No breaks for facilities when readmissions frequent: group
By
Mary Gustafson
Jan 03, 2012
Skilled nursing facilities with above-average rehospitalization rates should be subject to the same penalties hospitals face under the Affordable Care Act, a provider group says.
Loss of smell hazardous, researchers say
By
Mary Gustafson
Jan 03, 2012
Age-related changes to sense of smell can put elderly individuals at a higher risk for accidental interactions with dangerous chemicals and poor nutrition, according to a new study.
Oral, swallowing care key to lower infection rates: study
By
Mary Gustafson
Jan 03, 2012
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) are on the rise in Pennsylvania nursing homes. But multipronged approaches to treatment and prevention can help, according...
Over-reliance on gloves leads to poor worker hand hygiene
By
Mary Gustafson
Jan 03, 2012
Healthcare workers who wear gloves when treating patients are less likely to wash their hands between patients, a British study finds.
Design Decisions: Head to the hills for rehab
By
Mary Gustafson
Jan 03, 2012
Care that is provided ‘with a servant’s heart’ makes Westover Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare special for inpatients and outpatients.
A Day in the Life: Still helping them find the mark
By
Mary Gustafson
Jan 03, 2012
A retired air traffic controller for the Air Force, Tom Gray, 60, currently has a role that is certainly less stressful, and even more gratifying: activities director for a California assisted living facility....
Assessments fueling angst
By
Mary Gustafson
Dec 01, 2011
Many long-term care workers are less satisfied with their jobs these days, a new survey finds. One reason: MDS 3.0 assessments are taking longer to complete.
Weighty issue for flu vaccine
By
Mary Gustafson
Dec 01, 2011
Obesity boosts the risk of getting the flu even after a flu vaccine is administered, a study suggests.
Glucose testing for teary eyed
By
Mary Gustafson
Dec 01, 2011
Scientists are developing a device that can test blood sugar levels of teardrops. Alternatives to hand-held meters could increase testing compliance for diabetes.
Poor outcomes linked to severe weather
By
Mary Gustafson
Dec 01, 2011
Long-term care residents who are displaced from their facility following a natural disaster are more susceptible to illness, injury and death, new study results show.