Safety

Legal blog: CMS’ revision of sprinkler enforcement

Healthcare attorney Alan C. Horowitz explains the background to the latest revisions to the CMS compliance rules on fire sprinklers in skilled nursing facilities. 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 »

CMS offers temporary fire sprinkler citation fix

CMS has revised its fire sprinkler compliance measure to ease the burden on facilities that are in the middle of sprinkler installations. But is the workaround just as challenging as the fire sprinkler citation? 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 »

3 ways to prevent bed rail problems

You can use a new poster from the government as part of your efforts to educate employees about the proper use of adult bed rails. It comes in English and Spanish language versions. Read More »

Misuse of pesticides in several states puts residents at risk

As many as 100+ nursing homes were treated with a pesticide contrary to manufacturer’s instructions. Read More »

Nine nursing home employees die at work in 2012, data show

The injuries and illnesses might not be dramatic, but government data show that nursing homes are dangerous places to work. Read More »

AL facility shuts its doors, leaving some residents behind

Long-Term Living blogger Kathy Mears takes a headline out of the news to give her perspective on a California assisted living facility's abandonment of a number of residents when it shut its doors, leaving them without caregivers, care and basic necessities. Read More »

Minimizing workplace violence in LTC facilities

OSHA is taking a harder look at workplace violence in long-term care facilities. These tips can help you prepare your staff and shore up your documentation procedures. Read More »

Litigation on the rise for LTC industry

This society’s eagerness to seek legal action against perceived harm or injustice to their loved ones in long-term care gives plaintiffs’ lawyers a wide-open client base to pursue. Read More »

Hospitalization reduction is aim of nursing home resident study

A $13.4 million initiative funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services hopes to improve care and communication within nursing facilities and between nursing homes and acute care institutions so that problems can be caught and managed before it becomes necessary to transport residents to the hospital. 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 »

National survey reveals gaps in opioid PCA pump practices

The first national survey of patient-controlled pain medication pumps has revealed red flags in how patient vitals are monitored and how risk factors are calculated. Read More »

Partnership aims at reducing pressure ulcers, falls

New technology to reduce falls gathers data from under-mattress sensors and transmits them to a computer or mobile device. 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 »

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 »

Sensors, other steps could improve resident sleep

Technology is just one of many ways to help residents get enough sleep, according to recent research, which suggests ways to address staffing level and shift pattern issues that can lead to sleep problems. 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 »

Proactive healthcare approach reduces senior calls to EMS

A senior housing complex with a reputation for frequent calls to local paramedics saw a one-third decrease in the calls after implementing a new program. Read More »

APIC kicks off ‘Infection Prevention and You’ campaign

Infection prevention is everyone’s job—residents, families, healthcare professionals. A new campaign offers important information on patient safety and infection prevention. Read More »

SNF docs may prevent adverse drug events with mobile devices

Adverse drug events are linked to nearly 93,000 deaths in nursing homes, according to a new study. Read More »

Intelligent eyeglasses may improve gait for people with Parkinson’s

As intelligent eyeglasses become available to consumers, researchers at the University of Twente in Amsterdam, Netherlands, are exploring the potential for their use in reducing the incidents of falls related to Parkinson’s disease. Read More »

Short-term rehab boom: Innovation required

For years, the Green House model has promoted and provided person-centered care to long-term care residents. Now it is principles are being applied for use in the growing short-term rehabilitation area.  Read More »

Government shutdown halts nursing home inspections

Federal safety inspections are on hold in long-term care and other vital industries due to the government shutdown. Read More »

Survey survival: Fall scene investigation

Plenty of attention is given to reducing the risk of falls. But after a fall happens, do your nurses know how to gather the information your surveyors will want to know? Read More »

New study finds head injuries from falls increasing for LTC residents

It might be caused by a slippery floor or the effects of medication, but when a senior falls, consequences can be serious. A new study looks at head injuries sustained during falls by senior residents in two Canadian long-term care facilities. Read More »

Remember: Resident is heart of person-centered care

Live from AHCA/NCAL: To be successful in your mission of person-centered care, you must include residents and their families in your care planning. It sounds obvious, but many facilities that think they are doing this are not. Here are some points to consider. Read More »

Elder abuse focus of October observance

Elder abuse is the focus of this year's observance of an annual event meant to bring attention to residents of long-term care facilities. Read More »