SigmaCare adds CRM, data analytics

A leading long-term care electronic health record manufacturer has added customer relationship management and market analysis features to its portfolio. Read More »

Electron scanner can detect early-stage pressure ulcers

A new study validates the use of a novel scanner for the early detection of tissue damage that precedes pressure ulcers.  Read More »

Researchers seek feedback to create stroke apps

By getting feedback from stroke survivors and caregivers, researchers can develop customized, person-centric apps.  Read More »

Definition of ‘spouse’ under FMLA to change March 27

Individuals in same-sex marriages will be considered spouses under a regulatory definition of marriage, effective March 27, that will be used to determine eligibility for Family and Medical Leave Act benefits. Read More »

PCORI doing its job, GAO says

Medication adherence, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and aging in place are some of the topics of research funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. A new report says the nonprofit is meeting its goals. Read More »

Apple’s ResearchKit could help seniors monitor chronic conditions

Apple's ResearchKit will provide remote monitoring as a tool for medical research.  Read More »

Medication adherence metrics are focus of PQA, AllazoHealth partnership

The Pharmacy Quality Alliance and AllazoHealth have formed a formal research partnership to study and improve industry-wide medication adherence metrics. Read More »

CMS’ five-star changes overdue, groups say

Five groups advocating for residents of nursing homes say they “strongly support” the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ announced changes to its five-star rating system of the homes. Read More »

NAHC celebrates 33 years

As the National Association for Home Care and Hospice celebrates its 33rd anniversary, it reflects on the growth of hospice and home care over the years. Read More »

ALF staffing: Does the pay get them to stay?

Find out who’s getting the best raises and what the best strategies are to reduce turnover based on the latest national assisted living data from the Hospital and Healthcare Compensation Service. Read More »

The security vulnerability assessment

Your first step in creating a secure facility is to engage a healthcare security professional to take a hard look at your long-term care operation to offer recommendations and solutions to security issues. Read More »

NCOA revamps Medicare information portal

A new online source of Medicare information for seniors includes personalized tools.  Read More »

Skin test could help detect Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s

A skin test that detects abnormal proteins could be used to detect Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.  Read More »

2015 could be ‘banner year’ for senior housing: report

The year 2015 holds much promise for skilled nursing, assisted living, CCRCs and independent living, according to one report. Read More »

It’s National LTC Administrator’s Week

The American College of Health Care Administrators has sponsored the national observance since 1994 to honor and celebrate administrators. Read More »

Next White House Conference on Aging event March 31

As White House Conference on Aging staff members prepare for their next regional forum, Cecilia Muñoz, assistant to the president and director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, reflected on the first forum, Feb. 19 in Tampa, Fla. Read More »

LHC adds telehealth for care transitions, disease management

A new collaboration will use telehealth services to monitor post-acute patients and their symptoms.  Read More »

DICE model provides alternative to drugs for dementia

Researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School and Johns Hopkins University share a strategy designed to calm the behavior of those with dementia in the British Medical Journal. Read More »

Orthopedic implants designed to fight infections

Orthopedic implants that release of silver ions can help combat infections associated with joint replacements.  Read More »

CDC, FDA discuss flu vaccine effectiveness, prepare for next year

This year's flu vaccine has had an overall effectiveness of 19 percent, according to the CDC. With an eye toward next year, the FDA has recommended a trivalent vaccine that includes two strains that were not part of this year's vaccine. Read More »

Health system expands integrative medicine to long-term care

A Philadelphia area health system is expanding its integrative medicine program beyond hospital patients to include those in long-term care, outpatient care and home care, as well as caregivers. Read More »

When privacy matters

There are times when a resident just needs to be alone. But can what goes on behind locked doors compromise safety? Read More »

Medicare plan launches addiction services for seniors

Independence at Home, operated by SCAN Health Plan, has added a new program for older adults that provides screening, assessment, counseling, brief therapy and action planning for individuals who may be misusing alcohol, drugs or prescription medication. Read More »

Survey: Seniors want to access their healthcare online

A growing number of tech-savvy seniors want to access healthcare services from home, but most of them don’t think that today’s technology is sufficient enough to do so, according to a new survey from the New York-based research firm Accenture. Read More »

NIH launches big data portal for Alzheimer’s research

The National Institutes of Health is launching a big data portal this week that aims to help Alzheimer's researchers develop new treatments for the disease. Read More »

Vendors speak out on health IT interoperability

The ONC’s latest proposals include health IT interoperability goals that could be tricky to accomplish without serious culture change and deeper understanding of long-term care’s workflow needs, say health IT leaders and EHR vendors. Read More »

ACC expands cardiology clinical guidelines app

New guidelines are included in a clinical app released by the American College of Cardiology.  Read More »

5-star rating analysis tool for LTPAC providers

New analysis tool allows LTPAC providers to evaluate their five-star rating status and find ways to improve.  Read More »

Injectable nanogel could revolutionize meds administration

An injectable gel that can deliver multiple drugs could change the way time-release medications are administered.  Read More »

CMS: Proof lacking that quality measures have unintended effects

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services says it has found little evidence to support or refute the possibility that the use of quality measures has had unintended consequences in nursing homes and other settings.  Read More »