Safety

AHRQ accepting safety data now

UPDATE: Nursing homes that have administered the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's nursing home safety culture survey now can submit their data through May 31. The previously announced deadline was April 21. Read More »

Tablet technology aims to mitigate concerns of in-home care for seniors

A senior services company uses tablet technology to aid in care provision at home. Read More »

Reducing ostomy infection risk

Proper care of an ostomy site can avoid unnecessary infections and maintain a resident’s dignity and comfort. These tips and resources can help caregivers manage the challenges associated with pouching systems and help them foster positive attitudes in residents who have them. Read More »

Treadmill program may help seniors avoid falls

Seniors and physical therapists one day may benefit from a computerized treadmill program under development to prevent falls and fall-related injuries in older adults. Read More »

One solution to complaints? Stop investigating

Los Angeles area nursing home inspectors have been told to stop looking into some complaints as the county addresses a backlog of cases. Read More »

Low-cost program reduces falls in elderly by 17 percent

As more seniors receive long-term care in their homes and communities, a recent study has found a low-cost way to use existing aging services to aid in falls prevention. Read More »

‘Active shooter’ events: Balancing resident, staff safety

The mission statement and core values of your facility probably contain wording and ideology related to compassionate resident care. The active shooter policy for your facility also should consider that care, and it must consider the safety of employees, too. Part 2 in our series. Read More »

Chemical restraint replaces physical restraint in SNFs

Public reporting of the use of physical restraints has led to the increased use of antipsychotic medications in nursing home residents whose cognition is severely impaired, according to new research. Read More »

OIG report details fraud, abuse, neglect cases

An annual report from the Office of Inspector General highlights criminal convictions and recoveries as well as civil settlements and judgments related to nursing facilities, home health agencies and other long-term care and healthcare providers. Read More »

Illegal pesticide use trial set to begin

A federal indictment charges that a pest control company’s misuse of products endangered public health and the environment in a score of Southern nursing homes.  Read More »

Nursing home enforcement actions decreasing: LTCCC

Fewer citations aren’t a sign of better care; they’re a sign of danger to residents, says one advocacy group. Read More »

One-on-one with… Sandra Stimson

Government bodies are instituting new standards as they recognize the importance of special training in the area of dementia. In this environment, Sandra Stimson, executive director of the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, recently took time to answer some questions about the organizations and their programs. Read More »

Geriatric emergency department guidelines issued

Catheter use, medication management, fall assessment, delirium, dementia and palliative care are among the issues covered by new guidelines issued for emergency facilities designed specifically for older adults. Read More »

Flooring trends: Carpet’s new options

Is your long-term or post-acute care facility ready for a remodel? Carpeting choices may deserve a fresh look in your flooring decisions. Read More »

SNF adverse event reduction needed, OIG report says

Adverse events related to post-acute care are harming residents and costing the government money, according to a new report from the Office of Inspector General, so skilled nursing facilities must find a way to reduce their incidence. Read More »

GPS shoe redesigned for Alzheimer’s patients

The company that created GPS-embedded shoes is now focusing on keeping residents with Alzheimer's disease safer.  Read More »

Emergency call device receives LTC certification

A wireless emergency call device receives the first ANSI/UL 2560 certification, the new standard for emergency call systems in senior living environments.  Read More »

New dementia care rules go into effect in Massachusetts

New regulations in the Bay State govern worker training, activities, public communication and design of nursing home units for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Read More »

Hand sanitizer, training, leadership lacking in HAI prevention: study

Long-term care facilities are missing chances to prevent infections by not placing hand sanitizer everywhere it's needed, not dedicating funding to worker education and not sending a clear message to employees that it's a priority, researchers say. Read More »

Preparing for ‘active shooter’ events: Lockdowns

Does your facility have policies and procedures to handle the potential presence of armed intruders? Unfortunately, the scenario is not as unlikely as you might suspect. Lockdowns are one part of any good response. Part 1 in our series. Read More »

Tech partnership focuses on daily senior care and safety

A partnership that blends care coordination and sensor software will focus on daily senior care and safety.   Read More »

Effects of Quebec fire extend south and across an ocean

In the wake of a Quebec senior home fire, Tennessee officials give thanks for their sprinklers and U.K. fire safety experts call for more protections for the elderly in housing facilities there. Read More »

‘Silver Alert’ would notify police, public of missing seniors

A proposed national alert system would notify law enforcement and the public when a senior or other adult is missing. Read More »

Cognitive health and aging focus of 2-year IOM project

A two-year project will examine cognitive health and aging in an effort to improve training for healthcare professionals and educate older adults, their families, caregivers and others. Read More »

Fire and ice

A tragedy in Canada holds lessons in fire safety for us all—when was the last time you asked your employees to practice their fire emergency protocols? Updated: Jan. 30, 2014 Read More »

Death toll rises in Quebec nursing home blaze; officials question sprinkler laws

The recent tragedy at a Canadian nursing home prompts new discussions on fire sprinklers and fire safety protocols. When was the last time you reviewed your fire emergency process? Read More »

Computerized shoe could prevent falls

Researchers are testing high-tech footwear that can sense when the wearer is losing his or her balance. Read More »

Death toll continues to climb in Canadian nursing home fire

A nursing home blaze leaves five people dead and more than 30 others missing. A search for the missing continues. Read More »

Is a liquor license key to attracting boomers?

Many of today’s seniors enjoy a daily cocktail. It’s their way of relaxing and putting the day’s worries behind them, to toast an achievement or cap off a celebration. Does senior living mark an end to that social outlet? Read More »

Standing is important to health, study finds

Want to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, breast cancer, colon cancer and other chronic illnesses in your residents? Encourage them sit less and exercise more. Read More »