There is some interesting research being conducted on whether personality can be a predictor of someone developing dementia in the future. Hmmmm, what does that mean? Well, scientists performed a study to determine the extent to which the Big Five personality traits and subjective well-being (SWB) could be predictors of dementia. What are the “big five” personality traits and subjective …
As we prepare to celebrate the holiday season, wrapping gifts, planning holiday menus, and writing out holiday greeting cards, we are sure to forget something, right? The fast pace of the holidays can and often does impact our mental health and the mental health of our residents and staff. Although this should be a happy time of year, everyone has …
At the risk of being a bummer, I need to have a conversation with you all about the upcoming holidays and the celebrations we all enjoy. Alcohol. I know, “but it is the holidays” and yes, it is the holidays, and we should enjoy responsibly. But, remember, alcohol is known to induce headaches when consumed in large quantities. Although not …
Frailty is defined as an age-related decline in multiple physiological systems. Frail older adults have increased vulnerability to stressor events, poorer quality of life, and increased risk for major adverse health outcomes. A recent study was designed to investigate the role of the circadian function as potential physiological correlates of frailty development. We all know that circadian clocks govern pretty …
While hearing is not typically considered a risk factor for falls, recent research demonstrated that there is a strong association between audiometric hearing loss and falls. In this nationally representative study of adults aged 40 to 69 years, greater hearing loss was independently associated with self-reported falls over the preceding 12 months. The magnitude of the association of hearing loss …
Did you know the cost of cellulitis treatment accounts for approximately $3.7 billion in ambulatory care and 650,000 hospitalizations? We have all had a resident with suspected cellulitis, you know that resident, legs are “weeping”, swollen, hot, red, and very painful. Treatment for this type of condition can vary depending on the bacteria causing the cellulitis but timely response is …
The time has come to finalize all training and determine how your facility is capturing the most accurate data for coding Section GG of the MDS 3.0 that was updated and implemented in October 2023. Understanding Section GG scoring can help ensure that long-term care professionals adapt their facility operations accordingly. Those familiar with Section GG know that there are …
I don’t know about you but there isn’t a day that goes by where I am not surfing the web for something (usually shopping)! It was a great relief that I read about a study that had the conclusion I was waiting for! The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society indicates that little is known about the long-term cognitive impact …
Medication management is a process. Every center has their own way of managing this process whether it is manual, electronic or a combination, however, it is not a perfect process no matter how we do it. Sadly, 7,000 to 9,000 people die every year due to medication errors. Per the National Library of Medicine, the most common reasons for errors …
Several years ago, while performing chart reviews in a post-acute care center, I came across a nurse’s note that was amazing. The note went into great detail, how the resident was doing, complete vital signs, the resident’s appetite, bowel status, hydration, etc. I was so impressed that I talked to the nurse and told her “great job”! Later that day, …
