Uncovering Hidden Costs in Your Senior Care Organization

Alzheimer’s/Dementia

“Frequent users” are not abusing ER services, multi-state studies say

Seniors have been accused of overusing the Emergency Room, often as a substitute primary care provider. But new studies from a national emergency medicine association say that their ER visits are usually justified. Read More »

New drug may slow memory loss in cases of mild Alzheimer’s

Studies on the effectiveness of a new Alzheimer’s drug developed by Eli Lilly score a hit with data that showed it reduced memory decline in patients with mild cases of the disease. Read More »

7 methods to educate residents about their diagnoses

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 »

John Gilligan, RN, receives 2012 Joan Ann McHugh Award for Leadership in Long-term Care Nursing

And the long-term care leaderships award goes to… John Gilligan, RN, of Pensylvania’s Sunshine Gardens memory unit! Read More »

Chew on this: Dental health and senior dementia may be related

A longitudinal study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has linked poor dental care to higher dementia rates among seniors. The number of teeth, quality of oral health and frequency of dental exams could all be influences on later dementia, researchers say. Read More »

Bringing Alzheimer’s and falls prevention to public attention

September 21 and 22 are dedicated to two serious issues, especially for seniors—Alzheimer’s disease and falls prevention. Read More »

Survey: Caregivers attribute Alzheimer’s symptoms to normal aging behaviors, delaying diagnosis

A new survey reveals that many caregivers mistakenly interpret various behaviors as a normal part of aging, rather than as symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. As a result, they believe those false impressions delayed their loved one’s diagnosis of the incurable brain disorder. Read More »

Seniors with hearing loss have higher dementia rates

Want to help reduce your chance of developing Alzheimer’s? Get your ears checked, researchers say. Read More »

2012 OPTIMA Award winner: St. Leonard Franciscan Living Community, Centerville, Ohio

Since 1996, Long-Term Living has honored long-term care communities that are proactive with programs that go “above and beyond” routine care for their residents with our prestigious OPTIMA Award. It is conferred by a jury of LTC peers from submitted entries. This year’s winner is St. Leonard Franciscan Living Community of Centerville, Ohio. Congratulations! Read More »

Dementia denial: The secretive obstacle to intervention

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 »

Care during last five years of life could cost $38-66k or more, study says

The last five years of life can cost a bundle, even with Medicare coverage, reveals a new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. Read More »

Art Modell leaves hospice legacy in Cleveland

The late Art Modell, longtime NFL franchise owner, may still stir up feelings in the Cleveland sports scene, but the hospice legacy he leaves behind is one of serenity amid nontraditional end-of-life care. Read More »

Study questions performance measures regarding stroke mortality rates

When it comes to performance based on 30-day mortality rates, care facilities may be getting skewed performance ratings for ischemic strokes, a new study says. Read More »

Look good, feel good

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 »

Obesity can contribute to cognitive decline, study says

One more reason to consider shedding those extra pounds: A neurology study suggests that obesity can contribute to reduced cognition in later life. Read More »

AHCA/NCAL announces the 2012 award winners

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 »

Boomers with mental, substance abuse problems will challenge healthcare systems

Healthcare systems will be taxed to deal with the substance abuse problems that many members of the Baby Boomer generation will be carrying with them into their senior years. Read More »

The Olympic feats of caregivers

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 »

Pentecostal moments in long-term care: Part 2

What promotes brain health? Religion surely does, in ways direct and indirect, subtle and mysterious; religion alters brain activity among the elderly, it affects emotions and changes behavior. Early scientific research findings inspire awe, raise spiritual questions and offer practical advice. Read More »

AHRQ releases patient safety training program for LTC

A new training course from AHRQ can give caregivers fresh insights into the signs that a resident's condition is changing, alerting staff to monitor the resident more closely. Read More »

Moving forward on the National Alzheimer’s Plan

Advisory Council met on Monday to continue discussion on how to implement the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s. Read More »

Trouble at two Kansas City senior living facilities

A somber day in Kansas City, Mo.: A wandering senior is found dead and an entire nursing home is evacuated at two senior living facilities. Read More »

Connecticut nursing home strike gets ugly

Three-week-old strike by unionized Connecticut nursing home workers continues. SNF operator alleges sabotage and vandalism by strikers. Company attorneys' seek criminal investigation by state authorities. Read More »

Do bees know how to reverse aging?

A key clue to the importance of senior socialization and memory maintenance may come from an unlikely community: the local beehive. Read More »

Immunotherapy retains cognitive function, ADLs, Alzheimer’s study shows

Infusions of antibodies seem to help those with mild to moderate Alzheimer's to retain cognition and daily functions, according to a study presented at the 2012 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. Read More »

Sleep as a cognitive indicator and other studies presented at AAIC

Studies showing how sleep patterns can be a risk factor and indicator of cognitive decline and how mild cognitive impairment is linked to social isolation and a risk of death are presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC). Read More »

Gait changes may indicate a decline in cognitive function

New research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association’s International Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, looks at the correlation of gait speed and stride to varying degrees of cognitive decline. Read More »

Alzheimer’s: New collaboration on one of the disease’s top risk factors

Four academic research teams and a pharmaceutical company are joining forces to study the gene that includes the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s other than old age. Read More »

Mutated gene may protect brain from Alzheimer’s

New progress on the mysteries of Alzheimer’s may be within the DNA of Iceland. Many Icelanders have a gene mutation, rare in other countries, that seems to protect the brain from the onset of Alzheimer’s, a new study reveals. Read More »

Healthcare reform benefits Alzheimer’s advocacy

One group cheering the court’s decision is the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), which maintains that upholding of the healthcare act will result in earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease—with care thereby starting sooner—while helping millions with more effective and efficient treatment. Read More »