance

We are expected to be on time for medical appointments but usually end up sitting in the waiting room. Compound that wait with a long round-trip ride and that one appointment can take all day.  Read More »

ICA focuses on changing dementia care delivery

The new International Caregivers Association (ICA) offers techniques, support and training to all caregivers and providers involved with the care of people suffering from dementia care. Read More »

Nursing care, assisted living occupancy rates down

Overall seniors housing occupancy rates are up in the second quarter of this year compared with the previous quarter—spurred by the independent living sector, but occupancy rates are down in nursing care and assisted living communities, according to data released today by the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry's MAP Data and Analysis Service. Read More »

NADONA honors LTC Nurse Administrator of the Year

The National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration Long Term Care (NADONA) celebrates nursing leadership in its 2014 awards program. Read More »

Disappearing washcloths

Everyone knows that washing machines and dryers live on a diet of socks. Long-Term Living resident blogger Kathleen Mears notes that washcloths seem to be the meal of choice of facility laundry equipment. Read More »

3 keys to facility security

Three steps can help long-term care facility administrators ensure that security is an integral part of their overall management plans. Read More »

Study: Benefits of type 2 diabetes treatments decline with age

While younger people benefit by improving glycemic control, some older individuals may experience negative side effects, according to new research. Read More »

Assisted living, HCBS growing in use, Census Bureau report finds

The share of older Americans living in skilled nursing facilities is decreasing, whereas options such as assisted living and home- and community-based services appear to be growing in popularity, according to a new report. Read More »

NCAL awards: AL leaders of the year

The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) honors four women for their person-centered care leadership in assisted living. Read More »

Another battle won in the war on tobacco

Smoke-free nursing homes are becoming the norm. Long-Term Living blogger Kathleen Mears shares her opinions on the benefits of a total ban on tobacco products. Read More »

My solution to a noisy room

People have different levels of auditory comfort. When too many decibels work for one resident, but assault a roommate, what can be done to ensure both parties’ satisfaction? Read More »

OSHA resource looks to reduce, prevent LTC workplace injuries

Muscle strains, sprains, low back injuries and tendinitis are some of the workplace hazards LTC workers face each day. A new resource offers recommendations to prevent these painful and costly incidents. Read More »

ALFA unveils plans for future in wake of ASHA merger talks

The Assisted Living Federation of America has announced plans for a new name as well as an overall vision for its future in the wake of ended merger talks with the American Seniors Housing Association. Read More »

Look out! Arbitration provision may not provide enough coverage

Facility agreements with individuals or their representative can sometimes come under attack as to their validity, putting a facility at risk. Can your arbitration provision take the heat? Read More »

An unfortunate involuntary discharge

The kindness of strangers helps an involuntarily discharged nursing home resident with his immediate needs and plans for the future. Read More »

The shock of elder abuse in assisted living

Recent research reveals that executive directors of assisted living communities may not be aware of all of the cases of elder abuse—especially sexual incidents—occurring in their communities. A gerontology expert shares four ways to recognize and combat abuse in long-term care settings. Read More »

5 tips to keep seniors safe this summer

The official start of summer is just about a week away. Make sure you’re ready to assist and advise your residents on simple solutions to “beat the heat.” Read More »

Legionnaires’ disease in LTC facilities: A hidden threat

A new standard proposes the implementation of stronger safeguards against Legionnaires' disease, the incidence of which is increasing. The elderly are particularly vulnerable, and long-term care facilities that don't take precautions might find themselves at risk for mitigation and litigation expenses. Read More »

EHRs beyond the hospital and doctor’s office: One assisted living community’s story

Assisted living communities need health information technology tools more than ever thanks to increasing acuity levels. One provider of senior housing and care has successfully used electronic health record software to save nurses time and improve documentation. Read More »

Individual service plans: Assisted living’s key to quality care

A detailed and goals-based service plan can keep assisted living residents healthy and active while keeping staff focused on person-centered care. Read More »

Battery blues

Car problems can be a problem for anyone. Imagine the frustration and fear of someone with disabilities when his or her vehicle breaks down. Read More »

Remembering D-Day

Today is the day to remember—and honor—those brave men and women of the armed forces who landed on the shores of Normandy, signaling the beginning of the end of World War II. Read More »

Cleveland Clinic’s Cosgrove on short list to lead VA

With the resignation of Eric Shinseki last week, the job as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) had an immediate opening. Read More »