Skilled Nursing

Caffeine, mental exercise benefit brain

Mental exercises and a common stimulant found in food and beverages can benefit brain function, according to two recent studies. Read more in this article—and see the accompanying video, too. Read More »

When aides move on

Residents may form strong friendships with their caregivers, But whether an aide quit or was let go, consistent coverage on the floor must be provided. Read More »

C. diff control requires soap-and-water hand-washing: study

Think that alcohol rub or pair of gloves will prevent passing C. diff to others? Think again, say researchers. Read More »

LeadingAge, EMA to present 3 awards for leadership in dementia

LeadingAge and EMA will present three awards in March for “exceptional leadership in the quest to improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias." Read More »

Gum disease can contribute to rheumatoid arthritis

Daily brushing and flossing and good oral care provides much more than a healthy smile, especially for seniors. Read More »

Increased hospitalization risk tied to home- and community-based care: study

Seniors transferring from nursing homes to home- and community-based services are at 40 percent greater risk of “potentially preventable” hospitalizations, according to a newly published study. Read More »

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 »

Fall risk in those with dementia reduced by high-intensity rehab: study

A high-intensity exercise program shows promise for significantly reducing the risk of falls in people with dementia by improving their basic motor functions. 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 »

MRSA rates drop by 1/3 at Veterans Affairs LTC sites

A four-year, nationwide MRSA reduction initiative has shown what can curb MRSA rates, and these protocols may save your facility from an outbreak. Read More »

Findings from OSU’s Alzheimer’s self-test released

Worried about Alzheimer’s? A new self-administered test can help clinicians assess risk. Read More »

Cholesterol’s role in brain health pondered as statin guidelines come under fire

Keeping cholesterol levels healthy can be good for the brain as well as the heart, according to a newly published study. The results come at a time when some experts are questioning new recommendations for the prescription of statins to address cholesterol levels to prevent cardiovascular disease. Read More »

Roommate adjustment

Sharing living space requires a lot of give-and-take from the parties involved. Unfortunately, sometimes only one party does the giving. Read More »

Leveraging LTC data

Data, data, everywhere... How can LTC providers leverage resident monitoring data and facility information to make better patient care and business decisions? Read More »

Joint Commission releases updated accreditation guide

The Joint Commission has released an updated guide for nursing, rehabilitation, home health and other care providers seeking accreditation or certification this year. Read More »

Glaucoma Awareness Month

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

Merwick wins senior living landscape architecture award

Rehabilitation for the real world inspired this award-winning design for a  therapy garden that brings long-term and short-term residents together in year-round outdoor therapy spaces. Read More »

How to prevent pressure ulcers

Want to reduce the rate of pressure ulcers in your nursing home residents? A new study holds an answer. Read More »

Brushing up on oral care in PA/LTC communities

Studies show that post-acute and long-term care residents receive less-than-ideal oral care. Facilities need to focus on oral healthcare programs. 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 »

Facility rating, resident quality of life not linked

Certain factors relate to resident quality of life, but the government rating of the facility where they live is not one of them, according to new research. 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 »

Improving the safety culture in 2014

Nowhere in a facility is entirely free of safety hazards. Finding and fixing the potential areas of risk is key to an effective and compliant safety program. Read More »

Infection prevention resource available

A new guide with a CD-ROM is designed to help long-term care facilities create and implement comprehensive infection prevention programs. 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 »

An octogenarian and I share frustration

Loss of independence and reliance on the assistance of others can frustrate a person at any age, as Kathleen Mears discovered. Read More »

Federal agency recommends annual CT scans for older smokers

Privately insured smokers age 55 to 80 now have access to free annual lung cancer screenings—but the tests are not covered by Medicare. Read More »

Recovery audits: SNF psychiatric conditions

Does your skilled nursing facility care for residents with mental heath conditions? Medicare recovery audit contractors for mental illness issues may threaten access to care. 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 »