Clinical

Pa. to provide training, support for family caregivers

New legislation will help family members who care for senior loved ones at home following hospital discharge.  Read More »

Nudge, nudge! Get your flu shot

Electronic health records can improve flu vaccination rates simply by reminding physicians and patients about them, researchers find.  Read More »

The demand for high-value senior care

Despite political transitions, long-term care providers will insist on high-value, cost-efficient care. Here's how your nursing staff can lead the way in care quality. Read More »

FDA approves drug for involuntary movement

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. has received government approval for the first drug to treat tardive dyskinesia, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary movements.  Read More »

Parkinson’s disease awareness month shows unshakeable spirit

The American Parkinson Disease Association kicks off a new campaign to highlight the spirit and stories of those with Parkinson's disease to raise awareness of the illness. Read More »

Pilot program care model reduces hospitalizations

Indiana skilled nursing facilities participating in the OPTIMISTIC project have significantly reduced all-cause and avoidable hospitalizations. Read More »

Got depression? Let’s talk

Residents who have chronic conditions and depression could benefit greatly from participating in support group discussion therapy, new research suggests. Read More »

2017 Leader of Tomorrow: Ana Cabrera, RN, MSc

Terminal illness and grief are multicultural experiences, and this Texas nurse has brought a deeper understanding to ethno-cultural considerations in hospice care. Read More »

Great lengths for short nails

Resident blogger Kathleen Mears knows it’s important for nails to be trimmed, which is why she’s sought assistance from caregivers since Medicaid coverage isn’t often enough to her liking. Read More »

AMDA announces medical director of the year

Joshua Schor of New Jersey has been recognized for his work to improve wound care, reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections and founding a staff teamwork program.  Read More »

SCA Group votes to split

The maker of TENA will split off its health and hygiene operations under the newly-formed company Essity.  Read More »

Improving care for chronically ill starts at home

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has teamed up with home health provider Landmark Health to offer members with serious chronic or acute conditions care at home.  Read More »

2017 Leader of Tomorrow: Kayla Bruce, LPN

A hospice nurse at Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care (LHC) of Hammond is leading her peers in the culture change of end-of-life care through patient empowerment and behavioral understanding. Read More »

Loud, proud and aging

New research shows how lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender seniors are stronger but also more vulnerable to health risks as they age, highlighting the importance of community and understanding. Read More »

FDA approves antibody-based eczema drug

A new drug for serious eczema has been approved for the market, but wait till you see how much it costs. Read More »

First drug for aggressive MS gets FDA nod

Genentech will market the drug, which has been approved for both standard multiple sclerosis and the more aggressive form, Primary Progressive MS. Read More »

Home care before hospice

Home based palliative care, or pre-hospice, programs aim to improve quality of life by bringing healthcare workers into the home and better care coordination—all while cutting costs for seniors and Medicare. And research shows it’s working. Read More »

Revisiting guidelines for heart health in seniors

Researchers are reviewing data to hopefully expand cardiovascular risk calculations and preventive guidelines for those 75 years and older.  Read More »

FDA approves new Parkinson’s drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new medication to help reduce Parkinson's disease symptoms.  Read More »

Decoding the mixed messages about psychiatric care in SNFs

What should SNFs do when CMS’s 5-star guidelines for antipsychotic medication use don’t agree with SOM guidelines? Read More »

Veyo to double its transportation market in 2017

The California startup has its wheels in motion to transform non-medical transportation for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. Read More »

LTC care quality: The medical directors’ view

Medical directors see the whole scope of SNF issues, including every legal and survey-based outcome. Read More »

Top 10 patient safety concerns for 2017: ECRI Institute

Electronic Health Record information management tops the list of this year's key patient safety issues across all healthcare sectors, but assisted living and skilled nursing facilities are directly involved in three other items on the list. Read More »

A new attempt to manage multiple chronic conditions

Federal agencies have partnered to offer chronic care management for Medicare beneficiaries and their providers. Read More »

Vaccines, vigilance making for a moderate flu season

This winter's flu season may have peaked, but it's not over yet—especially in the South, says the CDC. Read More »

Retrofitting medicine tackle boxes

statDISPENSE aims to create a safe, affordable automated padlock for dispensing emergency medication kits. Read More »

HoverTech expands distribution in LTC market

Patient lift manufacturer HoverTech is partnering to distribute its lifts in the LTC market. Read More »

Potential of onsite hemodialysis for ESRD

New data show onsite hemodialysis in the skilled nursing setting can provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive transportation services. Read More »

Hoyer lift can handle more weight

Joerns Healthcare has released a new and improved version of its Hoyer lift for bariatric residents. Read More »

Respiratory virus test gets FDA clearance for point of care

The test can now be used at physician offices, clinics and other point-of-care settings to diagnose one of the most common causes of pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Read More »