Month: December 2013

Hospice care gets big help from big data

Predictive modeling software helps hospice service providers identify care candidates. Read More »

FDA antibacterial review excludes healthcare products

Makers of antibacterial products used in healthcare facilities are off the hook—for now. A recently announced FDA proposed rule on safety and effectiveness will be limited to over-the-counter soaps and body washes made for consumers. Read More »

AMDA’s program targets antipsychotic drug use for dementia

A new program developed by AMDA teaches long-term care staffers and doctors how to recognize, assess and treat symptoms of dementia while minimizing the use of antispychotic drugs. Read More »

Cognitive decline, cold sores linked

Researchers have linked the same virus that causes cold sores to cognitive decline in people of all ages. One action may help prevent ill effects on the brain, however. Read More »

Alzheimer’s disease drugs lag behind other drug development

New drug treatments for Alzheimer's disease may still be years away, notes one analysis firm. Read More »

A pillow’s antics cause a panic

Some days, a simple incident can induce an out-of-character reaction, as LTL blogger Kathy Mears discovered recently. Read More »

American seniors may be less tired, more alert

Do seniors have more energy than younger Americans? A new study looks at the concept of tiredness in the U.S. population. Read More »

Senior market drawing more tech startups

A new report shows that investments in startup companies focused on the senior healthcare market continue to rise  Read More »

OIG to CMS: Add hospitalization rates to nursing home quality ratings and surveys

The Office of Inspector General wants hospitalization rates to be added to CMS's nursing home quality rankings. But will the numbers tell the real story or just muddy the waters? Read More »

Type 2 diabetes: Its effect on dementia risk for older adults in ethnic minorities

Researchers explore Type 2 diabetes as it relates to high risk of dementia for certain ethnic groups, including Native Americans and African-Americans. Read More »

Complying with HIPAA: Avoid financial penalties by following these steps

The financial penalties for not securing protected health information have become greater under the final Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act omnibus rule that went into effect Sept. 23. Taking certain actions can strengthen your ability to avoid violations. Read More »

Information sharing, integration needed in LTC: survey

A survey of the 100 largest not-for-profit providers of senior care identifies strengths and weaknesses in the industry's use of technology. Read More »

Hearing enhancement technology goes stylish

A baseball cap fitted with a device that uses bone conduction technology offers new options for the hearing impaired.  Read More »

Using computers to reduce falls

Predictive modeling software could help reduce falls in seniors. Read More »

Assisted living construction continues to accelerate

Assisted living construction is going strong and steadily rising, according to the latest NIC MAP data. Much of the construction is concentrated in six major metropolitan markets. Read More »

A dementia cure by 2025?

G8 countries gathered for a summit in London have committed to identifying a cure or disease-modifying therapy for dementia by 2025 and to significantly increasing research funding to reach that goal. Read More »

Federal grants to shore up healthcare workforce

New funding has been earmarked to develop, educate and grow a diversified healthcare workforce across the United States. Read More »

Is HIPAA impeding use of data in healthcare?

A report released last week says privacy and security rules may hinder use of "big data" in furthering healthcare advances.  Read More »

Long-term and post-acute care’s roles in lowering hospital readmissions

Post-acute medication management and partnerships with long-term care facilities and others are two strategies put forth by two recent pieces of research examining ways to lower hospital readmissions. Read More »

Hearst expands hospice technology offerings

Hearst Corp.'s acquisition of a home care and hospice software company expands its footprint in home-based health services.  Read More »

Healthcare: The personality factor

Does an individual's personality influence his or her healthcare choices and regimen? A new study looks at the psychological factors in healthcare utilization. Read More »

Seniors with dementia benefit from exercise

Improved cognition and ability to perform activities of daily living are two benefits seniors experience when they exercise, according to a new review of 16 studies. The authors say more research is needed, however. Read More »

OSHA’s 35-lb. lifting limit

When was the last time a staff member lifted something heavier than 35 lbs? Enforcement of this rule might be getting a lot stiffer soon. Read More »

Hospice workers highlighted by series

Those who missed the original run of Showtime's hospice-related documentary series can view it on demand or online. The cable network's website also has a resource guide for caregivers and others. Read More »

Dementia: National dialogue needed, report says

All countries need to develop plans to provide and finance care for those with dementia, according to a new policy brief that notes a coming “epidemic.” Read More »

LTC insurance provider raises the bar for policy rating

No more "fixed-rate forever" policies, says one major long-term care insurance provider, who plans to re-rate insurance policies and tighten benefits on new policies in an attempt to control the soaring costs of long-term care. Read More »

Patient safety remains a priority in 2014

Fall prevention, HAIs and pressure ulcers remain a focus for the Joint Commission's 2014 National Patient Safety Goals. Read More »

Exercise offers benefits even if begun later in life, study finds

Another study finds that even seniors who begin exercising later in life can experience significant health benefits. Read More »

Holiday shopping

LTL blogger Kathy Mears gives some insight on the best  and most appreciated gifts to give residents in long-term care facilities. Read More »

Fraud claims involve SNFs, home healthcare and DME providers

Several recent multimillion dollar Medicare fraud case convictions and settlements relate to the actions or alleged actions of skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare agencies and durable medical equipment companies and their employees. Read More »