Citing a link between poor oral health and increased risk of pneumonia and cardiovascular disease, a team of nurses launched a pilot project to test oral care strategies with nursing home dementia patients.
Residents prefer caregivers who will sit down on the job
By
Mary Gustafson
May 01, 2012
The subtle difference between standing and sitting next to a patient or resident can make a huge difference in that person’s perception of their care, a new study reveals.
Blood pressure drugs safe in older adults: new guidelines
By
Mary Gustafson
Jun 01, 2011
Hypertension in older adults — particularly in octogenarians — is much more common than in younger adults and more difficult to treat. Due to risk of complications and fear of increasing mortality,...
Design Decisions: Racing to the future of care
By
Mary Gustafson
Mar 01, 2011
Sam Swope Masonic Homes of Kentucky combines the state’s culture and evolving care models while quadrupling facility size.
The Girl Scout Law, a gem for the ages
By
Mary Gustafson
Mar 15, 2012
I suspect there’s one task that unites us all: ordering, distributing and systematically demolishing a box (or two, or three …) of Girl Scout cookies.
Vow to hire veterans for long-term care
By
Mary Gustafson
Jan 26, 2012
In his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Obama proposed the creation of a Veterans Job Corp to curb high unemployment rates for returning veterans. That’s opportunity knocking for...
Ask the care expert: Will our facilities face OSHA inspections?
By
Mary Gustafson
Jul 06, 2012
Yes, you are correct with your “grapevine” info but inspections will be focused on more than just infections. On April 12, 2012, OSHA announced a new plan called the NEP (National Emphasis...
Tales of transition
By
Mary Gustafson
Jun 07, 2012
It’s hard not to be struck by the number of transitions that are occurring all over the place this time of the year. My refrigerator is plastered with birth announcements, wedding invitations, high...
Give unto others
By
Mary Gustafson
Aug 17, 2012
Looking for a cure for compassion fatigue? Try reminding your caregivers of the obvious — that their job is all about giving. Trust me, there is some science to this.
Donut hole dangers
By
Mary Gustafson
Jul 05, 2012
It’s well established that nursing home residents frequently struggle with conditions such as heart failure and depression. It’s also true that critics of nursing home care are quick to blame...