Articles tagged with Home Care
A new study reveals music therapy can deliver an immediate reduction in agitation and anxiety, as well as improvements in attention, engagement, and mood. Music helps individuals feel safer and more orientated, lowering levels of distress and improving wellbeing.
A study found that user participation and perspective are crucial in developing home-care technology. Common factors across countries include familiarity with robots and a positive impression of them. Japan values convenience, Ireland prioritizes notifying family members, and Finland emphasizes design. These findings highlight the impo...
This study reveals regional disparities in home healthcare use for older adults, with higher rates in areas with high population densities. Urban areas tend to have more enhanced clinics, leading to increased home visit rates, while less populated areas rely on conventional clinics and lower home visit rates.
A recent study published in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma found that intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are as effective as inpatient treatment for PTSD patients, with better completion rates and lower drop-out levels. The study compared IOPs to traditional inpatient treatment programs and residential care.
Research by UTHealth Houston found that ownership changes in home health agencies can result in increased Medicare spending and reduced staffing levels. The study also found that quarterly star ratings increased, but this may be due to upcoding of quality measures.
Researchers develop transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) as a non-invasive therapy for brain-related issues, with potential for personalized treatments. A 'search and rescue tool' for the brain, TUS enables precise targeting of specific areas before treatment.
A KAIST team created a face-conforming LED mask with improved efficacy in skin rejuvenation. The FSLED mask demonstrated a 340% improvement in deep skin elasticity compared to conventional masks, showing significant benefits for anti-aging treatment.
A new study by MIT scholars finds that hospice care generates substantial savings for the US Medicare system, with $29,000 in cost savings over five years for patients with Alzheimer's Disease. Hospice care provides palliative-type care at a lower cost than elaborate medical procedures, saving lives and reducing suffering.
A new article in Journal of Palliative Medicine highlights the growing role of for-profit entities in home health and hospice care, which can compromise care quality and patient welfare. The authors emphasize the need for research and regulatory responses to address these trends and ensure better care for seriously ill older adults.
A new study found significant disparities in at-home test use among older adults, with those having a college degree or higher and higher incomes being more likely to use them. However, Black older adults were less likely to use these tests compared to other racial/ethnic groups.
A randomized clinical trial found home-based phototherapy to be as effective as office-based treatment for plaque and guttate psoriasis, while reducing patient burden. The study suggests that this approach could become a viable option for everyday clinical practice.
The study found that home discharge rates increased more for Hispanic compared to non-Hispanic white patients, highlighting the importance of considering differential outcomes in Medicare payment policies. These findings suggest the need for tailored approaches to address racial and ethnic disparities in joint replacement care.
New research reveals Scotland's care system is taking years to find permanent homes for over 1,800 vulnerable children, with 91% experiencing maltreatment before being taken into care. Many children have no contact with their siblings, and crucial information is often missing from administrative data.
Researchers aim to develop a voice assistant delivering customized cognitive stimulation therapy to improve the quality of life for persons living with dementia and their care partners. The project has the potential to positively impact a large population, including those in remote areas.
A randomized controlled trial found that administering the first dose of misoprostol at home reduces hospital stay time by 71% and improves patient satisfaction. Women who took misoprostol at home also reported feeling more autonomous during a stressful process.
A study published in The Lancet found that starting medical abortion at home is as safe as in a hospital, with 71% of participants able to be treated as day patients. The procedure also promotes patient autonomy and can reduce healthcare costs.
A new study shows that healthcare costs, including medical care, prescription drugs, and long-term care, are among the top health-related concerns of older adults heading into the US election. Financial scams and fraud also made the top six concerns, with significant differences among age, gender, and political ideology.
A recent study found that medical and educational debt collectively exceeds $150 billion among US health care workers. Educational debts disproportionately burden Black workers, while medical debts are more prevalent among women, home health personnel, and those with recent hospitalizations.
A survey of hospital-at-home care acceptability found substantial agreement among respondents, regardless of sociodemographics or health status. Most participants indicated they could handle many caregiver responsibilities, suggesting a manageable burden.
Researchers found that patients with sickle cell disease experience significant distress from anticipating and attending emergency departments to manage acute pain flares. The study also revealed stigma and racism in care settings, leading to a lack of control over pain management plans.
A recent study found that most survey respondents preferred receiving hospital-level care at home due to its convenience, comfort, and effectiveness. The study also revealed that patients felt safe being treated at home and were willing to manage their medications and provide in-depth care.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that nearly half of long-term antidepressant users can successfully taper off their medication with the help of general practitioner support and internet or telephone helplines. The study found lower rates of depression, fewer withdrawal symptoms, and improved mental wellbeing among...
Marilyn Rantz's Quality Improvement Program for Missouri (QIPMO) improves care quality in nursing homes, reducing avoidable hospitalizations. The program is now being emulated nationwide for its proven track record of success.
A new study found that long-term care residents who receive primary care from family physicians speaking their language have lower rates of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and mortality. However, outcomes for Francophones were not impacted by language concordance.
A new study suggests that care homes built next to busy roads without adequate tree planting can significantly increase exposure to deadly fine particle pollution. Building care homes near trees can mitigate this impact, with a significant decrease in indoor air quality found the further away from the road.
Home health aides struggle with mental health due to job demands, stigma and lack of support, impacting their own well-being and patients' desire to age in place. Researchers suggest interventions like peer coaching, improved salaries and benefits, and workplace safety to address these challenges.
A new poll reveals that most older adults are unaware of available resources to help them navigate aging and caregiving. Only a small minority have used programs like Area Agencies on Aging, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, and long-term services and supports. The findings highlight the need for more awareness about these se...
A recent study found that 87.8% of families with medically-complex children reported having to make significant employment changes due to lack of in-home nursing. The study also revealed that 37.9% of families reported extended hospital stays solely due to lack of access to available in-home nursing.
A new study using wearable Bluetooth devices found that staff members dominated social interactions in four UK care homes, with residents having limited social contact. The findings suggest that wearable technology can be used to improve quality of care by reducing isolation and increasing interaction between staff and residents.
A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that home blood pressure self-monitoring plus medication self-titration reduces BP in the longer term without increasing healthcare use or adverse events. This simple, inexpensive intervention has potential to improve long-term hypertension control in routine clinical practice.
A new poll suggests health-related costs are a major concern for older Americans of all backgrounds, with five out of six very concerning issues involving health costs. Nearly half say they're very concerned about the cost of prescription medications, while nearly half also express concerns about dental care.
A new set of clinical practice standards and recommendations offers tailored and effective care for individuals with advanced and metastatic cancer. The initiative, backed by MASCC and ASCO, provides a critical resource to healthcare stakeholders.
A large study found that people with opioid use disorder were less likely to receive palliative care and died at younger ages due to causes unrelated to their condition. The lack of access to palliative care was attributed to challenges in accessing social support, finances, and stable housing.
A nationwide study in Japan found that the proportion of home deaths increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in areas with high population density and numerous enhanced home care clinics. The study suggests that these factors played a crucial role in meeting the increased demand for home care services.
A new study reveals that home-based palliative care pharmacists can improve medication management and enhance communication between patients and their treating teams. This model of care has been proven successful in rural areas, providing relief and comfort to patients, carers, and family members.
Researchers at WVU are developing an AI tool to reduce medication errors that lead to hospital readmissions, aiming to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare costs. The tool will analyze patient records and identify high-risk patients, alerting pharmacists to potential issues.
Research from Amsterdam UMC found that social activities like interactions and organised events prevent cognitive decline in long-term care residents. Participation in these activities offers a protective effect, particularly for those with little or no cognitive impairment.
Researchers found that specialized nursing facility clinicians (SNFists) can decrease the likelihood of nursing home residents experiencing stressful hospitalizations. Care from SNFists also improved the quality of life in their last days, with a 6% decreased risk of hospitalizations due to various reasons. The study suggests increasin...
A study analyzing nationally representative data found that youth experienced a sustained increase in mental health issues between 2006 and 2019. The findings suggest that treatment and prevention strategies must address preexisting psychiatric needs in addition to the pandemic's direct effects.
Research shows elderly patients in rural areas have higher mortality rates when discharged under pressure, particularly in municipalities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. The study highlights the need for better municipal services and care facilities to address the aging crisis in Norway.
The COVID-19 pandemic has widened socioeconomic disparities in death at home and access to specialized palliative care for cancer patients. The study found that these disparities were amplified, highlighting the need for equitable and consistent care access.
A new study found that only about half of older adults with a terminal prognosis received palliative home care, highlighting the need for improved detection and support. The researchers developed a tool called RESPECT to help identify frail individuals in need of palliative care.
Researchers found that individuals who received home health care before the last year of life had higher odds of using hospice care than those without home health care. This association highlights the potential benefits of receiving end-of-life care in a personalized, home-based setting.
A new study by University of Eastern Finland identifies four main drivers for home care worker turnover: mismatch between client needs and available resources, digital systems taking up time, inflexible work demands, and ethical burden. Home care workers seek personal management and consideration of employee and client needs.
A new study suggests that caregivers can establish a safe and workable mealtime routine for people with dementia living at home by reducing distractions, clearing away clutter, and leveraging community-based nutrition programs. The strategies aim to address the complex factors surrounding mealtime in the home, including cognitive impai...
A study conducted by Newcastle University found that using a smartphone application to monitor residents in care homes reduced A&E attendances by 11% and emergency admissions by 25%. The app, Health Call, provided real-time data to enable early identification of deterioration and better management of illnesses.
A Canadian study found that 30% of parent caregivers have unmet emotional needs and 15% feel inadequately involved in their child's care. Providing regular updates and addressing parents' emotional needs can help ease pressures of ER crowding.
A new therapy called NIDUS-Family has shown promising results in improving the lives of people with dementia and their family carers. The study found that those who received the intervention were more likely to achieve their personal goals, such as increasing social engagement or improving caregiver support.
Researchers at Rutgers University analyzed Medicare records to identify nine distinct end-of-life care trajectories among older Americans. The study found that nearly all patients followed one of these paths in their last three years of life, with significant variations by sociodemographic and health-related factors.
A cross-sectional study of over 6,500 adults aged 65+ found that older adults spent an average of 20.7 days per year receiving healthcare outside the home. The 'health care contact days' metric can help evaluate care and identify areas for improvement, such as coordinating tests with visits and reducing Friday office visits.
The study found that patients had a positive experience obtaining TeleMAB through their primary care health system, citing ease of access, autonomy, and reduced anxiety. This normalizes abortion care within the context of comprehensive primary care, improving access for many people of reproductive age.
A study found that noncancer elderly patients experience persistent poor mobility and weakness, with some improving appetite over time. The research highlights the need for palliative care to address their distressing symptoms, which differ from those in cancer patients.
A national study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that patients treated at home had a 0.5% mortality rate, compared to those in traditional hospitals. Home hospital care also resulted in fewer readmissions and adverse events, with consistent outcomes across diverse demographic groups.
A study of over 5,000 adults found that acute hospital care at home (AHCaH) is associated with low mortality, escalation, and readmission rates among medically complex and socially vulnerable patients. AHCaH was also linked to improved experiences and physical activity levels.
Researchers found that nurse practitioner placement in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, resulted in reduced emergency visits and optimized care for residents with higher care needs. The study suggests a paradigm shift in elder care, highlighting the pivotal role of NPs in delivering quality healthcare.
A study of 13,000 patients reveals few completed preoperative life-sustaining treatment documentation, with gaps in rates based on patient characteristics. The disparity affects veterans from different racial, ethnic, and rural backgrounds, as well as those with access to high-volume facilities.
Purdue University researchers discovered that hair care products release potentially harmful chemicals into the air during use, with decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5 siloxane) being the most concerning chemical. The study found that inhaling these chemicals can pose health risks to humans and has significant environmental implications.
A novel robotic system developed by USC researchers can help clinicians accurately assess a patient's rehabilitation progress. The method generates an 'arm nonuse' metric using machine learning and a socially assistive robot to track how much a patient is using their weaker arm spontaneously.
A new study reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted end-of-life care, with a growing burden on first-time carers and reduced formal care support services. Researchers advocate for improved resources for wider end-of-life care education, health and social care staff, and identification and assessment of carers.
People with dementia experience a rapid rise in unpaid and paid home care, and major erosion of net worth. Family members face significant demands, providing an average of 45 hours of care per month.