End-of-life talks better for dementia, cancer patients
By
Aug 06, 2016
Patients with dementia receive higher-quality end-of-life care than patients with other serious ailments, according to a recent study. Researchers with Boston’s VA Boston Healthcare System and Brigham...
Low-scoring SNFs more likely to accept bariatric residents
By
Jul 04, 2016
Obese nursing home residents are more likely to be admitted to poor quality facilities with high numbers of deficiencies, according to research from the University of Massachusetts.
Age difference can determine nursing home admission risks
By
Mary Gustafson
Jun 06, 2012
Age difference is likely the reason for women being more apt than men to become nursing home residents, new research indicates.
Agencies offer resource for improving LGBT inclusion
By
Amy Novotney
Oct 01, 2014
Many older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults residing in long-term care facilities do not feel safe being open about their sexual identities, experts say.
Researchers testing C. diff vaccine in widespread trial
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 06, 2015
An international trial is examining the efficacy of a vaccine for C. difficile, the gut-destroying bacterium that is particularly dangerous to seniors.
Study shows sickest people most dissatisfied with care
By
Mary Gustafson
Jul 06, 2012
Nursing home residents, who often have at least one or more chronic condition, are among the sickest individuals treated by the American healthcare system. This population’s high utilization rates...
Music, movement exercises can reduce falls risk: study
By
Mary Gustafson
Jan 03, 2011
Seniors at an increased risk for falling who take part in classes involving music and rhythmic exercise may improve their balance and walking skills. As an added benefit, classes could help reduce the...
Nurses modify meds as ‘necessary evil’
By
Kimberly Marselas
Feb 08, 2018
A study of geriatric care nurses found that many still crush medications, split doses or otherwise modify orally administered medicines — a practice they see as helping patients with swallowing difficulties,...
Stomach acid drugs raise risk of C. diff
By
Elizabeth Newman
May 01, 2013
Stomach acid is often treated with medications such as Pepcid, but that could put long-term care residents or hospitalized patients at risk for Clostridium difficile, according to a new analysis.