CCRC

Conquering C. difficile in LTC

New guidelines and strategies for controlling Clostridium difficile (C. diff) in long-term care facilities are among the highlights from today’s Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) educational conference in Baltimore. Read More »

Social services key to delivering senior healthcare at lower cost

Improving healthcare delivery for seniors might take greater investment in an often-ignored component: Social services. Read More »

SNF surveys: Do they tell the whole story?

Nursing home consumers—residents and their families—say the survey process has flaws that need to be addressed, according to a new report from the Coalition for Quality Care. Read More »

Clocking in on Daylight Savings Time

It’s said that no one can turn back (or ahead) the hands of time. But, au contraire, every year on the second Monday of March, people get up, get to work bleary-eyed and try to adjust to the TIME CHANGE!!! Read More »

SNF strategy for combatting drug-resistant CRE

During bacterial outbreaks, skilled nursing facilities carry an extra burden of surveillance protocols—since the illness can roll right in the door via a patient transfer. Read More »

3 steps to conquering the fear of falling

Trepidation about tripping? Most seniors who have taken a tumble once, will develop a fear of falling again. Helping seniors to overcome the fear of falling starts with a deep understanding of what scares them--and then empowering them to change it. Read More »

Brookdale responds to 911 CPR case

The parent company of the California senior living facility involved in a controversial 911 call responds to public outcry over corporate policies and an employee's refusal to administer CPR. Read More »

6 leading EMR companies form alliance for compatibility, record exchange

Six weighty electronic medical record (EMR) companies decide to set competition aside and form an alliance to improve EMR compatibility and medical record access across the care chain. Read More »

Study reports seniors who play video games are happier

New research finds that older adults who play video games report higher levels of emotional well-being. Read More »

My Hospice Notebook

Calling all hospices: Are you ready for a challenge? Today is the launch of my "Hospice Notebook." Gather your ideas, projects, initiatives and missions. My inbox is yours. Read More »

In times of emergency—respond!

Those given the privilege and responsibility of providing care as well as other services to the frail and elderly are placed in a position where their actions must be clear and decisive in times of emergency. Read More »

CDC: ‘Nightmare’ bacteria found in 18 percent of nursing homes

Deadly, potentially untreatable antibiotic-resistant bacteria are found in nursing homes and hospitals in 42 states. Read More »

Public outrage over CPR incident raises questions for LTC providers

The report of a retirement community’s nurse who refused a 911 dispatcher's pleas to perform CPR on a woman who had fallen unconscious and later died has sparked public and media outrage. LTC providers have some critical issues to consider when it comes to emergency care procedures. Read More »

AT&T designs automated mobile falls management system

When an older person falls, it’s crucial to call caregivers immediately. But what if the caregiver could call the senior, no matter where they fell? Read More »

One-on-one with… Peter Reed

Peter Reed, PhD, CEO of Pioneer Network, spoke with Long-Term Living about the roots of culture change and today's campaign against ageism. How far has person-centered care come and what still needs to be done? Read More »

JAMA: New diabetes drugs may double the risk of pancreatitis

Some of the newer medications for diabetes put the resident at increased risk for acute or chronic pancreatitis, notes a recent JAMA study. Read More »

CMS: Penalties are working to reduce hospital readmissions

New data on hospital readmission shows that healthcare reform is making an impact--changing the rates for the first time in five years, says CMS. Read More »

Calif. plans 85% increase in LTC insurance rates for public employees

The California Public Employees’ Retirement System, the country's third-largest health benefits purchaser,  dropped a bombshell on its long-term care policyholders—switch LTC policies or deal with a massive rate increase. Read More »

Iowa grapples with providing LTC for sex offenders

Everyone ages…even criminals and sex offenders. Specialized senior populations are adding new wrinkles to the fabric of long-term care. Read More »

OIG: Nursing homes provide ‘criminally poor care,’ fail on care plans

A new report from the Office of Inspector General accuses skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) of misusing their Medicare payments, since more than one-third of SNFs don’t fulfill—or even create—the care plans and discharge goals required for their residents. Read More »

Study: Red wine protects against hearing loss and cognitive decline

Enjoying a glass of red wine not only lifts one’s spirits and reduces the risk of heart disease, but it can also help a person maintain hearing and mental acuity. Read More »

Assisted Living Concepts sold to investment firm for $278 M

A Wisconsin senior living company is the latest buyout as investment firms rescue their distressed properties. Read More »

N.J.’s Gov. Christie joins GOPs reconsidering Medicaid expansion

N.J.’s Gov. Chris Christie is the latest republican governor to change his mind about expanding the state Medicaid program. Read More »

2013 Citation of Merit winners: Celebrating excellence in LTC design

The Environments for Aging annual design issue showcases the latest trends and best practices in senior housing and long-term care design. Congratulations to this year's Citation of Merit winners, four projects recognized for excellence in design with a resident-centered focus. Read More »

California shines in ‘Best Nursing Homes’ annual report

Where does your city rank in U.S. News & World Report's new "Best Nursing Homes" list? Read More »

C. Everett Koop dies at 96

Widely recognized by his bushy beard and somber uniform, former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop became a household name for his anti-smoking campaign. Read More »

LED lighting in senior living: Friend or foe?

Although natural light is preferred as much as possible in senior living, artificial lighting is necessary.  So is the latest technology the best?  Read More »

The SCOOTER Store is back on the hot seat

A popular provider of power chairs gets a visit from federal agents in a new Medicare fraud investigation. Read More »

Audio books fight loneliness

Pursuing personal interest helps residents fill their days with meaningful information and entertainment.  LTL blogger Kathleen Mears uses a variety of technological devices to stay engaged. Read More »

Therapy caps: Unraveling the spider’s web for long-term care

How many of your residents are on track to exceed the $1,900 payment cap on physical or occupational therapies? We examine the current therapy cap situation, and why it's such a challenge for long-term and post-acute care. Read More »