Caring for the Ages RSS feed: Current Issue. http://www.caringfortheages.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 American Medical Directors Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Caring for the Ages1526-4114112February 2010 © 2010 American Medical Directors Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600339/abstract?rss=yesSenior contributing writer Joanne Kaldy is a freelance writer in Harrisburg, Pa., and a communications consultant for AMDA and other organizations. Ever wonder why people tend to live longer in some parts of the world? Author Dan Buettner did, and then he decided to do some research and write a book about it. The product is the best seller “The Blue Zones” (2008, Washington, D.C.: The National Geographic Society).Author Offers His Insights on Longevity to Long-Term Care: Project discovered 95-year-old physician as healthy-living role model.JOANNE KALDY10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60033-9Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News11http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600340/abstract?rss=yesJoyce Frieden is a senior editor with Elsevier Global Medical News. A public-private institute launched by the Department of Health and Human Services would be the best way to raise standards and quality for continuing health education, according to a report issued by the Institute of Medicine.Report Calls for New National CME BodyJOYCE FRIEDEN, Sheena L. Majette10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60034-0Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News12http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600352/abstract?rss=yesSenior contributing writer Joanne Kaldy is a freelance writer in Harrisburg, Pa., and a communications consultant for AMDA and other organizations. When some health care practitioners leave for work in the morning, they take a bit of home with them—their dogs.Practitioners Talk About Canine CoworkersJOANNE KALDY10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60035-2Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News44http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600364/abstract?rss=yes DR. NICHOLS is the vice president for medical services of the Cabrini Eldercare Consortium in New York City, which includes two skilled nursing facilities, three home care agencies, two adult day care programs, and a senior housing complex. He invites your questions for possible discussion in this column. Please submit them by e-mail to caring@elsevier.com.When In Loco Parentis Gets a Little CrazyJeffrey Nichols10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60036-4Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4Dear Dr. Jeff55http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600376/abstract?rss=yesChristine Kilgore is a freelance writer in Virginia. A shift in thinking is taking place among geriatric-medicine and long-term care experts about how to define and manage dehydration in nursing homes.Dehydration Isn't Simple to Diagnose or Treat: Distinction between osmolarity states and hyponatremia has gained increasing attention.CHRISTINE KILGORE10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60037-6Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4Progress Notes67http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600388/abstract?rss=yesJane Salodof MacNeil is a senior editor with Elsevier Global Medical News. SANTA FE, N.M. — A privately funded initiative is gearing up to do proof-of-concept prevention trials sooner rather than later in motivated volunteers who carry susceptibility genes for early Alzheimer's disease but have not yet presented with cognitive impairment.Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative Is PlannedJANE SALODOF MacNEIL10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60038-8Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News1010http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS152641141060039X/abstract?rss=yesDoug Brunk is with the San Diego bureau of Elsevier Global Medical News. Chronic pain is a significant public health problem that must be viewed as a distinct chronic illness, according to a report by a multidisciplinary panel of pain experts.”Chronic Pain Deemed a Chronic IllnessDOUG BRUNK10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60039-XCaring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News1111http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600406/abstract?rss=yes SUSAN M. PETTEY has directed health policy and advocacy programs for long-term care physicians, administrators, and other professionals, including AMDA and the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Her experience also includes work with the Health Care Financing Administration (now the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and the National Association for Home Care. She currently is a health policy consultant.Federal Studies Find Survey ShortcomingsSusan M. Pettey10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60040-6Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4Public Policy1212http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600418/abstract?rss=yesRobert Finn is with the Los Angeles bureau of Elsevier Global Medical News. The Food and Drug Administration has warned health care providers and patients to be vigilant for potentially life-threatening complications with the use of negative-pressure wound-therapy devices.Wound Therapy Linked With ComplicationsROBERT FINN10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60041-8Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News1616http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS152641141060042X/abstract?rss=yes This column is not to be substituted for legal advice. The writer, JANET K. FELDKAMP, practices in various aspects of health care, including long-term care survey and certification, certificate of need, health care acquisitions, physician and nurse practice, managed care and nursing related issues, and fraud and abuse. She is affiliated with Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP of Columbus, Ohio.Lessons From Nursing Facility AccidentsJanet K. Feldkamp10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60042-XCaring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4Legal Issues1717http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600431/abstract?rss=yesCommitment to quality, passion for teaching, and community involvement are common threads in the lives of the physicians nominated for AMDA's fourth annual Medical Director of the Year award. The 26 candidates are briefly profiled here, but full accounts of their accomplishments easily could fill many more pages.MDOY Nominees: Active and Innovative10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60043-1Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News1819http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600443/abstract?rss=yesWilliam Smucker, MD, CMD, represented AMDA at a national summit on pain management late last year. At the American Medical Association Section Council Pain Summit, five work groups identified dominant pain issues, such as that appropriate pain care is available but that patients need education to obtain it. The groups agreed that pain education should be improved in medical training and that a model encouraging collaboration between primary care and specialty physicians should be developed so patients can find the right physicians to treat their pain.AMDA Participates in National Pain Summit10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60044-3Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News from the Association2020http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600455/abstract?rss=yesThe American Medical Directors Certification Program has set an ambitious agenda for 2010. Based on information published last year on the value that certified medical directors bring to their facilities in improved patient care and fewer survey citations, the AMDCP board will continue to disseminate articles and press releases on ways that facilities can collaborate with their medical directors to enhance patient outcomes.2010 Will Be Active Year for CMD Program10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60045-5Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News from the Association2020http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600467/abstract?rss=yesAMDA continues the “green” practice of not handing out presentation materials at the annual meeting. Speaker handouts have been posted online at www.prolibraries.com/amda Attendees are strongly encouraged to download and review the handouts that interest you prior to arriving at the Long Beach Convention Center. If you have trouble viewing or downloading handouts, please contact us at education@amda.com.It's Another Green Meeting10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60046-7Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News from the Association2020http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600479/abstract?rss=yesAlabama Medical Directors Association Mid-Winter Conference Birmingham, Ala.Don't Miss These Events10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60047-9Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News from the Association2020http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600480/abstract?rss=yesThe AMDA Foundation has a history of unique events at AMDA annual meetings. This year our theme, “Caring at the Wall,” will take on many features, from the “Caring Canines” calendar to LTC-related books autographed by authors.Foundation Will Be Active at Annual Meeting in California10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60048-0Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News from the Association2121http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600492/abstract?rss=yesLong Term Care Medicine–2010 will offer a Product Theater where companies will share product information and updates throughout the day. Seating is limited, so be sure to arrive early.A New Show in The Exhibit Hall10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60049-2Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News from the Association2121http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600509/abstract?rss=yesNearly 6,000 nursing homes have signed on for Phase II of the Advancing Excellence campaign after just 3 months of recruitment. More than 4,700 of these nursing homes were rejoining the campaign, a move that qualified them for charter member status.It's Not Too Late to Register For Advancing Excellence10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60050-9Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News from the Association2121http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600510/abstract?rss=yesThe AMDA Board of Directors has approved the formation of an International Interest Group in response to requests from AMDA members to share international best practices. In a conference call last October, representatives from AMDA, AMDCP, and the AMDA Foundation explored potential international initiatives. All agreed that AMDA members are uniquely positioned to be committed advocates of LTC quality worldwide.International Interest Group Formed10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60051-0Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News from the Association2121http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600522/abstract?rss=yesIn January, AMDA leaders presented information on how their use of AMDA's Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) “Acute Change of Condition in the Long-Term Care Setting” has helped long-term-care practitioners avoid rehospitalizations of patients.CMS Reaches Out to AMDA Leaders on CPGs10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60052-2Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News from the Association2121http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600534/abstract?rss=yesMichele G. Sullivan is with the Mid-Atlantic bureau of Elsevier Global Medical News. Patients with a presumed transient ischemic attack should undergo a neuroimaging evaluation within 24 hours of their symptom onset, preferably with magnetic resonance imaging, according to new recommendations.New Recommendation: Treat TIA UrgentlyMICHELE G. SULLIVAN10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60053-4Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News2222http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600546/abstract?rss=yesKevin O'Neil, MD, FACP, CMD, medical director of Brookdale Senior Living, Inc., shares thoughts on how to keep an elderly family member/friend safe on the road. Statistics show that elderly drivers are more likely to get traffic tickets for running red lights and stop signs, and they are at a higher risk for car accidents. If you have an elderly family member/friend who drives, you need to know whether he/she is able to do so safely—and when it's time to get him/her off the road.Taking an Elder Out of the Driver's Seat10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60054-6Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4Caring for Consumers2222http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS1526411410600558/abstract?rss=yesThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is creating the first national resource center to help communities provide services to older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. For more information, visit the Administration on Aging's Web site at www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Grants/Funding/index.aspx.Resources for LGBT Seniors10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60055-8Caring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4News2222http://www.caringfortheages.com/article/PIIS152641141060056X/abstract?rss=yesHip protectors are more likely to be used in long-term care facilities with characteristics including fewer Medicaid patients, more paraprofessional staff training, and less involvement of administrators in hip programs, according to a study of 35 facilities.Journal HighlightsFrom the February Issue of the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association10.1016/S1526-4114(10)60056-XCaring for the Ages 11, 2 (2010)2010-02-01Caring for the Ages2010-02-01112S1526-4114(10)X6002-4Journal Highlights2323