Gardens in long-term care settings promote relaxation, stimulate memories, encourage activity and reduce agitation among residents who have dementia, a new study finds. Read More »
Researchers in the United Kingdom believe they are one step closer to developing a blood test for Alzheimer’s disease after identifying a set of 10 proteins in the blood that can predict the onset of the disease. Read More »
A new analysis finds that obstetricians/gynecologists, thoracic surgeons, primary care physicians and others are being reimbursed by Medicare for offering group and individual psychotherapy services to those living in intermediate and long-term care facilities. Read More »
Engaging in a daily fitness regimen of moderate to vigorous exercise can help seniors maintain a better standard of health, according to a UK study. Read More »
Collaboration and technology figure prominently in projects across the country earmarked for up to $360 million in funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Care Innovation Awards program. Read More »
The U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services have announced an Elder Justice Roadmap "for tackling the highest priority challenges to elder abuse prevention and prosecution." Read More »
Normal, healthy adults can forego screening for carotid artery stenosis, a risk factor for stroke. The procedure may cause more harm than good, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Read More »
Walking may improve motor function, mood, tiredness, fitness and some aspects of thinking abilities in those who have mild to moderate Parkinson's disease, according to new research. Read More »
Insulin pumps are significantly more effective at controlling blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes whose disease has not responded to multiple daily insulin injections, according to a large new study. Read More »
Payments to home health agencies would decrease by 0.3 percent in fiscal year 2015 under changes to the Medicare prospective payment system proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CMS will accept comments on the proposal until Sept. 2. Read More »
Another study confirms the importance of sleep as it relates to cognition in older adults. Just how sleep affects brain function, however, depends on age, according to the researchers. Read More »
Smoke-free nursing homes are becoming the norm. Long-Term Living blogger Kathleen Mears shares her opinions on the benefits of a total ban on tobacco products. Read More »
Some of your residents should undergo a one-time ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm, advises the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in a just-issued recommendation. Read More »
The Food and Drug Administration has approved tedizolid phosphate for the treatment of adult acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Read More »
The National Quality Measures Clearinghouse database of the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is adding 22 evidence-based quality measures related to pain management in long-term care. Read More »
Hand-washing is crucial to preventing and controlling Clostridium difficile infections in healthcare settings. Do you know four other steps that nursing professionals and other staff members can take? Read More »
The United States ranks last among 11 industrialized countries when it comes to deaths that are potentially preventable with timely access to effective healthcare, and it ranks second-to-last on healthy life expectancy at age 60, according to a new report. Read More »
The official start of summer is just about a week away. Make sure you’re ready to assist and advise your residents on simple solutions to “beat the heat.” Read More »
A new standard proposes the implementation of stronger safeguards against Legionnaires' disease, the incidence of which is increasing. The elderly are particularly vulnerable, and long-term care facilities that don't take precautions might find themselves at risk for mitigation and litigation expenses. Read More »
Residents with mild cognitive impairment who also exhibit signs of depression could be at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease more quickly than others do, according to new research. Read More »
Treatment with light may improve sleep quality, efficiency and duration as well as reduce depression and agitation in those who have Alzheimer's disease or other dementia, according to a new study. Read More »
A new study confirms that zoledronic acid is effective in preserving bone density and improving skeletal integrity in women formerly not included in clinical trials. Read More »
A significantly lower death risk but a slightly increased risk of heart attack face older adults whose pneumonia is treated with azithromycin instead of other antibiotics, according to newly published research. Read More »
One senior living provider sought a way to reduce hip fractures due to falls and found a product that residents actually will wear. Staff members like it, too, because it's relatively easy to care for. Read More »
A jury has returned a $3.3 million verdict against a Colorado skilled nursing facility after the sister of a resident claimed negligence in a civil suit. Read More »
