Independent living

Data power in the managed care era

Long-term care (LTC) companies that acquire and understand their data will be in a much stronger position as hospitals, managed care organizations and accountable care organizations look for LTC partners, experts say. Read More »

It’s never too late to quit

A new study offers updated evidence on reducing the recovery time for seniors from the effects of smoking. Read More »

Caring for violent LTC residents focus of AMA effort

Medical and correctional care providers as well as advocacy groups are being encouraged to work together to devise guidelines for caring for those with violent criminal backgrounds or violent tendencies in long-term care facilities. Read More »

California unprepared to meet LTC needs over next decade, new report says

In a challenge being faced in other parts of the country, too, California soon will have to make difficult fiscal trade-offs in an attempt to balance the long-term care needs of its residents with demands related to other programs, a new report finds. Read More »

Exercise benefits seniors in many ways, new research says

Encouraging residents to exercise may help them improve their mental and physical health as well as their fitness for and recovery from surgery, according to results of two new studies. Read More »

New model indicates when memory loss is Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers may have found a way for you to let residents know whether to relax or take other action. Read More »

Have the conversation everyone avoids

Holidays are times of reunion, love, togetherness and present the perfect opportunities to plan for the future. Read More »

Statewide patient evacuation system debuts in New York

Last year’s Superstorm Sandy magnified the need for not only solid evacuation plans, but for keeping track of the evacuees. Read More »

Eye doctor may diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in the future

The eye holds clues to Alzheimer’s disease, according to one study. Another study, however, finds no association between a common age-related eye disease and dementia. Read More »

Fighting diabetes in the workplace and at home

Preventing or managing diabetes can mean lower health insurance and other personnel-related costs for employers as well as healthier employees and residents. Here are some tips to help combat the disease, in observance of National Diabetes Month and World Diabetes Day. Read More »

New research, guidelines affect care of overweight and obese seniors

Three new studies and a new guideline on obesity and health from a government-convened panel have implications for medical, nursing, nutrition and activities personnel in long-term care environments. Read More »

Volunteering has physical benefits for seniors

Seniors who regularly donate their time to their favorite causes are physically healthier than those who don’t, according to new research. So think about encouraging volunteerism among residents. Read More »

4 factors linked to heart failure death

Many deaths from congestive heart failure might be prevented if healthcare professionals look for four risk factors, according to new research. Read More »

Long-term care-related comedy to air on HBO

You may see some familiar faces on Nov. 24 when HBO debuts a comedy about a “ragtag crew” caring for elderly women at a hospital’s extended care unit. Read More »

One medical visit reveals much about Alzheimer’s progression: study

One medical visit is all it takes to gather enough data to predict how long it will be before someone with Alzheimer’s disease needs professional long-term care or dies, according to new research. Read More »

LTC workforce needs are focus of new center

A new center at the University of California, San Francisco, will study workforce needs related to long-term care. Read More »

Hospice, home healthcare owners paying for fraud allegations

A hospice and a home healthcare agency are facing the consequences after being accused of committing healthcare fraud. Read More »

IRS increases tax deductions for LTC insurance

If you or those for whom you care are concerned about how to pay for long-term care, you may be interested to learn that the Internal Revenue Service has increased the tax deductions allowed for the purchase of long-term care insurance policies in 2014. Read More »

Dental, heart health linked in study

A new study provides another reason to promote brushing and flossing among residents. Read More »

Geriatric syndromes are not a part of normal aging

The aging process has various faces. Dr. Judah Ronch stresses the importance for long-term care executives to get to “know our elders.” Read More »

Injuries from falls lessened by exercise: study

Want to reduce injuries from falls in seniors? Encourage them to participate in balance-related exercise programs, a new study suggests. Read More »

Don’t let time change wreak havoc on health

As the end of daylight saving time approaches in most parts of the United States, here are some tips to keep you—and residents—healthy and alert in the coming weeks. Read More »

Medication prescribing reflects regional variations, study finds

Study investigates the geographical differences and patterns in drug prescribing and drug therapies for Medicare patients and the potential risks involved. Read More »

10 cited for innovation, excellence at annual meeting

Live from LeadingAge: 10 individuals or organizations received awards at the annual meeting. Read More »

CMS memo addresses ‘no CPR’ policies in nursing homes

In March 2013, an elderly woman who died after not receiving CPR in her retirement community became national news and a focus of public outrage. CMS memo updates state surveyors on CPR policy in nursing homes. Read More »

Tech tool enables remote activity participation

Live from LeadingAge: Technology that would allow seniors to participate in senior living community activities remotely has won the inaugural HackFest. Read More »

Needed trauma care often eludes elderly: study

A new study about the way injured older adults are treated has implications for long-term care. Read More »

Connected community

Instead of building “tiny towns” within senior residence communities, some housing models are incorporating the CCRC into the town instead. Read More »

Haunted all year

A recent experience reminded me of the haunted houses I attended in my high school days. The occasion was not as fun but was just as frightening, especially considering that 36 million people around the world have similar sensations daily. The memories will stay with me for a long time. Read More »

LTC financing is focus of November observance

One organization is using an annual observance to remind the public about the importance of planning for long-term care. Read More »