Basic American Comfort

Healthcare Design 2010: November 13 - 16 in Las Vegas, NV

Editor — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:00:59 +0000

Healthcare Design 2010 is a four-day, learning and networking experience which focuses on new innovative ideas in healthcare design. Click below to link to the Healthcare Design website to learn more.

HEALTHCARE DESIGN.10 conference attendees will discuss the principal challenges facing the industry, and gain the necessary tools to confront them head on. Don’t miss the premier conference with over 300 exhibitions focused on advancing the future of healthcare facilities, offering attendees an incredible learning and networking experience.

- Over 95 Educational Sessions
- Over 40 Roundtable Discussion Groups
- Eight Pre-Conference Workshops
- Seven State-of-the-Art Facility Tours

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Achieving Goals Empowers People with Dementia

Editor — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:00:44 +0000

According to Alzheimer’s Society Research, patients with the early stages of dementia can manage their condition through individual cognitive rehabilitation. Learn more in this article from Long-Term Living.

Cognitive rehabilitation is defined by researchers as a treatment where people with dementia work with health professionals to identify personal goals and develop strategies for achieving them. Goals were tailored to the participants’ specific needs and included things such as remembering details of jobs to be done around the house, maintaining concentration when cooking, learning to use a mobile phone, and remembering the names of people at an exercise class. The cognitive rehabilitation group said they saw an improvement in their ability to carry out all of the chosen activities.

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Unnecessary Hype surrounds New Superbug

Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:00:28 +0000

According to new reports, their is no evidence showing that the new superbug will be any more dangerous than other known superbugs resistant to most antibiotics. Learn more in this article from McKnight’s Long Term Care News.

A newly discovered gene variant, called NDM-1, has been found to cause extreme resistance to antibiotics in some bacterium. The superbugs have been transferred form India and Pakistan to such countries as Australia, Canada, Sweden, the United States and the United Kingdom.

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Long-Term Care Community Cheers Passage of Medicaid Extension Legislation

Editor — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 12:00:36 +0000

This article from McKnight’s Long Term Care News informs us about the recent Senate approval for extending enhanced Medicaid assistance to cash-trapped states.

“We applaud the Senate for taking action to pass this vital Medicaid relief, and urge the House to follow in the same manner,” said Bruce Yarwood, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association. “Every day that passes without an extension of this funding, seniors’ care is placed in jeopardy, facility staffing stability is compromised, and good, local health jobs are put at risk.”

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Overweight Baby Boomers Likely to Increase Demand for Assistive Devices

Editor — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:00:22 +0000

Obesity is on the rise within the Baby Boomer population, this will cause an increase in the use of assistive devices and become costly for individuals and the healthcare system. Learn more in this article from Long-Term Living.

A third of adults older than 65 use at least one device, and lower body disability is what drives and predicts their use, researchers said. The most popular devices are shower seats and tub stools; grab or handle bars for bathing; walkers and canes; and raised toilet seats.

“Obesity and disability create issues for society, such as in the number of handicap parking spots or availability of larger beds in hospitals and nursing homes. These challenges will escalate as our largest adult population ages,” researchers said.

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The Ageing Process - When is Care Needed ?

Editor — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:00:52 +0000

Here is a list of tell-tale signs to help families determine if their elderly loved one needs extra care. This article from Suite 101.

Getting old is often fraught with difficulties and can be very stressful for families with older parents or relatives. In many cases the changes that are happening are often a gradual process, easily missed if one is not looking. It is also difficult to know when to step in and make certain decisions, as the impact on all concerned will be an emotional and financial one. However, it does help to know that you are not alone and that help is at hand if needed.

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Volunteerism and the Elderly: Boomers Giving Back

Editor — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:00:18 +0000

This article from Inside Elder Care discusses what can be achieved when seniors volunteer to help seniors.

There are numerous societal benefits in having seniors volunteer in our communities. They have helped out by providing compassion to visitors for people in hospitals. Retired teachers have helped out younger generations by tutoring them after school. Professionals of all kinds donate their time and services after retirement. This give back mentality has carried then national when times are tough.

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Fear of Falling and Fall Prevention Programs

Editor — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:24 +0000

Many seniors are fearful of losing their independence as a result of injury caused by a fall. Learn about Fall Prevention Programs in this article from Inside Elder Care.

Falling for the elderly is devastating and has many lasting consequences such as pain, injury, loss of independence, and costly medical bills. In fact, fifty percent of older adults who have fallen in the past year have a fear of falling. In 2005, 15,800 people 65 and older died from injuries related to unintentional falls.

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Validation Therapy and Dementia: Pros and Cons

Editor — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:00:36 +0000

This article from Inside Eldercare teaches us how to better care for patients suffering from dementia by accepting the values, beliefs and “reality” of the patient.

Dementia is a decline in memory and/or intellectual functioning severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning. Dementia is not a disease itself, but group of symptoms.

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Assistive Technology Like Microsoft Health Vault Improved Quality of Life

Editor — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:00:57 +0000

This article from Inside Elder Care discusses how assistive technology is helping seniors to maintain their efficacy, independence and sense of control over their lives.

Assistive Technology is not a new concept, walking aids like the cane or wheelchair have been around for centuries; but there is an enormous need for new and innovative products that improve the quality of life the aging population. Assistive technology can make up for the shrinking number of caregivers and the skyrocketing institutional care costs.

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