Clinical

Keep an eye on glaucoma

Along with the surging aging population will come significant increases in sight-robbing glaucoma, according to a new report. Read More »

New treatment targets for psoriasis

The National Psoriasis Foundation has released national treatment guidelines for plaque psoriasis, an inflammatory disease of the skin often exacerbated by other chronic illnesses.  Read More »

Medications and the CMS Mega Rule

The new CMS rule for long-term care facilities includes plenty of medication-related changes, including antibiotic stewardship and new documentation requirements for medication reviews. Read More »

The MOLST important document: End-of-life wishes

One NY state CCRC community takes end-of-life wishes so seriously it has made the MOLST form part of its electronic health records—the first LTC site in NY state to do so. Read More »

CDC kicks off seasonal flu campaign

Seniors are in the spotlight this week as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launches its 2016-2017 National Influenza Vaccination Week. Read More »

Psychotropics increase falls risk among NH residents

Researchers have found antipsychotics and antidepressants increase the risk of falls for nursing home residents. That risk increased by nearly three-fold when those residents took at least one prescription on a scheduled basis.  Read More »

Oklahoma LTC pharmacy expands

Boomer Solutions has opened another pharmacy in partnership with Guardian Pharmacy to serve Oklahoma seniors across the care continuum.  Read More »

Health care affected by race/ethnicity

A report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services  found Medicare beneficiaries of minority racial/ethnic groups reported receiving worse care than whites.  Read More »

Hospitalizations increasing among Parkinson’s patients in Ireland

A new study has found more seniors with Parkinson's disease are being admitted to the hospital for serious but preventable conditions who must then stay at a nursing home following discharge. Read More »

Comorbidities and hospitalizations among LTSS recipients

Seniors using long-term services and support who have chronic cardiac and pulmonary conditions are at increased risk for hospitalization, according to a new study.  Read More »

AMDA strengthens partnership with gerontology nurses

AMDA is continuing to expand its historically-physician-based membership scope by forging deeper relationships with the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association. Read More »

Reducing HAIs and improving LTC resident health

Long-term care facilities and hospitals are becoming more aware of the need for diligent infection control in resident populations--including better training. Read More »

Will the next superbug be a fungus?

The CDC has issued warnings to hospitals and laboratories to be on the lookout for an emerging threat: a fungal infection called Candida auris. Read More »

U. Pitt to study exercise and brain health

How much does exercise matter to brain aging? Does the type of exercise affect outcomes? University of Pittsburgh researchers just got $21 million to explore the questions. Read More »

OIG scrutinizes SNFs and therapy reimbursement

The office’s 2017 workplan targets rehabilitation, hospice and hyperbaric oxygen therapy services, in addition to SNF billing. Read More »

25% of seniors don’t talk about end-of-life care, says UC study

Nobody like to talk about death. But not talking about it now could diminish your chances of having your end-of-life wishes known later, notes a study in JAMA. Read More »

12 steps to reducing antianxiety/hypnotic meds

Want to extend the efforts to reduce unnecessary medications even further? Here’s how you can cut back on other behavior medications in a non-pharmacological way. Read More »

New bathing glove eases hygiene tasks

The parent company of the Tena products has launched a disposable bathing glove designed with seniors in mind. Read More »

CMS proposes new payment models for diabetes prevention and wellness

National Diabetes Awareness month takes on extra meaning as Andy Slavitt, Acting Administrator of CMS, pushes for better diabetes care. Read More »

Six keys to an effective infection preventionist

Set your infection preventionist up for success by understanding the role and responsiblities beyond what's mandated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  Read More »

Clorox’s newest bleach stronger, safer for LTC

Clorox Healthcare’s Fuzion Cleaner Disinfectant kills C. difficile and 35 other pathogens in under two minutes and is safe to use every day on most surfaces.  Read More »

NPs improve nursing home transfer process, clinical outcomes

New findings from the OPTIMISITC study found nurse practitioners improved clinical outcomes and safety for residents transitioning from the hospital back to the nursing home. Read More »

Advancing wound care technology

Wounds that measure themselves? New technology makes it almost that simple. Check out the hot wound care advancements from this year’s American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living conference. Read More »

How much does blood pressure matter?

Older adults may reduce their risk of cardiovascular problems and stroke by taking an extra-aggressive approach to blood pressure management, says a NEJM study. Read More »

Most diabetics don’t get eye exams, study finds

A majority of people with diabetes don’t receive annual eye exams despite the fact that they are at an increased risk of developing serious eye conditions, according to new research. Read More »

Antipsychotics raise risk of pneumonia in residents with Alzheimer’s

Residents with Alzheimer's disease who are taking antipsychotic medications should be watched closely for pneumonia, especially during flu season. Read More »

Saluting service

Special activities for veteran residents can help them combat isolation and cope with memories of the war experience, especially those with post-traumatic stress.  Read More »

SigmaCare, Health Outcomes Worldwide partner for wound care

SigmaCare will integrate Health Outcomes Worldwide’s how2trak Wound Care platform into its electronic health record to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs and manage risk of pressure ulcers. Read More »

PointClickCare launches new wound care app

PointClickCare announced its latest skin and wound smartphone app to track wound status and healing. Read More »

Admissions, discharges and data-sharing

Will hospitals and nursing homes ever be able to agree on a standard set of data to share during patient transfers? Thought leaders at the annual NASL meeting discuss the current regs—and what needs to happen next. Read More »