Resident Care

One-on-one with… Sandra Stimson

Government bodies are instituting new standards as they recognize the importance of special training in the area of dementia. In this environment, Sandra Stimson, executive director of the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and the International Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, recently took time to answer some questions about the organizations and their programs. Read More »

Geriatric emergency department guidelines issued

Catheter use, medication management, fall assessment, delirium, dementia and palliative care are among the issues covered by new guidelines issued for emergency facilities designed specifically for older adults. Read More »

5 tests or treatments to consider carefully in seniors

Dementia, cancer, anorexia, cachexia, delirium and polypharmacy all figure into new recommendations from the American Geriatrics Society issued as part of the Choosing Wisely initiative. Read More »

Hand sanitizer, training, leadership lacking in HAI prevention: study

Long-term care facilities are missing chances to prevent infections by not placing hand sanitizer everywhere it's needed, not dedicating funding to worker education and not sending a clear message to employees that it's a priority, researchers say. Read More »

CCRC shopping: One couple’s view

This Kentucky couple embarked on a six-state journey seeking a continuing care retirement community that could suit their needs. What they learned from their multiple-day stays at CCRCs can serve as important lessons for all LTC communities on what future residents are looking for—and not looking for—in their next home. Read More »

Website contains best practices for caring for older adults with HIV

The American Geriatrics Society, the American Academy of HIV Medicine and ACRIA are collaborating in a new educational effort that expands on previous work. Read More »

Could mice hold clues to muscle aging?

Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a new target for therapy that one day could help repair muscle damage and maintain strength and mobility in seniors. Read More »

National trial to study the link between insulin and memory

Can an insulin nasal spray alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer's or other minor cognitive disorders? A national trial study is recruiting patients with Alzheimer's to find out. Read More »

One MDS assessment may take a NAC more than five hours to complete: study

Where does the time go in a NAC’s day? Results from an American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination study answer that question. Read More »

Reauthorizing OAA: Maintaining flexibility, addressing demographic changes

The Older Americans Act should be reauthorized with a focus on maintaining program flexibility and addressing demographic changes, according to policy and aging experts who testified during a recent government hearing on the matter. Read More »

Turning a bad day around

Sometimes it just takes a friendly little push to help someone make a positive decision that improves his or her day.  Read More »

Study finds strong link between restless sleep and widespread pain in older adults

A new study shows that restless sleep is a strong predictor of widespread pain onset among adults aged more than 50 years. Increasing age, however, is associated with a decreased likelihood of the development of widespread pain. Read More »

CVS taboos tobacco

As of Oct. 1, you’ll have to find cigarettes somewhere other than your local CVS. But if you develop a chronic cough, the in-store clinics will be there to serve you. Read More »

Infection prevention goal of new CDC website

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched a new website designed to help prevent infections in long-term care facilities. Read More »

Close-knit seniors help foster students

It’s that time of year that is awash with sentiment. For a group of seniors at Ashby Ponds in Virginia, hearts, flowers and candy just won’t do. Read More »

Nursing study: Many hospitals are ‘lax’ in infection control protocols

A Columbia University nursing research study shows serious gaps in how infection-control protocols are followed in hospital ICUs, which could leave nursing home partners at risk. Read More »

Dementia training provider adds ADL module

A national dementia education provider launches a 10-part training series for caregivers on approaching the activities of daily living. Read More »

Is it rejection of care or resident choice?

Clearing the blurred lines between choice and rejection of care ensures correct coding of the Minimum Data Set. Read More »

12 steps to QAPI: Step 2: Teamwork

In Step 2 of our series on achieving Quality Assurance Performance Improvement, Nell Griffin, LPN, EdM, explains the importance of team building and teamwork. Read More »

Staff turnover impacts quality: studies

Consistent care from a stable nursing home staff improves the odds against adverse events, according to two recent studies. Read More »

Ordering out

Even long-term care residents enjoy treating themselves to their favorite pizza, chicken, Chinese food or what have you. In congregate living, however, it can pose a problem. Read More »

Text messages improve diabetes care

A study shows that a text-messaging program for diabetics can result in better care and lower costs.  Read More »

The sweetest gift

A new project, timed to coincide with Valentine’s Day, aims to ease the effects of social isolation and depression in older adults. Read More »

HHS rule grants direct access to residents’ lab results

A new federal rule will allow senior care residents and their family designees direct access to lab test results, encouraging consumer care involvement. Read More »

February is American Heart Month

Heart health might be recognized in February, but a day should never go by without doing something to ensure cardiac health—exercise, diet or joining a friend. Read More »

It’s not too late for flu vaccination

If you or your co-workers or employees haven’t been vaccinated yet, it’s not too late—yet. The flu season is nearing its peak and could extend into May. Read More »

The challenge and joy of a laptop

Adding a laptop to her arsenal of tech devices has opened many new doors for Long-Term Living’s resident blogger Kathleen Mears. Read More »

High-intensity strength training benefits those with Parkinson’s disease

Recently published research sheds light on the kind of exercise program that can benefit people with Parkinson’s disease. Read More »

New research highlights the growing need for palliative care worldwide

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Worldwide Palliative Care Alliance (WPCA) investigate the unmet need of palliative care globally. Read More »

Big Data techniques provide insights into aging brains

Big Data techniques are providing insights into the human brain and how it functions as we age. Results of a recent study in Germany may cause you to look at residents in a new way. Read More »