CCRC

Top 10 Long-Term Living stories of 2013

Long-Term Living's Leaders of Tomorrow Awards, senior living environments and nursing home regulations were among the hot topics for our social media friends and followers this year, as an examination of analytics reveals. Read More »

ONC names Karen DeSalvo, MD, new national coordinator for HIT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has named Karen DeSalvo, MD, as its next leader. Read More »

Killing the SGR and therapy caps

Congress may be ready to do away with the sustainable growth rate (SGR), re-fix the “doc fix” and ditch therapy caps, but will skilled nursing become the scapegoat for the costs? Read More »

Seek vitamin D from multiple sources for best fall prevention

Got milk? You may want to add other vitamin D sources to limit the chances of fall fractures, notes a new statement from the American Geriatrics Society. Read More »

NCOA ‘cautiously optimistic’ for permanent QI fix in 2014

The National Council on Aging is “disappointed” that Congress has not acted to make permanent a program that pays Part B premiums for some Medicare recipients, but the organization remains hopeful that the program will be made permanent in 2014. Read More »

Challenges: Disinfecting soft surfaces [PODCAST]

In Long-Term Living's "Challenges" Editorial Podcast series, we ask industry experts to help solve specific problems within the long-term care and post-acute care environments. This installment: How to combat infectious microbes on soft surfaces like curtains, chairs and sofas. Read More »

CCRC occupancy to stay the same or improve in 2014: report

Occupancy levels at nonprofit continuing care retirement communities will remain stable or improve in 2014, according to a new report. Read More »

FDA antibacterial review excludes healthcare products

Makers of antibacterial products used in healthcare facilities are off the hook—for now. A recently announced FDA proposed rule on safety and effectiveness will be limited to over-the-counter soaps and body washes made for consumers. Read More »

AMDA’s program targets antipsychotic drug use for dementia

A new program developed by AMDA teaches long-term care staffers and doctors how to recognize, assess and treat symptoms of dementia while minimizing the use of antispychotic drugs. Read More »

Cognitive decline, cold sores linked

Researchers have linked the same virus that causes cold sores to cognitive decline in people of all ages. One action may help prevent ill effects on the brain, however. Read More »

A pillow’s antics cause a panic

Some days, a simple incident can induce an out-of-character reaction, as LTL blogger Kathy Mears discovered recently. Read More »

American seniors may be less tired, more alert

Do seniors have more energy than younger Americans? A new study looks at the concept of tiredness in the U.S. population. Read More »

OIG to CMS: Add hospitalization rates to nursing home quality ratings and surveys

The Office of Inspector General wants hospitalization rates to be added to CMS's nursing home quality rankings. But will the numbers tell the real story or just muddy the waters? Read More »

Complying with HIPAA: Avoid financial penalties by following these steps

The financial penalties for not securing protected health information have become greater under the final Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act omnibus rule that went into effect Sept. 23. Taking certain actions can strengthen your ability to avoid violations. Read More »

Information sharing, integration needed in LTC: survey

A survey of the 100 largest not-for-profit providers of senior care identifies strengths and weaknesses in the industry's use of technology. Read More »

Assisted living construction continues to accelerate

Assisted living construction is going strong and steadily rising, according to the latest NIC MAP data. Much of the construction is concentrated in six major metropolitan markets. Read More »

A dementia cure by 2025?

G8 countries gathered for a summit in London have committed to identifying a cure or disease-modifying therapy for dementia by 2025 and to significantly increasing research funding to reach that goal. Read More »

Federal grants to shore up healthcare workforce

New funding has been earmarked to develop, educate and grow a diversified healthcare workforce across the United States. Read More »

Long-term and post-acute care’s roles in lowering hospital readmissions

Post-acute medication management and partnerships with long-term care facilities and others are two strategies put forth by two recent pieces of research examining ways to lower hospital readmissions. Read More »

Healthcare: The personality factor

Does an individual's personality influence his or her healthcare choices and regimen? A new study looks at the psychological factors in healthcare utilization. Read More »

Seniors with dementia benefit from exercise

Improved cognition and ability to perform activities of daily living are two benefits seniors experience when they exercise, according to a new review of 16 studies. The authors say more research is needed, however. Read More »

OSHA’s 35-lb. lifting limit

When was the last time a staff member lifted something heavier than 35 lbs? Enforcement of this rule might be getting a lot stiffer soon. Read More »

Patient safety remains a priority in 2014

Fall prevention, HAIs and pressure ulcers remain a focus for the Joint Commission's 2014 National Patient Safety Goals. Read More »

Exercise offers benefits even if begun later in life, study finds

Another study finds that even seniors who begin exercising later in life can experience significant health benefits. Read More »

Holiday shopping

LTL blogger Kathy Mears gives some insight on the best  and most appreciated gifts to give residents in long-term care facilities. Read More »

Tidings of comfort and joy

The holiday season also is a time of reflection and new beginnings that can make our lives more meaningful. Judah Ronch, PhD, shares his visit with The Sopranos' Dominic Chianese. Read More »

6 ways you can ensure senior safety on the roads

During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, the American Occupational Therapy Association shares tips for those helping seniors prepare for comprehensive driving evaluations. Read More »

Sharing beauty, celebrating seniors

One senior living provider found a way to share beauty this holiday season while celebrating the talents of residents. What does your community do? Read More »

Better bathing for larger residents

Regardless of personal preferences, technology has made bathing a more pleasurable and thorough experience, especially for residents with bariatric issues. Read More »

New medication management guideline focuses on long-term care settings

Experts have updated an existing medication management guideline to make it specific to the long-term care environment, with information of use to nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, physicians and physician assistants who are part of interdisciplinary teams taking care of residents. Read More »