Shelley Silverman King, RN, explains how a Massachusetts facility uses specially trained caregivers and a room full of sensory experiences—music, lighting, hand massage, aromatherapy and other stimuli—to reach its most isolated and lonely population: its residents with advanced dementia. Read More »
A new program designed for young adults with intellectual disabilities can help seniors overcome their challenges in positive, supportive long-term care environments. Read More »
Counting sheep from loss of sleep? Poor sleep can have a direct effect on more than just physical energy in elders, according to a new neurology study. Read More »
Whether at work computer or at home, lost data can be a game-changer. Kathleen Mears shares the lesson she learned through a recent experience with file backup. Read More »
Whether residents are in short-stay rehab or LTC units, providing the right physical environment backed by staff commitment, can improve mobility and, ultimately, reduce falls. Here’s how one LTC community did just that. Read More »
At times, health conditions, such as quadriplegia, can have some unusual manifestations on other parts of the body. Are they the result of an existing condition or a symptom of another health issue? Don't ignore spots, rashes, discoloration and other changes as Kathy Mears can verify. Read More »
When it comes to longevity, a healthy attitude about aging matters. Colorado researchers are working on a way to measure self-perceived age. Read More »
While the music of the legends of ’60s and ’70s rock is still popular, relevant and enduring, the performers themselves have adapted to aging—or not. Read More »
The key to having a happy holiday season is to think of others and give of yourself. Small gestures can have a great an effect on residents, friends and families. Read More »
Not everyone wants to be the “life of the party” and many people are perfectly fine standing in the background. Is that wrong? Or is introversion unacceptable in the LTC setting? Read More »
The “Greatest Generation” is fading like a photograph left in the sun. Make every day a day of remembrance and gratitude for their contributions to our families and our country. Read More »
Important victories can be achieved when a resident is encouraged and enabled to use his or her abilities to achieve a personal goal through support and training. Read More »
The elderly can benefit from the “use it or lose it” tenet of good geriatric practice, which encourages them to make choices from among meaningful alternatives. This practice requires no special technology because it’s what we do countless times every day. Read More »
One way to enhance the brain’s “little gray cells” and to stave off the effects of Parkinson’s and dementia may be pedaling that bicycle, note researchers presenting at RSNA, the world’s largest radiology conference. Read More »
Throughout the years, it is inevitable that holiday celebrations change. Families grow, they shrink and other circumstances contribute to adaptations in family traditions. Kathleen Mears shares some of her Thanksgiving memories and plans. Read More »
When I first went to a nursing home in 1996, I did not know how voting was handled. When I learned I would be voting in a group with a person from the board of elections assisting, I was uncomfortable. Read More »
One law firm has created a website to educate consumers about nursing home neglect—and to give them easy access to lawyers who specialize in eldercare neglect cases. Will other states follow suit? Read More »
Need new service revenue? Two executives from the Francis E. Parker Memorial Home, Highland Park, N.J., share how offering adult day programs can open up opportunities to provide well-needed services while building new bridges to skilled nursing services. Read More »
Consider creating a book experience in your setting where elders, employees and family members choose a book to read and share. This would be a wonderful developmentally rich way to spend time doing things with elders, not for them. Read More »
Engaging residents to learn more about their medical diagnoses can be a challenge, but seven simple approaches can bring information on illnesses and conditions to the community—for the benefit of both residents and caregivers—and keep the doorways to conversation open. Read More »
I recently witnessed how a person’s desire to go home can motivate her to concentrate on changing her behaviors and to follow the advice of caregivers. A visit home can incentivize a resident to reach that goal. Read More »
At-risk teens learn about growing old and growing up by interacting with nursing home residents. The aroma of freshly baked cookies at The Palace Gardens proves that wonderful things can happen when people work together. Read More »
Dementia treatments and memory care regimens have come a long way—if we can first get past the biggest initial obstacle: Patient-centric denial. Read More »
No matter what level of care a woman is receiving in a senior setting, there’s nothing that makes her day more pleasurable than a trip to the beauty salon. Read More »
The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL)awards are here: This year 458 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities were recognized, but only two took home the gold. Read More »
No one ever said being a long-term caregiver is easy. At times, it’s downright olympic. Going for the gold takes teamwork, dedication and … well, a sense of humor. Read More »
