Skilled Nursing

Reexamine elopement risk assessments

Your answers to five questions may reveal that your program is missing key risk factors in keeping your residents safe from wandering. Read More »

A facility in flux

Nothing is as sure as change, especially when it comes to staffing in a long-term care facility. And residents do notice the change. Read More »

Parkinson’s research: Summer Student Fellowships announced

The Parkinson's Disease Foundation and the American Parkinson's Disease Association announce new fellowships that provide opportunities for medical students to participate in Parkinson’s research. Read More »

Resident engagement across the globe

An activity professional in the United Kingdom travels to the United States and Australia to share ideas on resident engagement. Read More »

Blue light benefits people with Alzheimer’s disease

Low flat lighting in nursing homes and assisted living communities reduces the brain’s ability to process light in people suffering with Alzheimer’s disease. Read More »

Snoring, sleep apnea linked to symptoms of diabetes

Sleeping disorders become more common as people age with many older adults exhibiting the symptoms of diabetes, study finds. Read More »

When strange things happen

Trying to make a resident room seem homelike is a challenge, especially if there are no places to display favorite items and treasures. Read More »

The case for carotenoids

Every child is told to eat their carrots and green, leafy vegetables because they are good for your eyes. Guess what? New study agrees. Read More »

CMS launches ACO kidney dialysis model

The new accountable care organization model creates a shared-cost program for end-stage renal disease. Read More »

Mastering the new SNF regs to maximize reimbursement

The new skilled nursing facility regulations under the IMPACT Act are coming. Has your facility adopted the best processes and attitudes to maximize reimbursement? Policy experts explain why sticking to the old status quo on processes won't be good enough. Read More »

Family to sue Illinois nursing home over morphine incident

An incident involving six residents rushed to the hospital resulted in one death. Family accuses the facility and a nurse of negligence. Read More »

Calif. governor signs ‘right to die’ bill

The controversial bill will allow physicians in the state to prescribe life-ending medications to those with a terminal illness who wish to end their lives. Read More »

New online Alzheimer’s course for direct care staff

The National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care (NCBAC) is an allied healthcare board certification organization for professional caregivers who care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Read More »

Germ Warfare: Reduce antibiotic misuse

Antibiotic misuse is a growing problem in skilled nursing settings. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention have issued new recommendations to improve infection prevention programs. Read More »

Achy afternoons

As we age, our bodies send signals that it wants to rest and regroup. For some residents, however, comfort involves more than putting one’s feet up or taking a nap. Read More »

West Virginia shows residents it cares

New screening program finds caregiver applicants wanted for out-of-state crimes. WV DHHR says conducting state and federal background checks are important to patient safety. Read More »

CMS releases v1.13 of the RAI User’s Manual

The newly released RAI includes ICD-10 coding information and other clarifications. Read More »

Protecting patients with diabetes

A simple task such as diabetes testing can open the doors to infection in a long-term care facility if not handled judiciously. Read More »

Celebrate National Gerontological Nursing Week

Hats off to these compassionate nursing professionals who care for our nation’s elders.  It’s time to recognize and appreciate the selfless work they do. Read More »

A genetic cause

In addition to her paralysis, resident blogger Kathleen Mears has other medical issues to deal with. She shares her story about battling breast cancer. Read More »

A malfunctioning power chair and the loss of independence

A power chair represents freedom to someone with a disability. But if the mechanism fails, losing that mobility can be frustrating. Read More »

PHI names new federal affairs director

The Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute (PHI), one of the nation's key policy advocates for the direct-care workforce, welcomes Daniel Rutherford Wilson as its new director of federal affairs. Read More »

CDC releases guidance to help nursing homes combat antibiotic-resistant infections

CDC data indicates that up to 75 percent of antibiotics prescribed in nursing homes are given incorrectly. This new tool encourages antibiotic stewardship in nursing homes. Read More »

Aide training days

Nothing beats on-the-job experience. A resident, especially one with physical challenges, can teach a new CNA valuable lessons in providing care. Read More »

Omnicare wins $300M alleged fraud case

Omnicare was accused of offering "illegal remuneration to skilled nursing facilities in exchange for referrals to its pharmacy business." Read More »

Calif. legislature passes right-to-die bill

California’s State Assembly passed a right-to-die bill Wednesday that could have monumental impact on hospice and long-term care processes in the state, especially in terms of late-stage dementia care. The bill now moves on to the State Senate. Read More »

Targeting patient safety through IT

Long-term care organizations are eligible to apply for AHRQ funding to research the development of IT tools to improve resident safety. Read More »

Kudos to caregivers

Monday, September 7, is the annual celebration of America’s working citizens. This country was built by hard-working individuals who put their backs into their jobs. Read More »

Getting AFOs repaired

When ankle braces wear out or degrade, getting them back into shape takes more than a simple trip to the local shoemaker. Maintenance and adjustments take time and the services of a good orthotist. Read More »

One-on-one with…Montgomery Ostrander

Tree of Life Elder Care founder Montgomery Ostrander discusses how his organization has integrated mental health services with therapeutic and holistic programming for residents of its four group homes in California. Read More »