Resident Care

NCOA, CDC gear up for flu season

Key agencies prepare materials and awareness campaigns for this year's influenza season. Read More »

54% of residents with advanced dementia receive drugs of questionable benefit

A new study calls into question the prescription of some drugs for nursing home residents who have advanced dementia. Read More »

Parkinson’s researchers win Lasker Award

Scientists who helped develop a surgical technique to reduce tremors and restore motor function to those with advanced Parkinson’s disease have been named the recipients of the prestigious Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Research Award for 2014. With video. Read More »

Post substitute menu selections

“Choice.” It is the magic word of culture change. What happens when residents are not given enough choices, especially at mealtimes? Read More »

Music is theme for National Assisted Living Week

“The Magic of Music,” notably its positive effects on those with dementia, will be highlighted during National Assisted Living Week, which will be celebrated Sept. 7 to 13. Read More »

Fall risks vary with medications, studies find

Prescribing medication is an art form requiring the physician to weigh the delicate balance between a medication’s benefits and potential risks. Read More »

Rx for Parkinson’s: Patience and safe modifications

Caring for residents with Parkinson’s disease requires an understanding of the unique ways in which the disease affects their muscles and nervous system, as well as the critical importance of precise medication management. Read More »

12 steps to QAPI: Step 12: Take systemic action

The final chapter in the series “12 Steps to QAPI” shows how preparation, organization, data and action can correct and improve processes to enhance the quality of care your residents receive. Read More »

Dealing with heel pain

If a resident tells you he or she is uncomfortable in a bed or chair, listen and see what can be done to remedy the situation. Long-Term Living blogger Kathleen Mears’ caregivers were on their toes and prevented a skin issue from becoming more serious. Read More »

Fundraiser raises awareness of exercise, memory care connection

An Erickson Living summer intern shares her experiences of planning a major fundraiser and learning valuable lessons about the importance of exercise to memory care. Read More »

Quality improvement program for assisted living released

A program to reduce hospital readmissions among residents of skilled nursing facilities has been adapted for use by assisted living providers. Read More »

Key protein deficiency linked to early-stage dementia

A recent study in the United Kingdom finds that a lack of MK2/3, a naturally occurring protein, can be linked to the early signs of dementia. Read More »

The case of the missing jewelry

Facility life can lead to accidental loss or damage to a resident’s personal belongings as Long-Term Living’s resident blogger Kathleen Mears recently discovered. Read More »

Joint Commission issues an alert on tubing misconnection risks

In hospitals and long-term care settings, caregivers often have to change tubing on medical equipment. A high risk of misconnection exists because of various compatible delivery systems, so the Joint Commission has issued a Sentinel Event Alert. Read More »

Brides share wedding festivities with memory care residents

Has your community ever hosted a marriage ceremony? One memory care center did, so that a father could participate in his daughter's celebration. At another, a bride stopped by on the way to her wedding so that the residents for whom she cared could see her gown.  Read More »

44% of assisted living residents visiting EDs have malnutrition: study

Results of a recent study may have you thinking about offering malnutrition screening to residents, as well as helping to address underlying issues. Read More »

Meeting the new dining standards

What’s for dinner? Are you planning and serving residents meals that are in line with the new dining standards? A new toolkit helps to implement these requirements. Read More »

FDA approves colorectal cancer test

The FDA has approved the first stool-based colorectal screening test, and CMS is proposing covering it under some circumstances, but the USPSTF currently doesn't recommend it. Read More »

Credentialing organization seeks dementia caregivers for survey

The National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care will use responses to set benchmarks, inform its certification exams and assist policymakers. Read More »

When ALS hits close to home

Long-term care residents know the comfort that expressions of love and compassion can bring. When problems arise for family and friends, residents are eager to support others in their times of need.  Read More »

ACIP offers recommendation on pneumonia vaccine

It’s nearing that time of the year again when it's important to review your residents’ history of vaccinations and to schedule the various inoculations, including pneumonia, that will protect them from infections in the coming months. Read More »

Long-term, post-acute care companies support Gay Games

Businesses with ties to older adults are supporting the international Gay Games being held this week. Read More »

Robin Williams had Parkinson’s, widow says

Robin Williams was dealing with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease when he died of an apparent suicide Monday, his widow revealed today in a statement released to media outlets. Read More »

Licensure for some Texas nursing homes under the microscope

In Texas, some nursing homes with serious violations have avoided penalties without correcting violations, according to a recent report by the Texas Sunset Commision. Read More »

Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia have more in common than previously thought

New research may change the way Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia are diagnosed and treated. Read More »

Country’s first substance abuse progam for SNF residents opens in NY

New York senior healthcare chain is opening the country’s first substance abuse program integrated with the skilled nursing setting. Read More »

Anyone for hummus?

Appetites change, and dietary requirements might need adjustment, but meals always should be appetizing and healthful. A little creativity in the kitchen also is a plus. Read More »

Teen’s invention will help those with Alzheimer’s

An 15-year-old invents a sensor system for those living with Alzheimer's disease.  Read More »

Excess weight a plus in surviving sepsis infection

Maintaining a healthy weight might not be helpful for a senior with a sepsis infection, according to a new study. Excess weight can help the body fight infection. Read More »

PBA is nothing to laugh about

It is estimated that one in 10 nursing home residents is affected by a neurologic condition known as pseudobulbar affect. Read More »