There is a need to harness technological, scientific, medical, and digital innovations that can foster healthy aging, such as artificial intelligence (AI). Despite its potential, questions remain about the effectiveness and acceptability of AI in long-term care.

An estimated 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia, a number that is expected to triple to 152 million by 2050. In high-income countries, about half of all people with dementia are cared for in nursing homes. Placing a loved one in a nursing home is not an easy decision and families often wish to be engaged as care partners in nursing homes.

Many people under the age of 65 are living in nursing homes. Who are these young residents and how can we improve their quality of life?

The decision to transition yourself or a loved one to a long-term care facility is not an easy one. Luckily, research exists to help you learn about your long-term care options and support you through the decision-making process.

Keep ‘em coming! Research outlines even more benefits to being involved in conversations and decision making around your own health or the health of a loved one.

Working together! Research highlights some of the potential organizational/health care provider and patient-related benefits of co-producing hospital tools and resources with patients.

Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti, Do! Research lends support to the use of music for improving our mental and physical health.

The long-term care sector has been hit very hard by the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada and abroad. Many policymakers and stakeholders are now turning their attention to renewing the long-term care sector and exploring alternatives to long-term care homes.

Despite the high prevalence of this disease in the elderly, early diagnosis seems to be neglected in nursing homes. How can we make decisions that seek to balance the potential benefits and harms of cancer treatment in older adults living in nursing homes?

Are you are a caregiver to an older adult? Learn more about the importance of collaborating with the health care team in hospital-discharge planning for your loved one.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected those in long-term care homes in Canada more than others. With governments moving to address many of the concerns that have received attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a unique opportunity to examine the potential of technology to strengthen long-term care homes. This blog post is the first in a series which examine evidence and experiences related to the role of technology in long-term care homes in Canada.

Each year, many patients, families and caregivers who interact with the health and social systems experience dissatisfaction and adverse events. Complaint mechanisms can be seen as a tool for learning and improvement. But what do we know about the nature of complaints and their effects?

Are you looking for strategies to help you manage a heart failure diagnosis? Check out what the research has to say on exercise, self-care, and transitional care.

Going home from the hospital can be both an exciting and stressful time for patients and their caregivers. Make sure that you play an active role in planning your transition back home.

Research evidence shows there are things we can do to avoid repeat hospital visits.

Many people end up back in the hospital after heart failure. “Transitional care” can help ease the move from hospital to home and avoid repeat visits to the ER.

What can caregivers do to help manage common behavior challenges among people with dementia? Three tips supported by research evidence.

If you or someone you know requires a hip replacement, find out the latest research comparing the benefits of mini-incision to standard surgery.

One of the pleasures in life is spending time with family and friends. Another is getting together to relive those good times and memorable moments. Research shows that group activities involving reminiscing can help relieve social isolation/loneliness and depression.

Providing care for family members with challenging chronic diseases like dementia can be highly stressful and take a toll on caregivers’ physical and psychological health. When caregivers become “burnt out” are their loved ones more likely to be placed in long term care facilities?

Long periods of lying or sitting in one position can lead to pressure sores (also known as bed sores). There are simple and effective options to help prevent this painful condition.

Nurse-led clinics can help patients with cardiovascular diseases manage their medications and make and maintain lifestyles changes, benefiting long-term health and survival compared to usual care.

One study suggests that patients receiving follow-up care for diabetic foot or leg ulcers via telemedicine (online or by phone) may spend less time travelling without any negative effect on their health and lower costs to the healthcare system. Dr. Perry Mayer – an expert in diabetic foot care – offers his perspective on the issue.

Most people experience pain after surgery and need to take pain killers for at least a few days. Being in charge of their own medications gives patients some control and may result in improved pain relief.

The latest research shows healthcare providers and their elderly patients find it difficult to talk about end-of-life prognosis and preferences for care. Dr. John You – a doctor and expert in end-of-life communication – shares his perspective.

Patients who have an advance care plan are less likely to receive unwanted intensive care in hospital. Dr. Michelle Howard – an expert in end-of-life communication – provides a professional view on the topic and citizen contributor Diane shares her personal experience.

People who survive a critical illness are at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. Keeping an ICU ‘diary’ is a promising way to help prevent or reduce PTSD symptoms

Providing unpaid care offers both rewards and challenges. A panel of caregivers share their thoughts and suggestions about how to better support caregivers.

Specialized, designated stroke centres help reduce death and disability due to stroke. However, in an emergency, is it worth bypassing closer local hospitals to take stroke victims to a designated centre?

After a medical emergency, many people prefer to recuperate at home. New research compares the benefits of home care vs hospital care. Citizen contributor Lillian shares her personal perspective.

People struggling to cope with both diabetes and depression are often at increased health risk. A collaborative care approach can reduce symptoms of both diseases and promote improved overall health.

Home and community based care, assisted living and nursing home care all have related risks and benefits. Decisions about long term care settings should consider the needs and unique circumstances of older adults and the people caring for them.

A person-centred care approach focuses on a patient’s unique abilities, interests, habits and wishes. Care providers who receive training in person-centred care may have higher job satisfaction and experience less career burnout.

The majority of people with Alzheimer’s will develop behaviour problems over time and this causes much suffering and stress for patients and caregivers. There are solutions to manage this.

Simple interventions (family visits, familiar objects, clocks) may help to prevent or recover from acute delirium in hospital. Recognize confusion or agitation and inform staff.