Tap water is not sterile for use in medical devices; many people unaware, CDC finds
Jan 13, 2023
Large numbers of Americans mistakenly believe that tap water is safe for use in home medical devices such as CPAP machines, a CDC survey reveals.
Nursing homes, feds hide sky-high antipsychotic use with dubious diagnoses: report
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 20, 2021
At least one-fifth of nursing home residents are taking the drugs, many for schizophrenia, a diagnosis that has skyrocketed in these settings since 2012, a new investigation finds.
Tracing cases: How one bar gathering led to a nursing home resident’s COVID hospitalization
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 07, 2021
A new report on contact tracing in rural Illinois illustrates how a single community gathering can lead directly to infections in a skilled nursing facility, and the challenges associated with reopening...
Inaccurate pressure injury reporting compromises CMS safety ratings: study
Aug 12, 2022
Nursing home pressure injuries are widely underreported, casting doubt on a key measure of resident safety used in federal facility ratings, University of Chicago researchers say.
Cognitive evaluations must become routine in primary care, experts say
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 19, 2023
“Sweeping changes” are needed to improve the rate of cognitive impairment detection by primary care providers, according to new recommendations from a workgroup of national experts.
Dementia decline could be slowed by antiseizure meds in some cases, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 05, 2022
The results revealed profound early decline among dementia patients with active seizures, including worse cognitive and mental health, and daily functioning.
Study unveils ‘silent epidemic’ of loneliness among older women during pandemic
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 09, 2022
Data from the Women’s Health Initiative show that rates of loneliness in women aged 70 and older have increased during the pandemic, with 19% reporting severe troubles, investigators say.
For people with dementia, depression rose as activity levels fell during pandemic: study
By
Alicia Lasek
May 14, 2023
The study is the first to show that having dementia and reduced activity independently affected the risk of depression and anxiety during the pandemic, investigators say.
CDC director calls for agency’s overhaul, citing pandemic performance
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 17, 2022
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will reorganize, with a new, action-oriented culture that better serves public health, Director Rochelle Walensky told her staff Wednesday.
Pandemic advice that works: LTC leaders share their experiences in free May 19 webinar
By
Alicia Lasek
May 12, 2021
“Addressing pandemic challenges with success” will feature real-world advice from leaders at Covenant Living Communities, Hebrew Home at Riverdale, Life Plan Communities and Goodman Group. Participants...