Long-term care providers clamor for innovation to avert closing shop
By
Kimberly Marselas
Feb 23, 2024
Among struggling nursing homes, the share of facilities closing jumped significantly during the main pandemic years, even as the percent selling to for-profit organizations declined.
Study: Antibiotics prescribed by VA dentists mostly unnecessary
By
Kristen Fischer
Feb 22, 2024
More than half of the antibiotics that dentists from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) gave to patients probably weren’t needed, according to a study published Tuesday in Infection Control & Hospital...
3,600 steps a day can lower heart failure in older women, report says
By
Kristen Fischer
Feb 22, 2024
An average of 3,600 steps a day at a normal pace was linked to a 26% lower chance for developing heart failure in women over the age of 60, according to a new study published Wednesday in JAMA Cardiology.
McKnight’s Women of Distinction Spirit Award bestowed upon 4
By
Lois A. Bowers
Foster Stubbs
Adam Healy
Josh Henreckson
Feb 22, 2024
Four inspiring women have been elected 2024 McKnight’s Women of Distinction Spirit Award winners, organizers announced
Long-term care groups demand more ACO inclusion, incentives from feds
By
Kimberly Marselas
Feb 22, 2024
If federal regulators truly want to ensure better care coordination for long-term care patients, they must adopt changes that make Accountable Care Organizations more accessible and more financially rewarding...
Falls risk is 6 times higher among people over 85 on opioids, study finds
By
Kristen Fischer
Feb 21, 2024
Adults who take opioid medicines have an increased risk for serious falls — and the highest risk is in those over age 85, according to a study published Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine. In fact, people...
High-intensity exercise can boost motor skill learning in older adults
By
Kristen Fischer
Feb 21, 2024
Older adults may not be thinking about high-intensity interval training (HIIT) when they think about their brain health, but a study published Feb. 17 in NPJ Science of Learning found it can improve motor...
Excess niacin may be bad for your heart
By
Kristen Fischer
Feb 21, 2024
Too much of the B vitamin niacin can increase inflammation and damage blood vessels, according to a study published Monday in Nature Medicine.
Parkinson: Time for ‘fantastic run’ to end after AHCA credibility, innovation gains
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 21, 2024
At age 66, Mark Parkinson still has plenty in the tank when it comes to championing long-term care causes. But stepping back will still be the right move.
Regulators pushed for $25 per hour nursing home minimum wage
By
Josh Henreckson
Feb 21, 2024
Labor advocates are pushing Minnesota’s Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board to implement a $25 minimum wage for all staff, among other measures aimed at supporting a struggling care workforce.