Nursing facilities routinely turn away patients seeking post-hospital care if they are taking medicine to treat opioid addiction, a practice that legal experts say violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. Read More »
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 »
Cognitive therapy offers caregivers a tool to determine an individual’s cognitive and functional level, which can offer specific therapy recommendations that can keep the person active, social and involved. Read More »
Congress recessed for the final holiday of 2017 without addressing the current Medicare therapy cap exceptions process, set to expire on December 31. Without the exceptions process or an alternative, therapists will not be allowed to provide services above the therapy cap in 2018. Read More »
New research has found making memories may be tied to the synchronization of brain waves and that age and dementia can slow those rhythms down. Read More »
The dementia rates in rural areas have dropped faster than rates in urban areas, but the reason might be surprising, notes a study from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Read More »
SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears reminisces of holidays past spent at nursing homes, a reminder that this may be the most difficult time of year for some residents. Read More »
Bingo and movie night aren’t enough to keep most residents engaged and happy. Activity professional Susan Rauch shares unconventional ideas for expanding your activities offerings. Read More »
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 »
Memory care was top of mind for all provider sectors this year. The introduction of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ dementia-focused surveys, updates to the RAI Manual and definition changes in the state SOMs gave providers many reasons to improve their quality of care for residents with cognitive decline. Read More »
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 dementia rates in rural areas have dropped faster than rates in urban areas, but the reason might be surprising, notes a study from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Read More »
The buildup of a specific chemical in the brain is an early sign of Huntington's dementia, and it could help with early detection of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, says a new study. Read More »
Northwestern University researchers have found a relationship between brain health and positive relationships in a study of social butterflies age 80 and older with sharp memories. Read More »
Make the holidays the most wonderful time of the year by using time-honored traditions and faith-based celebrations to engage residents with dementia. Read More »
Medication management can reduce the number of unnecessary prescriptions, many of which have potentially harmful side effects, and can improve overall health. Read More »
Scent-associated memories are among the strongest and most lasting, but how does the brain decide which memories to keep and which to discard over time? Read More »
