The New Wave of Foodservice Technology in Senior Care

Skilled Nursing

An unanswered call light

Is there ever a good reason for staff not to respond to a resident’s call light? Of course, all call lights are not emergencies, but will one that is an emergency be overlooked? Read More »

Annuity nursing home doublers make sense

The increasing costs of long-term care challenge the affordability of residential care. A nursing home rider can help cover those costs. Read More »

The rainbow connection: Making your facility LGBT friendly

For some LGBT seniors, assimilation—not exclusion—in LTC is the goal. Tips to make diversity a positive influence in your community. Read More »

Older adults with cognitive impairment may experience altered pain response

A new research review in PAIN finds those with dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment may have increased pain sensitivity. Read More »

The dish on dining

Surveys repeatedly cite food as a major factor in customer satisfaction. If residents and their families aren’t happy with meals, they tend to find fault in other service areas. Read More »

Warmer temperatures—outside and in

Bring a sweater. It's difficult to maintain an air temperature that satisfies all residents in a congregate living setting. Some residents may be too warm and others may be too cold when the air conditioning kicks on. Read More »

Senior housing a hot market: Report

Senior living is expected to be the second-most active segment of the multifamily housing area over the next three years, and trends related to older adults will be shaping real estate efforts for years to come, according to a new report. Read More »

Groups commit to responsible antibiotic use

More than 150 food companies, retailers, and human and animal health stakeholders have committed to the responsible use of antibiotics in conjunction with the June 2 White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship. Read More »

Plan for a tornado emergency

No strangers to severe storms, two long-term care execs at an Oklahoma CCRC pose four questions about preparing for this natural disaster. Read More »

3 priorities for nurse leaders

Those attending the Nurse Leadership Summit hosted by the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination identified top challenges facing directors of nursing in long-term care. Read More »

Memories of Bill

In long-term care, residents can observe and interact with each other in a variety of ways. When a resident passes, his LTC friends take time to remember. Read More »

How to prevent MRSA transmission between nursing home residents, workers

New research reveals the most important times that nursing home workers should wear gloves and gowns to prevent the transmission of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from one resident to another. Read More »

Nursing home false claims allegations settled with $3.8M payment

Two California nursing homes persistently overmedicated residents, causing infection, sepsis, malnutrition, dehydration, falls, fractures, pressure ulcers and, for some residents, premature death, the federal government maintains. Read More »

A deadly fire sweeps through nursing home in Central China

The importance of complying with fire suppression regulations in U.S. nursing home facilities is underscored by a recent report of a Chinese nursing home destroyed by an undetermined blaze. Read More »

Guests at mealtime

Every facility dining room has its own culture. The atmosphere may be casual or formal.  When it is disrupted by surprise visitors, however, residents and staff may need to adapt. Read More »

FDA guidance could undermine safety, compliance efforts, pharmacy group maintains

Repackaging and distribution guidance proposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration inadvertently would undermine patient/resident safety in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and also would threaten regulatory compliance, the Senior Care Pharmacy Coalition said in a letter to the agency. Read More »

CVS expands pharmacy reach with $12.7 billion Omnicare deal

Omnicare acquisition expands CVS Health Corporation’s reach into providing pharmacy services to assisted living and long-term care facilities. Read More »

How to attract volunteers to your community

Are you excited about the state of the volunteer program in your building? If not, then take these steps to change things for the better. Read More »

HIPAA privacy meets BYOD

Communication devices are everywhere. Indiscriminate use of “bring your own device” policies can threaten privacy for residents and your organization. Read More »

Texas provider association notes SNF improvements, challenges

On the heels of an analysis finding the Lone Star State be the one with greatest share of low-rated nursing homes, the Texas Health Care Association has released survey results indicating that nursing home quality there has improved over the past year. Read More »

A case of scabies

Caregiving and assistance with activities of daily living in institutional settings require close body contact. If unknown rashes appear, implement infection control procedures. Read More »

Sudden weight loss may be a precursor to frailty

Frailty is not an inevitable consequence of aging. For some older Americans, however, weight loss can contribute to dependence on mobility devices and more assistance with ADLs. Read More »

Using the Readmission RRT (rapid response tool)

A new plan focuses on the reduction of avoidable transfers of residents from post-acute care facilities to hospitals and emergency department admissions. Read More »

Pharmacy group pleased with revised 21st Century Cures language

The Senior Care Pharmacy Coalition says it is pleased with the Energy and Commerce Committee’s revised language in draft 21st Century Cures legislation it is considering related to programs to prevent prescription drug abuse under Medicare Parts C and D. Read More »

Decorations highlight holidays

It might be a small gesture, but residents appreciate the time that staff--especially Activities staff--take to brighten the environment with colorful reminders of seasons, celebrations and people enjoying facilty events. Read More »

Provider organizations respond to Kaiser analysis of nursing homes

The lower five-star ratings forecast in February by the federal government are evidenced in a new analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The news is not surprising, say two organizations representing providers. Read More »

Larry Minnix reflects on his seriously fun time as LeadingAge chief

Looming federal elections present the perfect time to step aside and let a successor fill his shoes, LeadingAge President and CEO Larry Minnix tells Long-Term Living in an exclusive interview. Read More »

NOTICE Act introduced in Senate

Following passage in the House, legislation introduced in the Senate would require hospitals to notify Medicare beneficiaries of their outpatient status within 36 hours after the time of their classification or, if sooner, upon discharge. Read More »

Legislation to speed new drug development under way on Capitol Hill

The “21st Century Cures” initiative would spur innovation and drug “repurposing” to attack Alzheimer's and other difficult-to-treat diseases. Read More »

Intergenerational program is ‘a perfect match’

A continuing care retirement community receives national exposure for a program that uses technology to help older adults in the United States feel valued and assists students in Brazil with improving their English language skills. Read More »