ALFA provides senior living communities a free quarterly e-newsletter, Senior Living Connection. The new consumer publication is a valuable resource for seniors, their friends, and family members …

In late-stage research, an experimental drug called Dimebon has failed to show it can improve thinking ability and overall daily function over a six-month period among individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Among all U.S. drug trials focused on Alzheimer’s treatment, Dimebon was closest to FDA approval. However, additional research could make the drug available to seniors in need after additional research trials are complete …

Hydrolized vegetable protein (HVP), a common ingredient in a wide array of food products, is the focus of an FDA recall. The salmonella contamination can cause sometimes deadly infections in seniors...

If something goes wrong in the care environment, saying “I’m sorry” isn’t necessarily an admission of wrongdoing. In fact, it may even help keep you out of court.

Residents, family, and others who pay for an individual’s care in an assisted living community may be eligible to deduct these expenses for federal income tax purposes. Such information gives providers another tool regarding the affordability of assisted living when working with seniors and their family members …

ALFA and other organizations in the senior living space are supporting a new national survey aimed at collecting data about assisted living employee vacancy, retention, and turnover. The survey deadline has been extended to March 26 …

The deadline for the lowest registration rate available for the ALFA 2010 Conference & Expo is fast-approaching. Take advantage of the Early Bird rate until April 9 and participate in the most important event in senior living …

Giving good advice isn’t what makes leaders effective in a mentoring relationship, says Kathy Kram, professor of organizational behavior at the Boston University School of Management. Rather, there are two main strategies great mentors should master if they want to succeed in their roles. The first is to be a skillful and active listener …

Recently, a husband and wife, both in their 90s, began playing a piano as they waited for a doctor’s appointment. The result was a viral video on YouTube, widespread press coverage, and public appreciation for the couple’s humorous outlook on aging …

Booth space at the ALFA 2010 Conference & Expo, May 25-27 at the Phoenix Convention Center, is selling out fast. Make your company’s booth reservation today, and go to www.alfa.org/conference to download the Exhibitor’s Prospectus …

Seniors with poor vision, especially those with untreated vision problems, may be at higher risk of developing dementia than seniors with better vision. A study that began in 1992 has found that seniors who had poor vision were more likely to develop dementia over the next 8.5 years. These findings highlight seniors’ critical need for quality care, including the resident-focused care they receive in professionally managed senior living communities …

The CDC-appointed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices says a new, more powerful flu vaccine should be a consideration for the nation’s seniors …

Unless there is an immediate safety issue, compromise may be the best way to curb the behind-the-wheel time for seniors whose driving skills are waning. Here are several signs that an older drive should curtail driving …

Residents, family, and others who pay for an individual’s care in an assisted living community may be eligible to deduct these expenses for federal income tax purposes. Such information gives providers another tool regarding the affordability of assisted living when working with seniors and their family members …

The National Survey of Residential Care Facilities (NSRCF), the first-ever national study of assisted living and residential care communities is scheduled to start collecting data in April 2010. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is conducting this new study to provide national estimates of these places and their residents …

The next issue of Assisted Living Executive will feature the highly anticipated annual Largest Providers list – and there’s been some reshuffling at the top of the list …

Especially when c-level executives are looking to hire management staff, there are a bevy of factors that go into the hiring process. But above all else, they should look for integrity, says American Express CEO Ken Chenault. Company leaders must seek team members whose words are consistent with their actions, says Chenault, and he offers several sample questions for these important interviews …

CEO Felicia Donahue was recently visiting communities operated by her company, Bluebird Assisted Living, when she noticed that some upholstery and furniture was beginning to look worn and a few walls had scuff marks and could use a new paint job. Faced with uncertainty about how an unstable economy would affect move-ins, Bluebird’s leadership had postponed plans for rehabilitating interiors last fall and even had put off some regular touch-ups that the company used to do annually.

Fifty-four percent of Americans believe researchers will find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease in their lifetimes, according to a recent CBS News report, which also examines the latest clinical trials underway and Medicare costs associated with treating individuals with Alzheimer’s …

The use of medical technology, such as MRI and CT scans, has “increased dramatically,” according to the latest CDC report on the nation’s health. The population as a whole is also taking more medications …