Skilled Nursing

Catheter-associated UTI prevention guide released

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology has issued a free guide to help healthcare organizations prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Read More »

Let them eat print!

The space program introduced a nation to Tang beverage crystals and the microwave. A new technology may change the way that long-term care residents dine. Read More »

Seniors’ use of medical marijuana in ALFs and SNFs

Massachusetts’ implementation of a “medical marijuana law,” and how it applies to assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities, is, of course, of special interest to providers in that state, but it may hold lessons for senior living communities elsewhere as well. Read More »

Study: 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries affected by medical injury

Older adults in poor health or with disability are more at risk to suffer from long-term effects of medical injury (adverse medical events), a study finds. Read More »

You are out of…

Missing doses of a medication can be problematic—even dangerous—for residents in long-term care. Why does a prescription run out before it should? Read More »

The MDS coordinator should report to…?

The reimbursement and information generated by the MDS is integral to a facility's financial health, quality care and outcomes. MDS coordinators need to connect with middle and upper management. Read More »

Dementia training improves care delivery: speakers

Two speakers at the Assisted Living Federation of America annual conference discussed ideal components of dementia training programs and also reviewed initiatives implemented or under consideration in various states across the country. Read More »

An extra cup of coffee may ward off diabetes

Adding just one more cup of coffee to your diet each day may help to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. Read More »

Adult portable bed handles recalled

A potential for injury and/or death from bed handles that can cause entrapment without safety straps triggers a voluntary recall. Read More »

Adaptive spoon cancels hand tremors

People with Parkinson’s disease or essential tremors have difficulty getting food from the plate to their mouth. New technology helps to restore dignity in dining. Read More »

“State’s here!”

A state survey is an important facet of ensuring that residents receive quality care, yet it always creates a sense of dread for administrators and staff. Residents know instinctively when their home is being inspected. Read More »

Three Tenn. nursing homes have admissions suspensions lifted

The ban on new admissions has been lifted and three Tennessee nursing facilities can begin admitting new residents. Read More »

Beyond Bingo: Activity director role evolves

The days of simply keeping residents occupied are over, and the focus has turned squarely on making sure that meaningful, person-centered activities contribute to a life worth living—and celebrating. As always, long-term care communities and their activity directors are rolling up their sleeves and taking the challenge to heart. Read More »

Senior housing development: Boom or bust for investors?

The senior demographic keeps growing, but is the senior housing market overbuilding and exceeding the demand? Read More »

12 steps to QAPI: Step 6: Conduct a QAPI Awareness Campaign

Tips on various ways to communicate your facility's QAPI plan to all stakeholders--residents, staff and families. An awareness campaign helps to embed quality awareness into your nursing home's culture. Read More »

Therapy cap insanity on Capitol Hill

Will Congress ever fix the therapy caps problem? Long-Term Living Washington writer Bob Gatty takes a fresh look at an ongoing problem. Read More »

A small house can mean a big difference, speakers say

A senior living provider and general contractor share what they have learned through the process of building of five small house neighborhoods and delivering person-centered skilled nursing care. See the photo gallery, too. Read More »

Studying residents—up close

Students can learn a lot about aging by walking (or riding) in a residents’ shoes. Conversations with seniors can open doors of understanding and communication. Read More »

Project aims to clarify home health role for future

The Alliance for Home Health Quality and Innovation is launching research, a workshop and a symposium to explore the delivery of Medicare skilled home healthcare to a growing population of older adults. Read More »

Leaders of Tomorrow: Bernadette Ledesma, MPH, LNHA

Congratulations to Long-Term Living 2014 Leaders of Tomorrow honoree Bernadette Ledesma, MPH, LNHA. Administrator, advocate and educator she is instrumental in ensuring top-down quality care for Hawaii’s seniors. Read More »

Study finds slower growth in per-capita healthcare spending in the senior sector

A recently released CMS study analyzed the growth of per-capita healthcare spending trends for all age groups and by gender. Read More »

Household dining yields lower costs, higher satisfaction

A household dining model using satellite kitchens results in lower net costs for communities and an improved dining experience for residents, based on the experiences of one facility owner and operator. Read More »

Leaders of Tomorrow: Anna Ortigara, MSN

Long-Term Living 2014 Leaders of Tomorrow honoree Anna Ortigara, MSN, is bringing her 35-plus years of experience as a nurse and a culture change expert in long-term care, as well as her work with The Green House Project, to a range of service providers through her duties as an organizational change consultant for PHI Coaching and Consulting Services and work with the Pioneer Network. Read More »

Protecting seniors from abuse is a national priority

Elder abuse happens more often than people like to admit. Whatever form the abuse takes—whether it’s physical, mental or financial—the costs are too high. Read More »

EFACon opening keynote: What’s the recipe for the longest, happiest life?

Forget the fictitious fountain of youth. Environments for Aging Conference opening keynote speaker Nick Buettner explores what it really takes to live the longest, healthiest life possible. Read More »

Turn it down!

Some people hear every sound, while the sound others hear are muted or distorted by competing noise. Unwanted noise and volume can create an audiologic assault and distraction. Read More »

Leaders of Tomorrow: Beverley Laubert, MA

Congratulations to Long-Term Living 2014 Leaders of Tomorrow honoree Beverley Laubert, MA. The state long-term care ombudsman in Ohio is bringing her innovative efforts to the national arena as chair of the Advancing Excellence board. Read More »

Functional programming aids person-centered care

Functional programming is an ideal planning approach to use if your community wishes to make design changes as part of an operational move to a more person-centered approach to resident living, say speakers at the Environments for Aging Conference. Read More »

CMS proposes changes to SNF reimbursement

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is proposing changes to payment rules under the SNF prospective payment system, a wage index update, and a Change in Therapy assessment policy update. June 30 is the last day to comment. Read More »

6 questions to ask LGBT residents

Nurses are key contacts in addressing the challenges of LGBT older adults to improve quality of care for this culturally diverse segment of the LTC population. Read More »