The New Wave of Foodservice Technology in Senior Care

Wellness

Alzheimer’s disease and sleep may be linked, says JAMA Neuro study

Shorter sleep duration and poor-quality sleep are associated with abnormal brain imaging findings suggesting Alzheimer's disease in older adults, a new study finds. Read More »

6 tips to fight osteoporosis

World Osteoporosis Day is October 20, so find out what can help keep bones strong and reduce the risk of fractures in all seniors, but especially in older women. Read More »

Organization has 10 ideas for improving medication adherence

New recommendations from a group of 22 professional societies, health-related organizations, government agencies and industry representatives seek to increase medication adherence in seniors with multiple conditions, reducing medication errors, drug interactions and disease complications in the process. Read More »

CDC shutdown affects surveillance of flu & MERS

The government shutdown of the CDC means no one is watching the spread of infectious disease in the United States—and it’s not just about this year's flu season anymore. Read More »

Increase in use of meal delivery programs could reduce LTC facility admissions

New research illuminates a way for 26 states to save on long-term care costs but would come with a price for nursing homes. Read More »

CDC warns of Salmonella super-strains

Stronger, antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella are emerging, creating extra challenges for caregivers—and greater responsibilities for food service and housekeeping personnel. Read More »

Don’t sweep summer under the rug

Summer’s gone. But it left your community—from resident rooms to kitchen—full of dust, pollen and other contaminants that can be hard on the health of frail or medically compromised residents, not to mention staff. Read More »

Safety, quality goals of new NCAL collaboration

Reducing resident safety events in assisted living communities is the aim of one of two new initiatives announced at the recent American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living annual meeting. Read More »

Remember: Resident is heart of person-centered care

Live from AHCA/NCAL: To be successful in your mission of person-centered care, you must include residents and their families in your care planning. It sounds obvious, but many facilities that think they are doing this are not. Here are some points to consider. Read More »

Elder abuse focus of October observance

Elder abuse is the focus of this year's observance of an annual event meant to bring attention to residents of long-term care facilities. Read More »

Exercise has physical, mental benefits—even in those over 90

Residents aged more than 90 years who are able to exercise—and do so—are likely to see physical and mental improvements, according to two new studies. Read More »

Americans living longer, living healthier

With new cutting-edge medical treatments, increased interest in pursuing healthy lifestyles and advanced healthcare technology, Americans are living longer and enjoying it. Read More »

Future is theme for International Day of Older Persons

An annual Oct. 1 observance is designed to draw attention to aging-related issues and those who are trying to address them. A new report released in conjunction with this year's observance looks at health status, societal programs and other issues related to the elderly around the world. Read More »

Beyond rubber gloves: Housekeeping’s infection control role

The housekeeping department accounts for a large part of a facility's budget—and an even larger part of its infection control program. But even the most sophisticated cleanliness initiatives will go down the drain if staffers aren't properly trained in the specific protocols for each cleaning product. Read More »

Cognitive enhancers not effective for mild cognitive impairment

A recent study brings disappointing news for some hoping to delay the onset of dementia. Read More »

Stopping C. diff may be more a matter of antibiotic restriction than infection control: study

Newly published research in the New England Journal of Medicine challenges widely held beliefs about the transmission of a common infection and how to stop it. Read More »

CDC: Long-term care must make flu vaccination a priority

Those working in long-term care have three important reasons to get vaccinated against the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And employers have compelling evidence to require or at least encourage vaccination. Read More »

Cognition not protected by omega-3s after all: study

Omega-3s may not help memory after all, but don’t make any dietary changes yet, researchers say. Read More »

The road traveled less (and less)

If your "get up and go" has gotten up and gone, get it back in gear—and solve what will surely become one of skilled nursing's biggest challenges in the future. Read More »

The power of nature

Artwork depicting the natural environment has the power to soothe and comfort residents in long-term care communities, as long as you choose the right scenes, explains interior designer Emily Ronck. Read More »

5 LTC commissioners propose alternative LTSS solutions

One-third of the membership of the federal Commission on Long-Term Care say that recommendations issued by the commission Sept. 13 are not broad enough, so they have issued alternative suggestions. Meanwhile, organizations representing the long-term care industry react to the official commission report. Read More »

Preventing falls can be within your power

As Falls Prevention Awareness Day approaches, experts offer tips staff members can implement to improve resident safety as well as insights into how falls contribute to vision-related costs to the government, private insurers and individuals. Read More »

Staffing, introspection can improve resident dignity: study

Administrators and healthcare professionals have roles to play when it comes to delivering person-centered care to nursing home residents, according to new research. Read More »

A challenge worth meeting—and eating

A recent competition among chefs promoted nutritious, tasty recipes for residents of one company’s post-acute and long-term care communities. What unique things are your senior living communities doing to promote senior health? Read More »

Research seeks ways to improve long-term care offerings in reformed healthcare system

An academic powerhouse and several senior living service providers are joining forces to try to find ways to increase the quality of long-term care while decreasing unnecessary healthcare spending. Read More »

Eye disease poses isolation danger in seniors

Increased isolation, decreased quality of life, mood changes and depression are associated with a particular eye disease in seniors, Johns Hopkins researchers have found. Read More »

Your future self and you

Is it a matter of perception or denial? Who will you see in the mirror 20, 30 or even 40 years from now? If you’re already looking in the mirror of time, are you a reflection of your expectations? Dr. Judah Ronch explains the disconnect and offers a glimpse into the future. Read More »

Pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and dementia

Three recent studies provide new knowledge related to the development, prevention or prediction of dementia in various populations. Read More »

5 tests to avoid in long-term care settings

Percutaneous feeding tubes, sliding scale insulin, urine cultures, antipsychotic medications and lipid-lowering drugs should be used only under certain circumstances, representatives of the long-term care field say in a national campaign. Read More »

The present and future of long-term services and support

Newly released data summarize the present state of long-term services and support — and what the future holds. Read More »