2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures
Medical Care
Implementation and Acceptance of Oral Health Assessment Tools in Residential Aged Care Facilities: A Scoping Review
Background: The global ageing population has increased demand for healthcare services in residential aged care (RAC), with oral health recognised as crucial for overall well-being. Despite this, the implementation of oral health assessment tools in RAC faces significant challenges. Objective: This scoping review explored the implementation and acceptance of oral health assessment tools in RAC […]
Implementation and Acceptance of Oral Health Assessment Tools in Residential Aged Care Facilities: A Scoping Review
Background: The global ageing population has increased demand for healthcare services in residential aged care (RAC), with oral health recognised as crucial for overall well-being. Despite this, the implementation of oral health assessment tools in RAC faces significant challenges. Objective: This scoping review explored the implementation and acceptance of oral health assessment tools in RAC […]
Vision Impairment is a Risk Factor for Malnutrition in Older Long-Term Care Residents
Purpose: To examine how vision is associated with nutritional status in long-term residents. Methods: Voluntary residents of 47 assisted-living facilities and 7 nursing homes, including 2513 permanent long-term care residents (age ≥ 65 years) were examined by trained nurses about various health-related aspects. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment long version and […]
Vision Impairment is a Risk Factor for Malnutrition in Older Long-Term Care Residents
Purpose: To examine how vision is associated with nutritional status in long-term residents. Methods: Voluntary residents of 47 assisted-living facilities and 7 nursing homes, including 2513 permanent long-term care residents (age ≥ 65 years) were examined by trained nurses about various health-related aspects. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment long version and […]
A Person-Centred Approach to Further Develop a Digital Tool (KOKU-Nut) by Developing a Nutrition Game for Older Adults Living in the Community
Background: Digital tools embedded with behaviour change theories can encourage the successful implementation and maintenance of positive lifestyle changes. Keep on Keep up (KOKU) is a wellbeing app offering strength and balance exercises and educational games to raise awareness of fall prevention. We aimed to further develop KOKU using a person-centred approach to inform and […]
A Person-Centred Approach to Further Develop a Digital Tool (KOKU-Nut) by Developing a Nutrition Game for Older Adults Living in the Community
Background: Digital tools embedded with behaviour change theories can encourage the successful implementation and maintenance of positive lifestyle changes. Keep on Keep up (KOKU) is a wellbeing app offering strength and balance exercises and educational games to raise awareness of fall prevention. We aimed to further develop KOKU using a person-centred approach to inform and […]
Virtual House Calls: Using Digital Health Technology for Populations in Assisted Living
No abstract available
Challenges and Possibilities in Preventing Emerging Infectious Diseases in Long-Term Care: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Background: Emerging infectious diseases pose significant risks to vulnerable populations, particularly older adults with underlying health conditions living in long-term care institutions. Yet, while the experiences of healthcare workers in managing these crises are invaluable, there remains limited research on the specific challenges they faced. Aim: To explore the experiences of long-term care workers-including nurses, […]
Challenges and Possibilities in Preventing Emerging Infectious Diseases in Long-Term Care: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Background: Emerging infectious diseases pose significant risks to vulnerable populations, particularly older adults with underlying health conditions living in long-term care institutions. Yet, while the experiences of healthcare workers in managing these crises are invaluable, there remains limited research on the specific challenges they faced. Aim: To explore the experiences of long-term care workers-including nurses, […]
“What Good Is That?”-Perspectives of Using Telehealth to Discuss Serious Illness with Urban-Dwelling Low-Income Older Adults in Assisted Living
Telehealth offers an avenue for older adults to access providers, discuss care needs, and have serious illness conversations. However, telehealth is embraced by some and not by others. Urban-dwelling, low-income older adults have unique challenges in accessing continuous care, engaging with the healthcare system and receiving support to address serious illness care needs. To investigate […]
“What Good Is That?”-Perspectives of Using Telehealth to Discuss Serious Illness with Urban-Dwelling Low-Income Older Adults in Assisted Living
Telehealth offers an avenue for older adults to access providers, discuss care needs, and have serious illness conversations. However, telehealth is embraced by some and not by others. Urban-dwelling, low-income older adults have unique challenges in accessing continuous care, engaging with the healthcare system and receiving support to address serious illness care needs. To investigate […]
Comparing Outcomes Among Medicaid Home and Community-Based Service Users: Private Homes vs. Assisted Living Facilities
Objective: To compare outcomes of Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) users residing in a private home vs. in an assisted living facility among dually eligible individuals aged 65 or older. Study setting and design: Medicaid HCBS occurred either in private homes or assisted living facilities in 883 counties in 39 states in the United […]
Comparing Outcomes Among Medicaid Home and Community-Based Service Users: Private Homes vs. Assisted Living Facilities
Objective: To compare outcomes of Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) users residing in a private home vs. in an assisted living facility among dually eligible individuals aged 65 or older. Study setting and design: Medicaid HCBS occurred either in private homes or assisted living facilities in 883 counties in 39 states in the United […]
Disproportionate Impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Among Older Adults in Long-Term Care Settings
Objectives: The full burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in the long-term care facility (LTCF) population is not well defined. This study aimed to quantify the burden of RSV infection, hospitalization, and in-hospital death in older adults residing in LTCFs compared with those in the community. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting and participants: Monroe […]
Disproportionate Impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Among Older Adults in Long-Term Care Settings
Objectives: The full burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in the long-term care facility (LTCF) population is not well defined. This study aimed to quantify the burden of RSV infection, hospitalization, and in-hospital death in older adults residing in LTCFs compared with those in the community. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting and participants: Monroe […]
Obesity and Transition to Assisted Living Services in Older Adults: An Analysis from the National Health and Aging Trends Study
Background: The prevalence of obesity in older adults is increasing. Though body mass index (BMI) is often used as a measure of obesity, waist circumference (WC) may be a better reflection of obesity in older adults. While many factors contribute to transitioning to assisted living services (TALS), the relationship between obesity and TALS has demonstrated […]
Obesity and Transition to Assisted Living Services in Older Adults: An Analysis from the National Health and Aging Trends Study
Background: The prevalence of obesity in older adults is increasing. Though body mass index (BMI) is often used as a measure of obesity, waist circumference (WC) may be a better reflection of obesity in older adults. While many factors contribute to transitioning to assisted living services (TALS), the relationship between obesity and TALS has demonstrated […]
Mouth Care Without a Battle: Change in Assisted Living Staff Self-Efficacy and Attitudes
No abstract available
Long Fever Fever as a Long-Term Risk Factor for Mortality in Persons in Assisted Living Facilities
Background: The aging population and increasing use of assisted living facilities necessitate a better understanding of risk factors for adverse outcomes. Fever as a long-term risk factor in elderly populations remains understudied. Methods: We analyzed data from 16,523 veterans in assisted living facilities between 2012-2022, examining the relationship between fever (defined as temperature ≥100.4°F) and […]
Long Fever Fever as a Long-Term Risk Factor for Mortality in Persons in Assisted Living Facilities
Background: The aging population and increasing use of assisted living facilities necessitate a better understanding of risk factors for adverse outcomes. Fever as a long-term risk factor in elderly populations remains understudied. Methods: We analyzed data from 16,523 veterans in assisted living facilities between 2012-2022, examining the relationship between fever (defined as temperature ≥100.4°F) and […]
Denture Care in Assisted Living: Best Practices and Clinical Importance for Resident Health
Oral health is a critical yet frequently underrecognized component of care in assisted living. Among residents, complete edentulism affects approximately one third, while partial edentulism remains highly prevalent, both conditions requiring the use of dentures for functional and nutritional support. Insufficient denture hygiene has been associated with significant adverse outcomes, including denture-related stomatitis, systemic fungal […]
Denture Care in Assisted Living: Best Practices and Clinical Importance for Resident Health
Oral health is a critical yet frequently underrecognized component of care in assisted living. Among residents, complete edentulism affects approximately one third, while partial edentulism remains highly prevalent, both conditions requiring the use of dentures for functional and nutritional support. Insufficient denture hygiene has been associated with significant adverse outcomes, including denture-related stomatitis, systemic fungal […]
“There Should Be a Nurse on Call”: Complex Care Needs of Low-Income Older Adults in Medicaid-Supported Assisted Living
Background: In the United States, nearly 1 million older adults reside in assisted living facilities, which aim to provide support for safe, autonomous living. However, low-income residents, especially those in Medicaid-supported facilities, experience unmet medical and social complex care needs and limited serious illness communication due to limited resources. Objective: The objective of this study […]
“There Should Be a Nurse on Call”: Complex Care Needs of Low-Income Older Adults in Medicaid-Supported Assisted Living
Background: In the United States, nearly 1 million older adults reside in assisted living facilities, which aim to provide support for safe, autonomous living. However, low-income residents, especially those in Medicaid-supported facilities, experience unmet medical and social complex care needs and limited serious illness communication due to limited resources. Objective: The objective of this study […]
Emergency Department Care Coordination Program for Assisted Living Residents with Dementia: A Qualitative Study
Importance: Care transitions to the emergency department (ED) from assisted living centers (ALCs) for residents may include incomplete or inaccurate information during transfer. These transitions can be especially difficult for vulnerable populations, including persons living with dementia (PLWD). Objective: To assess perceptions of complex care managers (CCMs) implementing a care coordination program designed to improve […]
Emergency Department Care Coordination Program for Assisted Living Residents with Dementia: A Qualitative Study
Importance: Care transitions to the emergency department (ED) from assisted living centers (ALCs) for residents may include incomplete or inaccurate information during transfer. These transitions can be especially difficult for vulnerable populations, including persons living with dementia (PLWD). Objective: To assess perceptions of complex care managers (CCMs) implementing a care coordination program designed to improve […]
Yearlong Evaluation of Fall Risk Determinants Among 40 Older Adults in Two Residential Assisted Living Facilities
BACKGROUND Falls among the elderly, the second leading cause of death from unintentional injury globally, represent significant social and economic challenges. We evaluated the relationship between physical activity, physical performance, falls, and cognitive functioning at 1 year in 40 older adults living in 2 residential assisted living facilities in 2 communities in Wisconsin, USA. MATERIAL […]
Yearlong Evaluation of Fall Risk Determinants Among 40 Older Adults in Two Residential Assisted Living Facilities
BACKGROUND Falls among the elderly, the second leading cause of death from unintentional injury globally, represent significant social and economic challenges. We evaluated the relationship between physical activity, physical performance, falls, and cognitive functioning at 1 year in 40 older adults living in 2 residential assisted living facilities in 2 communities in Wisconsin, USA. MATERIAL […]
Emergency Department Discharges Following Falls in Residential Aged Care Residents: A Scoping Review
Background: Falls in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) have a significant impact, often leading to costly and unnecessary emergency department (ED) transfers. This scoping review examined the ED discharge proportions and patient characteristics of RACF residents presenting to the ED following a fall, to identify factors that could reduce unnecessary ED transfers. Methods: The databases […]
Emergency Department Discharges Following Falls in Residential Aged Care Residents: A Scoping Review
Background: Falls in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) have a significant impact, often leading to costly and unnecessary emergency department (ED) transfers. This scoping review examined the ED discharge proportions and patient characteristics of RACF residents presenting to the ED following a fall, to identify factors that could reduce unnecessary ED transfers. Methods: The databases […]
Urinary Incontinence Is an Independent Risk Factor for Nursing Home Placement among Assisted Living Residents
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This retrospective cohort study used 2019-2021 Medicare data to evaluate if urinary incontinence (UI) is an independent risk factor for assisted living residents' nursing home (NH) placement. Out of 247,010 residents, 20.5% had UI, and out of the 15.7% that were placed in NH, 21.7% had UI. The study confirmed that UI is an independent risk factor associated with NH placement, indicating education and early identification/treatment of UI will be helpful for avoiding/delaying NH placement.
Urinary Incontinence Is an Independent Risk Factor for Nursing Home Placement among Assisted Living Residents
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This retrospective cohort study used 2019-2021 Medicare data to evaluate if urinary incontinence (UI) is an independent risk factor for assisted living residents’ nursing home (NH) placement. Out of 247,010 residents, 20.5% had UI, and out of the 15.7% that were placed in NH, 21.7% had UI. The study confirmed that UI is an independent risk factor associated with NH placement, indicating education and early identification/treatment of UI will be helpful for avoiding/delaying NH placement.
Understanding Urinary Incontinence and Urinary Tract Infections as Key Contributors to Falls in Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This editorial examined how urinary incontinence (UI) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are contributors to falls for assisted living and memory care residents. Impacts on balance, stability, confusion, and fatigue all contribute to the increased risk. Future falls prevention approaches should consider UI and UTIs, structured toileting, and caregiver training to reduce risk.
Understanding Urinary Incontinence and Urinary Tract Infections as Key Contributors to Falls in Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This editorial examined how urinary incontinence (UI) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are contributors to falls for assisted living and memory care residents. Impacts on balance, stability, confusion, and fatigue all contribute to the increased risk. Future falls prevention approaches should consider UI and UTIs, structured toileting, and caregiver training to reduce risk.
Medical Care Provider Involvement in Ontario Assisted Living Homes: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey Analysis
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional Canadian study examined 88 AL communities' survey responses to assess medical care provider involvement. A total of 54 AL communities had an established medical care provider, and doctors cared for more than 50 patients in 36% of homes and 46% visited homes weekly. Almost two-thirds of communities had nurses accompany physicians on rounds, and two-thirds provided residents with palliative care. Residents in homes with medical care providers were 76% less likely to seek care from a physician in the community.
Medical Care Provider Involvement in Ontario Assisted Living Homes: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey Analysis
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This cross-sectional Canadian study examined 88 AL communities’ survey responses to assess medical care provider involvement. A total of 54 AL communities had an established medical care provider, and doctors cared for more than 50 patients in 36% of homes and 46% visited homes weekly. Almost two-thirds of communities had nurses accompany physicians on rounds, and two-thirds provided residents with palliative care. Residents in homes with medical care providers were 76% less likely to seek care from a physician in the community.
Residency in Long-Term Care Facilities: An Important Risk Factor for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalization
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This three-year prospective study in New York examined residential long-term care settings and risk associated with hospitalization due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as compared with their community-dwelling peers. Residents in AL and NH settings were more likely to have dementia and congestive heart failure, creating intersections of risk factors for RSV. Residents of AL communities had 3-9 times higher, and residents of SNFs had 3-4 times higher, rates of RSV-associated hospitalizations than community dwelling residents. This study demonstrates the need for RSV vaccine recommendations in long-term care.
Residency in Long-Term Care Facilities: An Important Risk Factor for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalization
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This three-year prospective study in New York examined residential long-term care settings and risk associated with hospitalization due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as compared with their community-dwelling peers. Residents in AL and NH settings were more likely to have dementia and congestive heart failure, creating intersections of risk factors for RSV. Residents of AL communities had 3-9 times higher, and residents of SNFs had 3-4 times higher, rates of RSV-associated hospitalizations than community dwelling residents. This study demonstrates the need for RSV vaccine recommendations in long-term care.
Paucity of Published Data and Protocols for Hypoglycemia Management in Long-term Care
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This systematic review examined established hypoglycemia protocols in LTC settings and assessed their effects on patient outcomes and healthcare resource use. Only 5 articles met the inclusion criteria and only 2 publications involved specific treatment protocols in long-term care settings, indicating a lack of published research on this issue.
Paucity of Published Data and Protocols for Hypoglycemia Management in Long-term Care
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This systematic review examined established hypoglycemia protocols in LTC settings and assessed their effects on patient outcomes and healthcare resource use. Only 5 articles met the inclusion criteria and only 2 publications involved specific treatment protocols in long-term care settings, indicating a lack of published research on this issue.
Postimplementation Evaluation in Assisted Living Facilities of an eHealth Medical Device Developed to Predict and Avoid Unplanned Hospitalizations: Pragmatic Trial
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study tested a new monitoring system to predict risk of emergency hospitalizations in seven French AL communities. For the 118 included residents, 38 emergency hospitalizations were documented, and 50% of alerts from the system led to health care interventions. Hospitalizations were correlated with a lack of alert-triggered interventions, suggesting the system leads to improvements.
Postimplementation Evaluation in Assisted Living Facilities of an eHealth Medical Device Developed to Predict and Avoid Unplanned Hospitalizations: Pragmatic Trial
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study tested a new monitoring system to predict risk of emergency hospitalizations in seven French AL communities. For the 118 included residents, 38 emergency hospitalizations were documented, and 50% of alerts from the system led to health care interventions. Hospitalizations were correlated with a lack of alert-triggered interventions, suggesting the system leads to improvements.
Examining Care Network Characteristics in Older Adults’ Relocation to Residential Care Settings
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study to examine risk associated with older adults transitioning to residential care, specifically their care networks (involvement of multiple helpers). A total of 7,085 initially community-dwelling older adults were followed over 8 years, and the greatest risk for transitioning was having a care network with shared medical tasks, followed by sharing household tasks. Shared mobility, transportation, or self-care responsibilities decreased the risk. Having a close family member as a primary caregiver could act as a protective factor that decreases risk of transitioning into residential care.
Examining Care Network Characteristics in Older Adults’ Relocation to Residential Care Settings
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study used data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study to examine risk associated with older adults transitioning to residential care, specifically their care networks (involvement of multiple helpers). A total of 7,085 initially community-dwelling older adults were followed over 8 years, and the greatest risk for transitioning was having a care network with shared medical tasks, followed by sharing household tasks. Shared mobility, transportation, or self-care responsibilities decreased the risk. Having a close family member as a primary caregiver could act as a protective factor that decreases risk of transitioning into residential care.
