Clinical

Mourning before death

Families may be grieving how cognition or illness have diminished the capacity of a loved one, stirring up emotions that aren’t usually acknowledged until after death. Caregivers have an opportunity to ease the anticipatory loss or long goodbye to help families acknowledge their feelings, seek support and connect with one another before it’s too late. Read More »

How stress can cause weight gain in women

Researchers found stressful events can be linked to obesity, which is associated with several chronic illnesses. Read More »

Student nurses make the rounds

SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears writes about her experiences with nursing students doing clinicals at her nursing home. Read More »

Editors’ pick: Top 10 infection control stories for 2017

This year's mandates from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on recurring infection rates, new definitions for urinary tract infections in the 2017 RAI User’s Manual and the latest surveillance data on multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) made infection control one of 2017's biggest topics. Read More »

Doing more harm than good

A growing number of healthcare providers are questioning the need for extensive cancer screening for seniors when the tests won’t significantly improve their quality of life. Read More »

The heartbreak of caring

Caring can come at a cost for residents and aides, but the hurt is worth it, says SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears. Read More »

Wellness coaches help seniors not only survive, but thrive

A Massachusetts retirement community uses coaches to help seniors maintain physical, emotional and spiritual health. Read More »

The polypharmacy epidemic

Medication management can reduce the number of unnecessary prescriptions, many of which have potentially harmful side effects, and can improve overall health. Read More »

Remembering a milestone

Blogger Kathy Mears reflects on the events that eventually led her to living in a nursing home.  Read More »

ADA releases 2018 diabetes care guidelines

Many of the new care recommendations involve adults with hypertension or cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes. Read More »

Flu activity could be earlier, worse than last year: CDC

The 2017-2018 flu season is just beginning, but experts hint that it could ramp up earlier and be more severe than usual. Read More »

Over-the-counter pain relievers work as well as opioids

A new study finds acetaminophen and ibuprofen relieve pain as effectively as Percocet, Vicodin or Tylenol No. 3, suggesting a pain management option without risk of addiction. Read More »

FDA approves, CMS proposes coverage for extensive cancer genomic test

The FoundationOne CDx (F1CDx) is a diagnostic test that can detect gene mutations for cancer, and its potential to help patients has spurred the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to pay for qualifying beneficiaries to be screened.  Read More »

Treat hypertension earlier and keep it lower, new guidelines say

The first new high blood pressure guidelines in a decade suggest keeping blood pressure lower than previously recommended in order to improve cardiovascular and kidney health in later years. Read More »

TENA upgrades to breathable materials

TENA's premium incontinence products, made by Essity, are getting a makepover in breathable materials for better skin health. Read More »

The cleanliness factor

SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears shares how personal hygiene affects her mood and sense of self.  Read More »

Muscle mass, BMI and osteoarthritis

Body Mass Index (BMI) alone isn’t a reliable factor on osteoarthritis quality of life, according to new data. Read More »

2017 OPTIMA Award: The power of No

The winner of the 2017 OPTIMA Award for Excellence in Memory Care has slashed its use of antipsychotics to just 3 percent by retraining its staff and implementing a strict “just say no” policy. Read More »

AANAC, AADNS founder and CEO to retire in 2018

The founder of the two long-term care nursing associations plans to step down after a nearly 20-year career in improving senior care. Read More »

Championing infection control

As the CMS regulations for infection control programs kick in, providers are finding that leadership matters as much as training. Read More »

NADONA and Ocean Spray partner to target antibiotic stewardship

The long-term care nursing organization and the juice company are teaming up on educational efforts to combat antibiotic resistance. Read More »

To vaccinate, or not to vaccinate

The decision of whether to get the influenza vaccine has added considerations and consequences for those who work and live in long-term care facilities.  Read More »

CMS proposes new Immediate Jeopardy policy for SNFs

The draft policy could reduce the likelihood of high civil money penalties against skilled nursing providers for immediate jeopardy deficiences that resulted in no harm or death.  Read More »

ACHCA names new president and CEO

Bill McGinley has been tapped to lead the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA).  Read More »

Person-centered care improves resident satisfaction

Care that’s personal is more impactful, according to a new study in JAMDA.  Read More »

Disability linked to heart health

Researchers explored the connection between disability and the American Heart Association's guidelines for cardiovascular health in older Latin Americans. Read More »

FDA to recognize some foreign drug inspections

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced drug regulatory authorities in eight European countries can conduct inspections that meet FDA requirements as part of a larger effort to reduce redundancies and free up agency resources.   Read More »

Abbott gets FDA clearance for first smartphone heart monitor

Bluetooth technology allows physicians to monitor cardiac arrhythmias remotely without requiring cumbersome recording devices. Read More »

ASA, senior care sites join Gillette’s pilot of ‘assisted shaving’ razor

Care sites in the United States and the United Kingdom will test the razor, billed as the world’s first razor designed for shaving someone else. Read More »

Researchers study links between smell disorders and dementia

The study is the latest attempt to develop better olfactory tests that might be used to detect early stages of neurodegeneration. Read More »