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Editorial Archives November/December 2005  •  Volume 1, Number 6 ALF Tipping Point (PDF, 365K) Richard G. Stefanacci, DO, MGH, MBA, AGSF, CMD  •  p. 6 Assessment and Management of Behavioral Symptoms in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Case Study (PDF, 274K) Approximately one-third of residential care/assisted living facility residents exhibits one or more behavioral symptoms at least once a week. These situations can be stressful—even dangerous—for residents and staff alike, so it is essential for facilities to address problem behaviors promptly. This article offers a case study and suggests both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic means to effectively address behavioral symptoms in assisted living settings. Mario Cornacchione, DO, CMD  •  p. 7 Survey Paints Portrait of Senior Care Practitioners (PDF, 378K) An annual survey of senior care practitioners— medical directors, directors of nursing, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners—presents an enlightening and insightful look into the minds and activities of these individuals. Some key highlights of this study are presented here. What emerges is a picture of professionals who are passionate, dedicated, and committed to serving their residents effectively on a daily basis. William Simonson, PharmD, CGP  •  p. 14 Sarcopenia: Hidden but Harmful Risk to Resident Independence (PDF, 261K) Sarcopenia, an age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, isn’t high on many facilities’ priority lists. However, this condition may result in falls and contribute to osteoporosis and other problems; and it is associated with $18.5 billion in disability and care costs. This article discusses various treatments for sarcopenia and ways ALFs can successfully address this condition and protect their residents. Joanne Kaldy and Hosam K. Kamel, MD, MPH, CMD  •  p. 18 Growing Threat of Lyme Disease Calls for Facility Action (PDF, 254K) Lyme disease causes pain and disability in thousands of Americans each year, and this tick-borne infection is on the rise. ALFs have a responsibility to protect their residents from such illnesses and to educate residents, staff, and visitors alike about the importance of reporting any tick bites or signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. This primer on the condition is important for every practitioner and caregiver in ALFs. Harlan Martin, RPh, CCP  •  p. 23 AMDA Clinical Practice Guideline: Dementia in Assisted Living (PDF, 362K) American Medical Directors Association  •  p. 26 Experts’ Roundtable: Do most assisted living facilities have emergency preparedness plans in place? What should such plans address?  •  p. 35 Legal Corner: Making Pain Relief a Priority…Dispelling the Myths About Pain and Pain Management in the Older Adult  •  p. 39 The Interdisciplinary Team: A Day in the Life of an Assisted Living Physician  •  p. 42 Calendar of Events  •  p. 44 Q&A  •  p. 45 Facts and Quick Stats/Suggested Resources  •  p. 47 Requests for reprints of Assisted Living Consult articles or permissions to use article content may be sent to Jennifer Kenny at jkenny@healthcommedia.com.

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