Residents’ lack of energy may signal malnutrition; full assessment advised
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2021
In a study of 13 nursing homes, fully 43% of residents reported that they lacked energy, and 12% were malnourished. The two problems were significantly linked, investigators say.
CMS: End to pandemic waivers helps nursing homes ‘redirect efforts’ to meet residents’ needs
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 08, 2022
A sweeping phase-out of early COVID-19 pandemic allowances, such as the nurse aide certification waiver, addresses concerns about SNF residents’ physical, mental and psychosocial well-being, the agency...
AMDA launches ‘Moving Needles’ vaccination initiative across 3 LTC organizations
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jul 28, 2022
AMDA and the CDC are collaborating on a pilot program with 3 long-term care operators toward a goal of setting industry-wide standards for routine vaccinations in resident and staff.
Surgery rates fall in elders; improved screening may be reason
By
Alicia Lasek
May 11, 2021
Despite an aging population and safer surgical procedures, the frequency of abdominal surgery is decreasing among older adults — particularly in those age 85 and older, according to researchers from...
LTC docs push for more training, competency requirements for medical directors
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 11, 2022
It’s time for Congress and CMS to take action and raise the profile and competencies of industry clinicians — especially medical directors, according to long-term care physician advocate AMDA.
Early dementia risk disclosure encourages help from family members
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 16, 2021
Family members of older adults value early dementia risk information provided by clinicians, a new study finds. When interviewed about their post-disclosure reactions, some said the knowledge prompted...
Nursing home advocates urge 24-hour RN staffing, PPE mandates in sweeping reform agenda
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2021
The Care For Our Seniors Act, put forth by the AHCA and LeadingAge, seeks to address systemic issues in the nursing home sector that have been laid bare during the pandemic, including infection control...
ACC: Rate of 4 cardiovascular risk factors projected to soar through 2060
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Aug 04, 2022
The American College of Cardiology projects a 39% increase in diabetes and a 28% increase in high cholesterol among other key risk factors on the rise.
Early tracheostomy may not improve lives of stroke patients discharged to SNFs
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
May 16, 2022
The strategy of early tracheostomy, compared with a standard approach, did not significantly improve survival without severe disability at six months, investigators say.
Dementia diagnostics more accurate when patients recall Cinderella story
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 15, 2021
Narrating an overlearned story, such as the Cinderella fairy tale, gave the most accurate results, identifying Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment with 78% accuracy, investigators say.