What started out as a comparative analysis on reimbursement rates related to catheter-based urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) has opened a huge can of worms concerning hospital datasets and their reliability as performance measurements. 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 »
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 »
To achieve the best results, pain management interventions should be customized for each individual. Krista Das, director of marketing and communications for AMDA–Dedicated to Long Term Care Medicine, discusses the myths and methods concerning the use of opiods in LTC pain management. Read More »
I was concerned about my floor being stripped and waxed because it upsets my routine. Since I wanted things to run smoothly, I had my driver, Debra, come at 8 a.m. on Thursday to help the maintenance guys move things. That way I knew I would have some idea where things were put. Read More »
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 »
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 »
Residents who are recovering from surgery need special transitions of care and monitoring to prevent post-operative complications and hospital readmissions. Read More »
We’re still enjoying the vestiges of summer, but it’s never too early to begin educating elderly residents about influenza risks and the importance of vaccinations. Read More »
People with Parkinson’s have to take pills many times a day to control their symptoms. A new medication technique developed at the Cleveland Clinic uses a gell-based medication to curb the “fall off” effects that pills often have. Read More »
Last fall when my computer turned five, it no longer ran my voice activation software as it once had. For several months I was on and off the fence about getting a new computer. Even though mine is maddeningly slow, I am used to it. I hated thinking about getting a new one and having that unfamiliar feeling. Read More »
Over a 10-year period, the number of older adults who have multiple chronic conditions regardless of ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic status has increased, according to a National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief. Read More »
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 »
Residents often enter long-term care with surprisingly little knowledge about their conditions, whether they have a recent diagnosis or have been living with an illness for many years. Here are five reasons why we should teach our residents about the illnesses they live with. Read More »
I have always had very good teeth and few cavities. But my dentist warned when I moved to a nursing home I would have to be strident about my dental care or my teeth could rot out of my head. Read More »
Should unused drugs be flushed? Tossed in the trash? The nation’s top hospice organizations partner to create better training on the safe disposal of unused medication. 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 »
A recent study indicates that today’s seniors have better vision than the elderly of a generation ago. Better vision promotes more independence in performing daily activities. Read More »
A new statistical study shows that seniors may need more help when it comes to ditching unhealthy habits, especially after being diagnosed with a chronic disease. Read More »
The antidepressant I take presently I have taken since 2009. During that time I have noticed behavioral changes. I told the nurses I wanted to get off the antidepressant. I said I hoped the psychiatrist would assist with a withdrawal plan. Read More »
A massive study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows significantly higher risks of heart attacks during the two to six weeks following total joint replacement surgeries. Read More »
Staff overload could cost your facility plenty, as one research center draws a direct relationship between burnout and healthcare-associated infections. Read More »
I have become accustomed to half a room and little space. But, it is difficult for me to get used to my bed looking drab. I was brought up to do hospital corners and to drape the bedspread just so. Read More »
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 »
LTC providers are investing more heavily in short-term rehab as a way to recoup shrinking Medicare reimbursements while taking on higher-acuity cases in order to keep residents out of the hospital. Meanwhile, they are giving wellness amenities and programs higher priority as families evaluate facilities with a more discerning eye. Read More »
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 »
Last Friday was this facility's second Summer Fun Day. A cookout was held at a local park promising lots of food, pop and even a DJ. Since I am not much of a picnic person, and had much to do, I decided to remain behind. Read More »
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ controversial Five-Star Quality Rating System, which rates the nation’s nursing homes, is in the news this week with CMS unveiling its revamped Nursing Home Compare website. Since its introduction in 2008, the rating system has been maligned by LTC providers for its perceived faults and omissions. Read More »
