Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Attorney John Durso will address ways to improve labor relations at next week's McKnight's Online Expo. His session will take place next Thursday, March 27 at 1 p.m. EST. Overall, this year's offerings have been broadened for the free, two-day event. Peter Kress, one of the nation's foremost experts on the role of information technology in long-term care, will lead a session entitled "Leveraging IT to improve the bottom line" at 11 a.m. Eastern on Thursday, March 27. Additional highlights include a keynote address on innovations and the future of seniors housing. Obligation-free registration is available at www.mcknights.com.

Omega Tech Labs' hand sanitizing product line is affirmed with 99.99%efficacy against bacteria within 15 seconds. Fresh Protect products are still persistent for over four hours after use, according to the firm. Staff will prefer natural botanicals and skin emollients over traditional skin-drying agents, the company notes.

Enrichment Designs International recently launched a reclining shower chair, which can make shower time more enjoyable for your residents. The device is designed for people who need special assistance, and can be ordered with a foot rest or fixed-leg rest.

The DGP Pathopak 20Ltr is the largest screw cap 95kPa container available on the market. The product is suitable for transporting infectious specimens and is available with or without outer packaging.

For the second year in a row, skilled nursing facility bed prices hit a new record. The average of $55,200 was 6% higher than the year before and 75% more than the notable low of 2003, according to analysis results from research firm Irving Levin Associates. The average sales price for assisted living units also hit a new high $159,100 in 2007, 20% higher than the year before. Independent living unit prices also rose 20% in 2007, to $174,500 per unit, another record.

The rate of escalator-related injuries among seniors has doubled between 1991 and 2005 - but most are not serious, according to a review of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports. Nearly 40,000 elderly people experienced an injury during that time, usually caused by a slip or a fall. Injuries to the leg were the most common type.