Activities

Editors’ pick: Top 10 memory care stories for 2017

Memory care was top of mind for all provider sectors this year. The introduction of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ dementia-focused surveys, updates to the RAI Manual and definition changes in the state SOMs gave providers many reasons to improve their quality of care for residents with cognitive decline. Read More »

The sound of participation

A Boston startup is helping residents stay involved by bringing conversations up close and personal to combat hearing loss. Read More »

Friendships: the key to aging well

Northwestern University researchers have found a relationship between brain health and positive relationships in a study of social butterflies age 80 and older with sharp memories. Read More »

Holiday traditions: One-on-one with…Denise Scruggs

Make the holidays the most wonderful time of the year by using time-honored traditions and faith-based celebrations to engage residents with dementia. Read More »

Connecting with a church

SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears shares how she wishes she had more connection time with her local church. Read More »

Giving thanks for my roommate

In a year filled with changes, many of which were unexpected, SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears reflects on a relationship that has brought her good tidings of great cheer. Read More »

Calendar men and women

A Michigan retirement community is raising money and getting ready for the new year with a classic Hollywood twist. Read More »

Senate passes bill to help locate people with Alzheimer’s

Kevin and Avonte’s Law would renew and expand resources for family members, first responders to find missing loved ones who wander, including those with dementia.  Read More »

Memory care residents comfort victims of Hurricane Harvey

Residents with dementia made toys for children in Texas who were affected by the hurricane.  Read More »

Oh, baby! Doll therapy gets real

Artists create life-like dolls to awaken nurturing instincts in residents who participate in doll therapy. Read More »

Creature comforts

Robotic pets are putting a high-tech spin on the calming power of cuddles--and senior care providers are buying. Read More »

Fur-ever homes for man’s best friend

It’s a doggone heartwarming story of how pet companions can fight depression and reduce isolation. Read More »

Growing new life

Eldergrow is bringing the outdoors inside and sowing joy and purpose for residents.  Read More »

Caregivers, appreciate yourselves

Caregivers need to reserve a bit of time in their busy days to appreciate a crucial senior care asset—themselves. Read More »

A new reality

Virtual reality technology gives seniors life beyond four walls. Read More »

A commanding presence

How do you care for someone who doesn’t think he needs—or wants—help? Read More »

The Baby Boomer Move with Alisa Tagg

Senior care keeps evolving to meet today’s ever-changing standards, but the influx of baby boomers into assisted living may one of the biggest catalysts for procedural reevaluation yet.     Read More »

Waiting for growth

The decision to go gray may have been the easy part. Blogger Kathleen Mears writes about the year-and-a-half long process of growing out her roots.  Read More »

Seniors take fashion week by storm

Trend-setters at Belmont Village in Illinois host a fundraiser in high fashion. Read More »

A pressing situation

Bathroom access is restricted for blogger Kathleen Mears, as her shared facility is the only one she can use because of mobility issues. That can result in an uncomfortable situation. Read More »

Luther Woods resident forecasts sunshine, meets local weatherman

A Pennsylvania nursing home fulfills a resident’s wish to return to the weather desk for a day and meet his TV hero meteorologist. Read More »

Never too old for love, or a belly rub

A senior couple adopted a senior dog, and the photos give all the feels. Read More »

IASC launches new expert podcast series

I Advance Senior Care now offers candid conversations from thought leaders and experts in the field about their experiences, the changing industry and what keeps them up at night. Read More »

Cleaning house

Accumulating stuff is easy to do no matter the space, but decluttering is trickier for blogger Kathleen Mears as she needs help to sort through things. She thinks other residents could benefit from a good cleaning, too.  Read More »

Clear skin is in

Controlling breakouts is a trying ordeal to begin with but is more difficult for blogger Kathleen Mears because of nursing home restrictions on what she can put on her face.  Read More »

Remembering America’s pastime

A new reminiscence therapy helps take people with dementia remember to root, root, root for the home team. Read More »

NCAL names 2017 top assisted living caregivers

The National Center for Assisted Living lauds this year's award winners for exemplary assisted living care and programs. Read More »

Secret hiding place

Resident blogger Kathleen Mears discovers empty wrappers for missing snacks on her roommate’s side of their shared space.  Read More »

The volunteer perspective on making memory masterpieces

Art is more than just beauty in the eye of the beholder. It’s a working experience that can draw out the humanity in everyone—even people with dementia.  Read More »

Connecting seniors and children through technology

A program pairs up senior living residents with elementary students to capture their life stories using digital devices.  Read More »