Older people who develop dementia have higher rates of hospitalizations for medical illnesses than do those without dementia. In addition, those with dementia are at greater risk for several... »

Dr. Matthew Wayne, CMD, became AMDA’s 2012–2013 president on March 10. He is the chief medical ocer for the CommuniCare Family of Companies, a multifaceted company in the postacute care sector. He... »

Robert Wicks, PsyD, looked outover the large auditorium andwarned the long-term care professionalsthat for every one of themexperiencing it, “at least a dozen of youare on the edge of burnout.”

A... »

Daniel Haimowitz, MD, CMD, a multifacility medical director in Pennsylvania, talks about the downside of hospital stays for elders.

Going to the hospital may do a frail elder more harm than good. Many treatments can be safely and effectively provided in the nursing home, including intravenous antibiotics and fluids, without sending you or your family member to an unfamiliar, hectic setting where the nurses and staff don’t know you. 

One common hospital-related problem is delirium, marked by sudden confusion and inability to think or talk clearly. It can happen when a person has surgery, anesthesia, a fever and/or infection. Many... »

This is the second of two articles about advance directives. This month, Dr. Tim Gieseke, CMD, discusses the advance directive forms used to document your wishes.

While no one likes talking about what will happen in the case of serious illness or an emergency health situation, it is important to make sure your physician and family know what care you would—and wouldn’t—want at such a time. It also is important to document your wishes in an advance health care directive (AHCD).

This is a form that helps guide your care and makes sure that your wishes are respected.

The two parts of an AHCD are the power of attorney for health care (DPOA)... »

In this first of two articles about advance directives, medical director and attending physician Dr. Tim Gieseke, CMD, explains the importance of discussing one’s health care wishes.

Thanks to a federal law called the Patient Self-Determination Act, health care organizations—including nursing homes—must provide information about advance directives at admission. The advance directive helps guide care and makes sure that your wishes are respected.

While no one likes to think about what will happen in case of a serious illness or health emergency, these events occur commonly. If your preferences are not documented, you may receive care that... »

San Antonio – Heated controversy over antipsychotic prescribing in nursing homes has come recently in the form of two scathing government reports, a dramatic congressional hearing, and various... »

Older people who develop dementia have higher rates of hospitalizations for medical illnesses than do those without dementia. In addition, those with dementia are at greater risk for several... »

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (more commonly known as health care reform) requires nursing facilities in 2013 to implement “corporate compliance programs” to assist... »

Dear Dr. Jeff:

One of the facilities where I am the medical director seems to have gone crazy over satisfaction surveys. They are surveying residents, former residents, families of residents, and... »

Daniel Haimowitz, MD, CMD, a multifacility medical director in Pennsylvania, talks about the downside of hospital stays for elders.

Going to the hospital may do a frail elder more harm than good.... »