Resident Care

Friendships: the key to aging well

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 »

Holiday traditions: One-on-one with…Denise Scruggs

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 »

Wellness coaches help seniors not only survive, but thrive

A Massachusetts retirement community uses coaches to help seniors maintain physical, emotional and spiritual health. Read More »

The polypharmacy epidemic

Medication management can reduce the number of unnecessary prescriptions, many of which have potentially harmful side effects, and can improve overall health. Read More »

Alzheimer’s diagnosis: Would you want to know?

A British survey shows that most people feel the knowledge of the diagnosis would be valuable even if the disease has no cure. Read More »

Remembering a milestone

Blogger Kathy Mears reflects on the events that eventually led her to living in a nursing home.  Read More »

U of MN develops retinal camera to detect Alzheimer’s earlier

The high-tech retinal imaging captures clues to early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and could speed medication development. Read More »

Remember or forget? The complex role of scent in memory

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 »

ADA releases 2018 diabetes care guidelines

Many of the new care recommendations involve adults with hypertension or cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes. Read More »

Flu activity could be earlier, worse than last year: CDC

The 2017-2018 flu season is just beginning, but experts hint that it could ramp up earlier and be more severe than usual. Read More »

Medicare and Healthcare Fraud with Michael Frank

Medicare is as hot a topic as ever with regards to healthcare policy and the United States government, but while elected officials debate over Medicare’s future, there’s one prevalent issue of which more people should be aware: Medicare fraud.     Read More »

Over-the-counter pain relievers work as well as opioids

A new study finds acetaminophen and ibuprofen relieve pain as effectively as Percocet, Vicodin or Tylenol No. 3, suggesting a pain management option without risk of addiction. Read More »

FDA approves, CMS proposes coverage for extensive cancer genomic test

The FoundationOne CDx (F1CDx) is a diagnostic test that can detect gene mutations for cancer, and its potential to help patients has spurred the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to pay for qualifying beneficiaries to be screened.  Read More »

Treat hypertension earlier and keep it lower, new guidelines say

The first new high blood pressure guidelines in a decade suggest keeping blood pressure lower than previously recommended in order to improve cardiovascular and kidney health in later years. Read More »

TENA upgrades to breathable materials

TENA's premium incontinence products, made by Essity, are getting a makepover in breathable materials for better skin health. Read More »

U. Pitt, HERL develop waterproof, battery-free wheelchair

Look, Gramma—no batteries! This new wheelchair operates using pressurized air instead of heavy batteries and electronics and recharges in just 10 minutes. Read More »

Simulating the sounds of dementia

An Australian team has created a simulation to mimic how people with dementia hear, and it could affect the way memory care centers are designed. Read More »

Benzos may impact Alzheimer’s lifespan

Benzodiazepines, prescribed to lessen insomnia and anxiety, may be associated with an earlier death in those with Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »

The cleanliness factor

SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears shares how personal hygiene affects her mood and sense of self.  Read More »

Muscle mass, BMI and osteoarthritis

Body Mass Index (BMI) alone isn’t a reliable factor on osteoarthritis quality of life, according to new data. Read More »

Connecting with a church

SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears shares how she wishes she had more connection time with her local church. Read More »

2017 OPTIMA Award: The power of No

The winner of the 2017 OPTIMA Award for Excellence in Memory Care has slashed its use of antipsychotics to just 3 percent by retraining its staff and implementing a strict “just say no” policy. Read More »

Refusing to be spoon-fed

A Washington state agency has drafted guidelines for people with dementia who don’t want to receive oral foods or fluids.  Read More »

Bill Gates invests $100M toward Alzheimer’s treatments

Gates is investing his own fortune toward dementia research and startups exploring new treatments. Read More »

Healthcare isn’t ready for Alzheimer’s treatments, study finds

Administering dementia treatments may be more difficult than developing them, according to a RAND report on healthcare infrastructure.  Read More »

Personalized doors help residents with dementia to find their way

Door decals are giving a Canadian memory care facility a new look and helping residents with wayfinding and navigation. Read More »

AANAC, AADNS founder and CEO to retire in 2018

The founder of the two long-term care nursing associations plans to step down after a nearly 20-year career in improving senior care. Read More »

Championing infection control

As the CMS regulations for infection control programs kick in, providers are finding that leadership matters as much as training. Read More »

Giving thanks for my roommate

In a year filled with changes, many of which were unexpected, SNF resident blogger Kathy Mears reflects on a relationship that has brought her good tidings of great cheer. Read More »

AARP Foundation sues to stop nursing home evictions

The organization is taking up its first court case on behalf of a woman with Alzheimer’s who was discharged from her nursing home without warning. Read More »