Independent living

Senior housing occupancy up from cyclical low

The National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry's MAP Data and Analysis Service has released its latest figures on occupancy, rent growth and construction for nursing care, assisted living and independent living properties. Read More »

Improving continence through dance

You’re never too young—or too old—to feel the music and bounce to the beat. Not only fun, dance can be therapeutic, study finds. Read More »

Achoo! Flu season nears peak

This year's flu season may not be as severe as last year's, but authorities say it will be peaking early. Read More »

What the omnibus bill means for long-term care

The federal omnibus appropriations bill for 2014 has more than $1 trillion in funding for government programs. See how programs related to long-term care are affected. Read More »

CMS issues final rule about home- and community-based programs

Alternatives to institutional care are the focus of a final rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Read More »

Glaucoma Awareness Month

One set of eyes has to last a lifetime. Make sure you are taking care of yours. Read More »

CMS proposes emergency preparedness procedures

Four components should be part of every senior care provider's emergency preparedness plan, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Found out what the agency is proposing and how you can comment. Read More »

Website provides long-term care facility information

A nonprofit foundation is offering residents of one state information about the performance and features of long-term care facilities there. Read More »

U.S. spends more on SNF, CCRC care, but home healthcare spending growing faster: report

The United States spends more money for care provided at skilled nursing facilities and continuing care retirement communities than for care provided through home healthcare agencies, according to a new report, but spending for home healthcare is growing at a faster rate.  Read More »

9 resolutions for the new year

If you’re going to make a health-related resolution, why not make one (or more) that will increase the odds that you will live to a healthy old age? These habits could add up to 12 years to your life, according to the person who shared them. Read More »

Senior care market to grow to $437B by 2018: report

Opportunities to address the housing, healthcare and technology needs of seniors will continue to increase as the population ages, according to a new report. Read More »

Long-term care staff, residents focus of CDC report

A new report from the National Center for Health Statistics contains some surprising and not-so-surprising information for those working in long-term care. Read More »

Chronic pain tip sheet released

A new tip sheet is designed to help healthcare professionals determine the scope, cause and type of chronic pain experienced by those in their care. Read More »

Remembering aides at Christmas

Long-Term Living blogger Kathleen Mears’ online accident was the beginning of a happy holiday tradition. Read More »

6 ways to foster staff satisfaction

Communities can take six steps to build effective teams that not only benefit facilities but also benefit the individual employees that make up the teams. Staff satisfaction is at the foundation of it all. Read More »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

Task force names 5 high-priority areas for senior health

Not enough evidence exists to recommend routine screening in those not showing signs or symptoms of cognitive impairment, says the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in a draft recommendation. The group also has released a list of five areas in senior health that it believes deserve more research. Read More »

Meditation, yoga may slow dementia progression

New research may have you considering adding meditation and yoga to your activities schedule. Read More »