FDA moves to discard hearing aid prescription rule in favor of OTC devices
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 20, 2021
Adults with mild to moderate hearing loss would be able to obtain certain air-conduction hearing aids without a prescription under a new proposed rule. Whether this change would benefit long-term care...
Genesis facilities resolve allegations in connection with denying admission to opioid-dependent seniors
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 09, 2021
Prospective residents were taking either buprenorphine or methadone for opioid use disorder. Twelve SNFs must pay civil penalties, adopt non-discrimination policy and provide training on civil rights laws...
Eye drop corrects late-life vision loss in trial; Allergan reports patients’ feedback
By
Alicia Lasek
May 10, 2021
Trial participants reported significant near-vision improvements under low-light conditions — without losing distance vision, reports Allergan, which is seeking FDA approval for the drug.
Pandemic bump in antipsychotics use raises questions about long-term care outcomes
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 12, 2022
The findings raise questions about the short- and long-term effects on the quality of care and health outcomes for residents, the authors say.
CDC loosens controversial opioid prescribing guidelines for chronic pain
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 14, 2022
Draft revisions no longer include specific dosage ceilings. This and other changes address controversial elements of the older guidance and highlight clinicians’ roles in opioid prescribing decisions.
Fauci: Early data show omicron spreads quickly but with less severity than delta
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 08, 2021
Omicron cases appear to have led to fewer hospitalizations and patients have been less likely to need oxygen, the White House’s infectious disease expert said Tuesday.
J&J vaccine effective against COVID Delta variant, drugmaker says
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 06, 2021
Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot COVID-19 vaccine prompts a “strong neutralizing antibody response” that lasts at least eight months, the drugmaker has announced.
‘Startling’ lack of physical activity found in assisted living pilot study
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jun 16, 2022
Many residents’ sedentary lifestyles, with long periods of sitting, may make it difficult to maintain and improve their physical health, investigators say.
What’s the ideal number of sleep hours for older adults? Study says 7
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
May 02, 2022
Helping older adults achieve 7 hours of nightly sleep may help them maintain optimal cognitive health, especially those with dementia and psychiatric disorders, researchers say.
CDC: Turn to Paxlovid to treat COVID-19, not steroids or antibiotics
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Apr 26, 2022
The agency is urging clinicians to consider the now readily available, recommended therapies such as Paxlovid as first-line COVID-19 treatments.