Eating diets high in sugar and fat may not affect the health outcomes of older adults ages 75 and up, suggesting that placing people of such advanced age on overly restrictive diets to treat their excess weight or other conditions may have little benefit, according to a new study. Read More »
When it comes to longevity, a healthy attitude about aging matters. Colorado researchers are working on a way to measure self-perceived age. Read More »
Eliminating tray service in the dining room has deinstitutionalized meal times. Resident satisfaction has soared and Winchester Rehabilitation and Nursing has saved money. Read More »
New Hampshire has the healthiest seniors, according to new research presented at this past November’s Gerontological Society of America’s annual conference. Read More »
Throughout the years, it is inevitable that holiday celebrations change. Families grow, they shrink and other circumstances contribute to adaptations in family traditions. Kathleen Mears shares some of her Thanksgiving memories and plans. Read More »
One law firm has created a website to educate consumers about nursing home neglect—and to give them easy access to lawyers who specialize in eldercare neglect cases. Will other states follow suit? Read More »
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 »
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 »
Seniors are highly susceptible to foodborne illnesses. Providers, caregivers and independent seniors need better access to materials that explain safe food handling practices to reduce this threat. Read More »
There are many ways to bring food to the table. Family-style dining encourages socialization, better nutritional intake and an improved quality of life for residents. Get staff on board to make this mealtime method a success. 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 »
I believe it is the role of senior care administrators to generate motivation in their employees. This goal can be accomplished with a clear mission that is supported and reinforced on an ongoing basis, particularly through hands-on actions. 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 »
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 »
While trying to save on prescription costs, seniors in the Medicare Part D doughnut hole are skipping or reducing their maintenance medications for depression, chronic heart failure and diabetes, among other chronic conditions, recent data suggests. Read More »
High doses of vitamin D play a role in preventing bone fractures, especially in older women, according to a study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine. Read More »
Portable stroke monitors, video visits, diabetes testing on a cell phone… these tools and more are coming soon to a healthcare site near you, according to an emerging technology report. Read More »
Solving the problem of hospital readmissions will take much more than follow-up calls at home. Each link in the care chain has quality improvements to make, say health IT experts at the 2012 LTPAC Health IT Summit. Read More »
In 2012, it's hard to believe that people still go hungry in the United States. When a senior doesn't have enough food or good nutrition, that is a recipe for health complications. Read More »
In many LTC communities, the basic need for excellent service has been overshadowed by a single-minded adherence to numerous state and federal regulations, medical regimens and cost pressures, even though service and an environment conducive to healthy living were stated objectives of the organizations. Somehow, companies have not been paying attention to their own core values. Read More »
Incontinence is associated with falls, skin breakdown and social isolation. An incontinence assessment is important for new residents and any resident who has had a change in their continence status. Read More »
Congratulations to the fifth of five Leaders of Tomorrow award winners profiled this week: James Taylor, president, Sodexo Senior Living, Gaithersburg, Md. Read More »
It's not enough just to provide meals. If residents don't like what they see, it's a good bet that they won't enjoy eating it. The dining experience should add joy, excitement and choice for increased resident satisfaction and, ultimately, good nutrition. Read More »
"Don’t mess with residents’ dietary requirements" is the rallying cry of Jewish nursing home advocates after a past veto by Mitt Romney for funding kosher meals garners renewed attention. Read More »
Frontline servers are emerging leaders within senior care communities. Forward-thinking administrators recognize the value of arming their staffs with targeted hospitality training. Read More »
New study shows that elderly people with higher levels of some vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids had better cognitive performance, while poor diets produced the opposite result. Read More »