More than 1.5 million residents of America currently live in nursing homes. While this number is actually declining, the services required by seniors has greatly expanded. Generally, elders are living in their homes, or assisted living facilities, to a...

Elder restraints can be much more subtle, and complex, than bed rails and seat belts. Consider the mental functioning, and the physical limitations of seniors. Each is unique. Additional examples for awareness: Tables and Seat Trays • Pushing someone in a wheelchair...

If you are a family caregiver and your loved one is at risk of falling (or has fallen repeatedly) and/or has mobility and memory problems, you should be aware of the types of ‘restraint practices’ staff may be utilizing...

Sometimes, family caregivers will insist on the use of a restraint to avoid falls when concerned about the safety of their loved ones. However, there are negative consequences when utilizing restraints. Families and caregivers need to investigate alternatives. Family caregivers...

A restraint for an elder is anything (including devices, drugs or people) that gets in the way of an elder’s movement or restricts their freedom. Some common examples of "restraint practices" include: • Seat belts and lap cushions are used in...

When an elder falls, it can result in significant physical problems, including broken bones, and surgery. Rehabilitation and recovery can be lengthy and slow. Unfortunately, falls in hospitals and nursing homes are an everyday occurrence. In many instances, elders...

An urgent phone call comes in: "Your mother has had a stroke. She is being transported via ambulance to the hospital." You have not prepared for this situation. Realistically, no one can. You are caught totally off-guard. There is no...

Most new jobs aren't inherited! Usually, new employment is a process that involves research, phone calls, interviews, and a job offer. But when a family member has a stroke or heart attack, is diagnosed with dementia, cancer, or has...

This list of up-and-coming technologies and drug therapies was chosen by a panel of 110 physicians and scientists, and announced at the conference in Cleveland. Here is a continuation of their top picks. -- Checkpoint Inhibitors This breakthrough form of immunotherapy...

I recently came across the following summary of "predicted medical innovations for 2015". An edited version follows... At the Cleveland Clinic’s annual Medical Innovation Summit, the top 10 list included a high-tech stroke ambulance, painless blood testing, new cancer therapies...