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Activities

Why the boxing gloves?

Teri Weiman, SSD-AD October 18, 2011

It must be my optimistic nature that makes me think, "Why use a pair of boxing gloves when a feather will do?" Those of you in social services know what I mean when I say, "Why go for the jugular?" You are just trying to help (schedule/resolve/plan/assess), right?

Building trust

Teri Weiman, SSD-AD September 22, 2011

I cheerfully met our new resident, Maria. She was accompanied by her daughter and son and was noticeably defying this change in her environment. She folded her arms across her chest and gave me eye contact. I could tell by her facial expressions that Maria wanted desperately to communicate with me but felt neither safe nor adequate in expressing her feelings.

My twinkling star

Teri Weiman, SSD-AD July 21, 2011

As the social services and activity director in a 92-bed skilled nursing facility, I am fortunate to share in a precious season of residents' lives. Our experiences with them are so amazing. Truly, you can't make up this stuff.

Computer use boosts brain power for tech-savvy seniors

March 30, 2009

Whether it's checking e-mail, playing games or downloading music, using computer programs appears to keep the aging mind nimble, suggests new research.

Community activities reduce rates of chronic disease in older population

November 18, 2008

Community-based physical activity programs cost effectively reduce instances of heart disease, stroke and other chronic diseases among residents of those communities, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Study: Sleep helps older women prevent falls

September 29, 2008

Women aged 70 or older who receive less than five hours of sleep per night are at a greater risk of falls, according to a recent study.

Mediterranean diet linked to reduced rates of chronic disease, Alzheimer's

September 23, 2008

People who live in Mediterranean countries have long been admired for their healthy eating habits. Now a new study confirms why. The diet has recently been found to protect against heart disease, cancer, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and other chronic conditions.

TV owners in nursing homes to get digital conversion coupons

September 17, 2008

Nursing home residents will be included after all in a government coupon program aimed at easing the national transition to digital television. Residents will join others who previously were declared eligible to receive up to two $40 coupons to buy analog-TV converter boxes, the U.S. Commerce Department announced Tuesday.

Study: Exercise, nutritional supplements drastically improve senior fitness

September 15, 2008

A new study has found that the combination of light exercise and specific nutritional supplements could help keep seniors fit for a longer period of time.

Gait dysfunction an indication of cognitive impairment, study finds

August 28, 2008

Gait dysfunction, or difficulty walking, often accompanies mild cognitive impairment in older adults, according to findings published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Very old maintain independence through 100th year

August 21, 2008

While many people associate extreme old age with failing health, new research suggests that many centenarians live independent, healthy lives.

Older jugglers prove elderly learn same as youngsters

July 15, 2008

You may not be able to teach an old dog new tricks, but an older adult is a different story altogether, according to new research from Germany.

Regulators: Provider gift cards to nursing home residents won't draw fines

July 09, 2008

A healthcare system that proposes giving gift cards to residents and other customers it disappoints with poor service is on firm legal ground, federal regulators say.

Cure for seniors' summertime blues: air-conditioning

July 07, 2008

Grilling is a favorite American pastime in the summer--but not for seniors, according to a new poll.

Physical ability better than chronic disease at predicting elderly death

June 19, 2008

How well older adults get out of bed on their own and balance a checkbook is a more accurate predictor of their likelihood of dying within five years than their chronic disease diagnosis, a new study finds.

Rethinking resident bathing

Julie Williamson May 01, 2008

It's one of the hardest tasks for caregivers, but bathing does not have to be a chore if you focus on residents' needs

Residents may be eligible for $300 tax rebate

April 08, 2008

The federal government may owe nursing home and assisted living residents some extra spending money, thanks to President Bush's Economic Stimulus Package.

Ask the nursing expert

Anne Marie Barnett April 01, 2008

I have been a director of nursing for a long time now and am feeling exhausted. What can I do to re-energize?

When it comes to Parkinson's relief, it takes two to tango

February 19, 2008

Researchers have found a new physical approach to help patients with Parkinson's disease improve their mobility and balance: the tango.

Ask the care expert

February 06, 2008

After the holidays we have fewer activities and visitors, which really affects the mood of the residents. How can we enhance our activities during this time?

A tasteful first impression

Brett Bakshis February 06, 2008

Facility puts new bistro in lobby, broadening dining options for residents and employees, and improving the overall appeal of the entryway.

Tech toys

January 30, 2008

The nation's top lawmakers are learning more about new monitoring, personal health record and brain fitness technologies for seniors during a special briefing and demonstration today.Senators from the Special Committee on Aging; the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee; and the Medical Technology Caucus are hosting the event to discuss and explore what type of support is needed to promote technological advances that can help our nation's aging population.

Weighty matters

January 30, 2008

Tanita's PW-630U wheelchair scale is designed to make it easy for residents to get on the scale and be stable. The durable, portable unit is equipped with wheels, allowing caregivers to bring the scale wherever elderly or wheelchair-bound residents are. Other features include body mass index, an integrated thermal printer, memory, recall and RS-232 output so data can be captured electronically.

Wrist action

January 30, 2008

The new CodeWatch transmitter from RF Technologies gives residents wristwatch-like comfort. The small, lightweight device feels familiar and comfortable, which helps put residents at ease.

Easy does it: Simple exercises reduce dementia odds

January 03, 2008

The risk of dementia for people over 65 can be significantly reduced through simple moderate exercise such as climbing the stairs or even walking regularly, according to a new Italian study.