Feds uncover coronavirus’s heavy toll on assisted living
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 20, 2020
As of Oct. 15, 22% of assisted living communities in 39 states reported cases of COVID-19 among residents and staff members. Rates ranged widely, from 1.3% of communities in Iowa to 93% of Connecticut...
Patient engagement prevents falls, nurse-scientists say
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 20, 2020
Patient engagement using low-tech tools is tied to fewer falls and a 48% reduction in fall-related injuries among patients over 65 years old, a nurse-led hospital trial has found.
AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine triggers immune response in older people
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 20, 2020
The experimental vaccine was safe and well-tolerated among all 560 trial participants, including adults aged 70 and older, the company said Thursday.
Clinical briefs for Friday, Nov. 20
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 20, 2020
Advance care planning increases among nursing home residents during pandemic … CMS podcast for frontline nursing home staff tackles training, coronavirus control … Cardio fitness and muscle strength...
COVID vaccine protects elderly; delivery program has buy-in from nearly all U.S. nursing homes
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 19, 2020
Fully 99% of skilled nursing facilities nationwide have signed on with the federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program vaccine delivery initiative, HHS says. The news arrived just as Pfizer...
A high-dose, trivalent influenza vaccine was no more effective at preventing heart- and lung-related death and hospitalization than a standard-dose quadrivalent vaccine, the researchers say.
Chair-based exercise is safe and effective for nursing home residents: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 19, 2020
Participants experienced task-specific improvements in physical and cognitive functions, and enhanced well-being, investigators report.
Clinical briefs for Thursday, Nov. 19
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 19, 2020
Lack of social interaction may worsen Parkinson’s symptoms … Healthy sleep patterns linked to lower heart failure rates … Blacks, Hispanics account for more than 50% of inpatient COVID deaths …...
Omega-3s may not protect the heart, study of frail elderly finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 18, 2020
A daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids does not lower cardiac event risk in the frail elderly, and may be ineffective for cardiovascular prevention overall, investigators say.
New behavior management guidelines support person-centered dementia care
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 18, 2020
Properly addressing the distress that underlies dementia-related behaviors is key to improving quality of life and preventing rapid decline in these patients, according to new guidance from leading dementia...