Independent living

Bites and stings can be serious

Flying and crawling critters are not just seasonal, and to them, humans are a very tempting buffet. Sometimes the consequences of being a feeding zone require professional care. Read More »

Enjoy warm temperatures with an eye toward safety

Be “heatbusters” for your residents, visitors and staff by taking a few precautions and keeping a watchful eye for signs of heat-related health effects. Read More »

Patient handling, falls and violence top occupational injuries of healthcare workers

Nurses and aides incur more on-the-job injuries than physicians, dentists, interns and residents, according to data examined by the Occupational Health Safety Network. Read More »

Research: Temperature-sensing sock for people with diabetes

For people with diabetes a new fabric functions as a mood ring to provide a warning system for users. Still in development, this innovation may soon save the feet of diabetics. Read More »

Senate votes to continue Independence at Home pilots

Independence at Home demonstration projects would continue under a bill passed by the U.S. Senate. The legislation now awaits consideration in the House of Representatives. Read More »

If Walker becomes president?

Do the actions of a state governor foreshadow the approach he would take and the policies he would advocate if elected to this country’s highest office? If so, then those in long-term care may want to pay attention to what’s going on in the Badger State. Read More »

Trade bill would affect Medicare, groups complain

Four large healthcare trade organizations have sent letters to the Senate and House expressing concerns over a plan to use healthcare dollars to fund provisions in trade bills, resulting in cuts to Medicare. Read More »

Study: Facility, home care costs have increased

Costs associated with facility-based care and home care have increased over the past five years, according to Genworth’s 12th annual Cost of Care Study. Read More »

NIC MAP: Occupancy down, rent growth up

Overall senior housing occupancy declined in the first quarter of 2015 due to weak absorption and a moderate increase in inventory, according to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care’s MAP Data Service. Rent growth continued to accelerate for most independent living properties, according to the web-based source of research and analysis. Read More »

Workplace violence: OSHA updates guidelines

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration updated its guidelines for preventing and reducing incidents of violence in healthcare settings. Read More »

Health, housing focus of new task force

Two former senators and two former Housing and Urban Development secretaries are leading a one-year Bipartisan Policy Center effort to address issues at the intersection of senior housing and health. Read More »

Hospice, home care providers march on Washington

Defining the work week and expanding caregiver duties were two of the issues on the table as the National Association for Home Care & Hospice March on Washington took place March 22 to 25. Read More »

Vitamin D and exercise reduce injuries but not falls, says clinical trial

A recent study assessed the efficacy of vitamin D and exercise in preventing falls, the leading cause of injuries and fractures in older adults. Read More »

Act would expand nurse role in home health

Advanced practice registered nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives and physician assistants would be allowed to order home health services under Medicare in accordance with state law under legislation being considered by Congress. Read More »

ALFA unhappy with VA’s proposed definition of ADLs

The Assisted Living Federation of America responsed to a benefits eligibility rule proposed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you’d like to do so, you have until March 24. Read More »

Brookdale, HCP announce $849M deal to acquire senior housing portfolio

Brookdale Senior Living and HCP will acquire a portfolio of 35 private-pay senior housing communities for $849 million under the terms of an agreement announced today. Read More »

Friday is National Day of Recognition for LTC Physicians

AMDA–The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine has resources you can use to show appreciation to the long-term care physicians with whom you work. Read More »

2015 could be ‘banner year’ for senior housing: report

The year 2015 holds much promise for skilled nursing, assisted living, CCRCs and independent living, according to one report. Read More »

Medicare plan launches addiction services for seniors

Independence at Home, operated by SCAN Health Plan, has added a new program for older adults that provides screening, assessment, counseling, brief therapy and action planning for individuals who may be misusing alcohol, drugs or prescription medication. Read More »

The most expensive states for care

New research reveals the most expensive states for care in nursing homes and assisted living communities and from home healthcare providers. Read More »

Training program improves aide satisfaction, retention

A pilot program that improved job satisfaction and retention among home health aides in New York City may hold lessons for other geographic areas as well, say those involved. Read More »

New toolkit aids property-provider partnerships

A new resource from the LeadingAge Center for Housing Plus Services is designed to assist affordable senior housing properties and healthcare providers in working together to help low-income older adults remain healthy and independent for as long as possible. Read More »

Home health quality up in several areas, AHHQI data reveal

Some diagnosis-related rehospitalizations have decreased among home healthcare recipients, according to new data, which also reveal improved quality in several areas. Read More »

Where seniors are receiving services

Newly released data from the National Study of Long-Term Care Providers show where older Americans are living in nursing homes and residential care facilities or receiving home healthcare, hospice care or adult day services. Read More »

PACE could expand to serve younger people

President Barack Obama’s proposed 2016 budget includes a provision that would expand the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly to serve younger individuals with disabilities, and one organization is applauding the move. Read More »

Quality in advanced dementia care: 3 challenges, 5 solutions

Quality-of-care issues exist in all long-term care settings, but they are especially pronounced for those with advanced dementia, according to health economist David Grabowski, PhD, of Harvard. He details several potential opportunities to address the issues. Read More »

Accident investigations improve safety, Part 2

In part two, Wilder explains why an accident investigation must be thorough, unbiased and informative to be effective.  Read More »

Working at moving out, Part 1

Love can bloom in a nursing home and some resident couples can progress in becoming independent enough to reestablish able roots in the community. Part one of a two-part series. Read More »

Home care beats nursing home care for ADL maintenance, study finds

Older adults being cared for at home rather than a nursing home experienced “significantly less” deterioration in their ability to perform activities of daily living after one year, a new study finds. Read More »

Home health star ratings may start in July

July is the target for the start of the publication of star ratings on the Home Health Compare website, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Read More »