Resident Care

Music works magic for seniors

Not just for groups, music therapy using MP3 and iPod devices can enable playlist to be customized to the individual resident for a more meaningful experience Read More »

Mild cognitive impairment common in elderly, Mayo Clinic finds

The condition appears to affect men and those who only have a high school education more than women and those who have completed some higher education, the Mayo Clinic found. Read More »

Fighting falls takes a personal approach

One of the ways to prevent falls is to know who your residents are and respond to them as individuals, discouraging behaviors that could lead to injury. Read More »

Delivering a successful model of memory care

With 91 people on its wait list, the word has spread that Silverado San Juan Capistrano, Calif., is doing some very good things in its community. And, as its proponents maintain, getting Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t have to mean the end of living—for residents or their loved ones. Read More »

Study: ER visits triple the risk of infection for nursing home residents

For Canadian nursing home residents who visited an emergency department, there was a three-fold risk of contracting a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. Read More »

Volunteerism helps not only the community, but the senior volunteer as well

Senior volunteerism in serving the community is on the rise. Nominate your outstanding resident for national recognition. Read More »

Respiratory rehab

A Virginia facility provides care to a diverse population in a stigma-free atmosphere. Its ventilation therapy program is an attractive option for providing transitional care and encouraging ACO affiliation. Read More »

Study: Elderly with cirrhosis present growing burden on healthcare system

Utilization of healthcare services, including nursing home stays and hospitalizations, was more than double in those with cirrhosis compared to non-cirrhotic peers. Read More »

HHS drafts strategic national plan for addressing Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association said in a statement that the HHS draft “highlights many solutions” and is a “significant marker” in the process of addressing the disease. Read More »

Nicotine patch improves mild cognitive impairment, study finds

While the study’s authors noted that nicotine stimulates receptors in the brain that are important for thinking and memory skills, they cautioned against unsupervised use of the substance. Read More »

In the long-term care resident’s shoes—or wheelchair

To experience just one of the many challenges a LTC resident experiences on a daily basis can be sobering and eye-opening. And, it just might make you reconsider your facility's approach to resident care. Read More »

Simplify wound care through HIT

Wound care nurses from three facilities share how the use of an electronic point-of-care documentation system is transforming their jobs and enabling them to achieve better outcomes. Read More »

When a nursing home resident doesn’t return after hospitalization

My legs eventually became so painful that I could not tolerate it or stand, and I decided it was time to go the ER. After my arrival at the hospital, it did not take long for me to realize that I was pretty sick. Read More »

Remembering Alzheimer’s

Job’s Way is Kirby Pines Retirement Community's award-winning Alzheimer’s and dementia residence—winner of more than six national and international awards. The unique circular facility is designed to minimize confusion and frustration as residents move about during their daily activities. Read More »

Free tool kit promotes Alzheimer’s/dementia education for staff

NCCDP offers a free downloadable tool kit, including PowerPoint in-services on many topics, which can be accessed through March 1. Read More »

CDC uses flu outbreak to remind LTC facilities of precautions, protocol

Outbreak control measures should be implemented when there are two or more residents with influenza-like illness within a 72-hour period, the CDC said. Read More »

Positive aging through technology

Keeping up with technologies that enhance independence and wellness promotes “ultimate aging” as tech-savvy boomers grow older. Read More »

‘Silent strokes’ linked to memory loss in older adults

New research offers clues as to why some older people may be losing their memory. Read More »

Diet and nutrition linked to cognitive ability, brain shrinkage

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 »

Hospital discharge summaries often delayed; may affect nursing home re-hospitalizations

The researchers’ findings, recently published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, determined that discharge summaries regularly lack necessary information on diet, activity level, therapy and pending laboratory tests of nursing home patients after departure from the hospital. Read More »

Stepping out to stop Alzheimer’s; residents present $95,000 gift for staff

Senior living providers and residents raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in 2011, just in time for the holidays. Read More »

NCPA: Changes to LTC pharmacy consultants ‘jeopardize rural healthcare’

CMS has proposed changes to LTC pharmacy consultants that the NCPA says could imperil independent community pharmacies. Read More »

10 anticipated psychosocial needs of baby boomers

Yeah, we know—"The boomers are coming! The boomers are coming!" But are you ready? Read More »

10 top LTC news stories of 2011

This year, providers faced waves of regulatory, economic and societal challenges that tested their adaptability and fortitude. Read More »

A resident being merry in the nursing home

I remember my 15 Christmases living in nursing homes and how the holiday itself has changed, from the moods of residents and staff to the layout of a decorated facility. Read More »

Geriatric nursing assistant brings home top honors

Congratulations to Tyrone Stanley, who was awarded the Cynthia Steele Caring Hands Award by the Maryland Chapter of the National Gerontological Nursing Association. Read More »

Research shows statins may be beneficial in treating Alzheimer’s

Results of a new study showed improvement in cognition and other outcome measures following atorvastatin treatment. Read More »

Magic or mayhem: What’s ahead? Part 2

Editor's note: Last month, Long-Term Living readers were treated to five of Richard Peck's predictions for the industry in the coming years Read More »

Is a return to mobility possible?

Mary M. Harroun, MS, LNHA, demonstrates a leg lift The answer is yes. It might not be possible for all of your residents but a significant number Read More »

Leave no ‘odd man out’ at the dining table this holiday season

After recently teaching my dining class in a senior care community, I had an illuminating conversation with a resident. During the class I had Read More »