More than 250 industry vendors will exhibit their products and services this week at the Assisted Living Federation of America Conference and Expo in Dallas. The exhibit hall will be open today and Thursday. Participating vendors represent numerous categories. These include: business services, design/development, dining, entertainment, equipment, finance, furnishings, human resources, information technology, maintenance, marketing, transportation, ancillary services and more.

Researchers are developing a breathalyzer that may soon be able to detect diabetes, lung cancer, viral infections and other maladies that often affect nursing home patients. Patients blow into a small valve attached to a box that is about half the size of a typical shoebox and weighs less than one pound. The device then seeks biomarkers for conditions and ailments. Funding for the project has been provided by the National Science Foundation.

EHOB Inc. has released its Foot Waffle. The heel elevator helps provide comfort and pain relief to residents with pressure ulcers,according to the firm. Its sloped design mirrors the natural shape of the leg as it angles from the calf down to the ankle, securely holding the leg and foot in place. A strap located at the end of the product helps accommodate multiple foot widths.

ReGear Life Sciences Inc. announced that new 19 senior care communities have deployed ReBound wearable therapeutic heat for residents. The product helps people who suffer with arthritis, flexion contractures or who simply need improved range of motion. The communities are located in Mississippi and Tennessee. All are managed by Community Eldercare Services LLC, which is based in Tupelo, MS.

Chris Stakutis has joined PointRight as the firm's new Chief Technology Officer. He has more than 25 years of operating systems and process control experience. In his new role, he will lead efforts in the recruitment of IT staff, the development of new applications, and oversee technology infrastructure and data security at the analytics firm. Stakutis previously served as vice president of engineering at PatientKeeper Inc., which served the physician market

Anthony Cirillo has been named the new National Healthcare Channel Partner of CEO2, a"whole-system solution" consulting company. Cirillo, a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, consults with hospital and healthcare systems and is the president and "Chief Evangelist" at FastForwardConsulting.

HD Supply Facilities Maintenance recently released its Volume 7 Healthcare Solutions catalog. This latest edition offers an expanded selection of resident care supplies, therapy and fitness products, infection prevention supplies, furnishings, janitorial items, housekeeping supplies, and maintenance and repair products specifically designed for senior living and long-term care communities.

Abbott Laboratories will pay $1.5 billion over allegations that it improperly promoted the anti-seizure drug Depakote for dementia care. The firm also reportedly paid kickbacks to physicians and long-term pharmacists to encourage its off-label use, according to court records. The case includes a criminal fine and forfeiture of $700 million and civil settlements with the federal government and states totaling $800 million. The company also agreed to enter a five-year probationary period.

Aperion Audio recently released a wireless speaker that allows residents to hear music anyplace in their room. They simply place the speaker where they want it and connect via wireless or Ethernet to their home network using the Windows 7 and/or Windows 8 Consumer Preview operating systems. "The ARIS Wireless Speaker combines our experience in making wireless speaker systems with the media capabilities of the Windows operating system," says Mike Hopkins, the firm's product development manager.

Kwalu's Chicago casegood collection delivers a high level of functionality in a modern or traditional setting. The collection was designed by Helene Marcus of HMD Design. Easy handle and knob recognition and distinct color contrasts are made possible with a variety of wood-grained finishes and custom hardware. Rounded corners are easily customized with edge banding while roomy drawers more than meet storage needs, according to the firm.