Falls remain one of the most persistent and expensive challenges in long-term and post-acute care (LTPAC) settings. For the director of nursing services (DNS), the responsibility to decrease fall risk while maintaining resident dignity and autonomy is a delicate balance. Conventional approaches, such as checklists, environmental modifications, and routine assessments, …
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has released an updated position paper titled “Safe Injection, Infusion, Medication Vial, and Point-of-Care Testing Practices in Health care (2025),” published in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC). This update builds upon APIC’s 2016 position paper and reflects advancements in science, updated regulatory …
It’s important that long-term care residents receive enteral nutrition in a safe, effective, and consistent manner. Utilize AAPACN’s Enteral Nutrition Checklist to ensure documentation is complete and residents are receiving appropriate nutrition, medications, and treatment for their enteral tube feeding. This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual members may …
AHRQ has released an updated Surveys on Patient Safety Culture (SOPS) Nursing Home Survey Version 2.0. This revised survey is designed to help nursing homes assess staff perceptions of resident safety culture in their organizations. The survey was developed using a comprehensive process, including feedback from nursing home staff and technical experts, …
Medical directors at nursing homes are responsible for implementing resident care policies, coordinating medical care, and participating in quality assessment and assurance activities. Nursing homes are required to report hours worked by medical directors to CMS’s Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ). The reported hours have raised concerns about nursing homes’ employment and …
CDC’s Project Firstline and the American Medical Association (AMA) recently hosted a webinar to share important measles updates and help providers and clinics stay prepared for measles. The recording is now available to watch and share. The webinar featured a panel of CDC experts covering current trends in measles epidemiology, clinical recognition of measles, the importance …
In this LTC DON Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Lauren Stenson, MSN, RN, CNDLTC, QCP, DNS-CT, curriculum development specialist with AAPACN, discuss how the director of nursing services (DNS) can advocate for resident-centered care by navigating Appendix PP updates, reducing …
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Sensory impairments, such as loss of vision, hearing, taste, smell, or touch, are common among older adults, and significantly affect their quality of life. These impairments often go unnoticed or may be mistaken for cognitive decline, leading to missed opportunities for interventions, or worse, a decline in function. Residents with …
Vision and hearing loss, as well as diminished taste, touch, or smell, can significantly impact residents’ ability to communicate, navigate their environment, and engage in daily activities. By implementing individualized care plans, utilizing assistive devices, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere, certified nursing assistants can enhance residents’ quality of life and …
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has released the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) End-of-Life Care Survey. The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) End-of-Life Care Survey assesses healthcare experiences in the last month of life, including care experiences across a range of …
