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This week’s long-term care roundup focuses on key challenges and forward-thinking solutions in senior living. From high fall rates and underused hospice care in top-ranked states, to evidence-based interventions like music and touch therapy for dementia, the stories offer practical, resident-focused strategies. With longstanding concerns about delirium and a growing call to eliminate restraints in favor of dignity-driven care, these insights are essential for professionals dedicated to enhancing quality of life and advancing person-centered practices.

Healthiest States Still Struggle With High Fall Rates, Low Hospice Care Use

A new UnitedHealth report reveals that even the “healthiest” states, like Hawaii and Massachusetts, face high fall rates and underutilization of hospice care. It’s a wake-up call for senior living professionals to prioritize prevention and end-of-life planning, regardless of state rankings.

The Effects of Hand Massage on Stress and Agitation Among People with Dementia in a Hospital Setting

This Springer study found that hand massage may help reduce physiological stress, as measured by cortisol and alpha-amylase, in hospitalized older adults with dementia. While behavioral improvements were subtle, the physiological effects are promising.

Calming Music and Hand Massage With Agitated Elderly

This 2002 study in Nursing Research demonstrated that pairing calming music with hand massage significantly reduced agitation in long-term care residents with dementia. It offers a low-cost, relationship-centered approach to behavioral care.

The Consistent Burden in Published Estimates of Delirium Occurrence in Medical Inpatients Over Four Decades

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that delirium rates in hospitalized older adults have remained unchanged for over 40 years. The findings stress the urgent need for better detection, prevention, and cross-setting coordination.

Effectiveness of Interprofessional Consultation-Based Interventions for Delirium in Hospitalized Older Adults

This review evaluated how team-based consultation models impact delirium outcomes in older patients. While results varied, the research supports interdisciplinary collaboration as a critical part of delirium care.

Removing Restraints: Reclaiming Patient Dignity in Delirium Care

In this MedPage Today opinion piece, a geriatrician makes a compelling case for ending restraint use in delirium care. The article calls for a shift toward dignity-first, person-centered approaches that honor the humanity of every resident.