Month: October 2015

Lower cholesterol levels, lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Study finds relationship between gene variation and increased risk factor for cognitive decline, particularly among people with high cholesterol and heart disease. Read More »

CMS issues proposed rule for patient preferences in discharge summaries

The proposal would affect long-term care hospitals, inpatient facilities and home health agencies that participate in CMS reimbursement programs. Read More »

Online connectivity connected to seniors’ well-being

Helping older adults use technology to connect with others may improve their quality of life, survey finds. Read More »

Powering up for power outages

Short power outages can wreak havoc on a skilled nursing facility's processes and ability to care for residents. Long outages can be devastating. These tips can help you beef up your preparedness. Read More »

UPDATE U.S. Senate passes budget bill to avert shutdown, keep 2% Medicare cuts

With Senate passage, the bill retains the reimbursement cuts created by the sequstration in 2011. Read More »

New video training solution designed to improve cognitive abilities

The Functional Brain Trainer is the first adaptive motion-interaction brain training platform. Read More »

Dementia healthcare costs greater than any other disease

Healthcare costs associated with dementia are 57 percent greater than costs associated with any other disease, including cancer. Read More »

Next Avenue announces 2015 Influencers in Aging

Next Avenue, public media’s national news service for people over age 50, honors 50 experts and everyday people who are improving the lives of older adults. Read More »

Portable ventilator technology: Relief for COPD?

Portable ventilators can improve respiratory health for those with chronic COPD and reduce their need for acute healthcare services, one study notes. Read More »

Guide helps nursing home residents, their families talk about hospitalization

Florida Atlantic University has created an evidence-based decision guide to educate nursing home residents and their loved ones available treatment options ahead of an emergency. Read More »

Does for-profit status make a difference between life and death in long-term care?

Researchers found publicly funded for-profit nursing home facilities in Canada have significantly higher rates of both mortality and hospital admissions. Read More »

Treatment the leading threat to elderly patient safety

The greatest threat to older patients’ safety in primary care is the risk of treatment itself, according to research from New Zealand. Read More »

2015 LeadingAge Hackfest ready to “engage with age”

What’s the coolest way to spend Halloween night? LeadingAge HackFest! With $10,000 in treats on the line, innovative aging technology developers and designers are sure to have some clever tricks up their sleeves. Read More »

Budget deal could include 2% Medicare cuts

Congressional and White House leaders reached a late-night federal budget deal that would include across-the-board 2-percent Medicare cuts. Read More »

Low vitamin D levels a dementia risk factor for darker-skinned individuals

Researchers found participants with low vitamin D levels experienced cognitive decline at a rate three times faster than those with adequate vitamin D levels, a concern because darker-skinned people have more difficulty absorbing the vitamin naturally from the sun and were found to have lower dietary intake.  Read More »

A light-duty aide’s challenges

A long-term caregiver doesn’t realize importance manual dexterity plays in meeting residents’ needs until the ability to use both hands is compromised. Read More »

IU awarded $2.2M grant to study end-of-life planning tool

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis will study the use of an advance-care planning tool that will help ensure residents' end-of-life treatment preferences are upheld. Read More »

Assisted living administrator alleges sexual orientation discrimination

The former execuitve director of a religious affiliated assisted living facility claims he was fired once the church learned he was gay and married. Read More »

“You’re fired?”: Handling staff discipline

Avoiding staff terminations begins with more diligent hiring practices, but here are one expert’s tips to handing documentation and process when a staffer isn’t performing up to snuff. Read More »

Psychologists charged in $25 million Medicare fraud scheme

Two psychologists have been charged with billing Medicare for unnecessary, or never performed, psychological tests and services to nursing home residents. Read More »

Fight brewing over proposed CMS arbitration rule

The long-term care industry argues that the CMS arbitration rule goes too far; state attorneys general seek an outright ban. Read More »

Secrets of Aging: Keep moving

Sage advice from a stage and screen legend on how to stay healthy and happy long after “senior citizen age.” Read More »

MeHI awards $1M tech grants to 15 LTC organizations

The Massachusetts eHealth Institute at MassTech has awarded 15 long-term care and post-acute organizations $1 million in total as a part of its eQuality Incentive Program. Read More »

Robotic pets are beneficial to people with dementia

They don’t shed. make you sneeze or scratch, but robotic pets provide ongoing benefits to individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Read More »

P&G’s Spic and Span wins IEHA’s first seal of approval for assisted living

IEHA, a professional organization for directors of housekeeping and facility operations, launched the seal of approval program to help long-term care communities choose products based on hand-on testing. Read More »

HHS Alzheimer’s Advisory Council welcomes six new members

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care and Services announced its new members this week. The council advises the HHS secretary on federal programs for people who have Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Read More »

One-on-one with… Peter Schuna

Long-term care has to turn its attention to a different age group: millennials. How can an older industry attract a younger workforce? Peter Schuna, NHA, shares his personal experience and offers expert insight for developing a new generation leaders. Read More »

Pain management and dementia

Delivering person-centered dementia care includes thinking outside the (pill) box and finding new ways to assess and address pain. Read More »

Stanford Hospital to conduct study on pressure ulcer prevention

Stanford Hospital will study patient turning and will help coordinate and optimize efforts to prevent pressure ulcers. Read More »

UPMC honors leader in senior mental health

One of the nation’s most respected universities for geriatric medicine honors a champion of senior mental health and brain wellness. Read More »