Assisted living

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 »

7 tips for better customer satisfaction

Live from AHCA/NCAL: Are your customer satisfaction surveys a dreaded burden or an elusive holy grail? These tips can help communities increase customer satisfaction, but the best results come from customizing each one to individual residents.  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 »

Americans living longer, living healthier

With new cutting-edge medical treatments, increased interest in pursuing healthy lifestyles and advanced healthcare technology, Americans are living longer and enjoying it. Read More »

AHCA names ManorCare exec as government policy chief

A top executive from HCR ManorCare has been chosen to steer AHCA/NCAL’s lobby efforts and policy interests. Read More »

Public weighs in on long-term care funding options

A recent poll asking Americans for their opinions about the financing of long-term care revealed support of some ideas that surprised researchers. Read More »

One on one with… Larry Wolf

Technology-related issues and trends in long-term care were on the agenda when Larry Wolf, health information technology strategist with post-acute service provider Kindred Healthcare, recently spoke with Long-Term Living. Read More »

Health insurance exchanges proceed despite shutdown, albeit with glitches

Federal and state government officials vow to fix website and call center issues as health insurance marketplaces receive overwhelming attention from consumers on the first days of operation. Read More »

Need a Ride?

For many long-term care facilities, one of the smartest business drivers is being willing to drive residents somewhere else. But adding transportation services means deciding whether to buy, lease or partner up for the right vehicles and personnel. Read More »

Scam artists using ACA to grab seniors’ personal info

Long ago, telephones were a communication/socialization device. With technologic advances, however, the once-friendly phone has become a conduit for criminals. Read More »

Federal government shuts down

Core Medicare and Medicaid operations will not be affected by a federal government shutdown that began today, but a broad range of other federal operations will be affected. The Affordable Care Act itself has largely been funded already and will not be directly affected. ACA-created health insurance exchanges also are live as scheduled. Read More »

Future is theme for International Day of Older Persons

An annual Oct. 1 observance is designed to draw attention to aging-related issues and those who are trying to address them. A new report released in conjunction with this year's observance looks at health status, societal programs and other issues related to the elderly around the world. Read More »

House, Senate spar over a delay to ACA; shutdown looms

After a weekend of squabbling over the federal budget, the Senate has rejected a proposal to delay the Affordable Care Act. With the budget crisis still unsolved in the 11th hour, what would a government shutdown mean for long-term care? Read More »

Beyond rubber gloves: Housekeeping’s infection control role

The housekeeping department accounts for a large part of a facility's budget—and an even larger part of its infection control program. But even the most sophisticated cleanliness initiatives will go down the drain if staffers aren't properly trained in the specific protocols for each cleaning product. Read More »

Cognitive enhancers not effective for mild cognitive impairment

A recent study brings disappointing news for some hoping to delay the onset of dementia. Read More »

2 technology-related action steps for long-term care providers

Communication is at the heart of two relationships vital to success in technology implementation and use in long-term care, according to one expert. Read More »

Stopping C. diff may be more a matter of antibiotic restriction than infection control: study

Newly published research in the New England Journal of Medicine challenges widely held beliefs about the transmission of a common infection and how to stop it. Read More »

CDC: Long-term care must make flu vaccination a priority

Those working in long-term care have three important reasons to get vaccinated against the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And employers have compelling evidence to require or at least encourage vaccination. Read More »

Cognition not protected by omega-3s after all: study

Omega-3s may not help memory after all, but don’t make any dietary changes yet, researchers say. Read More »

NY senior housing market shows resilience; Miami struggles

Compared to the 31-city metro housing composite, some senior housing markets have battled quite well against the slow economy, while others still wait for recovery, notes the latest data from the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry. Read More »

4 technology trends in post-acute and long-term care

Care, staffing, and workflow processes and tools all are changing as technology and the healthcare system adapt to one another, according to one expert. Read More »

Assisted living communities can foster good reputations through personal interactions

As the state of New York winds down its Assisted Living Month, an association executive relays tips to help communities everywhere provide optimal care and demonstrate their value to residents, prospective residents and their families. Read More »

Gentiva buys Harden Healthcare for $408M

Hospice services giant Gentiva expands its dual-eligibles population in an acquisition deal with Harden Healthcare. Read More »

The road traveled less (and less)

If your "get up and go" has gotten up and gone, get it back in gear—and solve what will surely become one of skilled nursing's biggest challenges in the future. Read More »

The power of nature

Artwork depicting the natural environment has the power to soothe and comfort residents in long-term care communities, as long as you choose the right scenes, explains interior designer Emily Ronck. Read More »

APA releases guidelines on antipsychotic drug use

The American Psychiatric Association takes a stance against using antipsychotics as a first-line treatment option for the agitation and behavioral outbursts common in those with dementia. Read More »