Month: June 2014

Alzheimer’s Foundation, architects collaborate on designs for dementia

Two leading long-term care groups have joined efforts to create a best practices guide for building and designing residential and care spaces for those living with dementia. Read More »

Look out! Arbitration provision may not provide enough coverage

Facility agreements with individuals or their representative can sometimes come under attack as to their validity, putting a facility at risk. Can your arbitration provision take the heat? Read More »

5 keys to confining C. diff

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 »

U.S. preventable deaths high, healthy life expectancy low in new report

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 »

Direct-care workers in the Washington spotlight

Improved training, background checks and pay scales for direct-care workers are being addressed on Capitol Hill. Read More »

ALFA’s Rick Grimes to retire

The Assisted Living Federation of America has hired an executive search firm to look for a new president and CEO. Read More »

Long-term care planning, funding examined in survey

As those working in long-term care and policymakers grapple with how such care should be planned for and financed in the United States, a new survey reveals the attitudes and expectations of residents of one large, diverse state. Read More »

Partnership integrates lab data with LTC-based EHR

A leading provider of LTC-based EHRs partners with a leader in laboratory software solutions.  Read More »

An unfortunate involuntary discharge

The kindness of strangers helps an involuntarily discharged nursing home resident with his immediate needs and plans for the future. Read More »

Casey Kasem has died

Casey Kasem, best known for hosting syndicated radio shows and being the voice of Shaggy on the cartoon "Scooby Doo" for several decades, has passed away after battling dementia and other illnesses. Read More »

The shock of elder abuse in assisted living

Recent research reveals that executive directors of assisted living communities may not be aware of all of the cases of elder abuse—especially sexual incidents—occurring in their communities. A gerontology expert shares four ways to recognize and combat abuse in long-term care settings. Read More »

5 tips to keep seniors safe this summer

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 »

Higher or deeper?

Midway through 2014, the LTC industry sits at another subtle crossroad, paved by multiple questions about the short-term and long-term future. What’s hot today is a good investment, but what will be hot tomorrow is a far better one. Read More »

One-on-one with… Mary Ellen Bloodgood

In our latest executive profile, Long-Term Living spoke with Mary Ellen Bloodgood, CEO of Menorah Park in Syracuse, NY, to learn how she was instrumental in turning around a stand-alone nursing home into a campus that serves not only seniors, but others in the greater community. Read More »

Casey Kasem receiving comfort care

The 82-year-old former syndicated radio personality, experiencing sepsis, dementia and Parkinson's disease, is now receiving comfort care in a Washington state hospital, according to a media report. Read More »

Legionnaires’ disease in LTC facilities: A hidden threat

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 »

Alzheimer’s, depression linked in study

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 »

Computerized testing assesses brain health for those with stroke, TBI

A new computerized testing solution promotes brain wellness in those who have experienced a stroke or traumatic brain injury.  Read More »

EHRs beyond the hospital and doctor’s office: One assisted living community’s story

Assisted living communities need health information technology tools more than ever thanks to increasing acuity levels. One provider of senior housing and care has successfully used electronic health record software to save nurses time and improve documentation. Read More »

Landscape architecture contest seeks senior living designs

The second annual Landscape Architecture for Healthcare Communities awards program is open for submissions, and there's a category specifically for senior living communities. Read More »

Resident monitoring system now available for iPhone

Resident monitoring system app for the iPhone is now available to family members.  Read More »

ONC sets interoperability goals

A 10-year plan for healthcare interoperability is outlined in a paper released by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT.  Read More »

5 signs of bedbugs

Bedbugs have five telltale signs. Look for them to spot an infestation in the spaces within your community. Read More »

Residents with dementia may benefit from light treatment

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 »

Individual service plans: Assisted living’s key to quality care

A detailed and goals-based service plan can keep assisted living residents healthy and active while keeping staff focused on person-centered care. Read More »

PCMH study shows care trumps technology in patient outcomes

First-of-its-kind study shows that the patient-centered medical home model delivers better care whether or not physicians use EHRs.  Read More »

Challenges: Environmental hygiene for infection control [PODCAST]

In Long-Term Living's "Challenges" Editorial Podcast series, we ask industry experts to help solve specific problems within the long-term care and post-acute care environments. This installment: How to improve environmental hygiene to combat infection. Read More »

Elder abuse is online forum focus this week

An online forum this week is providing tips and answering questions in advance of Elder Abuse Awareness Day this Sunday. Read More »

Battery blues

Car problems can be a problem for anyone. Imagine the frustration and fear of someone with disabilities when his or her vehicle breaks down. Read More »

New partnership will help personalize LTC care

Integrating technologies through a new partnership will enhance resident-centered programs.  Read More »