Resident Care

Are number of medications taken and hospitalization risk related?

A new study may have caregivers rethinking their assumptions about hospitalization among seniors taking multiple medications. Read More »

When an aide loses her dedication

Even the most enthusiastic direct caregivers can burn out. When residents feel the effects, it’s probably time to move on. Read More »

Death toll continues to climb in Canadian nursing home fire

A nursing home blaze leaves five people dead and more than 30 others missing. A search for the missing continues. Read More »

Is a liquor license key to attracting boomers?

Many of today’s seniors enjoy a daily cocktail. It’s their way of relaxing and putting the day’s worries behind them, to toast an achievement or cap off a celebration. Does senior living mark an end to that social outlet? Read More »

Standing is important to health, study finds

Want to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, breast cancer, colon cancer and other chronic illnesses in your residents? Encourage them sit less and exercise more. Read More »

The ‘love’ generation might need some sex education

Love might “make the world go round,” but in a long-term care facility, unprotected sex can be the source of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Read More »

Caffeine, mental exercise benefit brain

Mental exercises and a common stimulant found in food and beverages can benefit brain function, according to two recent studies. Read more in this article—and see the accompanying video, too. Read More »

When aides move on

Residents may form strong friendships with their caregivers, But whether an aide quit or was let go, consistent coverage on the floor must be provided. Read More »

C. diff control requires soap-and-water hand-washing: study

Think that alcohol rub or pair of gloves will prevent passing C. diff to others? Think again, say researchers. Read More »

LeadingAge, EMA to present 3 awards for leadership in dementia

LeadingAge and EMA will present three awards in March for “exceptional leadership in the quest to improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias." Read More »

Gum disease can contribute to rheumatoid arthritis

Daily brushing and flossing and good oral care provides much more than a healthy smile, especially for seniors. Read More »

Increased hospitalization risk tied to home- and community-based care: study

Seniors transferring from nursing homes to home- and community-based services are at 40 percent greater risk of “potentially preventable” hospitalizations, according to a newly published study. Read More »

Improving continence through dance

You’re never too young—or too old—to feel the music and bounce to the beat. Not only fun, dance can be therapeutic, study finds. Read More »

Fall risk in those with dementia reduced by high-intensity rehab: study

A high-intensity exercise program shows promise for significantly reducing the risk of falls in people with dementia by improving their basic motor functions. Read More »

Achoo! Flu season nears peak

This year's flu season may not be as severe as last year's, but authorities say it will be peaking early. Read More »

What the omnibus bill means for long-term care

The federal omnibus appropriations bill for 2014 has more than $1 trillion in funding for government programs. See how programs related to long-term care are affected. Read More »

Dementia quality measures available

You can download the Dementia Work Group’s proposed quality measures for improving outcomes for people with dementia at no charge. Read More »

MRSA rates drop by 1/3 at Veterans Affairs LTC sites

A four-year, nationwide MRSA reduction initiative has shown what can curb MRSA rates, and these protocols may save your facility from an outbreak. Read More »

Findings from OSU’s Alzheimer’s self-test released

Worried about Alzheimer’s? A new self-administered test can help clinicians assess risk. Read More »

Cholesterol’s role in brain health pondered as statin guidelines come under fire

Keeping cholesterol levels healthy can be good for the brain as well as the heart, according to a newly published study. The results come at a time when some experts are questioning new recommendations for the prescription of statins to address cholesterol levels to prevent cardiovascular disease. Read More »

Roommate adjustment

Sharing living space requires a lot of give-and-take from the parties involved. Unfortunately, sometimes only one party does the giving. Read More »

Glaucoma Awareness Month

One set of eyes has to last a lifetime. Make sure you are taking care of yours. Read More »

How to prevent pressure ulcers

Want to reduce the rate of pressure ulcers in your nursing home residents? A new study holds an answer. Read More »

Brushing up on oral care in PA/LTC communities

Studies show that post-acute and long-term care residents receive less-than-ideal oral care. Facilities need to focus on oral healthcare programs. Read More »

Infection prevention resource available

A new guide with a CD-ROM is designed to help long-term care facilities create and implement comprehensive infection prevention programs. Read More »

Hypothermia: Reducing the risks of extreme weather

When winter weather turns extreme, it takes only moments for older adults to be at risk. Read More »

Mexican-Americans could see cognitive impairment 10 years before others: study

Mild cognitive impairment could begin up to a decade earlier in Mexican-Americans than in non-Hispanic people, according to new research. Read More »

An octogenarian and I share frustration

Loss of independence and reliance on the assistance of others can frustrate a person at any age, as Kathleen Mears discovered. Read More »

In-home care becoming a national trend

District of Columbia program enables seniors to receive in-home services to meet their care needs. Read More »

Federal agency recommends annual CT scans for older smokers

Privately insured smokers age 55 to 80 now have access to free annual lung cancer screenings—but the tests are not covered by Medicare. Read More »